Due South

Summertime is family reunion time for many Black families across the country. A reporter explores the origins and the lasting power of the Black family reunion. Also, a FEMA cuts update from southeastern NC. And a food writer says it's time to reconsider old rules about eating oysters in the summertime.

The fourth largest school district in North Carolina has a massive budget deficit: $50 million. Plus, Due South's Golden Leaf series explores the interesting - and surprising - history of tobacco warehouses.

An audit of the beleaguered DMV leads to renewed calls for major reforms. The governor signs a so-called mini-budget — what’s in the small-sized spending scheme? And PBS North Carolina prepares to reduce its workforce.

Plus, Triangle-based soul, rock and blues band The Phoebes have made their mark in just four years.

The US Department of Homeland Security has labelled Durham County a “Sanctuary County.” That doesn’t sit well with Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead – especially in this time of ICE raids and immigrant deportations. We get the latest from Sheriff Birkhead and the dramatic rise in ICE arrests in North Carolina.

Now that the “one big, beautiful bill” has passed, how are the provisions likely to take shape here in North Carolina for individuals and for communities? Then, 'Meet the Mayor' of Fletcher, NC. And, summer reading recommendations.

Social media influencer Landon Bryant entertains us with “Bless Your Heart - A Field Guide to All things Southern." We get an update on housing trends in the Triangle. And what federal funding cuts mean for public media stations like WUNC.

Flooding from Chantal will have lasting impacts. More vetoes from the governor. And, could new toll roads be coming to Wake County? Those stories and more on the NC News Roundup.

If there are two things you can count on this time of year – it's baseball and the heat. Leoneda Inge talks with Durham Bulls Interim General Manager Chrystal Rowe about how athletes and fans are beating the heat this summer. And the journey to get the movie, “Bull Durham,” from the big screen, to a book, and now a musical!

Plus, hunting for shark teeth on the Carolina coast.

July 4, 1776 – maybe the most important date in American history. But do you know about May 20, 1775? The story goes – about a year before the Declaration of Independence – there was a Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The lore of the ‘Meck Dec.' Plus, exploring the history of Ocean City, NC.

The announcement comes after Sen. Tillis opposed Trump's budget bill

What’s old is new again! Just ask the folks at The Scrap Exchange in Durham. We go deep into the bins of old electronics, notebooks and fabric – and pull out a reuse business model that’s survived almost 35 years. And for some free high-end stuff! Hang out at an apartment trash bin near Duke University on Due South.

Plus, Trans rights in NC and the Venus Flytrap

A national push to expedite deportations and increase arrests is having impacts in North Carolina’s Queen City. We chat with a reporter. And an educator stops by to share best practices for getting the most out of college.

Many rural hospitals would face closure if the federal budget proposal becomes law. Meanwhile, a plan to regulate hemp products gains traction at the legislature. And, could the UNC system cap employment? Those stories and more on the NC News Roundup.

And a Church bell ringer celebrates Pride Month for everyone who will hear (and millions on TikTok)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sociologist Karen Guzzo talks with co-host Jeff Tiberii about the pronatalism movement and how it could shape federal policy. Plus, combatting summer learning loss.

And, Mexico vs. Turkey soccer match in Chapel Hill against a backdrop of immigration raids

We head to the coast where sea levels are rising, buildings falling as development continues. Hear about the reforms one community is pursuing, and then from an expert who says buying back some of this property isn't such a crazy idea.

Due South travels back to the land before time today. We speak with a NC researcher who helped discover a new dinosaur, and a scientist working to "de-extinct" species like the woolly mammoth and dodo bird.

And a conversation with the granddaughter of "Mama Dip"

And a new exhibit with previously unknown artwork by Georgia author Flannery O'Connor

NC Rep. Virginia Foxx leads a middle-of-the-night hearing, before passage of a controversial budget bill. What could the spending plan mean for North Carolinians and rural hospitals?

A NC county that declared independence before 1776, a proposal to cut the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission, and Tonya Council, granddaughter of culinary legend "Mama Dip," on keeping her family's legacy alive

Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii and a panel of reporters break down North Carolina's biggest news stories of the week — from the state budget proposal to alleged assault by a congressman.

A resolution in the state Supreme Court race, six months after Election Day. New oversight at the NC State Board of Elections, with Republicans now in control. And US Senator Thom Tillis breaks again with the president.

And, how two students at UNC had their lives changed by a protest

On the North Carolina News Roundup... Another week, another court ruling, and another brand-new Republican controlled State Board of Elections. Is the saga over? And what might this mean for that still-undecided state Supreme Court race?

