Former political prisoner and NYU international relations scholar Prof Kian Tajbakhsh joins Brian Kilmeade to analyze President Trump's critical options regarding Iran Tajbakhsh explains why economic strangulation must pair with a clear military strategy how Tehran views American political division and why reviving the Carter Doctrine is essential for securing the Persian Gulf Plus insights on the UN General Assembly the Red Sea blockade and middle-eastern proxy dynamics Learn more about your ad choices Visit podcastchoices com adchoices [... more]

President Donald Trump returned to North Carolina to campaign for Republican U S Senate candidate Michael Whatley using his Gastonia rally to criticize Democrat Roy Cooper's record on crime and the response to Hurricane Helene The program also highlights remarks from Whatley and congressional candidates Laurie Buckhout and Jennifer Balkcom as Republicans rally supporters ahead of the November midterms Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss an appeals court ruling upholding the transfer of North Carolina election board appointment authority to State Auditor Dave Boliek Plus Butterball has agreed to pay to settle a disability [... more]

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has approved new absentee ballot guidance in a - vote as election officials prepare for voting ahead of the November election Meanwhile North Carolina Medicaid and the State Health Plan are taking different approaches to coverage of GLP- medications highlighting the growing debate over costs and access to the popular drugs Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss state Sen Bobby Hanig's retirement from the General Assembly and what his departure means for the legislature See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is bringing the Trump administration's economic pressure campaign against Iran to Asheville as global finance leaders gather in western North Carolina Meanwhile FEMA has approved an additional million for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts as rebuilding continues across the region Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Kalshi's decision to suspend NC- congressional candidate Laurie Buckhout after she traded on the outcome of her own race Plus lawmakers are returning to Raleigh for a skeleton session of the General Assembly with no business expected See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

A Statesville family was featured at a White House event highlighting school choice as the Trump administration continues promoting expanded education options for families nationwide Meanwhile two Lenoir County women have pleaded guilty in a COVID-related fraud case The program also examines concerns from CaptiveAire President Bob Luddy who says tariffs are creating challenges for small businesses Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss state Sen Bobby Hanig's decision to retire from the General Assembly and what his departure could mean for the legislature See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

North Carolina's 11th congressional district is set to choose a new Republican candidate after Congressman Chuck Edwards dropped out of the race due to a House Ethics Committee report. The district's executive committee will meet Monday to select a replacement nominee. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction marked the first anniversary of Superintendent Mo Green's five-year strategic plan, launching a public dashboard and pointing to four record results as evidence of progress. The plan aims to make North Carolina's public education system the best in the nation by 2030. In other news, the North Carolina General Assembly has taken action on two pieces of legislation, House Bill 958 and House Bill 834, dealing with elections across the state. The bills have undergone significant changes, with some provisions being moved from one bill to the other. Dr. Andy Jackson from the John Locke Foundation joins the Carolina Journal News Hour to discuss the latest developments. Additionally, new data from the 2025 North Carolina High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that North Carolina has returned to and exceeded pre-pandemic levels across nearly all reported measures, with encouraging percentage drops in student safety, risk behaviors, and mental health. [... more]

A major political bombshell unfolds in North Carolina as Congressman Chuck Edwards announces he will not seek re-election, leaving a vacancy in the 11th congressional district. The Republican Party will select a replacement nominee, and the candidate will face Democrat Jamie Ager in the election. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly is considering a hemp ban and election laws, with the governor planning to veto the legislation. [... more]

Western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, with federal grants aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening the workforce. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has joined the Trump administration's ratepayer protection pledge, promising to support measures preventing households and small businesses from paying for power plants and grid infrastructure changes. The North Carolina General Assembly is also debating election laws, with a pair of rewritten bills passed by the Senate that would shorten early voting for primary elections and add performance audits for election systems. Additionally, a state representative is raising concerns about professional standards in public schools, specifically regarding a transgender music teacher at an elementary school. [... more]

