12/11/07 Carolina Newsmakers - Bill Graham : Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Graham discusses his view on education, transportation and economic incentives.

12/10/07 FOCUS - Drought Impact : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at how the drought is impacting agriculture with Chatham County farmer Thomas Perry. They also look at how tiered water pricing helps local governments better manage their costs in times of a shortage.

12/07/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Scott Carr moderates the discussion of top political news this week in North Carolina with Republican consultant Ballard Everett and Democrat Perry Woods. On the front burner this week: Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee's sudden rise in the national media spotlight; what effect a writer's strike might have on the race for the White House; how a run for NC governor by Charlotte Governor Pat McCrory might affect the rest of the Republican field; and why a shake-up in the Bev Perdue campaign may be imminent, or at least needed.

12/06/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Bill Holman : Bill Holman joins Rick Martinez to discuss strategies for water management. Holman is the former Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources and now current Nicholas Scholar at Duke University.

12/05/07 FOCUS - Update from Iraq : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the progress of the military surge in reducing violence in Iraq. They also get an update on the efforts to booster Iraq's judicial system with former Appeals Court judge Eric Levinson.

12/04/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Dempsey Benton : Secretary of Health and Human Services Dempsey Benton discusses the ongoing evaluation of department efficiency and the future of the state's mental health hospitals.

12/03/07 FOCUS - Legal Issues : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at some ethical legal issues such as scenarios which should be exempt from attorney client privilege.

11/30/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to hit up the hot political news of the week including successes on the campaign trail for presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee and NC gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore; a proposal from Republican candidate for governor Bob Orr to eliminate the post of NC Education Superintendent; whether courts may decide state legislative district lines; and Brad and Ballard's weekly list of Winners & Losers.

11/29/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - John Tote : John Tote, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association of North Carolina, joins Don Curtis to talk about mental health needs of the state. In addition, Tote weighs in on the importance of mental health access for the military and their families.

11/28/07 FOCUS - OLF Update & CIA Intelligence : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the future of the proposed Navy Outlying Landing Field in eastern North Carolina. They also look at the issue of gathering reliable intelligence with John Sullivan, author of "Memoirs of a CIA Polygraph Examiner".

11/27/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Ferrel Guillory : Ferrel Guillory, Director of the UNC - Chapel Hill Program on Public Life, talks with Don Curtis about the impact the presidential campaigns will have on North Carolina politics. Likewise, Guillory discusses the role that the media will have in giving voters an accurate portrayal of candidates.

11/26/07 FOCUS - Legacy of Sam Ervine : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the historic impact of U.S. Senator Sam Ervin with Karl Campbell, author of "Senator Sam Ervin: Last of the Founding Fathers". In addition, Rufus Edmisten joins the discussion, who served for ten years on the staff of Senator Ervin.

11/23/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political issues... the questions... the candidates... the elections...Tar Heel political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr for a review of all things political in North Carolina. This is the show for policy wonks and armchair analysts, as the expert panel leaves few stones unturned, or stories untold, in keeping their audience on top of the hottest political talk, expert advice and campaign news.

11/22/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Jerry Meek : Jerry Meek, Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins Don Curtis to talk about the possibility of ethics reform. In addition, he discusses the changes in North Carolina voter trends.

11/21/07 FOCUS - Legacy of Sam Ervine : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the historic impact of U.S. Senator Sam Ervin with Karl Campbell, author of "Senator Sam Ervin: Last of the Founding Fathers". In addition, Rufus Edmisten joins the discussion, who served for ten years on the staff of Senator Ervin.

11/20/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Fred Smith : Senator Fred Smith (R - District 12) talks with Don Curtis about his campaign as a Republican gubernatorial candidate. Smith also discusses his views on transportation funding and education reform.

11/19/07 FOCUS - Economics of Academic Research : Donna and Rick Martinez investigate the economics of funding academic research. They are joined by Dr. Andrew Shaw, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at Duke University and Mark Crowell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic Development and Technology Transfer at UNC - Chapel Hill.

11/16/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Raleigh-based Democratic political consultant Perry Woods and Republican Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to review the issues of the much maligned land transfer tax idea; instant run-off elections; developments in the NC governor's race; presidential politics; and a review of this week's political Winners and Losers.

