A state audit flags financial control failures in the town of Zebulon, North Carolina, with issues including excessive travel expenses and unsupported payments to consultants. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd testifies in favor of additional disaster relief funding for Western North Carolina, citing delays and inefficiencies in the federal recovery process. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issues guidance on managing screen time on school-issued devices, recommending a focus on purpose and structure rather than strict time limits. [... more]

North Carolina officials marked a major milestone in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, awarding over $1 billion in grants for water, wastewater, and resilience projects across western North Carolina. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Board of Elections approved new permanent absentee ballot rules, sparking concerns about election integrity and voter ID requirements. [... more]

Stewarding a surplus isn't primarily a technical problem, it's a relational and spiritual one. A new novel, The River and the Garden, explores the journey of a family as they navigate the challenges of managing a surplus, discovering that wealth needs to be assigned a purpose according to God's vision and calling for their lives and families. [... more]

A new analysis from Carolina Journal shows that elite private schools across North Carolina take little opportunity scholarship dollars, while predominantly lower-cost religious schools receive the largest share of funds. The state budget also expands sports betting and prediction markets, with a 5% increase on gross wagering revenue taxes and a 6% tax on net trading in prediction markets. A federal lawsuit is filed against the Gaston County School Board over a teacher's social media post after Charlie Kirk's assassination, raising questions about First Amendment rights and public vs. private conduct. [... more]

North Carolina's state budget has been approved, with a focus on hurricane recovery efforts, transportation infrastructure, and education spending. The budget also raises taxes on sports betting operators and redirects wagering revenues to public university athletics. Additionally, the state is opening the door to taxing prediction markets, which allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to future events. [... more]

Pastor Ernie Sanders discusses the importance of living a life of faith and works, warning against deception and the need for sound doctrine in the church. He also touches on politics, immigration, and the role of ICE and USAID in addressing these issues. [... more]

The importance of effort and teamwork in achieving success is discussed in the context of the US soccer team's recent performance. Meanwhile, the role of Turkish President Erdogan as a bridge between the East and the West is analyzed, particularly in relation to his relationships with Russia and Iran. [... more]

Congressman Jason Smith discusses the growing trend of socialism within the Democratic Party, the impact of tax policy on working families, and the importance of freedom and opportunity in America as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have passed a state budget that includes tax cuts, teacher raises, and disaster recovery funding. The budget, which was passed with bipartisan support, now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk for signature. The budget also includes funding for economic development projects, including a commercial aircraft manufacturing facility in Greensboro. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $197 million in additional disaster recovery funding for Western North Carolina, which was affected by Hurricane Helene. [... 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]

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are expected to make significant decisions on a state budget and a constitutional carry bill, while U.S. Senator Ted Budd expresses opposition to a White House funding request for Hurricane Helene recovery. Meanwhile, experts discuss the importance of controlling spending, setting aside funds for emergencies, and reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses in the state. [... 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]

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]

A man accused of murder on the Charlotte Light Rail line has been deemed incompetent to stand trial due to mental health issues. Meanwhile, western North Carolina is facing a long-term wildfire threat due to Hurricane Helene's damage to forestry land. Utility rates are also a concern, with a proposed merger between Dominion and NextEra potentially affecting electricity prices. The North Carolina prison system is struggling with staffing shortages, prompting a pilot program to recruit and retain correctional officers. [... 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]

Senator Roger Wicker discusses the ongoing Iran war, the changing face of warfare, and the modernization of the Pentagon's defense industry. He also talks about the Ukraine war, the use of drones, and the importance of having a strong military resolve. Additionally, he shares his views on the Middle East conflict and the need for a full-scale attack on Iran's military capability. [... more]

A task force in North Carolina is examining the state's gang violence strategy, focusing on the juvenile justice system and the root causes of violence. Meanwhile, a lawsuit in Jacksonville has led to the removal of onerous food truck regulations, and Governor Josh Stein has signed an executive order prohibiting state employees from using inside information to make bets on prediction markets. [... more]

Western North Carolina leaders warn that Hurricane Helene recovery efforts may last years longer than public attention and funding will. Governor Josh Stein describes the state's financial slowdown as a threat to rebuilding efforts, and recovery leaders express concerns about volunteer oversight and construction quality. Meanwhile, a federal prison sentence has been handed down to Greg Lindbergh for insurance fraud, and a major electricity merger between Dominion and NextEra is planned, which could affect utility rates in the northeastern half of the state. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, with Trump's foreign policy approach being a central topic. The role of Tucker Carlson and J.D. Vance in shaping public opinion is also explored. Additionally, the hosts touch on various other topics, including identity theft, cholesterol health, and the Catholic Church, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and discernment in navigating complex issues. [... more]

