In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler highlights the upcoming North Carolina State Fair, emphasizing its importance in showcasing the state's agricultural heritage and supporting local farmers. He also discusses new attractions and improvements at the fair, alongside the ongoing challenges farmers face, including recovery from Hurricane Helene.

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Mike Olender, state director of AARP North Carolina. They discuss the challenges facing older adults in North Carolina, from the rising cost of prescription drugs to housing and long-term care needs. Olender also shares insights on retirement security, fraud prevention and how communities across the state are working to become more age-friendly

This week on Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis talks with Bob Phillips about the shifting landscape of democracy and governance in North Carolina and beyond. They explore the latest redistricting developments in other states and how court battles over fair representation could shape the national map. The conversation also turns to the political climate following the Charlie Kirk assassination and how leaders, citizens and nonpartisan groups can begin to restore trust and civility in public discourse.

Former NC Governor Pat McCrory joins Don Curtis to discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the latest political developments in North Carolina and across the nation. McCrory also offers his perspective on state leadership, national politics and the challenges facing voters ahead of 2026.

Travis Fain from CTF Communications joins Don Curtis to break down the latest news from Washington - from Trump’s plan to exempt podcasters and influencers from tip taxes to a new round of tariffs that could raise drug prices. They also look at rising North Carolina test scores, record enrollment at Fayetteville State University and what Gov. Stein’s NC STRONG initiative means for the state’s future.

State Treasurer Brad Briner joins Don Curtis to talk about recent changes to the state health plan, stability of the state pension fund and recovering $170 million in unspent taxpayer dollars. They also discuss how the Treasurer's office is partnering with OpenAI to modernize investments and fight fraud.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Don Curtis to discuss the latest issues facing consumers, including disaster recovery, fraud prevention and insurance market trends.

Donna King, Executive Vice President of the John Locke Foundation, breaks down fresh polling on the 2026 U.S. Senate race, shifting views on tariffs and the latest on DMV reforms,