09/10/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Dr. William Roper : Dr. Roper, Dean of the School of Medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill, joined Don Curtis this week to discuss his views on the state of the health care system in the U.S. and what he hopes will come out of the current debate.

09/08/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Representative David Price : Representative David Price joined Don Curtis this week to discuss what Rep. Price has been working on in terms of the health care debate during the recess.

09/01/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Bill Harrison : Dr. Bill Harrison, Chair of State Board of Education, joins Don Curtis to discuss Harrison�s resignation from the position as CEO of schools and the controversy surrounding his appointment to that position, as well as what the state is doing to lower high school dropout rates and combat H1N1.

08/28/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS

07/02/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Tom Vitaglione : Action for Children senior fellow Tom Vitaglione joins Don Curtis to discuss how the proposed cuts to education and state services will impact children in North Carolina.

06/30/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Andrew Taylor : Dr. Andrew Taylor, chair of the NC State University political science department, talks with Don Curtis about the impact of new tax proposals on Gov. Beverly Perdue's popularity. Taylor also weighs in on possible contenders for Republican incumbent Richard Burr in the 2010 U.S. Senate race.

06/26/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic NC political consultant Perry Woods, Rep. Dale Folwell (R-Forsyth) and host Scott Carr discuss: hot bills involving issues like sex education, school bullies, and involuntary annexation; why Democratic leaders are under pressure to not raise taxes in the coming fiscal year, but seem bent on doing it anyway; how much budget writers have agreed to raise  in new taxes, along with differing opinions but how to do raise that revenue; the fallout after South Carolina Governor admits to having an extramarital affair with a woman from Argentina while his staff covered up for it; and the search for lost N.C. State University emails while a federal probe continues into what special deals and perks the former first family may have set up for themselves before leaving office.

06/25/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Tom Fetzer : Former Raleigh Mayor and newly elected NC Republican Party chairman Tom Fetzer joins Rick and Donna Martinez to discuss his plans for the GOP - including his strategy for attracting women and minorities to the party.

06/23/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Bob Hall : Democracy NC executive director Bob Hall talks with Don Curtis about the ethical questions surrounding Mary Easley's employment at NC State University. Hall also weighs in on efforts to commute the sentence of former NC House Speaker Jim Black.

06/19/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican NC Senate Minority Leader Sen. Phil Berger, Democratic Raleigh-based consultant Perry Woods and host Scott Carr review: the moving target that is the state budget; the GOP charge that an actual state budget gap is nowhere close to the $4 billion Democratic leaders claim, thereby precluding the need for any tax increases next year; discussion over the difference between government "lay-offs" vs. "workers not-hired"; Gov. Beverly Perdue's flip-flop on tax hikes; Berger conjectures why Nixon probably would have loved the political climate in NC now as state prosecutors stay on the fence with regard to a federal investigation into the Mike Easley administration; the current NC municipal annexation debate.

06/18/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Budget Discussion : NC Policy Watch executive director Chris Fitzsimon, John Locke Foundation fiscal policy analyst Joe Coletti, WPTF news director Rick Martinez and SGR capital reporter Josh Ellis discuss the House budget. Fitzsimon and Coletti also debate the merits of the $784 million in new taxes included in the House proposal.

06/16/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - John Tote : Mental Health Association of North Carolina executive director John Tote joins Don Curtis to review how the $18.5 billion state budget passed by the House will impact health and human services programs.

06/12/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican Party communications director Brent Woodcox, Democratic consultant Perry Woods and host Scott Carr discuss: the battle for the post of State GOP Chair; the continued fallout at N.C. State University stemming from the inappropriate hiring of former Governor Mike Easley's wife, apparently at the request of the former Governor, and with the complicit behavior of the highest N.C. State officials; debate over the "games" some say Democratic state lawmakers have been playing with regard to the state budget negotiations and what new tax increases are needed; and the flare-up over the latest unflattering words spoken about former Republican V.P. candidate Sarah Palin.

06/11/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Todd McGee : North Carolina Association of County Commissioners communication director Todd McGee talks with Don Curtis about the needs of county governments. McGee also discusses how the House budget proposal will impact the 100 counties in North Carolina.

06/09/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Ran Coble : North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research executive director Ran Coble joins Rick Martinez to discuss the Center's latest study on fraud against the elderly.