Plus, a founding member of Carolina Ballet says farewell to the performance stage

Visas for some international students in NC revoked; Real IDs required to travel May 7

We talk with Alice Randall, author of the book – “My Black Country: A Journey Through Country Music’s Black Past, Present and Future.” And we welcome the future! Award-winning folk and country music artists Rhiannon Giddens and Rissi Palmer tell us how they’ve made it this far in the biz.

We check on the housing market. Home prices continue to increase, while interest rates remain uncomfortably high for many. For some, an option of co-buying has emerged. Join us as we explore old trends and new choices.

Plus, NC tariff impacts, and Womanist Bioethics

There are some things in our natural world that are so ordinary, they’re fabulous! We talk to naturalist and writer Georgann Eubanks about her new book – “The Fabulous Ordinary, Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Wild South.” We take you from the “Sandhill Cranes” in northern Alabama to the Fireflies in Western North Carolina.

It’s Springtime and that means the Hummingbirds are here! North Carolinians are preparing for the annual migration, getting their yards flowered and pretty for the most noted, exquisite fluttering creature to land here – the Ruby Throated Hummingbird!

As the price of homeownership has increased, and outpaced wages, the impacts of affordability have had wide-reaching implications. And, Southern hockey. It’s bigger than you may realize.

Senator Thom Tillis tells President Donald Trump that his tariffs could do irreparable harm to North Carolina farmers. Will his overtures make any difference in the ongoing trade wars?

With wildfires burning in western reaches of our state, we ask one expert how this environmental issue has changed over time. And, with spring having sprung, black bears are again roaming in the mountains.

Plus, Durham and surrounding counties' property revaluations, and a major Raleigh office space purchase

It has been six months since Helene ripped through Western North Carolina and perpetually altered life in the mountains. We check-in on recovery, communities, workers, and tourism half a year after Helene.

The federal government has cut a program that made sure schools and food banks could buy fresh food from farmers. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is bracing for the aftermath.

It’s springtime in North Carolina – flowers are growing, trees are blooming, and people are sneezing. The notorious yellow-green particles of pollen are dusting cars, roads and surfaces everywhere. We get an allergy forecast for NC. Plus, we gab about the NCAA and get a history lesson on the women's game.

Plus, a growing "Data center corridor" and scientific studies into Fluoride

Dr. Mandy Cohen reflects on the changing politics of health care; and Django Reinhardt festival brings European jazz talent to Carrboro

Plus, a new play spans 150 years in Black women’s fight for equality in education, labor and to be heard. It’s in the new play “Confederates” at PlayMakers Repertory Company. And one of the most beautiful destinations in North Carolina still struggles over what to do about their confederate monument.

Wildfires burn across the state, some Republicans call for a major teacher-pay increase, a Triangle Democrat boycotts the President’s address to Congress.

Fertility politics; What is Avian Influenza; and Main Street NC checks in on Spruce Pine

Due South delves into postpartum physical and mental health in three conversations.

I-40 reopens between Asheville and Tennessee, and how people who lost everything are finding housing.

An update on Apple as it continues to take a bite out of North Carolina. And the 100-year-old history of the Raleigh News and Observer may surprise you. We talk to longtime columnist Rob Christensen about the reign of founder and segregationist Josephus Daniels. Plus, Wheels Durham rolls into town.

Plus, The Chronicle of Higher Education’s "DEI impact tracker," and an intimate look at the Reveal series "40 acres and a lie."

Research universities like UNC and Duke are anxiously awaiting news about the future of NIH funding. Former UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Holden Thorp tells us why school leaders are anxious and afraid. And the latest on the name change at Fort Bragg.

And voters whose ballots are in legal limbo

President Trump is promising full federal recognition for North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe. We meet the first Lumbee pediatrician in North Carolina and his public health expert brother to talk about what that would means – especially when it comes to health care and reducing health care disparities in Lumbee communities

Congressional representatives quietly side with Trump, the options for more Hurricane Helene relief; and how federal funding cuts could impact universities that make up the Research Triangle.

Remembering a tragedy that rocked our community. It’s been 10 years since three Muslim American college students were killed in Chapel Hill. We talk with the filmmaker behind the documentary “36 Seconds – Portrait of a Hate Crime.” And Latino pastors in the state prepare their congregations for possible visits from ICE.

We kick off Black History Month with an Army veteran you may not know. The late Millie Dunn Veasey was part of the historic Six Triple Eight – who served in World War II – sorting mail and lifting morale. And actor Sonny Kelly introduces us to his new play uplifting the stories of North Carolina Black veterans.

