The Room Where It Happens

Not Just Headlines
The Room Where It Happens

Not Just Headlines aims to deliver local news with a non-bias perspective tailored specifically for young voters. We focus on in-depth coverage of local politics providing engaging and relevant content that resonates with a younger audience. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional news formats and the unique needs of today’s generation, ensuring that local stories are both accessible and compelling.

  1. 2D AGO

    Is Medicaid in North Carolina at Risk? Breaking Down the Budget Debate | Ep 9

    Shop My Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/notjustheadlinesmedia North Carolina is making headlines this week with major political and policy shifts that could impact millions. Medicaid funding is at risk, and state leaders are fighting back against proposed federal budget cuts that could strip health care from over 3 million North Carolinians and cost the state billions. Meanwhile, High Point University walked back a controversial ban on 49 DEI-related words after facing legal scrutiny and backlash. Plus, North Carolina Democrats have re-elected Anderson Clayton as state party chair, setting the tone for their strategy in upcoming elections. And, the state legislature is moving forward with a crackdown on cell phone use in schools, but not everyone agrees on the best approach. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (03:07) Hot Takes and Headlines (14:28) In Office & On The Move (18:13) Closing Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Sources: Hot Takes and Headlines https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/RL/RL30458#:~:text=The https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/13/congress-has-long-struggled-to-pass-spending-bills-on-time/ https://19thnews.org/2025/03/medicaid-future-trump-republicans-federal-tax-cuts/ https://eangus.org/what-to-know-about-government-spending/#:~:text=Mandatory https://www.pgpf.org/article/chart-pack-the-us-budget/ https://governor.nc.gov/documents/governor-stein-medicaid-letter-congress https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article301182244.html https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article301182244.html# https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/high-point-university-reverses-decision-ban-dei-terms-cites-legal-guidance/HQPDVTTI7BHBDF7VFUVGZFZSJM/ https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/high-point-university-reverses-decision-ban-dei-terms-cites-legal-guidance/HQPDVTTI7BHBDF7VFUVGZFZSJM/ https://x.com/NCDemParty/status/1893410425984667727 In Office and On the Move https://www.wunc.org/education/2025-02-25/cell-phone-free-education-bill-north-carolina?utm_source=Politics+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8b639a2c42-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_05_16_05_41_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-3006a085dd-472287240 https://www.wunc.org/education/2025-02-25/cell-phone-free-education-bill-north-carolina?utm_source=Politics+Newsletter&utm_campaign=8b639a2c42-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_05_16_05_41_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-3006a085dd-472287240

    19 min
  2. FEB 20

    Republicans’ Top Leader (Phil Burger) Runs Again, Bitcoin in NC, & Your Car Insurance Bill | Ep 7

    Senate Leader Phil Berger confirms his reelection bid, setting up a possible primary battle that could shake up state leadership. Lawmakers are also pushing to let North Carolina invest public funds in Bitcoin—but is it a smart move or a risky gamble? Drivers across the state could see a 22.6% increase in car insurance rates, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson is taking on major legal battles, from research funding cuts to cybersecurity. Plus, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt rolls out a plan to tackle North Carolina’s child care crisis and expand workforce development. For Legacies of Leadership, we’re honoring Henry Frye, North Carolina’s first Black Chief Justice, who fought for voting rights and opened doors for future leaders. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (02:07) Pop Quiz (04:39) Last Week's Stories (14:01) Hot Takes & Headlines (17:23) In Office & On The Move (23:32) Legacies of Leadership: Black Voices in Politics & Policy (25:11) Closing ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Sources: Hot Takes and Headlines https://www.ncdoi.gov/news/press-releases/2025/02/04/automobile-insurers-request-226-increase-nc-motorists https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/consumer/insurance-providers-want-to-raise-rates-north-carolina-proposed-increase/275-c16a46b4-214f-428e-a116-5c92ed4d639c https://youtu.be/vslRn6e4FO8?si=XDnREKY-YtAXM0ky https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H92 https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewBillDocument/2025/347/0/DRH30043-MU-22 https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-wins-preliminary-injunction-against-unlawful-attempt-to-end-birthright-citizenship/ https://ncdoj.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Doc-144-PI-opinion.pdf https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-wins-temporary-restraining-order-to-prevent-unlawful-health-care-cuts/ https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-is-investigating-powerschool-over-data-breach/ https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/64 https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article300097374.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-phil-berger-sheriff-election-8339026e65be302a30a8a4c863933163 https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/ag-jeff-jackson-announces-temporary-restraining-order-preventing-unlawful-cuts-to-medical-public-health-research/?nxsparam=5 In Office and On The Move https://ltgov.nc.gov/future-ready-north-carolina https://ltgov.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/02/13/lieutenant-governor-hunt-releases-future-ready-north-carolina-plan-outlining-policy-priorities https://oshr.nc.gov/contact-directory-types-institutions2/open#:~:text=North https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/news/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-propel-nc/ Legacies of Leadership https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Frye https://www.ncpedia.org/anchor/henry-frye