The spiritual fire that fell at Pentecost not only destroyed sin but also at times impenitent sinners Yes that's right unholy sinners in the midst of the Spirit-filled assembly Annanias and his wife Sapphira gave us a lesson for the ages in what not to do in the midst of a Spirit-filled assembly try to hide sin and lie to spirit-filled leaders Their experience like that of Nadab and Abihu underscores that we who know God must stay self-examined and be prepared to deal with heresy in the church whenever it rears its ugly head The Spirit's holy fire which [... more]

The North Carolina legislature has reached a deal on a budget, but it still awaits Governor Josh Stein's signature or veto. The budget includes a provision to repeal certificate of need laws for inpatient rehabilitation care, which could increase access to affordable healthcare. Meanwhile, two Republican senators have voted against the budget due to a provision requiring tolls on all state ferry routes. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against Rockingham County and a county commissioner, Kevin Berger, alleging retaliation against former Sheriff Sam Page for running against Phil Berger's son in a primary election. [... more]

We know the tongues of fire that fell at Pentecost brought many constructive blessings But did they also bring a destructive force And if so what was it And why did it visit the Spirit-filled assembly of Christians John the Baptist warned that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit would bring spiritual fire into our lives Matthew - Just as flesh cannot stand before fired our flesh or sinful selfish carnal nature and its ways and acts cannot stand before the examining purging purifying fires of the Holy Spirit John said Christ came to destroy the works of Satan in [... more]

A $34.4 billion state budget has been unveiled in North Carolina, with a 7% increase from the last budget. The plan includes an average 8% pay raise for educators, a 3% raise for all other state employees, and bonuses for certain positions. The budget also includes tax cuts, with the personal income tax rate set to decrease to 3.49% from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, the plan allocates more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief and $450 million to the Rainy Day Fund. [... more]

A sweeping election bill in North Carolina's General Assembly has cleared a major hurdle in the House Rules Committee, but faces significant minority opposition and potential signs of running out of time. Meanwhile, the Lumbee Tribe has voted against a proposed casino development off Interstate 95 in Robeson County, and a new statewide poll shows Democrats leading in the state's open U.S. Senate race. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly voted to override Governor Josh Stein's vetoes on four bills, including measures related to immigration enforcement, DEI policies, and public education. The legislation aims to improve public safety, restrict state agencies from promoting DEI initiatives, and eliminate DEI in public education. Meanwhile, a major settlement was reached between the US Department of Justice and Comoz, a chemical manufacturer, to address water contamination caused by PFAS chemicals in the southeastern part of the state. [... more]

The Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup victory celebration brought the team to the North Carolina General Assembly, where lawmakers praised the team for unifying the state. Meanwhile, a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in healthcare billing advanced in the North Carolina Senate, but raised concerns about stifling efficiencies in healthcare. North Carolina has the seventh longest emergency room visit time in the country, with patients spending an average of three hours and 15 minutes in emergency departments. Medicaid expansion and certificate of need laws have been cited as contributing factors to lengthy ER visit times. [... more]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles' resignation has led to a new interim mayor, Robert Harrington, who will serve for 18 months. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Auditor's office has released a report detailing $61 million in spending on the unbuilt Mid-Currituck Bridge, with no construction underway despite 30 years of planning and spending. The report highlights a major funding gap for the project, with construction not expected to begin until 2028. In other news, Governor Josh Stein has signed six bills into law, including the North Carolina Farm Act of 2026 and a ban on third-party litigation investment. The North Carolina General Assembly is also set to make changes to the state's executive branch, with the state Supreme Court set to weigh in on the matter. [... more]

North Carolina's election law proposal stalls in the House, with some provisions resurfacing in the Senate. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Armed Service Committee advances the fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes funding for North Carolina's military installations. Fertilizer prices are rising globally due to geopolitical disruptions, affecting North Carolina farmers. Charter schools in North Carolina reach a record high, with 213 schools and over 161,000 students, but academic gaps persist. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is reviewing Governor Josh Stein's pick for Department of Public Safety secretary, Jeffrey Smythe, amid concerns over ethics and policing record. Meanwhile, a wide-sweeping election bill, House Bill 958, is making its way through the legislature, addressing issues such as absentee ballot counting, voter ID, and ranked choice voting. [... more]

