On this episode of Under the Dome for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan sits down with North Carolina's Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to talk about the lack of a state budget, the fight over taxes, when Medicaid might get funding and working with GOP leaders.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Gov. Josh Stein

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this latest episode of Under the Dome for Dec. 23, 2025, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with reporters Kyle Ingram about the big statewide news of 2025 and Danielle Battaglia about the big federal news that impacted North Carolina. The big stories include the budget stalemate, failed attempt to overturn the NC Supreme Court election and Lumbee recognition. Plus what those 2025 issues mean for 2026. 

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Kyle Ingram & Danielle Battaglia

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this new Dec. 16, 2025 episode of The News & Observer politics podcast, Under the Dome, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with Washington correspondent Danielle Battaglia about candidates who have already filed to run for Congress, and how the Eastern District 1 is the race to watch, with a slew of Republicans vying in the primary to face off with incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis. And how a Trump endorsement can change a primary. Trump has already gotten into NC politics this primary by endorsing Senate leader Phil Berger. More on the Berger primary plus our picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Danielle Battaglia

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this latest episode of Under the Dome for Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, host Dawn Vaughan talks with City of Raleigh reporter Anna Roman and politics reporter Kyle Ingram about candidate filing for the 2026 election in the Raleigh mayor, Wake County Commissioners and N.C. Supreme Court races. And the latest on the new city hall in downtown Raleigh, plus our picks for Headliner of the Week, which cover a Cary town manager mystery, K&W Cafeteria and festive lights.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests:  Anna Roman & Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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Candidate filing for the 2026 election has begun in North Carolina. Under the Dome politics podcast host Dawn Vaughan talks with politics reporters Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Kyle Ingram about what to know as filing gets underway, plus races we are watching. Plus new state laws, how the feds impact the hemp industry and our picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests:  Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On the latest episode of the Under the Dome podcast for Nov. 25, 2025, News & Observer Capitol bureau chief and host Dawn Vaughan talks with transportation reporter Richard Stradling about what's changed at the NC DMV, what's coming soon at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and what to expect as you travel in North Carolina this Thanksgiving week. Plus stayed tuned for their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Richard Stradling

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this new episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast for Nov. 18, 2025, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with DC correspondent Danielle Battaglia about the end to the federal government shutdown and funding restarting, plus how Rep. Don Davis' vote factored in.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Danielle Battaglia

Producer: Kevin Keister

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This week, host Dawn Vaughan and News & Observer K-12 education reporter T. Keung Hui discuss how the long-delayed new comprehensive state budget is impacting education funding, including raises for teachers and other school employees.

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This week, host Dawn Vaughan and McClatchy DC correspondent Danielle Battaglia discuss the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 36th day with no signs of a resolution. As The News & Observer has previously reported, the shutdown is affecting federal workers and social safety net programs, like SNAP and WIC, and public reception of the White House renovations during the shutdown haven’t been great.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Danielle Battaglia

Executive Producer: Laura Brache

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Just days away from November, North Carolina still does not have a new comprehensive budget. As Capitol bureau chief and host Dawn Vaughan explains, the battle is actually between Republicans this time — not Republicans and Democrats. The team discusses the reasons for the holdup, including tax fights, plus why a clean Medicaid rebase bill couldn’t make it across the finish line.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Avi Bajpai, Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi

Executive Producer: Laura Brache

Want even more North Carolina politics news? Our Under the Dome newsletter dives deep into all things #ncpol and legislative happenings. It’s sent to your inbox Sunday to Friday. Sign up here.

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