A Christian worldview perspective on climate alarmism, moral hierarchy, and the importance of stewardship, highlighting the need for a biblical understanding of the world and its implications for human responsibility and moral formation. The discussion also touches on the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and the need for a reevaluation of its role in shaping our moral compass. [... 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]

The discussion revolves around Thomas Massey's political stance and funding, the issue of Islamism and colonization, the historical context of Rosa Parks' protest, the expansion of euthanasia in Canada, gun regulations, data centers, identity theft, and the challenges of homelessness and Medicaid in the US. [... more]

The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied a rehearing in the 32-year-long Leandro education funding case, ending the lawsuit and vacating all related court decisions. Meanwhile, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy among high school students through an internship program and other initiatives. A new bill in the state legislature aims to overhaul how the state funds K-12 schools and create a pilot program for outside-the-classroom learning. [... more]

Former FBI Director James Comey's scheduled court appearance in North Carolina has been canceled due to a motion filed by his lawyers. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to eliminate tax exemptions for data centers, which could save the state millions of dollars. Additionally, a proposal to create a $50 million revolving loan fund to help nonprofit developers cover upfront infrastructure costs for affordable housing projects is gaining traction. The North Carolina Supreme Court is also considering a petition for rehearing in the Leandro case, which has been ongoing for over 30 years and deals with education funding in the state. [... more]

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolap discusses the future of golf, including changes to the season format, the introduction of a playoffs system, and the use of social media to promote the sport. He also talks about the potential return of top golfers to the PGA Tour and the impact of the NFL on the sport. [... more]

A merger between Wake Med and Atrium Health is being met with opposition from state officials, citing concerns over increased healthcare costs and reduced competition. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating its research hub to Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of a decentralization plan. Additionally, a bill has been filed in the North Carolina General Assembly to cut funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Program and redirect it to childcare subsidies, while also addressing issues with incomplete voter registration records. [... more]

The COVID vaccine and its impact on Americans, the indictment of Fauci, Trump's new Surgeon General, the ongoing border battle, and the controversy surrounding ICE funding, are all discussed in this episode. [... more]

Thousands of educators from across North Carolina are expected to gather at the state capitol to call for increased teacher pay and education funding, while the governor signs a $319 million Medicaid bill into law, but expresses concerns about the ongoing costs of Medicaid and the elimination of health care coverage for nearly 27,000 children and pregnant women. [... more]

Rich Eisen interviews Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, about the NFL draft, player evaluations, and team building. They discuss the Colts' draft picks, including CJ Allen and Daniel Jeremiah, and Chris's approach to evaluating players. Chris also shares his thoughts on quarterback Daniel Jones and the Colts' contract negotiations. [... 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]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

A would-be assassin gets too close to President Trump at the White House Correspondence Dinner, raising questions about security protocols and the need for unity in the face of growing political violence and division in the country. [... more]

A discussion on the dangers of Islamism and communism, the misuse of red flag laws, and the importance of protecting free speech and the Second Amendment. The conversation also touches on voter integrity, Medicare, and lung cancer, highlighting the need for advocacy and awareness in these areas. [... 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]

North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation to overcome a shortfall in the state's Medicaid program, while tightening oversight of the program. The legislation, House Bill 696, would allocate an additional $319 million to cover the Medicaid rebase for the remainder of the fiscal year and implement several policy changes designed to strengthen eligibility verification and program integrity. Meanwhile, a major election integrity lawsuit is continuing to play out in the state as the State Board of Elections is asking a three-judge panel to jump in on a case dealing with so-called never residents. Additionally, some North Carolina lawmakers have filed a proposal that would dock their own pay if they failed to pass a state budget on time, an idea that appears to have overwhelming public support. [... more]

The town of Lake Lure is reopening after months of storm recovery, with a phased soft opening allowing limited public access. Meanwhile, a North Carolina drone operator is taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging state regulations on occupational licensing. The North Carolina legislature is also gearing up for a busy session, with lawmakers set to tackle issues like the state budget and drone regulation. [... more]

The North Carolina State Board of Elections adopted new non-citizen voter rules despite heated debate. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing a report that warns of the dangers of the state's unregulated cannabis market. Additionally, Duke Energy is seeking a $800 million rate increase to recoup energy costs from a recent cold snap. The U.S. birth rate has hit a record low, with implications for the economy and public education. North Carolina's demographic shift is expected to have significant impacts on the state's economy and education system. [... more]

A discussion on various topics including identity theft, tax season, insurance, Medicare, nuclear scientists, and aerospace, as well as a gas station attendant who saved a trafficked 16-year-old girl and a piece on a deceased Virginia lawmaker. [... more]

Everyday banking can become a tool for God's kingdom when financial decisions align with faith. Christian Community Credit Union and Adelphi offer unique approaches to banking, supporting churches, families, and ministries worldwide. By integrating faith with finances, individuals can make a tangible impact on their communities and beyond. [... more]