11/15/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Patrick Woodie : Patrick Woodie, Vice President of Rural Development Programs for the N. C. Rural Economic Development Center, tells Don Curtis how the current drought is affecting water infrastructure in the state's 85 rural counties.

11/14/07 FOCUS - Psychological Needs of Soldiers : Donna and Rick Martinez examine the psychological needs of soldiers with Dr. Bruce Capehart, medical director for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at the Durham VA Medical Center. In addition, they examine the roles that women play in the military with Kirsten Holmstedt, author of "Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq".

11/13/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Robert Orr : Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice and Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Orr joins Don Curtis to discuss the state's use of economic incentives and his plan for improving education.

11/12/07 FOCUS - Veteran's Day Special : Donna and Rick Martinez salute the men and women who have served in the armed forces. They also discuss the future of several senior officials at the U.S. State Department who may be leaving their post to go to Iraq.

11/09/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett comment on some of the mayor's races decided last Tuesday; the future of trying to sell the public on land transfer taxes; a tip-off for education leaders and educators from the just-held gubernatorial debate in Greensboro; the political angle to recent economic news including consumer confidence; and Beverly Perdue ends up on the list of Losers on the pair's weekly Winners and Losers check-off.

11/08/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Francis De Luca : Civitas Institute vice president Francis De Luca joins Don Curtis to talk about voter concerns such illegal immigration, affordable health care and national security. In addition, De Luca weighs in on important national and statewide races.

11/07/07 FOCUS - Women in War : Donna and Rick Martinez examine the roles that women play in the military with Kirsten Holmstedt, author of "Band of Sisters: American Women in Iraq".

11/06/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Michael Munger : Duke University professor Dr Michael Munger joins Don Curtis to talk about the state's use of economic incentives and some misconceptions of the Libertarian Party. Munger also discusses his 2008 gubernatorial campaign.

11/05/07 FOCUS - Halifax School Spending : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the financial management of the Halifax County Public Schools with John Locke Foundation education policy analyst Terry Stoops.

11/02/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Democrat Brad Crone and Republican Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to discuss the tax referendums and mayor's races to be decided in this Tuesday's election; the latest '08 campaign moves, including NC Sen. Kay Hagan's entering the fray for the Democratic nomination to replace incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole; revisit state transportation needs following a critical report of the DOT and the formation of a new state Blue Ribbon panel on Transportation; and offer up their weekly lists of Winners and Losers.

11/01/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Andrew Taylor : Dr. Andrew Taylor, Chair of the Political Science Department at North Carolina State University, breaks down some of the important statewide races in the 2008 election.

10/31/07 FOCUS - Reliable Intelligence : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the issue of gathering reliable intelligence with John Sullivan, author of "Memoirs of a CIA Polygraph Examiner".

10/30/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Lt. Gov Beverly Perdue : Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue joins Don Curtis to talk about her plans to improve North Carolina's health care and education systems. Perdue also discusses her 2008 gubernatorial campaign.

10/29/07 FOCUS - Navy OLF : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the future of the proposed Navy Outlying Landing Field in eastern North Carolina.

10/26/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : NC politicos Ballard Everett and Brad Crone join host Scott Carr to discuss the ongoing concern over the water shortage affecting NC and the Southeast; Sen. Fred Smith's success on the campaign trail as he continues to jostle with fellow-GOP gubernatorial hopefuls Bob Orr and Bill Graham; the on-going substance-lacking cat fights between Democratic candidates Richard Moore and Bev Perdue; the emergence of candidates in the 2008 U.S. Senate race against incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole; and the latest round of corporate incentives in NC used to land the Skybus airline at Greensboro's Piedmont-Triad International Airport.

10/25/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Mike Walden : NC State University economist Mike Walden joins Don Curtis to talk about how North Carolina is faring relative to changes in the national economy.

10/24/07 FOCUS - Military Stories & Scholars at Risk : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at several military stories relevant to the war in Iraq. In addition, UNC - Greensboro professor Dr. Jerry Pubantz gives a preview of the university's Scholars at Risk program.