    27 min
  3. FEB 13

    Sanctuary Cities in NC? Fact vs. Fiction, Governor Stein’s Lawsuit, and How Bills Become Law | Ep 6

    Are sanctuary cities real in North Carolina? We’re breaking down the facts vs. fiction and clearing up confusion about Guilford County. Plus, Governor Stein is suing state lawmakers over Senate Bill 382—what’s at stake and how it could reshape executive power. We also walk through how bills become law as new legislation on concealed carry, early voting, and school phone bans moves through the system. And in ourLegacies of Leadership segment for Black History Month, we highlight George Henry White, a North Carolina leader who fought for fair representation long before the Civil Rights Movement. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:59) Not Just Gossip (06:18) Hot Takes & Headlines (13:36) In Office & On The Move (24:52) Legacies of Leadership: Black Voices in Politics & Policy (30:17) Closing ⁠⁠⁠Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Not Just Gossip https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_city#:~:text=North https://x.com/gcsoffice/status/1885396700262519038/photo/1 https://x.com/gcsoffice/status/1885396700262519038/photo/2 https://www.globalrefuge.org/news/sanctuary-cities-explained/#:~:text=There https://www.wral.com/story/mccrory-signs-bill-outlawing-sanctuary-cities-in-nc/15035244/ https://www.wunc.org/politics/2015-10-28/nc-governor-signs-ban-on-sanctuary-cities-for-undocumented-immigrants Hot Takes and Headlines https://www.carolinajournal.com/stein-sues-legislators-over-changes-to-nc-court-utilities-appointments/ https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/coastal/news/2025/02/10/new-north-carolina-governor-sues-over-more-laws-meant-to-weaken-him https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/new-north-carolina-governor-sues-laws-meant-weaken-118665467 https://abc11.com/post/josh-stein-new-north-carolina-governor-sues-more-laws-meant-weaken/15893981/ https://ncnewsline.com/2025/02/08/gov-stein-sues-to-block-gop-led-law-stripping-his-power-to-make-court-appointments/ https://myfox8.com/news/politics/nc/josh-stein-suing-phil-berger-destin-hall-over-sb-382/ https://www.mtairynews.com/ap/business/stein-sues-over-more-laws-meant-to-weaken-him/article_073803a0-6d94-5618-b132-118bbd1a076d.html In Office and On The Move https://bvmsports.com/2025/02/05/nc-senate-bill-benefits-private-and-homeschool-students-in-sports/#:~:text=By https://www.highschoolot.com/story/legislators-seek-to-allow-private-home-school-students-chance-to-play-sports-at-public-schools/21842719/ https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S55 https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewBillDocument/2025/290/0/DRH40055-LUe-34 https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-gop-lawmakers-shortening-early-voting-period/63696070 https://abc11.com/post/house-lawmakers-file-bill-shorten-early-voting-period-17-days-6/15890204/ https://www.ncsbe.gov/news/events/person-early-voting-period-2024-general-election Legacies of Leadership: Black Voices in Politics & Policy https://x.com/gcsoffice/status/1887504365025403046/photo/2 https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/23657 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Henry_White https://www.searchablemuseum.com/george-henry-white/#:~:text=The

