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]

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 lawmakers are set to tackle a busy legislative calendar in June, with a focus on the state budget and tax cuts. The state's economic growth has been bolstered by tax cuts, but Medicaid expansion has put pressure on the budget. Lawmakers are also considering changes to the Rainy Day Fund and the NC Innovation program, which has been criticized for using taxpayer dollars for venture capital investments. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly continues to struggle with budget negotiations, with no comprehensive state budget passed despite being well into the second fiscal quarter. Governor Josh Stein is calling for an emergency session to address the Medicaid rebase, while the Republican-led General Assembly is at odds over tax code policies. Meanwhile, the federal government is on the verge of reopening after a 43-day shutdown, with a bipartisan deal to end the shutdown advancing through the House Rules Committee. [... more]

The miraculous survival and restoration of the Jewish people to the land of Israel is a testament to God's sovereignty and unconditional promise to Abraham and his descendants. Through a series of unprecedented events, including the Balfour Declaration and the establishment of the modern state of Israel, God has fulfilled His promise to restore the Jewish people to their homeland. This story teaches us that God is actively running everything in this universe according to His personal pleasure, will, and plan, and that we must rest in His sovereignty to maintain spiritual equilibrium and the joy of our salvation. [... more]