06/05/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican Asheville Councilman Carl Mumpower, Democratic consultant Perry Woods and host Scott discuss: questions that still brew over Republican leadership... Mumpower asserts the Party continues to "P" on itself as state leaders get set to choose a new Party Chairman; Is America moving slowly toward totalitarianism?; Apple's dip into the Tar Heel State; "Joe the Plumber"'s foray into North Carolina's fiscal crisis; debate over a new poll on the causes of global warming; losses for the Republican Caucus in the NC House; and possibly the first recorded incidence of a political Twitter hijacking.

06/04/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Treasurer Janet Cowell : State Treasurer Janet Cowell talks with Rick Martinez to discuss the state pension plan as well as a proposal to revamp college savings plans.

06/02/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - U.S. Rep. Brad Miller : Congressman Brad Miller joins Don Curtis to discuss how the federal stimulus package is affecting the economy, the future of U.S. automakers and nuclear missile tests in North Korea.

05/29/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican NC House Minority Leader Paul Stam, Democratic Raleigh-based consultant Perry Woods and host Scott Carr discuss: drastic state budget cuts being insisted upon by House Democratic budget writers in the face of an over $4-and-a-half billion spending shortfall; what's "really wrong" with Mary Easley's job at NCSU; the re-writing of state corporate tax policy at the behest of one company.. Apple, Inc.; how former Representative Dan Blue's crossing over to the NC Senate may help Stam on an issue of eminent domain; troubles with new sex education rules being debated now; and, renewed cries to not allow the so-called Racial Justice Act pass with provisions that encourage the reinstatement of the death penalty are met with a "new study" claiming capital punishment can deter crime.

05/28/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Sen. Dan Blue : Sen. Dan Blue (D-Wake) joins Rick Martinez to discuss how state policy has impacted the number of home foreclosures in North Carolina. Blue also offers some of his budget priorities.

05/26/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Brad Crone : Raleigh-based Democratic consultant Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to discuss the political fallout from the federal investigation into former Governor Mike Easley, as well as other current political issues.

05/21/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Tom Jensen : Public Policy Polling communications director Tom Jensen joins Don Curtis to review  the results of several surveys gauging Governor Perdue's approval rating and public support for furloughs of state employees.

05/19/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Robert Orr : Robert Orr, executive director of the NC Institute for Constitutional Law and former state Supreme Court justice, joins Don Curtis to discuss how the Racial Justice Act and a recent NC Supreme Court ruling will affect the current moratorium on the death penalty.

05/15/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Conservative Carolina Journal analysts John Hood and Jon Ham, Democratic politico Perry Woods and SGR editor Scott Carr discuss: the "shock and awe" over former Governor Mike Easley's former luxurious lifestyle including, apparently, free donated air travel , some possibly in violation of campaign laws; Ham discusses his recent article raising concerns over so-called "journalists" transforming into political shills; the names popping up out of the state legislature as potential candidates for higher office; the increasingly "bizarre" race for state Republican Party Chairman; the panel wipes off their glasses to see through the latest steam surrounding the John Edwards affair; and the mysterious case of the late NC tax refund checks.

05/12/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Don Carrington : Carolina Journal executive editor Don Carrington joins Don Curtis to discuss allegations against former Governor Mike Easley surrounding a land purchase in Carteret County, and other issues.

05/08/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Raleigh-based Democratic operative Perry Woods and longtime GOP consultant turned political blogger Carter Wrenn join Scott Carr to discuss: reasons why NC Rep. Dan Blue of Wake County was chosen over others vying for the vacant Senate seat of deceased lawmaker Vernon Malone; the public's sensitivity to some state budget items being cut (as opposed to others) in the face of unprecedented low state revenue figures; the "raw politics" of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter's defection from the GOP; the paramount importance of any economic recovery to both sides of the political aisle; another review of those men vying for the post of NC GOP Chairman; and the importance of "evil" in Wrenn's just-published murder mystery novel.

05/07/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Ballard Everett : Republican political consultant Ballard Everett talks with Don Curtis about the ongoing budget negotiations between state lawmakers and reflects on modern political  campaign issues, the importance of the digital age, and struggles within the national and state Republican Party to "find its voice."

05/05/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Tom Campbell : NC SPIN moderator Tom Campbell joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest revenue projections and the impact on state government.