North Carolina's legislative leaders are pushing back a budget timeframe, with Republican leaders signaling that a finished spending plan may not be ready as quickly as they had hoped. The state's budget is expected to include additional funding for Western North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, as well as proposed raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers. Lawmakers are also considering a tax increase on sports betting operators and changes to a Medicaid policy for applied behavioral analysis therapy. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are tackling gang violence with new legislation, while also addressing budget concerns and promoting economic growth through tax cuts. Meanwhile, the state is pushing for health care reform, including a repeal of the certificate of need law, and re-evaluating the NC Innovation program. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly has given final approval to a bill delaying the use of new property tax values in counties that conducted 2026 reappraisals. The measure now heads to Governor Josh Stein for signature or veto. Meanwhile, the State Board of Elections is reviewing proposed changes to voter ID rules, including a shift from unanimous to majority approval for affidavits. A court ruling has also barred never residents from voting in North Carolina elections, a decision that could impact election integrity efforts. Lawmakers are also working on the state budget, with veto overrides and other legislative priorities on the horizon. [... more]

North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens resigns from the state House to run for the Supreme Court, while nearly two-thirds of opportunity scholarship dollars go to lower-income families. Meanwhile, a growing trend of municipal financial distress is being highlighted by State Auditor Dave Bollock, with Rocky Mount facing significant cash flow issues. The case of DeCarlos Brown, who killed a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte Light Rail, is also being closely watched as he is deemed incompetent to stand trial and will undergo treatment for up to four months. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is grappling with the death of a six-year-old girl due to alleged child abuse and neglect, with lawmakers calling for a criminal review of county officials. Meanwhile, the state health plan is facing a billion-dollar shortfall and is considering rate increases and changes to provider networks. The state board of elections is also considering changes to voter ID rules and election reform. [... more]

Recovery officials in western North Carolina are warning of a long-term wildfire threat after Hurricane Helene left behind hundreds of thousands of acres of downed timber. The state's timber economy is struggling due to aging logging operations, mill closures, and declining markets for low-grade wood products. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are working to finalize the state budget, which includes a proposed 8% teacher pay raise and a 3% raise for state employees. The Catawba Nation's 2 Kings Casino is also at the center of a legal dispute over sovereign immunity and easements. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly moved forward on two constitutional amendments dealing with property taxes and income tax, with voters set to decide on them in November. The amendments aim to limit property tax increases and reduce the income tax cap, with proponents arguing they will protect citizens from unaffordable tax hikes and ensure fiscal responsibility. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are expected to vote on three constitutional amendments, including one that would lower the state's income tax rate and another that would limit how much local governments can raise property taxes. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis, and the agricultural industry is facing a fertilizer shortage due to global disruptions and trade policies. [... more]

North Carolina's latest revenue forecast shows stronger than expected economic growth and tax collection across the state, with projected general fund revenues revised to $2.6 billion above the certified budget. A constitutional amendment to protect the right of people to engage in farming and forestry is being proposed, and lawmakers are considering a budget that includes a $500 million endowment for NC Innovation to commercialize university research. [... more]

North Carolina voters are expressing concerns about the direction of the state and the country, with 54% of voters saying North Carolina is heading in the wrong direction. The state's governor, Josh Stein, has a 50% approval rating, while President Trump's job approval has dropped to 41.5%. The Republican Party is facing a tough election in North Carolina, with 47.5% of voters supporting the Democrat candidate for the state legislature. The Opportunity Scholarship Program has a high level of support among voters, with 65.1% supporting the program. The state's certificate of need law is also a topic of discussion, with 65% of voters supporting the repeal of the law. [... more]