    32 min
  4. FEB 6

    Mark Robinson Exits Politics, Walmart Closes NC Office, and $1B Helene Aid | Ep 5

    Governor Josh Stein’s request for $1 billion in emergency relief is sparking debate, while Walmart’s decision to close its North Carolina office raises questions about economic shifts. Plus, new state investments aim to support families and protect endangered wildlife. And with February in full swing, we’ve got something special later in the episode. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:04) Hot Takes & Headlines (13:53) In Office & On The Move (17:45) Legacies of Leadership: Black Voices in Politics & Policy (22:27) Closing ⁠⁠Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Sources: Hot Takes and Headlines: https://www.southernliving.com/trailborn-surf-and-sound-opening-8784910 https://www.trailborn.com/surf-sound/ https://hospitalitydesign.com/news/hotels-resorts/trailborn-surf-sound-wrightsville-beach/ https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/food/2025/01/29/new-trailborn-resort-in-wrightsville-beach-offers-preview-of-former-blockade-runner/77890048007/ https://apnews.com/article/red-wolf-wildlife-crossings-north-carolina-conservation-endangered-5797ffd304dac2cdd9718d40edb83718 https://apnews.com/article/red-wolf-wildlife-crossings-north-carolina-conservation-endangered-5797ffd304dac2cdd9718d40edb83718 https://awionline.org/press-releases/new-federal-grant-us-highway-64-crossings-could-save-endangered-red-wolves-and-other https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/investing-america-biden-harris-administration-awards-125-million-grants-improve-safety https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/walmart-cut-hundreds-roles-shut-office-north-carolina-fox-news-says-2025-02-04/ https://www.marketwatch.com/story/walmart-reportedly-cutting-jobs-as-it-refocuses-on-bentonville-headquarters-b86b7157 https://nypost.com/2025/02/04/business/walmart-axing-jobs-closing-offices-as-more-white-collar-workers-asked-to-relocate/ https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/02/04/ncdhhs-invests-3-million-expand-child-first-strengthening-support-young-children-and-families-across https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-lieutenant-governor-lawsuit-dismissal-1cc12cd7191f44f0cbe8b2a85bd274c5 https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-governor-robinson-porn-posts-e195d3d8a03ce7d0b3496ab7cecefbe7 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democrat-stein-wins-north-carolina-governors-race-2024-11-06/ https://www.reuters.com/legal/north-carolina-republican-sues-cnn-over-report-posts-pornography-site-2024-10-15/ https://x.com/markrobinsonNC In Office and On the Move: (FULL VIDEO) North Carolina governor calls for $1B in Helene relief funds https://youtu.be/aY_12Z8EE1Q?si=mllaY6WX8S8rUn5q https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-governor-budget-request-fcb961066453bc45ac69d783d7cea33f https://www.wunc.org/2025-02-03/gov-stein-calls-for-1-07-billion-in-state-funding-for-helene-recovery? https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/02/05/810823.htm https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/02/republicans-trump-fema-disasters-00201983?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article299633889.html https://www.osbm.nc.gov/hurricane-helene-dna/open#:~:text=Updated Legacies of Leadership: Black Voices in Politics & Policy https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/charlotte-hawkins-brown-museum/history/dr-charlotte-hawkins-brown https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/charlotte-hawkins-brown-museum/history https://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/charlotte-hawkins-brown-1883-1961/ https://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/palmer-memorial-institute/ https://cambridgeblackhistoryproject.org/project/charlotte-hawkins-brown/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Hawkins_Brown https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer_Memorial_Institute