05/01/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Longtime Republican consultant and former State GOP Chairman Jack Hawke and Democratic politico Perry Woods join host Scott Carr to discuss: the down to the wire finish for the four men vying for the post of state GOP Chairman, two candidates are described as "odds-on" favorites; More on the "scheme" to raise NC taxes coming from the Senate that actually lowers tax rates while raising revenue; the "death of the American Dream" that Jack Hawke says has played out over President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office; who are those vying to replace deceased NC Senator Vernon Malone.. a decision is imminent by Democratic Party leaders; and Hawke says state employees "got what they asked for" in being asked for a return of state funds through furloughs, by helping to elect Governor Perdue.

04/30/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Elaine Mejia : NC Budget and Tax Center director Elaine Mejia talks with Don Curtis about the recent tax finance package proposed by Senate lawmakers.

04/28/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Thad Woodard : North Carolina Bankers Association CEO Thad Woodard joins Don Curtis to discuss the current state of the banking industry.

04/24/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC GOP Communications Director Brent Woodcox and Raleigh-based Democratic politico Perry Woods join host Scott Carr to discuss: the $675 million bill to rescue the State Health Insurance Plan; the NC Senate's bold step toward modernizing the state tax code; Is it just a ploy to raise taxes as Republicans charge?; the charge by some national Republican leaders that same-sex marriage is something the GOP has to stop being afraid of; the continued jockeying for position in the contest for who will be the next State GOP Chair; the anti-Obama hype continues; and another U.S. astronaut comes forward with the opinion that we (on Earth) on not alone in the universe. Perry says Dennis Rodman is proof.

04/23/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Dallas Woodhouse : Americans For Prosperity state director Dallas Woodhouse talks with Don Curtis about the recent �Tea Parties� protesting federal bailouts and high taxes.

04/21/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Michael Walden : NC State University economist Dr. Michael Walden joins Don Curtis to discuss the impact service taxes could have on state revenue. Walden also compares the current unemployment rate to the underemployment rate.

04/17/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC Institute for Constitutional Law chief and retired Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr; Democratic consultant Perry Woods; and SGR.com managing editor Scott Carr discuss: a sudden promotion of state tax reform by some NC senators as a way to balance next year's budget just an excuse to find a way to raise taxes?; the need (or not) for an independent state legislative redistricting panel; Justice Orr discusses the merits of the case he's taken up against the state of North Carolina in defense of Dr. June Atkinson's denial or Constitutionally-guaranteed powers; the embarrassment cause by some exhibitionist Tar Heel pizza shop workers; and the continued disgraceful hijinks of former Illinois Governor Rob Blagojevich.

04/16/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Joe Coletti : John Locke Foundation Fiscal Policy Analyst Joe Coletti talks with Don Curtis about the challenges facing the State Health Plan. Coletti also weighs in on Senate Bill 287; a proposal that would provide stabilize the struggling plan.

04/14/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Barry Smith : Barry Smith, Capital Bureau Chief for the Freedom Newspapers, joins Don Curtis to discuss the state budget passed by Senate lawmakers.

04/10/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic Raleigh-based strategist Perry Woods; North Carolina GOP Party Chair hopeful William Randal explore the political issues of the week in North Carolina; including the future direction of the GOP in North Carolina; and nationwide; the failure of the Democratic Party - according to Randall - to effectively lead state government; and state budgeting issues.

04/09/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Chris Hayes : Civitas Institute legislative analyst Chris Hayes talks with Scott Carr about a bill banning smoking in many public places.  In addition, Hayes discusses the lawsuit recently filed by Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson.

04/07/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Rep. Ty Harrell : Wake County Representative Ty Harrell joins Scott Carr to discuss a proposal affecting the State Health Plan. Harrell also shares some of his priorities that he�d like to see in this year�s state budget.

04/03/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic political guru Perry Woods and NC Republican consultant Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to discuss: bans, tax hikes, and the plight of tobacco; the political ramifications of sin taxes and proposals to change the state's "blue" laws; the surprising (to some) turn of the nose to President Barack Obama's budget proposal by freshman Democratic Senator Kay Hagan; the panel attempts to answer the question - posed by Republican stalwarts: Is the Republican Party really "lost in the wilderness"; and the growing mania and fear over big government bailouts.

04/02/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Dana Cope : Dana Cope, Executive Director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina, talks with Don Curtis about the Governor�s recommended state budget and a legislative proposal that would affect the State Health Plan.

03/31/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Hannah Gage : UNC Board of Governors chairwoman Hannah Gage joins Don Curtis to discuss how Governor Beverly Perdue�s proposed budget cuts will impact the UNC System.

03/27/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC GOP Chairman candidate Marcus Kindley and Democratic guru Perry Woods join Scott Carr to discuss: the tussle over how to produce a fair and balanced state spending plan for 2009-2011; Kindley argues for zero tax increases while blaming NC Democrats for a need to raise revenue; a review of Louisiana Gov. Bobbie Jindal's defense of those who "want Obama to fail"; a discussion of what the NC GOP needs to do recover from 2008 election setbacks; and the controversial Senate proposal on how to save the State Health Plan from becoming insolvent.

03/26/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Josh Ellis & Rick Martinez : SGR capital reporter Josh Ellis and WPTF news director Rick Martinez join Don Curtis to discuss Governor Beverly Perdue's proposed state budget.

03/24/09 CAROLINA NEWMAKERS - Luther Hodges, Jr. : Former Charlotte banker Luther Hodges Jr., son of the late Gov. Luther Hodges, joins Don Curtis to talk about the banking industry bailouts and his recent trip to the Kurdish regions of Iraq.

03/20/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : North Carolina GOP Party Chair candidate Chad Adams and Raleigh-based Democratic political consultant Perry Woods join Scott Carr to discuss: Where Democratic Governor Beverly Perdue's 2009-2010 budget proposal will likely face the harshest scrutiny... not from the public, but from state lawmakers; some back and forth on Perdue's proposal to raise taxes only those purchasing cigarette and alcohol taxes; in the face of pundits like Rush Limbaugh, President Bush calls it "essential" to support President Obama; NC Rep. Virginia Foxx makes it to YouTube by chastising a Democratic colleague for not blocking AIG bonuses; and more discussion about various directions the State GOP might take as the Party gears up to choose a new Chairman.

03/19/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - John Hood : John Locke Foundation president John Hood joins Scott Carr to discuss Governor Beverly Perdue�s recent State of the State Address. Hood also weighs in on Perdue�s decision to seize the Education Lottery Fund and Rainy Day Fund without legislative approval.

03/17/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Chris Fitzsimon : NC Policy Watch executive director Chris Fitzsimon talks with Scott Carr about efforts to stabilize the State Health Plan. In addition, Fitzsimon examines the challenges facing lawmakers as they work to craft the state budget.

03/13/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic political guru Perry Woods, Republican GOP politico Carter Wrenn and Republican National Congressional Committee spokesman Paul Lindsay join host Scott Carr to discuss: why a bevy of Republican pundits ad bloggers seem bound and determined to portray Barack Obama as the most inept U.S. President since Jimmy Carter; some advice for the NC GOP as the Party ramps up to pick a new Party Chairman, and could a popular Triangle radio talk show host be considering taking a stab at it?; why freshman Democratic Congressman Larry Kissell is being singled out by the NRCC; the way is paved for NC Attorney General Roy Cooper to challenge GOP U.S. Senator Richard Burr; and more speculation over where state lawmakers will find the money to keep the state budget in balance.

03/12/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Grant Yarber : Capital Bank president Grant Yarber talks with Don Curtis about the problems in the banking industry and the impact of federal bailout package.

03/10/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Robert Orr : Robert Orr, former NC Supreme Court Justice and current Executive Director of the North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law, joins Don Curtis to discuss Governor Perdue�s decision to use state lottery funds to balance the budget.

03/06/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic guru Perry Woods, Republican Asheville City Councilman and former Congressional candidate Carl Mumpower and NC "Marriage Protection" Act proponent Tami Fitzgerald join Scott Carr to discuss: the heat Governor Beverly Perdue is taking for raiding a State Lottery fund to help balance the state budget; the radical changes called for this week by Gov. Perdue at the Departments of Education and Transportation; Councilman Mumpower complains his city's water system has been "stolen" by the state through Sullivan Acts II and III; the possible value of consolidating city school districts with NC counties; Rush Limbaugh's de facto designation as the "head" of the Republican Party; and debate over the proposal to amend the NC Constitution designating a "marriage" as being only between one man and one woman.

