A closer look at NC's broken-down DMV

A closer look at NC's broken-down DMV

Author: WUNC News April 11, 2025 Duration: 20:46
For years, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has been plagued by long wait times and poor service. It’s a major problem in one of America’s fastest-growing states. And in the age of DOGE and government efficiency, it's generating talk of some dramatic solutions. This week, we're sharing an episode on the issue from one of WUNC's other podcasts, The Broadside. Featuring: Bradley George, reporter at WUNC  Larry Higgs, transportation and commuting reporter at NJ.com and the Star-Ledger Senator Michael Lazarra, representing the NC Senate's 6th District Richard Stradling, transportation reporter for The News & Observer

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

WUNC Politics
Podcast Episodes
How Research Triangle Park became an economic juggernaut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:50
Research Triangle Park has been a driving force in North Carolina’s growth, but it started with a group of business and political leaders who saw potential to capitalize on the area’s three universities. 70 years ago, th…
Big changes for state workers and government hiring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:25
In July, Gov. Josh Stein signed a bill that makes big changes to the laws governing state government employment. He says the laws largely haven’t been updated since the 1960s. Among the changes. state employees will find…
Catching up with Rufus Edmisten at 85 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:33
More than 50 years after his role in the Senate’s Watergate investigation, a North Carolina political veteran is taking a look back at his career and how the political world has changed. Rufus Edmisten recently turned 85…
A six-year-old's death prompts new child welfare safeguards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:08
The abuse and neglect of a child in Charlotte prompted state lawmakers to pass stronger child welfare regulations as part of the newly enacted budget bill. The Dominique Moody Safety Act was passed in the state House and…
What's in the long overdue state budget bill? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:41
The legislature largely wrapped up its 2026 short session this week with the arrival -- and quick passage -- of the long-delayed state budget bill. We’re sharing our This Week in State Politics segment, where WUNC News'…
NC's rural school funding challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:01
The long delays in the state budget process are hurting teacher retention in rural districts like Halifax County, and it’s just one of the many funding challenges these districts are facing amid uncertain funding. To bet…
NC's $100 billion transportation infrastructure challenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:04
With a growing population and skyrocketing construction costs, the N.C. Department of Transportation needs more help to build and improve roads and infrastructure across the state. If you’re driving around a high-growth…
How state employees are reacting to long-delayed raises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:42
Legislative leaders recently announced state employee raises as part of an initial budget agreement, but how much workers will receive will vary greatly depending on what they do for state government. The State Employees…
A youthful push for NC vape regulations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:43
A group of high school and college students want state lawmakers to crack down on the loosely regulated sales of vaping products. They're pushing for action on a bipartisan bill filed last year to regulate retailers that…
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…