Governor Josh Stein signed four bills into law, including one that reduces his appointment powers and another that extends housing supplies and limits local zoning barriers across North Carolina. Meanwhile, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson rejected a proposed settlement with Duke Energy Progress, citing a 6.8% rate hike as too high. Senator Ted Budd led an unsuccessful effort to amend the U.S. Senate's continuing resolution to delay federal restrictions on hemp products, while North Carolina lawmakers remain deadlocked over legislation that would incorporate federal hemp standards into state law. The North Carolina Department of Labor recovered a record $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers across the state. [... more]

Mecklenburg County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Tanya McKnight, accused of subjecting six-year-old Dominique Moody to prolonged abuse before the child's death. The case has led to scrutiny of child welfare agencies and legislative action to create a state backstop for high-risk cases. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is challenging the North Carolina General Assembly's changes to judicial appointments, arguing that they limit his authority to appoint judges. [... 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]

The North Carolina Supreme Court has signaled it will hear oral arguments in a case involving appointments and judicial vacancies in November, with no resolution expected before the 2027 election. Meanwhile, the governor of Asheville is criticizing North Carolina's firearm laws, arguing they have made the community less safe, despite the legislation not being in effect. A private gated community in North Carolina received $300,000 in public funding for emergency services and shelter repairs, sparking questions about transparency and accountability in the earmarks process. Additionally, a new federal school choice tax credit program could benefit nearly 1.7 million North Carolina children, with 93% of the state's K-12 population qualifying for scholarships. [... more]

Moses' journey as a leader, his struggles with faith and confidence, and how God's presence and power can overcome our weaknesses and doubts. Moses' story serves as a reminder that our strength and ability come from God, not from ourselves, and that we should focus on serving and obeying God rather than trying to be self-sufficient. [... more]

A new performance audit of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services found concerns with the way compliance visits were conducted at child care centers across the state. The audit also highlighted issues with the division's scheduling practices and the handling of judicial vacancies, with the governor and the General Assembly disagreeing on the interpretation of state law. [... more]

The commissioner of the SEC, Greg Sankey, suggests that the conference may break away from the NCAA due to frustrations with the current system. Meanwhile, Ryan Fox's incredible comeback win at the Open Championship has taken the golf world by storm, and the University of Michigan's athletic department is facing an investigation into its operational aspects. [... more]

Medicaid spending in North Carolina has nearly doubled over the last four years, with the state budget fully funding the state's projected Medicaid obligations for the coming fiscal year. Meanwhile, the state is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with thousands of applicants remaining in various stages of the recovery process. Additionally, cities across North Carolina are grappling with large youth-led gatherings organized or amplified through social media, known as teen takeovers, which have led to violence, property damage, and innocent people getting hurt. [... more]

Hosts Josh Whitaker and Joe Hamer, managing partners of Whitaker and Hamer Law Firm, discuss various legal scenarios and answer questions from listeners on topics such as estate planning, personal injury, commercial landlord-tenant law, tree law, estate administration, charity golf tournaments, wrong funeral plots, baseball card collections, and shared driveways. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses LeBron James' free agency and potential destinations, including the Lakers, Heat, and Cavaliers. He also shares his power rankings of NFL quarterbacks, featuring players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Matthew Stafford. Additionally, he analyzes the Arizona Cardinals' chances with quarterback Carson Beck and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the World Cup, with Rich Eisen and Seth Wickersham talking about the tournament's epic nature, and the United States men's national team's performance. They also discuss Sean Payton's creative energy and his idea to bring Bill Belichick onto the Denver Broncos as head coach to break Don Shula's record. [... more]

Josh Whitaker and Joe Hamer, managing partners of Whitaker and Hamer Law Firm, discuss various legal scenarios, including a lottery office pool dispute, a wrong survey, a wedding gift check, a family business loan, a neighbor's security gate, a realtor's side deal, a hidden septic problem, a volunteer coach, and a four million dollar timber sale. They provide analysis and insights on each scenario, highlighting potential claims and defenses. [... more]

The NBA's free agency saga continues as LeBron James weighs his options, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers among the teams vying for his signature. Meanwhile, the NFL is gearing up for training camps, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams among the teams looking to make a deep playoff run. Rich Eisen and his guest host, Brian Weber, break down the latest news and analysis from the world of sports. [... more]

The US President is frustrated with Iran's actions, questioning whether they are worthy of making a deal. The country has been a consistent threat for over 45 years, with a history of killing more Americans than any other state. Meanwhile, the US Senate is dealing with a critical vote, with Republicans gaining an advantage due to redistricting. The Democrats are struggling to find a suitable candidate, with one nominee being accused of rape, and the party is facing internal conflicts. The US is also taking a harder stance on Cuba, targeting their doctors who work overseas and cutting off energy supplies to countries using their services. [... more]

North Carolina's business creation has hit a record high in the first half of 2026, with over 100,000 new businesses created, according to Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. The state's economic relationship with Canada remains strong, with Canada being North Carolina's top trading partner. Meanwhile, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley reflected on an unforgettable experience meeting U.S. Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr., a recent Medal of Honor recipient. The state's healthcare affordability commission aims to lower healthcare costs, and the pension system has seen significant improvements, with a $8 billion earnings in the pension system reducing the pension deficit by almost 75%. Additionally, the state's emissions testing requirement is set to be rolled back in 19 counties, and Governor Josh Stein has signed 12 bills into law, including a virtual currency kiosk consumer protection act and a farmland and military protection act. [... more]

