Podcast
Carolina Newsmakers
Hosted by Don Curtis · EN
A weekly public affairs program featuring stories that affect our day-to-day lives - from the local economy to crime to social programs to taxes and education.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
NC Treasurer Brad Briner
Mar 2900:59:50Tap to summarizeState Treasurer Brad Briner joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the health of North Carolina’s pension plan, the rollout of the NC Investment Authority and the state’s credit rating. Briner also weighs in on the future of the State Health Plan, COLAs for retirees, financial literacy efforts and the tough financial decisions facing state and local governments.
Transcribe →Brad Crone, President of Campaign Connections
Mar 2200:59:50Tap to summarizePolitical strategist and Campaign Connections president Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to break down the high-stakes recount involving Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, questions surrounding election oversight and what recent primary shakeups mean for the balance of power in North Carolina. Crone also looks ahead to 2026 General Election, examining redistricting impacts, national security headlines and the political trends that could reshape races across the state.
Transcribe →Brenda Berg, President & CEO of BEST NC
Mar 1500:59:50Tap to summarizeBrenda Berg, President and CEO of BEST NC, talks about the state of education in North Carolina and the policies shaping the future of students across the state. Berg discusses workforce readiness, teacher recruitment and the challenges and opportunities facing North Carolina’s schools.
Transcribe →Patrick Woodie, President of the NC Rural Center
Mar 800:59:50Tap to summarizePatrick Woodie, president of the NC Rural Center, joins Don Curtis to discuss new initiatives aimed at strengthening rural communities and supporting small towns across North Carolina. Woodie explains how partnerships with local leaders, businesses and churches are helping expand economic opportunity, leadership development and long-term investment in rural areas.
Transcribe →Donna King, Executive Vice President of John Locke Foundation
Mar 100:59:50Tap to summarizeDonna King, editor-in-chief of Carolina Journal and executive vice president of the John Locke Foundation, joins Carolina Newsmakers to break down a new poll of likely GOP voters, reaction to President Trump’s State of the Union and what the U.S. Supreme Court’s tariff ruling could mean for North Carolina’s economy. They also examine the UNC tuition hike, the high-stakes Berger-Page primary and whether national media attention on a Rockingham County Senate race reflects real national impact or just political hype.
Transcribe →Dr. David McLennan, Meredith College
Feb 2200:59:51Tap to summarizeDr. David McLennan, Professor of Political Science at Meredith College and Executive Director of the Meredith Poll, joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss the political landscape in North Carolina and react to the U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting former President Donald Trump’s tariff authority. He breaks down what the ruling could mean politically and economically while offering insight into shifting voter attitudes, the issues shaping upcoming elections and what to watch as North Carolina continues to play a pivotal role in national politics.
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