On this episode of Our American Stories in California Senator George Murphy started a sweet tradition literally He began stocking his desk on the Senate floor with candy to share with his colleagues That desk now known as the Senate Candy Desk remains a Capitol Hill tradition to this day Jesse Edwards shares the history mystery and origins behind one of the Senate's most interesting traditions Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donateSee omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories by the late s something was happening at Malibu Surfboards were getting lighter and faster the waves were crowded with a new generation of riders and a loose fraternity of beach bums craftsmen competitors and characters was beginning to create a culture that would soon spread far beyond the California coast Our regular contributor Roger McGrath returns with the story of surfing's golden age He remembers characters like Terry Tube Steak Tracy the Malibu surfer who helped inspire Gidget along with Phil Edwards Mickey Dora Marge Calhoun and others who gave the sport [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories for veterans struggling with PTSD stress or simply the difficulty of quieting the mind sometimes a guitar can provide a few hours of peace GuitarsforVets org pairs veterans with free guitar lessons patient instructors and eventually an instrument of their own Veterans and volunteers share how learning to play can build confidence create community and offer a welcome escape from the pressures of everyday life Along the way the program has provided thousands of lessons and guitars to veterans across the country Our regular contributor Jesse Edwards shares the story Support the show [... more]

They said they don't believe anymore And now your brain wants to draft a sermon while your stomach drops through the floor When someone you love walks away from God what actually helps and what pushes them farther away Deconversion expert John Marriott joins Dave and Ann Wilson on FamilyLife Today with a wiser way to handle the questions fear and conversations you desperately don't want to blow Show Notes and Resources How Can I Help My Kids Avoid a Crisis of Faith John Marriott Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode Learn more at CSBible com [... more]

Jonathan Edwards once said True legacy consists not of what we leave behind but of what we instill in others That's an important reminder especially when we think about money and inheritance All of us have a natural desire to provide for the people we love Whether it's our children grandchildren or others God has entrusted to our care we want to leave them in a better position than we were That's a good desire Proverbs says A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children But Scripture encourages us to think about inheritance as more than simply transferring [... more]

Congressman Chuck Edwards has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct against the bipartisan leaders of the House Ethics Committee alleging they failed to follow committee procedures before recommending his censure Meanwhile the North Carolina Senate has created a new select committee to examine potential reforms to the state's property tax system Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal joins the program to examine the growing role of prediction markets in North Carolina elections and the questions surrounding their use Plus Vice President JD Vance is in Greensboro for a Republican midterm rally following President Trump's visit to the state [... more]

North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery efforts are increasingly focused on addressing affordable housing needs in western communities still rebuilding from the storm Meanwhile the Greenville Police Department has scrapped plans to roll out Flock license plate reader cameras The program also covers the U S House vote to censure North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards following a House Ethics Committee report including Edwards' remarks from the House floor Plus the State Board of Elections is considering new absentee ballot guidance after implementation of updated rules was delayed See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

North Carolina Medicaid is rolling out new work and renewal requirements that will affect some beneficiaries as the state implements changes to eligibility and continued coverage Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss Republican groups asking the U S Supreme Court to block a Fourth Circuit ruling involving political advertising rules Andy Jackson of the John Locke Foundation examines how North Carolina's early voting plans compare with those used during the midterm elections Plus the program previews the U S House censuring North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards over his conduct toward former female staffers See [... more]

Congressman Chuck Edwards is appealing directly to his House colleagues in a letter ahead of an expected censure vote stemming from the ethics investigation that preceded his decision to end his reelection campaign Theresa Opeka of Carolina Journal joins the program to discuss Labor Commissioner Luke Farley recognition of astronaut Christina Koch and her North Carolina roots Andrew Pomeranz of Carolina Journal examines the growing role of prediction markets in North Carolina elections including both their expanding reach and potential risks See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Jennifer Balkcom in North Carolina's th Congressional District while new questions are emerging over campaign funds connected to outgoing Congressman Chuck Edwards and a Las Vegas trip Meanwhile North Carolina has secured nearly million in federal funding for rail safety improvements and track upgrades across the state Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joins the program to discuss a major court ruling finding that North Carolina has failed to meet its constitutional obligation to maintain and protect the state's fisheries Plus a judge has ruled that former Governor Roy Cooper will not be [... more]

Gary Ross Dahl created the Pet Rock, a simple yet absurd fad that captured the hearts of Americans in 1975. With a 32-page instruction manual full of puns and gags, Dahl's idea became a sensation, selling over 1.5 million units and earning him a six-figure payout. The Pet Rock's popularity was short-lived, but it remains a beloved piece of American pop culture, symbolizing the fleeting nature of trends and the power of clever marketing. [... more]

Representative Jennifer Balcombe, a two-term member of the North Carolina House, has been selected by Republicans in western North Carolina to replace Congressman Chuck Edwards as the GOP nominee for North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Balcombe plans to bring her focus on making life more affordable for working families, improving community safety, and supporting farmers to Washington, D.C. as she faces off against Democrat Jamie Ager in the November general election. [... more]

The 11th Congressional District GOP Executive Committee is set to meet in Buncombe County to choose the GOP's replacement candidate for United States House after Congressman Chuck Edwards' resignation. Meanwhile, Miss North Carolina USA Brittany Bolton House was stripped of her title due to alleged violations of the Miss USA organization's standards, which she believes may be related to her conservative views and Mormon faith. [... 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]

Congressman Chuck Edwards announces he's dropping out of his reelection campaign after a House ethics committee found him in violation of House rules related to sexual harassment and creating a hostile workplace. Meanwhile, North Carolina lawmakers are debating hemp regulation, with some advocating for a ban on THC products and others pushing for a more nuanced approach. A bipartisan group of officials has also formed a partnership to combat fraud and protect taxpayer money. [... more]

A North Carolina congressman is facing calls for censure after being found in violation of the House Code of Conduct. Meanwhile, the state's pension fund has posted a $17 billion gain, but concerns about Social Security's solvency are growing. Additionally, data centers are becoming a contentious issue in North Carolina, with some localities imposing moratoriums on their expansion, citing concerns about energy usage and noise pollution. [... more]

John Newton's life story is one of transformation from a sinful and troubled past to a life of faith, ministry, and hymn writing. He rose from being a slave ship captain to becoming a prominent Christian leader, advocating for the abolition of the slave trade and influencing William Wilberforce's crusade against it. Newton's most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, has become an iconic symbol of Christian redemption and has been a source of inspiration for generations. [... more]

A railroad bridge in Durham, North Carolina, has captured the world's attention due to frequent truck crashes, which have been documented by a local resident who sells crash debris as 'trash art' on YouTube. [... more]