Xavier Becerra's past as HHS Secretary is scrutinized over his handling of immigration and child trafficking cases, while a World of Warcraft incident from 2005 is highlighted as a real-world pandemic simulation, and a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship is reported. [... more]

A state auditor in North Carolina is examining a surge in Medicaid-funded autism therapy costs, which have increased from $1.4 million to over $660 million in five years. Meanwhile, a new study suggests that stricter cell phone bans in schools may not have an immediate impact on academic achievement or behavior, but could lead to positive results in the long term. Additionally, multiple blue states, including North Carolina, are suing the Trump administration over tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the 1974 Federal Trade Act. [... more]

The use of marijuana is being increasingly portrayed as a natural, therapeutic substance, but experts warn of its potential dangers, including addiction, public health and safety concerns, and the need for a science-based approach to policy decisions. [... more]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation, effective June 30th, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren. Meanwhile, North Carolina officials urge residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1st. In other news, a competency hearing is set for DeCarlos Brown Jr., who is accused of murdering Irina Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail, due to concerns over his mental fitness to stand trial. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are pushing to overhaul the state's budgeting process with zero-based budgeting, requiring agencies to justify every dollar spent. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the state's ban on ballot selfies, citing First Amendment rights. The debate over state taxes and a long-term budget continues in the General Assembly. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a proposal to eliminate local sales taxes on groceries, which would provide direct relief to households grappling with rising costs. Meanwhile, a bill imposing new restrictions on the use of social media by minors has cleared a key Senate hurdle, and a study by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality found widespread PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids. Additionally, the US Supreme Court has ruled on a case related to redistricting, clarifying the role of the Voting Rights Act and its impact on the drawing of election districts. [... more]

A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of making threats to harm President Donald Trump. The indictment comes after a 2025 Instagram post involving seashells arranged on a beach with the message 8647. Meanwhile, North Carolina has fewer low-income households than it did 14 years ago and more upper-income ones, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census data. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with roughly 45% of public school students not proficient in reading and math. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education is working to address these issues and improve education funding. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are dealing with a litany of issues in the General Assembly's 2026 short session, including a plan to fully fund the state's Medicaid program and potential veto overrides. Meanwhile, two Democrat lawmakers in Mecklenburg County have switched their party affiliation, and Attorney General Jeff Jackson is urging North Carolina businesses impacted by President Donald Trump's tariffs to apply for refunds. Additionally, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy through an internship program and a statewide competition for students. [... more]

A contentious committee hearing in Raleigh revealed that the Chapel Hill-Carborough City School District is not in compliance with Senate Bill 49, the Parents' Bill of Rights, which aims to increase transparency in curriculum and protect children from inappropriate content. The district's superintendent, Dr. Rodney Trice, was questioned by lawmakers over the district's handling of materials in its libraries, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the district is intentionally subverting the law. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court is considering a rehearing of the Leandro case, a 32-year-old legal challenge to education funding in the state. The case has been a major point of contention in North Carolina politics for decades, with some lawmakers arguing that it is a key factor in the state's education funding woes. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein laid out his recommended state budget for fiscal year 26-27, proposing a $3 billion spending increase and tax cuts. He emphasized the need to invest in public education, workforce development, and public safety, while also addressing issues like childcare and housing costs. The governor's budget also includes proposals to increase teacher pay, expand community college programs, and provide more funding for school safety and mental health services. [... more]

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Breiner is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the state's treasurer's office after a successful pilot program. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein's proposal to revisit North Carolina's data center tax incentive is drawing attention from lawmakers and industry leaders. In Western North Carolina, private entities like Samaritan's Purse and Baptists on Mission are continuing their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, with Samaritan's Purse expanding its rebuild program and Baptists on Mission completing 472 grant-related home repair projects. [... more]

Jesus Christ is described as the living cornerstone, the foundation on which everything is laid. He sets the angles and gives the direction, and when we come to him, we become like him, sharing the nature, the life, and the strength that is in Jesus himself. We are built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, and we become living stones, being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [... more]