    23 min
  5. JAN 30

    Trump vs. the Courts, NC Supreme Court Ballots, and UNC-Duke’s $320M Hospital Project | Ep 4

    President Donald Trump’s executive orders are facing legal challenges, from his federal funding freeze to his attempt to end birthright citizenship. His FEMA reform plan has also raised questions about the future of disaster relief. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, 60,000 ballots are under legal review in the state’s Supreme Court race, leaving the election outcome uncertain. Plus, UNC and Duke are putting aside their rivalry to build North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a $320 million project that could transform pediatric care in the state. We break down what’s happening, what it means, and what to watch for next. Listen now. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (02:03) Hot Takes & Headlines (10:27) In Office & On The Move (16:16) Closing ⁠Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠ Sources: Hot Takes and Headlines UNC and Duke Health Announce Standalone Children's Hospital https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/unc-health-duke-health-partner-build-ncs-first-stand-alone-childrens-hospital https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-duke-universities-childrens-hospital-beab969a0d38f8ac5421e9102cfeb655 https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2025/01/duke-university-duke-health-unc-health-collaborate-north-carolina-first-standalone-childrens-hospital-triangle-nc-childrens-decade-long-goal https://youtu.be/MmrNIOJThsg?si=63OCI5Wcu2OIbeXq https://youtu.be/8WQ02phEpzI?si=IESvvWRZgnpoLjYq https://youtu.be/TXMQNQX1lek?si=URWQFAMS5BvrNQiJ Supreme Court Race https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/north-carolina-top-court-wont-fast-track-republican-court-candidates-challenge-2025-01-23/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-supreme-court-2024-election-appeals-bcddcbc85f23a83604c7eaa77f57b0a4 Federal Funding Freeze: Legal Battles and Campus Concerns https://www.npr.org/2025/01/29/g-s1-45313/trump-federal-funding-freeze-reversed https://ground.news/article/trump-administration-rescinds-order-attempting-to-freeze-federal-aid-spending_7c6b73 https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-to-block-freeze-on-federal-funds/ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/29/white-house-rescinds-federal-funds-freeze-memo.html https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2025/01/28/trumps-federal-funding-freeze-concerns-colleges?utm_source=chatgpt.com In Office and On the Move Trump's Executive Order to End Birthright Citizenship Faces Legal Challenges https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judge-hear-states-bid-block-trump-birthright-citizenship-order-2025-01-23/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://apnews.com/article/birthright-citizenship-donald-trump-lawsuit-immigration-9ac27b234c854a68a9b9f8c0d6cd8a1c?utm_source=chatgpt.com Trump Visits Hurricane Helene Disaster Zone, Talks FEMA and Recovery Efforts https://www.youtube.com/live/tdSIwRgeoh4?si=VghdaEOd-uyl1V3D https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/council-to-assess-the-federal-emergency-management-agency/ https://www.ssa.gov/history/pdf/fdr.pdf https://www.npr.org/2025/01/24/nx-s1-5273606/trump-visit-asheville-california-disasters https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/24/us/los-angeles-wildfires-california#trump-fema-states-disasters https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-aimed-drastically-improving-fema-efficacy-priorities-competence https://www.congress.gov/bill/95th-congress/senate-bill/626

    17 min
  6. JAN 23

    Inside the President & NC Governor’s Inauguration: Trump's Executive Orders & Breaking Down the Governor’s Cabinet Picks | Ep 3

