WUNC Politics Podcast
1) New Progressive Caucus seeks a stronger voice on the left
The state’s most conservative lawmakers have for years formed the House Freedom Caucus, and now there’s a similar caucus for legislators on the left. The House Progressive Caucus formed this year and...Show More
2) Can the NC DMV fix its long lines?
Can North Carolina’s troubled DMV finally turn the corner after years of long lines and finger-pointing about who or what’s to blame? Several months into his new job as DMV commissioner, Paul Tine say...Show More
3) What to expect from NC's expensive 2026 US Senate race
North Carolina’s 2026 U.S. Senate race officially kicked off as former Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley have formally launched their campaigns for the seat wh...Show More
4) A new NC political party seeks to find the middle
North Carolina’s ballot access laws create an uphill battle for third parties seeking to get their candidates on the ballot, requiring more than 14,000 registered voters to sign their petition for acc...Show More
5) NC's new healthcare laws you probably missed
A wide-ranging healthcare bill that was recently signed into law would make it easier to get flu medications and make it easier for medical professionals to practice in North Carolina. It was among se...Show More
6) NC House's top Democrat says the legislature is 'getting nothing done'
House Democratic Leader Robert Reives says the legislature has been “getting nothing done” this year as it heads to a summer break. He faults Republican leaders for focusing on culture war issues inst...Show More
7) State auditor talks elections, DMV and more
Since Republican Dave Boliek won last year’s election, the position of state auditor has been getting more powerful. He’s now responsible for appointing and overseeing the State Board of Elections, an...Show More
8) 'A diplomat': NC's longest-serving legislator on his new role
Sen. Dan Blue, D-Wake, is the only lawmaker who’s been in office since the early 1980s, but the former House speaker is no longer serving as Senate minority leader after his fellow Democrats backed Se...Show More
9) How a Democrat gets bills passed in a GOP legislature
Amid all the culture wars and controversies at North Carolina’s legislature, some legislation features Republicans and Democrats quietly working together. There are plenty of examples of bills develop...Show More
10) NC legislator makes the case for cryptocurrency in state investments
The N.C. House recently passed a bill to allow the state treasurer to invest state pension funds in cryptocurrency and other digital assets. Rep. Mike Schietzelt, the first-term Republican who made th...Show More