Lawmakers in North Carolina recently approved redistricting maps that increase the number of Republicans in Congress. Voting and Election Integrity Reporter for WUNC, Rusty Jacobs went over this matter, which includes state Republicans having super majorities and lawsuits against the redrawn districts by those opposed.

During a two-part interview, KCBS Reporter and Producer, Mary Hughes was our guest to tackle issues that cities of all sizes are experiencing across the country. Paul Foster discussed issues that Asheville deals with and asked Mary to compare that to San Franciso - from homelessness to crime to the cost of living. Mary spent time as an on-air host for WNCW years ago.

The body of Waynesville native, Airman Fredrick Mervyn Hall came home to rest after he went missing in action in the late 1960's during participation in the Vietnam War. After his remains were finally identified, the local hero was officially buried and laid to rest in early October. Hear this remarkable story from Cory Vaillancourt of Smoky Mountain News.

Two Charlotte topics were addressed in this interview with WFAE Politics and Government Reporter, Steve Harrison — Mecklenburg County's very low voter response to a primary election that involved incumbent Mayor Vi Lyle. As well as a group of dissatisfied employees at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

The City of Asheville decided to let their city manager's contract renew for another two years. Prior to that, it was somewhat unknown how that decision might turn out for Debra Campbell. That had to do in part with some tough times for Asheville. Such as a water crisis, needed policing, and a pandemic shutdown. Asheville Watchdog's John Boyle spoke to us just prior to the contract renewal.

WUNC's Capitol Bureau Chief, Colin Campbell shared details of his story, "North Carolina Considers New Casinos". Numerous N.C. Legislators would like to add additional casinos across the state, with the idea of placing them in poor and needy counties, such as Rockingham. Unlike Cherokee Casinos, some of these locations wouldn't have to be on tribal land.

Reporter Jack Igelman of Carolina Public Press talked with WNCW about his informative story on helping Western North Carolina's North Fork and Broad Rivers. "A River's Destiny" shares how these rivers, particularly the counties they run through, are trying to gain important wild and scenic status that could lead to government funding that helps in their struggles.

Asheville Watchdog Reporter, Barbara Durr shared details from her story, "Asheville Businesses Feel The Pain of Tourism Decline." While the tourism decline wasn't major, this report says it was enough that restaurants and hotels in particular felt the pinch. Hear why and what's expected next.

Steve Harrison of WFAE Charlotte discussed news on North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (Democrat), who's running for Governor, and shared proposed plans for the former property that was home to the popular Eastland Mall.

Colin Campbell, Capital Bureau Chief for WUNC (public radio) talked about a new political party that's emerging. Being called The No Labels Party, its supporters, Democrats and Republicans, feel if next year's presidential election comes down to incumbent Joe Biden vs. Donald Trump again, there should be an alternative choice. This conversation originally aired on July 19, 2023.