03/05/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Elaine Mejia : Elaine Mejia, Director of the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center, talks with Don Curtis about the state's projected revenue shortfall. Mejia also offers several solutions on how state lawmakers can close the revenue gap.

03/03/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Gregg Thompson : Gregg Thompson, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, joins Don Curtis to discuss President Obama's stimulus plan and explains his group's opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.

02/27/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC GOP official spokesman Brent Woodcox, Democratic consultant Perry Woods and national GOP strategist and pollster David Johnson join host Scott Carr to discuss the week's political winners and losers. Johnson claims President Barack Obama's debut State of the Union is the "most radically liberal" such address since LBJ's proposal of a "Great Society"; the unfairness to some of the proposed revival of the U.S. Fairness Doctrine; concerns over the even-deeper state budget cuts now ordered by Governor Beverly Perdue, and places where North Carolina budget writers might come up with the cash to cover a burgeoning state budget deficit; more heated debate over possible changes in state law regarding sex education, same-sex marriage; and smoking in public places.

02/26/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Congressman David Price : Congressman David Price talks with Don Curtis about the impact that the federal economic recovery package will have on lowering North Carolina's unemployment rate.

02/24/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Congressman Bob Etheridge : Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-2nd) joins Don Curtis to discuss the recent federal stimulus package passed by Congress and the impact it will have on new school construction in North Carolina.

02/20/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democratic political guru Perry Woods and John Locke Foundation President John Hood join host Scott Carr to discuss: attempts to put the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in perspective; why North Carolina's junior Senator Kay Hagan probably dislikes the controversial pro-union Employee Free Choice Act, but will vote for it anyway; battles in North Carolina over attempts to ban the use of hand-held cell phones in cars; smoking in public places, and racial profiling, as opponents of the federal 287(g) program have alleged this week is happening under that federal program at the county level.

02/19/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Bill Holman : Bill Holman, State Director of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University, talks with Don Curtis about the need to modernize North Carolina�s water and sewer infrastructure.  Holman also weighs in on the impact the federal stimulus package will have on addressing those needs.

02/17/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Michael Munger : Dr. Michael Munger, Chair of the Department of Political Science at Duke University, joins Don Curtis to discuss the economics of the federal stimulus package.

02/13/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican NC Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and Democratic NC political guru Perry Woods join host Scott Carr to discuss: reasons to be grateful, as well as skeptical, for Washington lawmakers expected cash infusion into state's budgets, Sen. Berger calls it a bailout of those states - like North Carolina - that have spent taxpayers money unwisely; some possible ways that state lawmakers might otherwise try to balance a very off-balance 2009-'10 state budget picture; the challenge of finding ways to expand the State Health Plan; the GOP plan put forward this week designed to crack down on probationers who may commit acts of violence; and a renewed debate over how to teach sex education in North Carolina schools.

02/12/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION : Ran Coble, Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research, joins Don Curtis to discuss how state lawmakers will address the $1.2 billion shortfall in State Health Plan. Coble also talks about the challenges facing Governor Perdue including the mental health system.

02/10/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Andrew Taylor : Dr. Andrew Taylor, Chair of the Political Science Department at North Carolina State University, talks with Don Curtis about President Obama�s cabinet and reviews his first few weeks in office.

02/06/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Host Scott Carr, GOP strategist and blogger Carter Wrenn and Democratic guru Perry Woods discuss: the vision for the Republican National Committee laid out in Raleigh this week by new Party Chief Louisiana Governor Bobbie Jindal; the "stimulated" discussion over the $800 billion federal economic package and the continued tradition of "cash grabs" in Washington; Obama's apparent humility and, to some, Reagan-esque style of conduct; the sideshow seen all week from ousted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich; more disturbing graffiti found in NC State's "Freedom of Expression" tunnel; and the game of chicken that's brewing over the state budget heated by deficits and job losses.

02/05/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Dennis Wicker : Dennis Wicker, former Lieutenant Governor and state representative, joins Rick and Donna Martinez to review the performance of Governor Bev Perdue during her first few weeks in office.

02/03/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dr. Scott Ralls : North Carolina Community College System president Dr. Scott Ralls joins Don Curtis to discuss the challenges facing public education during the economic slowdown. Dr. Ralls also talks about the role community colleges can play in fostering economic development by retraining the workforce.

