Due South

Cooper administration advances its plan to address state medical debt crisis
North Carolina ranks among the top five states in the country with the highest levels of medical debt. Through Medicaid expansion and the cooperation of the state’s 99 hospitals, a long-in-the-works plan from Gov. Cooper’s administration will move forward in 2025.
Ames Alexander, investigative reporter for The Charlotte Observer

Petey Pablo on his Greenville roots, musical inspirations and keys to longevity
It was no surprise to Petey Pablo that he would grow up to be a superstar. "Superstar" was his mother's nickname for him during his childhood in Greenville, NC. After a few rocky years of adolescence and a 6-year prison stint, he would reach rap superstardom in 2001 with his hit single (and enduring North Carolina anthem), "Raise Up." Co-hosts Jeff Tiberii and Leoneda Inge sit down with Petey Pablo to discuss his life, career and how he has managed to stay in the music business for over 20 years.
Petey Pablo, recording artist, producer and 2024 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee

Democrat Mo Green and Republican Michele Morrow are the candidates for state superintendent of public instruction – a position that oversees North Carolina’s public schools. Morrow is a former nurse and homeschool teacher who burst onto the statewide scene when she upset the Republican incumbent in the March primary. Controversy over her past and present social media posts have dominated headlines. Green is a former Guilford County Schools superintendent who also led the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Despite a contentious race, Morrow and Green do have similar views on some issues. Co-host Jeff Tiberii is joined by WUNC’s Colin Campbell and Liz Schlemmer to discuss Morrow and Green's platforms and candidacies.

Then, when national politics dominate the headlines, voters may lose sight of what’s happening closer to home. But Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper says we’d be better off knowing more about North Carolina politics because state politics is “where it happens.” Cooper talks to co-host Jeff Tiberii about his new book Anatomy of a Purple State: A North Carolina Politics Primer.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen makes recommendations about when to get your updated Covid and flu vaccines and reflects on her first year heading the CDC. Poet, producer and musician Shirlette Ammons stops by the studio to talk about her latest album, Spectacles. 

On the North Carolina News Roundup… Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is denying a report that he made racist and sexual comments on a porn website. The flooding effects of a so-called 1,000 year storm on the coast. Some down-ballot races are kicking into high gear. And our public schools still have a high number of vacancies. Join Jeff Tiberii and a panel of reporters for context and analysis of the week's news.

Guests
Colin Campbell, Capitol Bureau Chief, WUNC
Liz Schlemmer, education reporter, WUNC
Gary Robertson, statehouse reporter, Associated Press
Benjamin Schachtman, news director, WHQR
Ely Portillo, executive editor, WFAE

Jeff Tiberii talks to News & Observer reporter Dan Kane about state lawmakers' investment in seldom-used science-based games in public schools. Jeff Tiberii chats with author David Daley about the history of the U.S. Supreme Court on the issue of voting rights. Leoneda Inge sits down with actress and educator Jasminn Johnson to discuss her role in the Playmakers Repertory Company production of Crumbs from the Table of Joy.

In the latest installment of our ongoing series “Golden Leaf” — about tobacco’s deep roots in North Carolina — we turn to the impact of smoking in our state.

How many North Carolinians are dying from disease caused by tobacco use? And what kinds of programs are proven to be successful at helping people quit? Co-host Leoneda Inge talks with Dr. Adam Goldstein about tobacco use prevention and cessation.

Then, co-host Jeff Tiberii is joined by a panel of experts to discuss how and why some Black and Native communities are disproportionately impacted by tobacco, the history behind these health disparities, and about potential ways forward.

Guests

Adam Goldstein, Betty and Oscar Goodwin Distinguished Professor in the Department of Family Medicine, and Director of Tobacco Intervention Programs, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lu McCraw, American Indian Tribal Consultant, NC DHHS Division of Public Health, Tobacco Prevention & Control Branch

Delmonte Jefferson, Executive Director, The Center for Black Health & Equity

Ronny Bell, Fred Eshelman Distinguished Professor and Chair, Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and Associate Director of Cancer Care Access and Excellence, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Part One: How NC Latino communities could be impacted by immigration enforcement bill
We get some analysis on a piece of legislation that went to the Governor last week. It’s a bill that mandates local sheriffs comply with federal deportation efforts, so called ICE detainers. WUNC reporter Aaron Sánchez-Guerra fills us in.
Aaron Sánchez-Guerra, race, class and communities reporter, WUNC

Part Two: A Conversation with Mickey Michaux
Editor's note: This conversation originally aired August 6, 2024.
Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii sits down with former state Rep. Mickey Michaux, the longest-serving member of the NC General Assembly, to discuss his groundbreaking career and his hopes for the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
Mickey Michaux, longtime state legislator

As a public radio listener, you’ve no doubt heard The Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary give sage advice about money matters. In 2024, many of us need her know-how now more than ever before, especially when it comes to housing. *encore edition*

Bull Durham, A New Musical takes the stage in the city of Durham for the first time. It’s an adaptation of the classic 1988 movie.

Guests

Michelle Singletary, finance columnist, The Washington Post

Ron Shelton, is the writer and director of ‘Bull Durham’ the movie, and he adapted the screenplay for the musical with music and lyrics by Susan Werner.

Lauren Kennedy Brady, actress and singer who’s performed on Broadway, executive director of Theatre Raleigh, producer on ‘Bull Durham - A new Musical.’

On the North Carolina News Roundup… 

State lawmakers appropriate millions more for private school vouchers – and mandate local sheriffs to cooperate with federal agents. Both bills are headed to the governor’s desk.

We review the latest and get a fact check on that widely watched presidential debate. 

Join Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii and a panel of reporters for context and analysis of the week's news.

Guests

Paul Specht, politics/PolitiFact reporter, WRAL

Katie Peralta Soloff, editor, Axios Local

Kyle Ingram, politics reporter, The News & Observer

Danielle Battaglia, Capitol Hill Correspondent, The News & Observer/The Charlotte Observer/McClatchy

The only two swing states in the South may have something in common – the Democratic Party is working hard to turn them blue. Millions of dollars are pouring into battleground states that could decide the presidency – including North Carolina and Georgia.

Plus, Bryan Tucker, a senior writer on SNL, has worked with the show since 2005. He got his start in comedy as a student at UNC and he returns to campus this weekend for ‘Live from Chapel Hill! A Night of Sketch and Improv Comedy.’ 

Guests
Colin Campbell, Capitol Bureau Chief at WUNC 

Maya King, politics reporter at The New York Times  

Sam Gringlas, politics reporter at WABE in Atlanta 

Bryan Tucker, senior writer for Saturday Night Live