10/23/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - William Friday : Dr. William Friday, former UNC System President, joins Don Curtis to discuss the needs of North Carolina as we prepare for four million more people over the next 20 years.

10/22/07 FOCUS - Woman for President? : As recent poll data shows Hillary Clinton is gaining support in North Carolina, Donna and Rick Martinez discuss whether or not the country is ready for a female president.

10/19/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political strategists Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to offer campaign kudos to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole for helping with keeping North Carolina ahead of curve on the issue of illegal immigration with a push this week to empower local law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials; state Rep. Grier Martin's decision to not challenge Dole, as well as other campaign shifts; a successful State Fair; ongoing responses to the possibly unprecedented drought in the southeast; and the messages voters may have sent in recent municipal elections.

10/18/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Elaine Mejia : Elaine Mejia with the North Carolina Justice Center talks about changing the state's tax code to tax service based industries. In addition, Mejia tells Don Curtis that a compromise must be reached on the State Children's Health Care Program expansion.

10/17/07 FOCUS - Weapons of Mass Destruction at Home? : Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman, Chair of the National Security Association's Weapons of Mass Destruction Committee, joins Donna and Rick Martinez to discuss the efforts law enforcement officers are taking to ensure public safety.

10/16/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Edward Finley : Edward Finley, Chairman of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, describes the preparations that the state is making to provide utilities to the growing population.

10/15/07 FOCUS - Smoking Laws : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the increasing prevalence of bans on smoking in public places, including the latest restriction on smoking in nursing homes.

10/12/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Republican campaign guru Ballard Everett and StateGovernmentRadio.com's Scott Carr are joined by Democratic consultant Thomas Mills to chew on the latest developments on both sides of the aisle in the race for the White House 2008; the range of vaccines some Congressional staffers felt were needed before attending the Bank of America 500 in Concorde; the 2007 State Fair opening, and NC Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls Bev Perdue and Richard Moore, who both manage to make the political "winners" list this week.

10/11/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Rep. Verla Insko : Representative Verla Insko, Chair of the Mental Health Reform Committee, describes how the state's transformation of the mental health system is going. She also talks about the future of the Dorothea Dix facility in Raleigh.

10/10/07 FOCUS - Sign Ordinances : Winston Salem businessman Jim Moury talks about how his lawsuit against the city for making him take down advertisements outside his restaurant. Donna and Rick Martinez look at the possibility of Lowe's Motor Speedway leaving Charlotte.

10/09/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - John Hood : John Hood, President and Chairman of the John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis to discuss the recent veto by President Bush of the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

10/08/07 FOCUS - Bioterrorism and Sex Offenders : Bill McKellar from the Granville Non-Violent Action Team joins Donna and Rick Martinez to discuss the threat of bioterrorism from the new biohazard reasearch lab to be built in Butner. In addition, they talk about ways to deal with sex offenders in North Carolina.

10/05/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join Scott Carr to cover Bev Perdue's gubernatorial campaign kickoff; more telling poll numbers about incumbent Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole's re-electability as well as some issues that may be of interest to Dole's potential Democratic challengers; economic indicators coming from this year's High Point Furniture Show; the sale of "The Rock" Speedway; the Blackwater USA flap; and the culpability of U.S. contractors who commit crimes, such as murder, while working in Iraq.

10/04/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Beau Mills : Beau Mills, chair of transportation advocacy group NC Go!, joins Donna Martinez to discusses states transportation needs and bridge safety.

10/03/07 FOCUS - Judicial Review : Raleigh Attorney Neal Ellis gives Donna and Rick Martinez a break downof the North Carolina State Bar Association's pilot judicial evaluationprogram, aimed at improving the performance of North Carolina judges.

10/02/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Ran Coble : North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research director Ran Coble joins Rick Martinez to discuss the recent announcement that Chancellor James Moeser will resign in June. In addition, Coble gives his thoughts on the state's important 2008 races.

10/01/07 FOCUS - Law Enforcement Issues : Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison joins Donna and Rick Martinez to how the federal 287 (g) program will affect their ability to stop illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity. In addition, Harrison talks about his efforts to curb gang activity in Wake County.

