This week in state politics, legislators debate a spending plan that sets aside billions, provides raises, and seeks to weather an inflation storm. Meanwhile at the U.S. Supreme Court, four justices agreed to hear a challenge related to the independence – and unchecked power – of state legislatures. In our Friday review, Donna King of the conservative Carolina Journal and Rob Schofield from the progressive NC Policy Watch review.

Republican legislative leaders have come to a budget deal. The nearly $28 billion proposal is expected to receive bipartisan backing by the end of the week. However, it does not include Medicaid expansion, likely leaving the governor less than thrilled. Meanwhile, the General Assembly short session is nearing a conclusion. WRAL Statehouse reporter Travis Fain stops by to size up the session, and talk about some pieces of legislation that are going nowhere.

Anita's now living in one of the few places in the U.S. South without an abortion ban. As her home state becomes the nearest safe provider for millions of people, she's observing how abortion providers here are preparing for the spike in demand. She reconnects with one of them, Dr. Rathika Nimalendran, who has been providing access to abortions in North Carolina for years, to talk about what action she's taking in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Sexuality educator, researcher and writer Jane Fleishman talks more about her mission to promote sexual wellness in older people. Jane says it’s never too late to achieve pleasure. | Thanks to our sponsor Silver Singles. More at silversingles.com/datingwhilegray.