Co-host Leoneda Inge hosts an hour of culinary conversation with local chefs Sandra A. Gutierrez, Nancie McDermott and Ryan Mitchell.

Leoneda Inge talks with the author of 'Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age.' And, Triangle-area entrepreneur Giorgios Bakatsias on his more than 40 years in the restaurant business.

Co-host Leoneda Inge sits down with Dr. Nia S. Mitchell to discuss weight management in the new year and Ronald Young Jr. to chat about his podcast, 'Weight for It.'

President Jimmy Carter is laid to rest. We examine his impact here in North Carolina. The state legislature is back with a new speaker of the House and plans to prioritize disaster recovery. And – will we see any snow?? What to expect from the winter storm headed our way. Join us for the North Carolina News Roundup

NC State professor of history Nancy Mitchell joins Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii to reflect on the life of President Jimmy Carter.

We talk with New York Times reporter Maya King about how the southern swing states of Georgia and North Carolina are moving forward after the 2024 presidential election. And – in the New Year, Democrats may have weakened Republican control of the state legislature, but not by much.

Higher education in North Carolina is big business as schools vie for the best and the brightest staff and students. But in 2024, we learned how fragile higher education can be with budget deficits, leadership turnover, war, and politics.

Co-hosts Jeff Tiberii and Leoneda Inge chat with local blues performer Pat "Mother Blues" Cohen and four chefs, Ricky Moore, Bill Smith, Mike De Los Santos and KC Hysmith at Motorco Music Hall.

A cataclysmic storm. A divisive election. And a temporary reprieve thanks to March Madness. 2024 is almost in the books.

Leoneda Inge sits down with three influential figures in the world of HBCU sports: Vaughn Wilson, a longtime contributor at HBCU GameDay; Jacqie McWilliams-Parker, CIAA Commissioner; and student-athlete Krystin Johnson, formerly of Talladega College Gymnastics.

A major development in the world of sports. Bill Belichick, considered by many close football observers as the greatest NFL coach ever, is coming to Chapel Hill.

Justin Robinson defies categorization. He’s a botanist. He’s also a cook and culinary historian and teaches classes such as "The Ethnobotany of Thanksgiving" and “Soul Food Genius.” He’s a Grammy award-winning musician and vocalist and an original member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Jose Sandoval was one of the voices on Blue Ridge Public Radio sharing that life-saving information in the aftermath of Helene. And he started sharing it in Spanish to make sure people who speak Spanish in the region were staying informed, too. Plus, how Extraordinary Ventures in Chapel Hill is working to make connections between employers and folks with intellectual disabilities.

The biggest political week is in the books. North Carolinians again backed a Republican presidential candidate and a Democratic candidate for governor. From ticket-splitting to trends, we talk with a panel of reporters from across the state about the results and what they mean.

With just days remaining before the polls close on the 2024 election, Jeff Tiberii and a panel of reporters talk about the latest candidate visits, polls, and what's in store for North Carolina.

NC State professor of history Nancy Mitchell joins Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii to reflect on the life of President Jimmy Carter.

In this high intensity election season, the latest polling numbers can make for a good headline. But what’s behind those numbers? Polling experts fill us in. And we get an update from the NC mountains.

Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii talks with reporters and a meteorologist about the latest from Western North Carolina.

Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii talks with a panel of local journalists about the biggest news stories in North Carolina this week.

Leoneda Inge and Jeff Tiberii sit down with North Carolina rap icon Petey Pablo, a 2024 inductee into the NC Music Hall of Fame. And we talk with Ames Alexander of The Charlotte Observer about his reporting on plans to address North Carolina's medical debt crisis.

Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii talks with a panel of local journalists about the biggest news stories in North Carolina this week.

We get some analysis on a piece of legislation that went to the Governor last week. It’s a bill that mandates local sheriffs comply with federal deportation efforts, so called ICE detainers. WUNC reporter Aaron Sánchez-Guerra fills us in. Plus, a conversation with longtime NC Rep. Mickey Michaux

On Due South's North Carolina News Roundup this week... we get the latest on two bills passed at the state legislature - on school vouchers and law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Jeff Tiberii and a panel of reporters discuss those stories and more from the week's news.

Forensic anthropologist and author Kathy Reichs. Her books in the Temperance Brennan series were the inspiration for the long-running TV series "Bones." Fans of the series, rejoice, because there's a new book out. Leoneda Inge talks with Reichs her about career and the latest book "Fire and Bones." Plus, what's next for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy on UNC campuses. We get an update from WUNC's Brianna Atkinson.