09/28/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr to discuss the politics and substance of health care reform, including plans just released by presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton and State Treasurer Richard Moore; the latest flap between Moore and rival for the state Democratic gubernatorial nomination Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue; signs of support for some local bond issues; and Brad and Ballard offer up their weekly list of "Winners and Losers."

09/27/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Chris Fitzsimon : Chris Fitzsimon with North Carolina Policy Watch talks about how the poverty affects education. In addition, Fitzsimon gives his thoughts on the state's current use of incentives for the purpose of economic development.

09/26/07 FOCUS - Climate Change : Donna and Rick Martinez look the issue of global warming andclimate change with University of Pittsburgh professor Seymour Garte.

09/25/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Congressman David Price : Congressman David Price (D-4th) joins Don Curtis to discuss the future role of military security firms like Blackwater should have in Iraq. Price also talks about a potential Navy Outlying Landing Field in NC and the future of the federal No Child Left Behind program.

09/24/07 FOCUS - Organ Donation : Donna and Rick Martinez review recent changes in North Carolina's law regarding organ donation with Carolina Donor Services spokesperson Jeannine Sato.

09/21/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett join host Scott Carr todiscuss the politics and substance of health care reform, includingplans just released by presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Clinton andState Treasurer Richard Moore; the latest flap between Moore and rivalfor the state Democratic gubernatorial nomination Lt. Governor BeverlyPerdue; signs of support for some local bond issues; and Brad andBallard offer up their weekly list of "Winners and Losers."

09/20/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - David Mills : David Mills, Executive Director of the Common Sense Foundation, talks about the latest $60 million incentives package passed by the General Assembly and the future of the death penalty in North Carolina.

09/19/07 FOCUS - Learn and Earn : Donna and Rick Martinez look and the impact of the state's Learn and Earn program with Jane Shaw from the John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy.

09/18/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Congressman Bob Etheridge : Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-2nd) joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest report from General Petraeus and what the role the U.S. should have in the political process of Iraq.

09/17/07 FOCUS - Future of Nuclear Power : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the future of nuclear power plants in North Carolina with NC WARN's Jim Warren and Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Roger Hannah.

09/14/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Democrat Brad Crone and Republican Ballard Everett toss around the issue of state-funded corporate economic incentives, and what political results we may see from this most recent package for two multi-billion dollar tire companies; what other economic factors are coming into play concerning elections; the ongoing fallout from the Duke lacrosse case in Durham; TV chef Paula Dean's upcoming appearance at the State Fair; and their weekly lists of political "Winners and Losers" in North Carolina this week.

09/13/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Rep. Paul Stam : House Minority Leader Paul Stam gives his thoughts on the the transportation needs of the state, something he says was neglected in this year's session at the General Assembly.

09/12/07 FOCUS - Judicial Performance : Raleigh Attorney Neal Ellis gives Donna and Rick Martinez a break down of the North Carolina State Bar Association's pilot judicial evaluation program, aimed at improving the performance of North Carolina judges.

09/11/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Martin Lancaster : Community College System President Martin Lancaster joins Don Curtis to discuss the search for finding his replacement. Lancaster also talks about the the role that community colleges can play in economic development.

09/10/07 FOCUS - Goodyear Incentives : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the bill that would give Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company $40 million in incentives to keep its facility in Fayetteville. Supporters and opponents make their case as the General Assembly gears up to decide the bill's fate.

09/07/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Scott Carr hosts. Ballard Everett and Brad Crone assess Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson's just-announced candidacy; take another look at the value of state corporate incentives in the face of a special Assembly session called to examine a governor's veto of a potential $40 million package for Goodyear Tire in Fayetteville; new NC Poll results pitting possible Democratic challengers against Republican U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole; and throw another batch of names emerging among the crowd of 2008 statewide election hopefuls.

09/06/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Linda Daves : Linda Daves, Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, describes how the recent scandals involving both Republican and Democrats are affecting current public perception of elected officials.

09/05/07 FOCUS - Eugenics and Butner Research Lab : Donna and Rick Martinez reflect on the history of North Carolina's eugenics program with Representative Larry Womble and Carolinian writer Cash Michaels. In addition, Independent columnist Lisa Sorg and NC State Professor Barrett Slenning give the pros and cons of a possible biohazard research lab in Butner, North Carolina

09/04/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Congressman Walter Jones : U.S. Representative Walter Jones (R-3rd) joins Don Curtis to discuss the ongoing involvement of U.S. troops in Iraq. Jones was one of the first Republicans to criticize President Bush and suggest the need to change U.S. strategy for rebuilding Iraq.

