
Tuesday · 23 min- UT
November 5 · 22 minBonus election episode: Aftermath of NC's blue wave.
On a bonus episode of Under the Dome out this morning, what the blue wave means for North Carolina's congressional and legislative power dynamics. Capitol bureau chief and host Dawn Vaughan was joined by congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia and two News & Observer breaking news reporters who were out in the field on election night: Faith Wardwell and Twumasi Duah-Mensah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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November 3 · 20 minIt's Election Day in NC! What to know today
Today on a new episode of the Under the Dome podcast: What we're watching on Election Day, including major races and turnout.
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October 28 · 20 minNC early voting + county view of property taxes
On this Oct. 27, 2026 episode of Under the Dome, Capitol bureau chief and host Dawn Vaughan talks with democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and local government reporter Andrea Galliano a week before Election Day. They share the latest on early voting totals in North Carolina and what Wake County commissioners candidates say about property tax increases. Stay tuned until the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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October 20 · 23 minSen. Tillis' tell-all book + Congressional races to watch
On this Oct. 20, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by Congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia and legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances. What US Sen. Thom Tillis said in his tell-all book that North Carolinians should know about, plus the start of early voting and Congressional races to watch. Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headline of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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October 13 · 24 minGas tax pause, early voting and Voter ID
On this Oct. 13, 2026 episode of Under the Dome, The News & Observer's North Carolina politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances. What the gas tax pause means for your money and politics, plus explaining the Voter ID amendment and what to know for the start of early voting. And our picks for Headliner of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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October 6 · 21 minA month before election, GOP shifts money from Whatley, lawmakers plan gas session
On this Oct. 6, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's politics podcast, Under the Dome, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan, Congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram talk about Republicans shifting money away from the US Senate race in NC, lawmakers planning a sudden gas tax session, and changing polls in Congressional races. Plus the Supreme Court race to watch and Headliner of the Week. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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September 29 · 21 minPolitics of UNC Chapel Hill funding + NC House race to watch
Podcast summary: On this Sept. 29, 2026 episode of The News & Observer politics podcast Under the Dome, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell and legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances about political power and the UNC Chapel Hill Board of Trustees -- and what the university is asking for from the General Assembly. Plus our election race to watch for this week, NC House District 62. And their picks for Headliner of the Week.
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#327September 22 · 24 minUNC System athletics, tuition increases, and Wake County DAs
On this Sept. 22, 2026, episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell is joined by investigative reporter Dan Kane to discuss recent developments in a high-profile lobbying case and a shortage of prosecutors at the Wake County district attorney's office. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Jane Winik Sartwel Guest: Dan Kane 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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September 15 · 22 minWUNC's Colin Campbell on state-owned vacant historic houses + election underway
On this Sept. 15, 2026 episode of Under the Dome, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and WUNC radio's Capitol bureau chief Colin Campbell. They discuss Campbell's coverage of several state-owned vacant historic houses in downtown Raleigh as well as Ingram's coverage of voting now underway in the 2026 election. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Kyle Ingram & Colin Campbell 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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September 8 · 22 minDMV, ferries and roads + NC11 race to watch
On this Sept. 8, 2026 episode of Under the Dome, The News & Observer's North Carolina politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with transportation reporter Richard Stradling about DMV wait times, ferry tolls and major project updates as well as Congressional impact reporter Danielle Battaglia about this week's Race to Watch: US House District 11. Plus our picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Richard Stradling & 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. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to The N&O. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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September 1 · 25 min25 years covering the General Assembly: Gary Robertson on today's biggest names in NCPOL, before they had power
On this Sept. 1, 2026 episode of Under the Dome, The News & Observer's North Carolina politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with longtime reporter Gary Robertson, who covered the General Assembly for 25 years for the Associated Press and is the most recent Press Corps president. Major changes in power over the decades, and what the major names today were like before they made it big. Plus Dawn and Gary's sports-themed picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guest: Gary Robertson 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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August 25 · 23 minNC Board of Elections primary decisions + ABC liquor floor
On this Aug. 25, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances about what early voting decisions were made by the NC Board of Elections' marathon meeting and why the ABC Commission wanted a liquor price floor. Plus our picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Kyle Ingram & Esther Frances 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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August 18 · 21 minChanges coming to UNC as fall semester begins
On this Aug. 18, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram. As major universities begin the fall semester, what UNC faces as enrollment grows. Plus other higher ed news, NC Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes of elections and courts bills, and our picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Jane Winik Sartwell & 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- UTAugust 11 · 26 min
The future of Congressman Chuck Edwards' NC11 seat
On this Aug. 11, 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 to talk about the future of the 11th District of the US House after Rep. Chuck Edwards dropped out of the race. Stay tuned to the end for 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. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to The N&O. If you’re already a subscriber, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- UTAugust 4 · 25 min
NC House is back, with a to-do list from the Senate
On this Aug. 4, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's North Carolina politics podcast, Under the Dome, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan talks with legislative/lobbying reporter Esther Frances and politics intern Ronni Butts about the House's return. What the Senate sent them to vote on, including elections, reg reform and budget corrections bills, before the General Assembly wraps for the summer. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guest: Esther Frances & Ronni Butts 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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July 28 · 24 minNew ICE detention center coming to NC
On this July 28, 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 politics intern Ronni Butts. They talk about the potential impact a new ICE detention center reportedly coming to Eastern NC, as well as DEQ regulation changes in the budget and ABC Commission considering liquor pricing. Stay tuned to the end for our Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Esther Frances & Ronni Butts 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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July 21 · 22 minNC's US Senate race election countdown
On this July 20, 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 and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram about the latest developments in the US Senate race betwee Democrat Roy Cooper and Republican Michael Whatley, plus the Dallas Woodhouse dustup at the auditor's office and other elections news. Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Danielle Battaglia and 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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July 14 · 18 minBudget, veto, and a switch-up at the auditor's office
On this July 14, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell is joined by democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances to talk about the new state budget, a recent veto from the governor's office, early voting and a high-profile reassignment at the state auditor's office. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Jane Winik Sartwell Guests: Kyle Ingram & Esther Frances 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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June 30 · 21 minVetoes of anti-DEI bill overridden, and budget watch
On this June 30, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by democracy reporter Kyle Ingram and higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell. As all of #ncpol waits for the state budget bill to move toward votes this week, there are other factors at play. Recent veto overrides ban DEI programs in education, and passed because two House lawmakers who lost their primaries were absent. Stay tuned to the end for our picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Kyle Ingram & Jane Winik Sartwell 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices