Mitch Kokai, senior political analyst at the John Locke Foundation, on the state budget

Barrett Smith, National Weather Service meteorologist, on a brief break in the heat wave and ongoing drought concerns

National Weather Service meteorologist Barrett Smith joins Tony to discuss an incoming cold front expected to bring a brief temperature drop to the mid-80s and low 90s over the weekend after two weeks of oppressive heat with temperatures regularly topping 100 degrees and heat index values reaching 105 to 110. Smith notes that while parts of the Triangle have received two to four inches of rain in recent days, drought conditions persist across much of the region, and temperatures are expected to rebound to the low 90s early next week with no significant tropical activity currently in the tropics.

Matt Poole, assistant town manager for the town of Garner, on upcoming events and a community strategic planning session

Matt Poole, assistant town manager for the town of Garner, joins Tony to recap a successful July 3 celebration that drew approximately 10,000 attendees despite the heat and preview upcoming summer events including a free showing of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" on Aug. 14, Festival Latino on Sept. 12 and the Firefighters Festival in October. Poole also invites Garner residents to an informal strategic planning open house on July 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Garner Recreation Center, where community input will help shape the town's five-year plan. For more information visit garnernc.gov [http://garnernc.gov]

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, on a mid-year look at the economy

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, joins Lisa Price to review the first half of 2026, with the S&P 500 up nearly 10% for the year despite a recent pullback in technology and semiconductor stocks. Kates explains why inflation may have peaked in May but is still weighing on consumer confidence, how home prices in fast-growing Sunbelt markets like Raleigh are now declining year over year, and why the job market is improving in terms of raw numbers but workers still lack confidence.

Robyn Fehrman, executive director of Teach For America North Carolina, on new teachers entering classrooms this fall

Robyn Fehrman, executive director of Teach For America North Carolina, joins Lisa Price to discuss the wave of recent college graduates heading into North Carolina classrooms for the first time this fall, how new teachers are building relationships and setting strong expectations from day one, and why purpose-driven careers like teaching are drawing a growing share of Gen Z workers.

Brian Walsh, head of advice and planning at SoFi, on student loan reforms that took effect July 1

Brian Walsh, certified financial planner and head of advice and planning at SoFi, joins Lisa Price to break down the student loan reforms that took effect July 1 and what they mean for the more than 42 million Americans who collectively owe $1.87 trillion in federal student loan debt, including who will pay more under the new rules governing how students borrow and repay loans for higher education.