09/03/07 FOCUS - Vote Swapping and Iraqi Legal System : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the issue of vote swapping with Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Mike Munger. In addition, former North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Eric Levinson describes the work being done to stabilize Iraq's legal system.

08/31/07 FOCUS - Congressional Update : U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (R-5th) gives her thoughts on issues ranging from underachievement in education to Iraq to immigration policy. In addition, Duke University law professor Zephyr Teachout discusses the increasing emphasis campaigns are placing on having an online presence.

08/30/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Billy Ray Hall : NC Rural Center Director Billy Ray Hall talks with Don Curtis about how the recent efforts by the General Assembly will impact rural North Carolina. Hall also discusses ways to improve rural economic development by focusing on infrastructure needs like water, sewer and transportation.

08/29/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Scott Carr hosts: the role the economy may play in the 2008 election; expected post-Labor Day campaign transistions; the likely lack of political fallout from a court-ordered redistricting in Pender County; and a weekly list of "Thumbs Up" and "Thumbs Down" from politicos Brad Crone and Ballard Everett are featured.

08/28/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Tom Campbell : NC Spin Moderator Tom Campbell joins Don Curtis to discuss the current landscape of North Carolina politics including the latest scandals and key upcoming races in 2008.

08/27/07 FOCUS - Law Enforcement Issues : Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison joins Donna and Rick Martinez to how the federal 287 (g) program will affect their ability to stop illegal immigrants involved in criminal activity. In addition, Harrison talks about his efforts to curb gang activity in Wake County.

08/24/07 FOCUS - Iraqi Judicial System : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the current efforts to improve the Iraqi judicial system with former North Carolina Court of Appeals judge, Eric Levinson.Levinson is currently in Baghdad working to help Iraqis improve their legal system.

08/23/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Rep. Deborah Ross : Wake County Representative Deborah Ross, the House Majority Whip, talks about various issues concerning the latest session General Assembly including the future of the Dorothea Dix property in Raleigh.

08/22/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett and host Scott Carr cover topics to watch... the rise of "sanctuary cities" for illegal aliens including Madison, WI and Durham, NC; federal election charges against and disruption in the ranks of the Fred Thompson non-campaign for the White House; and a countdown by the NC Board of Elections before they suspend the campaign of NC Rep. Thomas Wright (D-NewHanover).

08/21/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Ferrel Guillory : Ferrel Guillory, Lecturer and director of the Program on Public Life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, joins Don Curtis to discuss the changing role of the media in covering North Carolina politics. In addition, Guillory gives his thoughts on the latest session of the General Assembly and the upcoming elections.

08/20/07 FOCUS - Vote Swapping : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss how the concept of vote swapping could come in to play in the 2008 elections. Mike Munger, Libertarian gubernatorial candidate, also talks about how his race is going.

08/17/07 FOCUS - U.S. Rep. Howard Coble : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at some of the hot issues discussed by the U.S. Congress this year with Congressman Howard Coble, who hails from North Carolina's 6th congressional district.

08/16/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Tom Howe : Tom Howe, President of member supported UNC-TV, joins Don Curtis to talk about the upcoming transition to digital television signals and what that means for consumers.

08/15/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Some new telling NC political poll numbers concerning the NC governor's race and the importance of issues; the rise of Mike Huckabee as a Republican presidential contender; the fall of several state employees following a state audit; and this week's lists of political "thumbs-up and downs" and "State Secrets" are featured on People In Politics today with host Scott Carr and political analyst regulars Brad Crone and Ballard Everett.

08/14/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - U.S. Rep. Brad Miller : U.S. Representative Brad Miller (D-13th) joins Don Curtis to discuss the future of the U.S. troops in Iraq. In addition, Congressman Miller talks about the federal legislation that would provide a plan to give health care to children of lower income families.

