Carolina Newsmakers

NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall joins Don Curtis to talk about the rise in new business creation and rural entrepreneurship. She also shares insights on counterfeit threats and new research shaping North Carolina’s economic future.

Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation analyzes U.S. Senator Thom Tillis’ decision to not seek re-election along with what the so-called Big Beautiful Bill actually means for NC.

Political strategist Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to break down the stalled state budget and newly approved Hurricane Helene relief. Plus, they dive into the shrimp trawler controversy and what’s next for the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause NC, joins Don Curtis to discuss the group’s ongoing lawsuit challenging the current legislative districts. They also talk about whether state lawmakers can reach an agreement on the budget.

Former Governor Pat McCrory joins Don Curtis to break down the JetZero project bringing 14,000 jobs to the Triad, President Trump’s proposal to phase out FEMA as well as the latest on the federal budget.

Long-time journalist turned consultant Travis Fain joins Don Curtis to dive into the debate over the state auditor’s expanded powers, Governor Stein’s push for cannabis regulation and Amazon’s major AI investment in Richmond County.

Long-time journalist turned consultant Travis Fain joins Don Curtis to dive into the debate over the state auditor’s expanded powers, Governor Stein’s push for cannabis regulation and Amazon’s major AI investment in Richmond County.

Donna King, Executive Vice President from the John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis for a deep dive into Trump’s trade policy, state budget negotiations and the debate over health care regulation.

Donna King, Executive Vice President from the John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis for a deep dive into Trump’s trade policy, state budget negotiations and the debate over health care regulation.

Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey joins Don Curtis to talk hurricane prep, vacation safety tips and how to protect your home and health this summer. From rip currents to Medicare savings, don’t miss this essential conversation for North Carolinians.

Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey joins Don Curtis to talk hurricane prep, vacation safety tips and how to protect your home and health this summer. From rip currents to Medicare savings, don’t miss this essential conversation for North Carolinians.

Are tariffs bringing jobs back home? NC State University economist Dr. Mike Walden breaks down President Trump’s latest trade deals — and what they could mean for North Carolina’s manufacturing future.

Are tariffs bringing jobs back home? NC State University economist Dr. Mike Walden breaks down President Trump’s latest trade deals — and what they could mean for North Carolina’s manufacturing future.

Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling will join Don Curtis to talk about the shifting political landscape that could lead to more competitive elections.

NC State University political science professor Steven Greene joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest political headlines, including Donald Trump’s campaign messaging, voter behavior in a polarized era and the impact of tariffs and legal battles on the 2026 election landscape.

NC State University political science professor Steven Greene joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest political headlines, including President Donald Trump’s campaign messaging, voter behavior in a polarized era and the impact of tariffs and legal battles on the 2026 election landscape.

Chris Brandenburg, Manager of State and Federal Advocacy for AARP North Carolina, discusses a new proposal that could help address the health care worker shortage in North Carolina. Brandenburg also talks with Don Curtis about changes at the federal level that could impact Social Security beneficiaries.

Chris Brandenburg, Manager of State and Federal Advocacy for AARP North Carolina, discusses a new proposal that could help address the health care worker shortage in North Carolina. Brandenburg also talks with Don Curtis about changes at the federal level that could impact Social Security beneficiaries.

NC Healthcare Association President & CEO Josh Dobson

NC Healthcare Association President & CEO Josh Dobson