The story of Joshua and Jericho teaches us that impossible obstacles in our life can serve as incredible opportunities for God to work in our life. God's instructions don't always make sense, and faithfulness is repetitive, requiring perseverance before breakthrough. Ultimately, our obstacle is not the thing that stands in our way, but our obedience to God, and He wants to build our faith and trust in Him. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signs North Carolina's $34.4 billion state budget into law, delivering major investments in education, public safety, and hurricane recovery, while also highlighting flaws in the budget and the need for continued investment in the state's people and infrastructure. [... 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]

North Carolina's Lake Lure is recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, with officials transitioning from emergency response to long-term infrastructure reconstruction and economic development. Meanwhile, the state is considering an MLB expansion team in Raleigh, which could bring in significant economic benefits and create jobs. [... 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]

The story of Jonah teaches us that we can run from God, but we cannot outrun Him. God's mercy is not just for us, but for those around us, including those who may seem far from Him. We learn that our disobedience affects those around us and that sometimes God sends storms into our lives to get our attention and bring us back to Him. We also learn that God is a God of second chances and that deliverance comes only from Him. [... more]

Jesus presents four testimonies to prove his divinity: the testimony of John the Baptist, the testimony of his miracles, the testimony of God the Father, and the testimony of scripture. He also emphasizes the importance of personal knowledge of Jesus and the need to be born again to experience eternal life. [... more]

Senator Josh Hawley warns of the growing presence of artificial intelligence, arguing that it presents a moral crisis and must be regulated to protect society and individual freedoms. [... 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]

A discussion on various legal topics, including power of attorney, estate planning, life insurance, HOA disputes, cemetery expansion, and cryptocurrency, as well as a nostalgic look back at the music of Sudden Impact and Milan Vanilli. [... more]

A lawyer discusses various legal scenarios, including estate planning, fiduciary duty, and the statute of frauds, while also touching on topics like solar farm leases, AI estate planning disasters, and church parking lot accidents. [... more]

The Democratic Party is in a civil war as socialists gain power, and anti-Semitism is on the rise. Meanwhile, Iran's nuclear deal is a concern, and the World Cup is underway, with the US team making history. Additionally, America is celebrating its 250th birthday, and the country is grappling with its identity and values. [... 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 NBA draft is underway, with the top lottery picks being highly anticipated. The Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis to the Miami Heat, sparking debate about the team's chances in the East. Meanwhile, Rod Brindamore's exclusion from the Hockey Hall of Fame has sparked controversy, with many arguing that his cumulative impact on the sport warrants recognition. In the NFL, Bryce Young is making a strong case for himself as a top quarterback, despite a challenging first season. College basketball is also in the spotlight, with John Shire's decision to turn down the NBA and stay at Duke sparking discussion about his future in the sport. [... 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]

The parable of the prodigal son teaches us about God's love and compassion for sinners, and how He views those who have made mistakes and those who think they are good. Jesus' story shows us that God is always looking for us, even when we are far from Him, and that He wants us to come home and be with Him. [... more]

Living a virtuous life is a journey of daily surrender to God, characterized by humility, integrity, discretion, and faithfulness. It's a life of character that exemplifies Christ, achieved through the application of principles found in the Word of God and a healthy fear of the Lord. [... more]

North Carolina's decision not to participate in the Great American State Fair has sparked controversy, with Governor Josh Stein citing costs as the reason. Meanwhile, the state legislature is considering a property tax reappraisal moratorium, and there is ongoing discussion about bringing an MLB expansion team to the state. Additionally, the North Carolina legislature is facing scrutiny over its handling of transgender students' bathroom policies. [... 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]

The New York Knicks' historic NBA championship win has brought the city together, with fans celebrating the team's first title in decades. Meanwhile, college football is dealing with the fallout of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's decision to enter the NCAA's transfer portal, citing a gambling addiction. The situation has sparked a heated debate about the NCAA's handling of student-athletes' mental health and the role of gambling in college sports. [... 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]

Jalen Brunson's remarkable journey with the New York Knicks has been a highlight of the NBA season, with the team's victory in the NBA Finals a testament to his leadership and skill. Meanwhile, Wembanyama's impressive performance has sparked debate about his playing style and behavior, with some questioning his maturity and sportsmanship. As the NBA continues to evolve, the conversation around these players and their teams will only continue to grow. [... more]

A college football player's eligibility is reinstated after a judge grants an injunction, citing the NCAA's failure to consider his mental health in its ruling. The decision sparks debate about the NCAA's governance and the role of sports betting in college athletics. [... more]

A recent New York Times investigation into autism therapy clinics has raised concerns about Medicaid spending and oversight in North Carolina. The state's Medicaid budget agreement includes provisions to address these concerns, including limits on therapy hours and requirements for licensed providers. Meanwhile, a K-12 education bill making its way through the North Carolina Senate includes a study on open enrollment policies and a state-funded artificial intelligence tutoring program. The bill also includes funding for advanced teacher roles and new limits on district overspending. [... more]

Estate planning and personal injury cases are discussed, including a scenario where a man's secret family may be entitled to inherit from his estate, an HOA president's potential conflict of interest in awarding a landscaping contract, and a homeowner's potential case against a seller and real estate agent for concealing foundation issues. Additionally, a discussion on prescriptive easements and adverse possession is touched upon, including a scenario where a family may have a right to continue using a dirt road crossing neighboring property to access their farm. [... more]