08/13/07 FOCUS - Disaster Preparedness and Land Transfer Tax : Donna and Rick Martinez discuss the ability of North Carolina's retail merchants to provide services after a disaster such as hurricane. In addition, Tim Kent from the North Carolina Association of Realtors weighs in on the upcoming county level battle on the land transfer tax.

08/10/07 FOCUS - Butner Biohazard Research Lab : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the possibility of a biohazard research facility that is being considered for Butner, North Carolina.

08/09/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Education in the Budget : Being that education is such a huge aspect of the state's $20.7 billion budget, Terry Stoops from the John Locke Foundation and Eddie Davis from the North Carolina Association of Educators will join Don Curtis to break down how this money is being distributed.

08/08/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Host Scott Carr and political gurus Brad Crone and Ballard Everett discuss the GOP's attacks on the just-finished $20.7 billion state budget; the lack of action by the General Assembly taken on transportation issues and the possibility of a special session to address them this year; the embezzlement charges faced by a former NC lobbyist; the weekly list of political "Winners & Losers" and "State Secrets," including the scuttlebutt over a possible run for statewide office by former Democratic political consultant-turned legislative watchdog Joe Sinsheimer.

08/07/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Lew Ebert : Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber, joins Don Curtis to discuss things North Carolina can do to improve economic development and continue to compete in a global economy.

08/06/07 FOCUS - General Assembly Report Card : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look back at work accomplished by the General Assembly in the 2007 session. In addition, Dallas Woodhouse from Americans For Prosperity and Elaine Mejia from the NC Justice Center will grade the legislature on their effectiveness.

08/03/07 FOCUS - Lawmaker Influence : Donna and Rick Martinez tackle the issue of donations to political organizations and the influence that money can bring. Bob Hall, Executive Director of Democracy North Carolina, will weigh in on the discussion which will include a look at Senate Bill 3, the legislation affecting the state's renewable energy strategy.

08/02/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - David Thompson : David Thompson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, joins Don Curtis to discuss how giving counties relief from the responsibility of Medicaid will help free up resources for other important infrastructure needs.

08/01/7 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Political consultants Brad Crone and Ballard Everett review the "stunning" testimony given Tuesday at his federal sentencing by former House Speaker Jim Black and its' likely political ramifications; the winners and losers in the new state budget for fiscal '07-'09; the implications of the federal Farm Bill now being debated in Washington; and Brad & Ballard offer up their weekly list of political "Winners and Losers" and "State Secrets."

07/31/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Bill Holman : Bill Holman, former Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, discusses the importance of managing the state's water resources as North Carolina's population continues to grow.

07/30/07 FOCUS - Mental Health Reform :

07/27/07 FOCUS - Key Bills at the General Assembly :

07/26/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - Bob Phillips : Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause North Carolina, joins Don Curtis to discuss the future of ethics reforms at the General Assembly.

07/25/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Who's up? Who's down. What are this week's "State Secrets?" Veteran political insiders Brad Crone and Ballard Everett debate these issues and comment on a host of political issues across North Carolina.

07/24/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Ran Coble : Ran Coble, Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research, joins Don Curtis to talk about current progress at the General Assembly.

07/23/07 FOCUS - Energy Efficiency Legislation : Donna and Rick Martinez take a Senate Bill 3, a plan for renewable energy that is being debated in the General Assembly this week. Joining in the discussion is Representative Pricey Harrison, Jim Warren of NC WARN and Ivan Urlauf from the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.

07/20/07 FOCUS - Progress at the General Assembly : Donna and Rick Martinez take a look at the progress made by lawmaker at the General Assembly with Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger.

07/19/07 FOR YOUR INFORMATION - David Mills : David Mills, Executive Director of the Common Sense Foundation, talks about the effect that mandatory sentencing has on overcrowding of North Carolina's jails.

07/18/07 PEOPLE IN POLITICS : Who's up? Who's down. What are this week's "State Secrets?" Veteran political insiders Brad Crone and Ballard Everett debate these issues and comment on a host of political issues across North Carolina.

07/17/07 CAROLINA NEWSMAKERS - Joe Sinsheimer : Joe Sinsheimer, former Democrat consultant and founder of the website JimBlackMustGo.com, joins Don Curtis to discuss the sentencing of former Speaker Jim Black.