WUNC Politics

WUNC Politics

Author: WUNC News Language: English Episodes: 100
Tune in for the conversations happening behind the headlines across the state. WUNC Politics, from the journalists at WUNC News, moves beyond the official statements and press conferences to bring you the context and candid insights shaping North Carolina. Each episode feels like catching up with a well-informed friend who just left the floor of the General Assembly or a key campaign stop, translating the day’s political maneuvers into something relatable and clear. You’ll hear directly from reporters about the whispers in the legislative hallways, the shifting dynamics on the trail, and the real-world impacts of policy debates. This isn't about partisan scoring; it's about understanding the how and why of Tar Heel politics. The podcast delivers a grounded, weekly perspective that helps make sense of the rapid changes in our state's government and elections. For anyone curious about the forces driving decisions in Raleigh and beyond, this is an essential listen. The analysis is sharp, the reporting is trustworthy, and the discussion always points toward what it all means for the people who live here. Dive into the nuanced and often surprising stories that define political life in North Carolina.
Episodes
The ad (and issue) that helped oust Sen. Phil Berger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:09
Senate leader Phil Berger lost his primary in March to Rockingham County sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes. When the margin is that close, every factor that influenced at least 23 voters could be considered the deciding…
Your power bill could be going up in NC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
Duke Energy says it needs to increase your power bill, and the fate of that request will soon be decided by a commission that recently changed to a Republican majority. The N.C. Utilities Commission has been holding a se…
Why NC's prisons can't pay bills or keep staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
North Carolina’s prison system is struggling with hundreds of vacant positions as the starting pay remains stuck around $18 an hour. Correctional officers are leaving in droves for better pay elsewhere. There’s not enoug…
Small-town accountant defeats a veteran swing-vote legislator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:43
Williamston accountant and minister Patricia Smith pulled off an upset in this month’s primary over a six-term incumbent known for crossing party lines. Rep. Shelly Willingham, D-Edgecombe, was one of three moderate Demo…
What we learned from NC's primary -- and what's next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
North Carolina's primary brought rebukes to incumbent legislators in both parties, including a razor-thin margin in the closely watched GOP primary challenge to Senate leader Phil Berger. Why did voters reject some longt…
Four races to watch in Tuesday's NC primary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:34
The 2026 North Carolina primary is almost here, and so for this week’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at four of the biggest races on the ballot, from the U.S. Senate to a legislative primary with major stakes. WUNC…
Main Street NC: East Durham's contaminated parks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
This is the sixth and final episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. Soil contamination…
Main Street NC: Buxton's disappearing beach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:58
This is the fifth episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. About 20 beach houses have re…
Main Street NC: Coharie Tribe's river revitalization in Sampson County [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:54
This is the fourth episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. A few years ago, the Coharie…
Main Street NC: Hot Springs rebuilds from Helene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
This is the third episode in a new season of our Main Street NC series. We're visiting communities across the state to hear from local leaders about the issues and challenges they're facing. The floodwaters of Helene in…