We’re back again with another installation of our “Purple Ballot” series. We’ll get an update on the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns on the road with NPR Political Reporter Ximena Bustillo. And a discussion on how race and gender intersect in this historic race.

Co-host Leoneda Inge revisits the legacy of civil rights pioneer and gender rights advocate Pauli Murray, the latest American icon to be honored with an American Women Quarter by the U.S. Mint. This weekend, The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice will open in Durham, at the site of Murray's childhood home.

t’s football season. High school action is underway, and college contests – from Boone to Greenville kick-off this weekend. Can the Pack win the ACC? How is the new landscape of N-I-L transforming the sport? And, changes: from an expanded playoff to gambling. Plus, a conversation with 'fermentation revivalist' Sandor Katz.

With the DNC wrapping up, we review the festivities in Chicago. Then, new campaign fundraising numbers for some candidates, and questions about purported expenditures for others. And Trump returns to North Carolina with a security-themed visit.

Been wondering why houses still cost so much in your part of town? And is that a Matsumoto house in your Raleigh neighborhood? We talk to experts on North Carolina real estate – affordable housing in Chapel Hill – and why this state is home to some of the most beautiful modernist houses in the country.

Our Purple Ballot series continues with a focus on the Democratic National Convention. Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii convenes a panel of reporters and political analysts to discuss what to watch at the DNC. Then, the chair of NC's Democratic Party, Anderson Clayton, stops by to talk about the party's campaign tactics in the state.

Battleground politics in full swing with visits from the major party candidates this week. And, are North Carolina leaders eyeing a bid to one day host the Olympics? Join a panel of reporters and co-host Jeff Tiberii for the NC Friday News Roundup.

You're familiar with the term extinction. What about de-extinction? One biotech company has plans to bring wooly mammoths and dodo birds back to life. How? And, why? We find out. Plus, a new dinosaur species has been discovered. A paleontologist from NC State University tells us more.

Debby’s deluge drenches North Carolina. Democrats react to Tim Walz as Kamala Harris' running mate. And Republican Mark Robinson tries to pivot on the issue of abortion. Join us for the Friday news roundup.

President Biden watch continues across the country and Vice President Kamala Harris touches down in the Triad. A look at the Biden campaign's latest efforts in North Carolina and other news of the week.

Co-host Leoneda Inge visits the new marker commemorating the death and honoring the life of Booker T. Spicely; 'Our Secret Society' views civil rights fundraising though a lens of fashion and flair; Ella West Gallery is a beacon of artistic light

How much running is good for your health?

We’re heading to the coast today. WUNC environmental reporter Celeste Gracia joins us to explain efforts to lessen erosion in one community. Then, changing coastlines. This dynamic of mother nature is nothing new – however new development continues to exacerbate some problems. We’ll hear from one shoreline expert. Then, the author of a new book about Andy Griffith stops by.

On this Juneteenth edition of Due South, we look at the the legacy of Black land theft and a reenvisioning of land at the site of a former North Carolina plantation

Co-host Leoneda Inge talks with Asheville's equity and inclusion director about the city's approach to redressing past harms to Black people. Then, Dr. William "Sandy" Darity and A. Kirsten Mullen explain why they believe reparations are solely the responsibility of the federal government.

Before AR-15s, and gun control laws, there was Samuel Cummings. "Arms Dealer Sam" sold hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of surplus military guns to American buyers after WWII.

Forget Gatorade and a bag of chips – the American South is home to a more advanced style of gas station cuisine. Photographer Kate Medley knew this growing up in Mississippi, but what she didn’t know until she left was how unique and integral the restaurants and eateries at places you can also buy gas were to life in the South. Plus, meet one-half of an Asheville couple that finds adventure and safe spaces for fellow LGBTQ+ van-lifers

We're lifting off today with NASA Astronaut Christina Koch. Koch has spent more than 300 days at the International Space Station and is readying for a lunar mission. She talks training, outer space food, and common questions she gets. Then, Rachel Smith, an astrophysicist at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science who studies star and planet formation. We talk with her about that, and some of humankind's biggest questions, like – are we alone in the universe?

Scene on Radio host and producer John Biewen and film studies professor Michael A. Betts II talk with Leoneda Inge about their new podcast series “Echoes of a Coup" and the reverberations felt today from the 1898 Wilmington massacre and coup d’état. And we talk with Dr. LaGarrett King about how to teach traumatic incidents in Black history to K-12 students.

Reporters from around the region join Due South co-host Jeff Tiberii for a roundup of the week's news.