Andy Ellen, President and General Counsel of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, discusses the retail and economic outlook for 2025, key legislative issues, technology’s role in shaping consumer habits and what’s ahead for the state’s retailers in 2026.

Former North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and DMV leader Wayne Goodwin joins Carolina Newsmakers to discuss DMV reform, insurance challenges, election changes and the importance of civility and public service,

Thomas Stith, CEO of The Michael Thomas Group & Fellow at UNC Kenan Institute, joins Don Curtis to talk about leadership, entrepreneurship, education and the values that have guided his life and service to North Carolina.

Allen Thomas, President & CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, discusses how the hospitality industry fuels economic growth, tackles workforce challenges and shapes North Carolina’s future as a premier destination.

Tom Jensen, Director of Public Policy Polling, joins Don Curtis to break down North Carolina’s 2025 elections, redistricting battles, the U.S. Senate race, the federal shutdown debate and how tariffs are shaping voter attitudes.

Matt Calabria, Executive Director of GROW NC, joins Don Curtis to discuss the ongoing recovery in western NC following Hurricane Helene.

Mitch Kokai, Senior Political Analyst with John Locke Foundation, joins Don Curtis to break down bipartisan calls for Rep. Cecil Brockman to resign, a proposal to wipe medical debt for 2.5 million residents and the legislature’s return to redraw congressional maps. They also examine momentum for Lumbee federal recognition, a court ruling curbing the governor’s appointment powers and what potential U.S. Supreme Court moves on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could mean for representation.

In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, former NC Supreme Court justice Bob Orr delves into pressing issues such as the implications of Iryna's Law on the death penalty, the ongoing federal shutdown and the evolving landscape of NIL in college athletics.