    We unpack the week’s biggest political moves. From President Trump’s rapid-fire executive orders on his first day back in office to Governor Josh Stein’s inauguration and cabinet selections in North Carolina, we break down what these decisions mean for you. We’ll explore the implications of Trump’s controversial policies, including the border emergency, DEI program shutdowns, and birthright citizenship changes. Plus, we answer listener questions about the role of a governor’s cabinet and the power of executive orders. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:20) Hot Takes & Headlines (10:27) In Office & On The Move (20:31) Listener Q&A (21:30) Closing ⁠Website!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly Sources: NC Governor Josh Stein Delivers Inaugural Address [FULL ADDRESS] https://www.youtube.com/live/CXEVYxrRmqc?si=bBOxgv8MRLqyvEz6 Hot Takes and Headlines https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-inaugural-balls-2025/ https://www.npr.org/2025/01/20/g-s1-43759/trump-inaugural-address-key-moments https://www.stein2024transition.org/press-releases/governor-elect-josh-stein-announces-cabinet-members-2 https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump's_executive_orders_issued_on_the_first_day_of_his_second_term%2C_2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com In Office and On the Move https://www.npr.org/2025/01/21/nx-s1-5270027/trump-defends-his-decision-to-pardon-january-6-rioters https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2025/01/duke-university-north-carolina-21-other-states-sue-donald-trump-executive-order-ending-birth-right-citizenship-fourteenth-amendment-over-century-legal-precedent https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-defends-americans-constitutional-rights/ https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/jan-6-pardons-trump-inauguration-2025-v375kz0g8?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global https://www.axios.com/2025/01/21/president-donald-trump-executive-orders-list https://theconversation.com/trump-has-withdrawn-the-us-from-the-paris-agreement-heres-why-thats-not-such-a-bad-thing-248109 https://www.newsweek.com/trump-withdrew-paris-climate-accord-hallelujah-opinion-2018851 https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-orders-federal-diversity-equity-inclusion-employees-placed-paid-rcna188679 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/01/22/trump-to-corporations-stop-dei/77882451007/ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyjqgl2erzo

    22 min
  7. JAN 16

    North Carolina’s New Power Shift: Senate Bill 382 and What It Means | Ep 2

    In this episode of The Room Where It Happens, Lily Oatis dives deep into the latest political developments in North Carolina, including Senate Bill 382 and Governor Josh Stein's executive orders. First, we break down Senate Bill 382, the disaster relief bill tied to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and explain how it’s reshaping the way North Carolina manages emergencies and political power. Then, we take a closer look at Governor Josh Stein's first executive orders since taking office, focusing on his actions to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the ongoing recovery efforts. What do these decisions mean for North Carolina’s future? We discuss the impacts, the politics, and what these changes mean for you as a voter. Key Topics in This Episode: - What is Senate Bill 382 and how does it affect North Carolina’s disaster relief process? - Why did Governor Josh Stein sign new executive orders for Hurricane Helene recovery? - The political battle behind the changes and what it means for future governance in North Carolina. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:31) Hot Takes & Headlines (09:42) In Office & On The Move (13:26) Closing Website!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X (Formerly known as Twitter)⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube Sources: Senate Bill 382: https://belovedcommunitycenter.org/a-beloved-response/nc-senate-bill-382/ https://nsjonline.com/article/2024/11/general-assembly-passes-3rd-round-of-hurricane-helene-relief/ https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article295854989.html https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/11/20/3rd-helene-relief-bill-passes-nc-house-senate-amid-controversy/76291959007/ https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article295861554.html Gov. Josh Stein First Executive Orders: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/01/02/governor-josh-stein-signs-five-helene-recovery-executive-orders-first-action-governor https://www.wral.com/story/nc-gov-josh-stein-signs-5-new-helene-relief-orders-new-state-auditor-says-he-has-questions/21791092/ https://www.wyff4.com/article/gov-josh-stein-executive-orders-hurricane-helene-recovery/63326416

    15 min

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Not Just Headlines aims to deliver local news with a non-bias perspective tailored specifically for young voters. We focus on in-depth coverage of local politics providing engaging and relevant content that resonates with a younger audience. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional news formats and the unique needs of today’s generation, ensuring that local stories are both accessible and compelling.

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