Under the Dome

Mar 03 2025 248 ep. 21 mins 55

Under the Dome Podcast artwork

Each week, the Under the Dome team at The News & Observer brings you the most in-depth analysis of topics in state government and politics for North Carolina. Learn more at newsobserver.com/dome

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The NC DMV, DOGE and DEI come up in House Oversight Committee

Mar 03 2025 21 mins

For the week of March 3, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks to politics team colleagues Avi Bajpai and Kyle Ingram about the latest news from the North Carolina General Assembly and what to expect this week. The House Oversight Committee has started a series of hearings about state agencies, particularly the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and agencies using any diversity, equity and in

What to know about a new cryptocurrency bill at the N.C. General Assembly

Feb 24 2025 23 mins

For the week of Feb. 24, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks to politics team colleague Avi Bajpai and newsroom colleague Brian Gordon, who is The N&O’s business and technology reporter. New Republican House Speaker Destin Hall’s cryptocurrency bill. House Bill 92 would allow State Treasurer Brad Briner to invest in “qualified digital assets.” Gordon explains why Republicans and

New N.C. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley talks elevators, raises, and DEI

Feb 17 2025 23 mins

For the week of Feb. 17, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks to new N.C. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley, a Republican about everything from elevators, the Labor Building itself, the 10% raises he wants for inspectors, eliminating DEI in his agency to getting Cherie Berry’s endorsement and more. Stay tuned until the end for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: N.C. Commiss

Trump's fire hose of executive orders, federal workers and the D.C. aircraft crash

Feb 10 2025 22 mins

For the week of Feb. 10, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks to Washington correspondent Danielle Battaglia about the fire hose of President Donald Trump orders, comments and decisions over the past few weeks, including giving Elon Musk power, and the subsequent protest in downtown Raleigh against it all. Plus what people should know about Washington-area federal employees. After the bre

Upcoming redistricting trial, UNC BOG’s requests

Feb 03 2025 21 mins

Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observer’s Capitol bureau chief, is joined by her politics team colleagues Avi Bajpai and Kyle Ingram along with Korie Dean, who covers higher education to talk about the General Assembly session business beginning for 2025, the redistricting trial, and UNC Board of Governors. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Avi Bajpai, Korie Dean and Kyle Ingram Producer: Kev

Under the shadow of Helene and Trump, legislative work begins in North Carolina

Jan 27 2025 19 mins

For the week of Jan. 27, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks with legislative team colleagues Avi Bajpai and Kyle Ingram about the General Assembly beginning its work and what's first on deck. They also talk about the recent death of Rep. Joe John and President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders during the first week of his term, and a trickle-down effect in state government. H

Donald Trump's second inauguration, presidential trivia and NC’s new treasurer

Jan 20 2025 22 mins

For the week of Jan. 20, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks to N&O politics team colleagues Avi Bajpai and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi about what North Carolina and the country can expect in the first weeks of the new Trump administration. Some of the issues at play include immigration, taxes and the pressure to lower costs for Americans. After the break, Guinassi shares what she’s l

North Carolina’s congressional GOP freshmen & Trump's immigration plans

Jan 13 2025 22 mins

For the week of Jan. 13, 2025, podcast host and The News & Observer’s Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks to Washington D.C. correspondent Danielle Battaglia about the five new members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation. They also discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for immigration policy and how that may impact our state. Stay tuned to the end for our

The long legislative session, inauguration and our 2025 In/Out list

Jan 06 2025 21 mins

For the week of Jan. 6, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks with reporters Kyle Ingram and Korie Dean about what you need to know this week with the General Assembly and new governor beginning their work with ceremonial events. They talk about what we are already seeing about how the legislature may interact with new Gov. Josh Stein. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Korie Dean, Kyle Ingram Ex

Headliners of the Year for 2024

Dec 23 2024 21 mins

Host Dawn Vaughan and reporters Avi Bajpai and Korie Dean talk about their picks for Headliners of the Year, from the UNC protests to Gov. Cooper leaving office to changes at the legislature. Guests: Korie Dean and Avi Bajpai Producer: Kevin Keister Want even more North Carolina politics news? Our Under the Dome newsletter dives deep into all things #ncpol and legislative happenin