In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Liz Purvis and Gina Baxter delve into the political and social landscape of North Carolina. The discussion opens with personal highlights from their week, including local events like the Apple Festival and a poetry meet-up in Durham. They then tackle the stalled budget negotiations in the North Carolina General Assembly, emphasizing the impacts on teachers, state employees, and infrastructural projects. Liz and Gina criticize Republican leaders Phil Berger and Dustin Hall for not prioritizing budget discussions and highlight the struggles faced by educators due to inadequate pay and rising healthcare premiums.

The conversation shifts to economic disparities and the systemic issues exacerbating these problems. They also address a misreported national story involving a college student in Kentucky, critiquing the sensationalist and misleading media portrayal that stigmatizes women's health issues.

The episode concludes with a spotlight on WNCW’s Carol Rifkin, her contributions to preserving old-time Appalachian music, and upcoming events of interest, including the North Carolina Folk Festival and Granville County’s Hot Sauce Festival.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, hosts Gina Baxter and Liz Purvis dive into the history and meaning of Labor Day in North Carolina, exploring how the state’s relationship with workers’ rights has evolved—and how it still shapes our communities today. The conversation covers Senator Mark Kelly’s recent visit to Western North Carolina, his engagement with local firefighters, and the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

The episode also shines a spotlight on the story of Luis Alonso Juarez, a beloved Duke University transit worker facing the threat of deportation, and the broader challenges facing immigrant communities in the state. Gina and Liz discuss the importance of solidarity, the realities of service industry work, and the need for continued advocacy at both the local and national level.

Plus, don’t miss the “Even Art is Political” segment, featuring a moving poem from Emily Skaja’s Brute, and reflections on the power of art, language, and community action.

Tune in for thoughtful discussion, local stories, and actionable ways to get involved—because, as always, we are who we’re waiting for.

New episodes drop every Friday. Find us on Instagram, YouTube, Blue Sky, TikTok, and Twitter, or email thefoxfiredispatch@gmail.com with your stories and ideas.

In this episode of The Foxfire Dispatch, co-host Liz Purvis sits down with Anderson Breeze Clayton, the North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. We delve into Clayton's efforts to reshape organizing in North Carolina, particularly in the fight against MAGA politics. Clayton discusses the significance of the Rural Tour, voter registration challenges, and the critical role of local county parties. Additionally, we touch on issues such as gerrymandering, the unique political landscape of North Carolina, and the importance of building a sustainable party infrastructure. The conversation also explores Clayton's approach to social media, her motivations in challenging political times, and her vision for the future of the Democratic Party in North Carolina and beyond.