North Carolina's rural healthcare system is on unstable footing, with hospital leaders warning of potential closures due to financial strain. The state legislature is considering a $213 million plan to stabilize and transform care in rural areas. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is underway challenging the Trump administration's tariff policies, with multiple states, including North Carolina, joining the suit. Additionally, wildfires are burning across the state, with agricultural officials warning of the risks facing communities statewide. [... more]

The North Carolina government is working to provide relief to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastated the area. A bipartisan task force has released a report outlining six recommendations to increase access to childcare across the state. Meanwhile, a petition to remove Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden from office was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction, but the pressure continues to be turned up on the sheriff and the county. As people age, their immune system weakens, but vaccines can help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. [... more]

North Carolina's state auditor released a report revealing over 11% of the state workforce is vacant, with more than 14,000 positions unfilled, resulting in over $1 billion in lapsed salaries. The report also found that some state agencies intentionally keep positions vacant to generate lapsed salaries. Meanwhile, a North Carolina Supreme Court justice announced a breast cancer diagnosis but plans to remain in the 2026 judicial race. In other news, the state's Christmas tree industry had a strong season despite the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024. [... 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]

North Carolina lawmakers are set to return to Raleigh this week to address several key issues, including the Cybersecurity in Agriculture Act, bail reform, and the death penalty. The state Supreme Court has also ruled against judicial deference, giving individuals more power to challenge government agencies and regulations. A representative from the 47th district has announced his resignation to take a role in Washington, D.C. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature remains deadlocked on a state budget, while Duke Energy has determined that offshore wind is not currently a reliable or least cost energy option, citing new uncertainties and risks. Governor Josh Stein has announced the creation of an energy policy task force to focus on lower rates and renewable energy, but critics argue that the projects would raise energy costs and threaten coastal industries. [... more]

Texas Democrats fled the state in an effort to stop the Republican-controlled legislature from voting on redistricting The attorney general says that's a felony crime and the governor says anyone not in the seats by p m will be removed from office See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

A busy week in North Carolina's General Assembly saw lawmakers meeting to discuss various bills, including a mini-budget that allocates funds for education, infrastructure, and Medicaid. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina, with some lawmakers expressing frustration over the lack of progress in rebuilding homes and providing aid to affected residents. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers successfully override eight vetoes from Governor Josh Stein, including bills related to energy policy, regulatory reform, and state government accountability. The General Assembly also reaches a deal on a mini-budget to fund basic government functions. Meanwhile, Governor Stein calls for lawmakers to focus on passing a budget rather than veto overrides, and environmental groups express concerns about the impact of the energy policy bill on the state's climate and energy future. [... more]

The United States was founded predominantly by Christians who wanted to build a Christian nation on the foundation of God's will. The Founding Fathers believed that the future success of the country depended on its fidelity to Christian beliefs and that the Bible was the nation's founding document. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein issued his first vetoes since taking office, rejecting three Republican-backed bills: Senate Bill 50, the Freedom to Carry NC Act, Senate Bill 153, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, and House Bill 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act. The governor cited public safety and constitutional concerns in all three veto messages. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Board of Elections voted 3-2 along party lines to officially recognize the Green Party as an official political party in the state, while about 34,000 voters will be moved to the unaffiliated status as the Constitution, Justice for All, no labels, and We the People parties failed to meet the 2% vote threshold in the 2024 elections. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature has given final approval to the Power Reduction Act, which eliminates the state's statutory goal to cut carbon emissions by 70% by 2030. Supporters say this policy change could save North Carolinians up to $15 billion in future energy costs and will help meet skyrocketing power demands. Meanwhile, the Foster Care in NC Act aims to modernize and strengthen the state's child welfare system through a wide-ranging set of reforms. Additionally, the Neighbor State License Recognition Act advances occupational licensing reform by allowing individuals licensed in neighboring states to apply for equivalent licenses in North Carolina without having to start the process from scratch. Wolfspeed, a Durham-based company, is one step closer to filing for bankruptcy after creditors secured a $750 million financing deal. The company manufactures wide bandgap semiconductors and has faced financial woes and layoffs in recent months. [... more]

North Carolina's General Assembly has passed a permitless carry bill, allowing residents 18 or older to carry concealed firearms without a permit. The bill now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk, who has signaled a likely veto. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has announced plans to eliminate the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, following the 2025 hurricane season, shifting disaster response responsibilities to the states. In other news, the North Carolina House has voted to repeal the state's 2030 carbon emissions mandate, promising to save North Carolinians up to $15 billion in future utility costs. [... more]

Duncan Scott, a former New Mexico state senator, shares the story behind the 'pointy hat bill', a satirical amendment he introduced to address the insanity defense plea, which unexpectedly passed through the legislative process. [... more]

North Carolina's constitutional carry debate clears a major hurdle in the House Judiciary Committee, with the legislation now on track to become the 30th state to legalize constitutional carry. Meanwhile, homeowners' insurance rates have increased by 7.5% in the state, with average rates set to rise another 7.5% next year. The state is also recovering from Hurricane Helene, with efforts underway to drive business in western North Carolina. The steel industry is facing uncertainty due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50% tariff on most imported steel and aluminum products. [... more]

A discussion on the rise of Sharia law in Texas, the importance of gun rights and Christianity, and the controversy surrounding sex education in schools. Additionally, the show touches on the censorship of conservative Americans by the State Department and the importance of freedom of speech. [... more]

A discussion on the impact of tariffs on the economy, jobs, and unemployment, as well as the role of taxation and patriotism in politics. The conversation also touches on the importance of conservatism and liberalism, and the need for a better understanding of economics and regulation in order to create jobs and stimulate manufacturing. Additionally, the topic of debt and interest rates is discussed, and the potential consequences of a recession are explored. [... more]

Dana Lash discusses various topics including the deportation of an MS-13 member, Elon Musk's involvement in politics, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's efforts to reform property taxes and immigration policies. She also talks about her personal experiences and opinions on politics, media, and social issues. [... more]

The Todd Stern Show discusses various topics, including the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, the Maine State House's stance on transgender athletes, and the importance of a biblical worldview in politics. The show also touches on the topic of backyard chickens and egg production, as well as the casting of Jesus Christ in the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Additionally, the show highlights the work of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers in promoting pro-life policies and protecting human life. [... more]

The US government's involvement in Gaza, the role of USAID, and the implications of the Overton window strategy. Additionally, the discussion of treasonous Republicans in Texas and Florida, and the push for amnesty and gun control. [... more]