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Under the Dome

The News & Observer
North Carolina
Donald Trump
North Carolina General Assembly
Josh Stein
Republican Party
Kamala Harris
Mark Robinson
Hurricane Helene
North Carolina Legislature
Democratic Party
Abortion
Medicaid
Trump Administration
North Carolina Supreme Court
Congress
North Carolina State Budget
North Carolina Politics
General Assembly
Federal Shutdown
Phil Berger

Each week, the Under the Dome team at The News & Observer brings you the most in-depth analysis of topics in state government and politics for North Carolina. Learn more at newsobserver.com/dome

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes316Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for Under the Dome

Latest Episodes

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 f... more

On this June 23, 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. Listen to what pendin... more

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On this June 16, 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 politics intern Ronni Butts. Hear the latest news on UNC... more

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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... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Erin Paré
House member, Wake County Republican, Appropriations Chair and Budget Writer
North Carolina House of Representatives
Episode: Rep. Erin Paré on House GOP majority, property taxes and budget
Christina Cook
Astronaut from North Carolina, Grand Marshal candidate for Raleigh parade
NASA/Government Space Programs
Episode: America250 in North Carolina
Valerie Foushee
Representative, NC District 4
U.S. Congress
Episode: America250 in North Carolina
Michelle Lanier
Director of North Carolina Historic Sites
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Episode: America250 in North Carolina
Pamela Caswell
Secretary, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State government
Episode: America250 in North Carolina
Michael Watley
Political figure involved in Raleigh events
Episode: America250 in North Carolina
Esther Frances
Politics team reporter on debut episode of Under the Dome
The News & Observer
Episode: Counting again: Latest on Berger Page recounts
Josh Stein
Governor of North Carolina
State of North Carolina
Episode: An interview with NC Gov. Josh Stein on 2026 legislative battles on taxes, budget, Medicaid funding
Brian Turner
State lawmaker and Democrat from Buncombe County
Episode: Rep. Brian Turner talks veto overrides and his return to the House

Hosts

Dawn Vaughan
Capitol Bureau Chief and host of Under the Dome; long-running NC political journalist covering state government and elections
Esther Frances
Politics team member and co-host; reporter with local political beat and public-safety/lobbying perspective
Kyle Ingram
Democracy reporter and co-host; covers state politics, elections, and governance with data-driven reporting
Danielle Battaglia
Politics team member focusing on Congress, DC impact on NC, and policy implications at the state level

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 44 ratings
  • Great way to keep up with NC politics

    My daughter has her first job as a teacher in Charlotte, so I’ve become invested in NC affairs somewhat. Love this podcast as a way to keep

    Up with the goings on in NC.

    Grateful the legislature made some changes to improve the DMV (getting her NC license took months!) but interesting to hear NC GOP wants to cut taxes at a time the state cannot afford that loss in income- especially with loss of federal funding in some areas. Great conversation with Gov. Stein. Very informative and wishing for ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kaaron212
    United States6 months ago
  • Great pod

    Great insight into the people who are running the state. Sheds light on what is happening at the legislature and across state government.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JNPack
    United States2 years ago
  • Love this

    Great way to catch up on state politics. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Twofer6
    United States4 years ago
  • Nice and short

    Like it so far. Short, unbiased weekly update. Thanks for this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DoveMother
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Great way to stay on top of NC politics and policy, with concise, informative analysis.
Listeners appreciate the on-the-ground reporting and clear explanations of complex bills.
Shows are consistently relevant and helpful for understanding NC government and elections.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

America250 in North Carolina
Q: What is the Halifax Resolves and why is it significant today?
The Halifax Resolves marked North Carolina as the first colony to authorize its delegates to vote for independence, a milestone that is celebrated as a cornerstone of state and national history during America 250.
An interview with NC Gov. Josh Stein on 2026 legislative battles on taxes, budget, Medicaid funding
Q: Do you have security concerns for yourself or others in public events?
Not day to day, I have confidence in my security detail to keep us safe.
An interview with NC Gov. Josh Stein on 2026 legislative battles on taxes, budget, Medicaid funding
Q: What are your thoughts on the property tax proposals?
I'm definitely open to discussion but we must support counties and their budgets.
An interview with NC Gov. Josh Stein on 2026 legislative battles on taxes, budget, Medicaid funding
Q: Do you think that there will be something by March if the funding runs out in April?
I think there will be, but it's uncertain as we have seen delays in previous months.
An interview with NC Gov. Josh Stein on 2026 legislative battles on taxes, budget, Medicaid funding
Q: Looking back now, would you have done either of those things differently?
It's important that we have a fiscally responsible budget, no matter what is in it, it has to be prudent.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Under the Dome

What is Under the Dome about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A North Carolina politics show offering in-depth, reporter-driven analysis of state government, elections, and policy. Episodes frequently explore budget issues, tax policy, education funding, and governance dynamics, often weaving on-the-ground reporting with context from lawmakers and officials. Notable strengths include a steady roster of veteran political reporters, frequent live-event coverage, and sponsor integrations that keep policy conversations grounded in real-world impacts. Listeners can expect concise updates on NC affairs, a mix of procedural explanations and human-interest angles, and a practical read on how policy moves affect households and local communities.

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Which podcasts are similar to Under the Dome?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Under the Dome:

1. WUNC Politics
2. Do Politics Better Podcast
3. Tying It Together with Tim Boyum
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. The Daily

How many episodes of Under the Dome are there?

Under the Dome launched 5 years ago and published 316 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Under the Dome?

Recent guests on Under the Dome include:

1. Erin Paré
2. Christina Cook
3. Valerie Foushee
4. Michelle Lanier
5. Pamela Caswell
6. Michael Watley
7. Esther Frances
8. Josh Stein

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