State 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.

Political 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.

Brenda 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.

Patrick 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.

Donna 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.

Dr. 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.

Former state Supreme Court justice Robert Orr joins Don Curtis to discuss whether a federal government shutdown is a real possibility, what’s driving the latest budget standoff in Washington and what it could mean for North Carolina. Orr also breaks down the legal and political dynamics shaping funding fights, executive authority and the broader constitutional stakes.

Pollster Tom Jensen breaks down where North Carolina voters stand heading into the 2026 elections, including views on immigration, the economy, public safety and election rules. He also looks at key races, shifting demographics and whether North Carolina is still a true swing state.