Isaac-Davy Aronson

In 2008, Barack Obama won North Carolina, marking the first time the state went for the Democratic candidate in over 30 years. In fact, in the previous couple of elections, Republicans won with solid victories. George W Bush had double digit leads over Al Gore and John Kerry. So what happened in 2008, and can it be repeated?

When the animators of “Toy Story” got stuck, they used to watch movies by Hayao Miyazaki for inspiration. Critics often call Miyazaki the greatest animator of all time, but many people have still never heard of him. The Carolina Theatre is about to screen a series of films from Miyazaki’s production studio. It’s called the Studio Ghibli collection. Guest host Isaac-Davy Aronson is joined by Helen McCarthy, the author of "Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation" (Stone Bridge Press/1999).

Early voting ends Saturday in North Carolina. Voters are electing a new governor - and they're also making selections for other statewide offices.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall calls her office a maternity ward for businesses, where new companies are registered every day. The Democrat is running for a 5th term in the post. Marshall says she's revolutionized technology at the department, putting business and investment records online, improving efficiency and accessibility.

Early voting is underway in North Carolina. Voters are electing a new governor and they're also making selections for other statewide offices.

On November 6th, North Carolina voters will elect a new governor. They'll also make selections for Council of State offices. 

The labor commissioner enforces workplace safety and other employment laws, and inspects equipment including elevators. Republican Cherie Berry is running for a fourth term in the office.

Cherie Berry: "We have the luxury this year of comparing records of commissioners of labor."

That's because her opponent, Democrat John C. Brooks, previously held the post for four terms.

On November 6th, North Carolina voters will elect a new governor. They're also making selections for Council of State offices. Isaac-Davy Aronson has this look at the two candidates for Lieutenant Governor.

On November 6th, North Carolina voters will elect a new governor. They'll also make selections for Council of State offices. Isaac-Davy Aronson has this look at the two candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Business leaders, state officials, and diplomats gathered last night to launch a new chapter of the British American Business Council. Steve Cain is the president of the new Triangle/Eastern North Carolina chapter. He says the region is very attractive for international investment.

Triad-based mattress giant Sealy is being acquired by rival Tempur-Pedic. The Lexington, Kentucky-based leader in foam mattresses will pay about $228 million in cash, and assume or pay back all of Sealy's outstanding debt. The merger would create the world's largest bedding company. Tempur-Pedic CEO Mark Sarvary says no major changes are expected in how either company is run.

An advocacy group says it plans to file a lawsuit against the UNC system, alleging inconsistent and unfair treatment of veterans. Jason Thigpen is president of Student Veterans Advocacy Group.

"The UNC school system across the board - universities and community colleges - have invariably misclassified many of these student veterans and family members as out-of-state residents, when they meet all the qualifications to be considered an in-state resident for tuition purposes," said Thigpen.