01/29/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Sec. Britt Cobb : Secretary of Administration Britt Cobb talks with Don Curtis about some �green� projects he says will save the state money while creating jobs.  Cobb, the only cabinet held over from the Easley Administration, also examines the different managerial approaches of Governor Bev Perdue and former Governor Mike Easley.

01/27/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Brad Crone : Democratic strategist and political guru Brad Crone joins Don Curtis to review Governor Bev Perdue�s performance in her first few weeks in office. Crone also reflects on this week�s historic inauguration and the challenges that lay ahead for the Obama Administration.

01/23/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Host Scott Carr, former GOP candidate and head of the NC Institute for Constitutional Law Justice Robert Orr and Democratic Tar Heel guru Perry Woods discuss how the incoming Obama administration may affect North Carolina's economy and its military component; Justice Orr discusses the "one question" he would have asked candidate Barack Obama; more calls to restructure North Carolina's tax code; the possibly very real Constitutional concern over Governor Mike Easley�s, or future Governor's, last actions taken in office; the emerging odds-on favorite (according to Woods) for the post of new State Democratic Party Chair, and the emerging importance of Western NC  to that Party; also, ways in which the state GOP might want to reinvent itself.

01/22/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - FCC Hearing : SGR capital reporter Josh Ellis reviews some of the highlights from a meeting with FCC Chair Kevin Martin, who discussed the transition to digital television at a public forum in Raleigh on January 14, 2009.

01/20/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Charles Meeker : Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker joins Don Curtis to discuss the challenges facing the state�s metropolitan areas such as population growth. Meeker also weighs in on how the current recession impacts cities abilities to build and maintain infrastructure.

01/16/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : SGR.com Managing Editor Scott Carr, North Carolina Democratic consultant Perry Woods and John Locke Foundation President John Hood examine the latest headlines and offer some optimism - even with conservative think-tank head John Hood - for new Democratic Governor Beverly Perdue, not for the state budget picture, though, and the "sacred [budget] lambs" that may be sacrificed as a result; also, new fodder for the corporate incentives debate; a look at precisely why the inauguration of Barack Obama and Bev Perdue should be important, and the panel attempts to answer the burning question: Was Gov. Mike Easley, indeed, really authorized to make any executive directives during his final few days in office?

01/15/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - John Tote : Mental Health Association of North Carolina director John Tote reviews the challenges facing incoming DHHS secretary Lanier Cansler. Tote also weighs in on whether Cansler's history as a lobbyist for companies doing business with DHHS will affect his ability to run the department.

01/13/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Chris Fitzsimon : Progressive NC Policy Watch director Chris Fitzsimon joins Don Curtis to discuss the recent cabinet selections by Governor Bev Perdue, plus other recent NC government and political news, how the economic downturn is affecting poor and middle-income North Carolina families, and Fitzsimon's hopes for the upcoming General Assembly session.

01/09/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC GOP communications director Brent Woodcox, Democratic guru Perry Woods and host Scott Carr discuss some scuttlebutt over the change in state political Party chairs, as both Democratic chair Jerry Meek and Republican Linda Daves prepare to step down from their respective leadership posts; a review of the just-announced Beverly Perdue Cabinet; the latest in the state budget forecasting game; more big news out of Washington, some of it likely to impact North Carolina; and possible plans for outgoing Governor Mike Easley. Will we see him crafting dining room sets in his spare time?

01/08/09 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Jim Blackburn : Jim Blackburn, General Counsel for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, joins Don Curtis to talk about the challenges facing the state's 100 counties and outlines some legislative priorities for the 2009 session.

01/06/09 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Charles Hayes : Research Triangle Regional Partnership CEO Charles Hayes talks with Don Curtis about the challenges of economic development during a recession. 

01/02/09 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Host Scott Carr, Democratic political operative Perry Woods, Republican NC campaign consultant Jack Hawk and special guest Rep. Verla Insko (D-Orange) discuss where money may be found to help close an over $1.6 billion state budget gap that budget writers in the House will be dealing with in the first half of 2009; the advantages of encouraging Community Care within the State Health Plan; issues of responsible spending and balancing priorities; the political tone in the NC House; the ongoing implementation on new high risk insurance pool rules; is state "tax reform" just another way to raise taxes?; what lost the 2008 governor's race for Republican Pat McCrory; and the names and races that we'll likely see ramped up in the new year, including McCrory and Richard Burr.