On this June 9, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram, looking at State Board of Elections upcoming hearing and the dustup at the Jackson County Board of Elections. Plus what to expect at the General Assembly this week, from Jaleeyah's Law to budget talks. Stay tuned to the end for a Canes update and picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Esther Frances & Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this June 2, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by Charlotte Observer politics and government reporter Mary Ramsey for a closer look at the upcoming House Oversight hearing about legislation in the wake of a 6 year-old girl's death. And the NC General Assembly's two unaffiliated lawmakers both represent Charlotte and Mecklenburg County districts. Plus the latest on the race to replace Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week.

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On this May 26, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram to talk about ballot amendments, taxes, rising costs and how the U.S.-Iran war may affect gas prices. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: ⁠Dawn Vaughan⁠

Guests: Danielle Battaglia & Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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.

Please consider supporting local journalism with a ⁠subscription to The N&O⁠. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you!

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On this May 19, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell and UNC athletics reporter Shelby Swanson. It's a politics and sports crossover episode. We focus first on pending state legislation about NIL, plus talk about the UNC System bill and other higher ed and UNC news. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Jane Winik Sartwell & Shelby Swanson

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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On this May 12, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by legislative reporters Esther Frances and Kyle Ingram. The NC General Assembly is three weeks into the short session: What have lawmakers done so far, what's cooking and what's next? Plus our picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Esther Frances & Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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On this May 4, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by Rep. Erin Paré, a Holly Springs Republican, as they discuss the House GOP majority, property taxes, the budget and a new bill Paré is sponsoring.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Rep. Erin Paré

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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On this April 28, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with her fellow legislative reporters Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Esther Frances about the major news out of the start of the North Carolina General Assembly session, including two House Democrats changing parties to unaffiliated and what's in the Medicaid bill that lawmakers will send to the governor's desk after votes this week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi and Esther Frances

Producer: Kevin Keister

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On this April 21, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with reporters Brian Gordon and Kyle Ingram about the start of the NC General Assembly's short session, with a focus on downzoning law and data centers, and potential legislation. Plus their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guests: Brian Gordon & Kyle Ingram

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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On this April 14, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with Congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia about the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves and America250 events in NC. Plus the latest in the US Senate race and their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Danielle Battaglia

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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On this April 7, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with Congressional reporter Danielle Battaglia about outgoing US Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican who has become nationally known for his unfiltered take on those advising President Donald Trump, and other issues. Plus their picks for Headliner of the Week.

Host: Dawn Vaughan

Guest: Danielle Battaglia

Producer: Kevin Keister

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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