North Carolina lawmakers are pushing to overhaul the state's budgeting process with zero-based budgeting, requiring agencies to justify every dollar spent. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenges the state's ban on ballot selfies, citing First Amendment rights. The debate over state taxes and a long-term budget continues in the General Assembly. [... more]

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case involving a Colorado law that excludes Catholic and other religious institutions from participating in the state's Universal Preschool Program, citing a non-discrimination requirement that effectively fences out providers of traditional religious faith. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is considering a proposal to eliminate local sales taxes on groceries, which would provide direct relief to households grappling with rising costs. Meanwhile, a bill imposing new restrictions on the use of social media by minors has cleared a key Senate hurdle, and a study by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality found widespread PFAS contamination in wastewater and biosolids. Additionally, the US Supreme Court has ruled on a case related to redistricting, clarifying the role of the Voting Rights Act and its impact on the drawing of election districts. [... more]

Harlan Akola joins the show to discuss how bringing home equity into financial plans can change everything, especially for retirees. He explains how home equity can function as a third bucket alongside income and investments, and how using it strategically can help preserve investment accounts longer. The conversation also touches on the importance of timing and the best way to use money, as well as the role of stewardship in managing financial resources. [... 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]

A Christian perspective on the top stories of the week, including the indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a Gallup poll suggesting young men are returning to religion, and a speech by Justice Clarence Thomas on the importance of a God-given understanding of human identity. Also discussed are the implications of a religious revival, the challenges of foster care, and the importance of nuclear families. [... more]

Calvin Johnson shares his insights on the NFL Draft, discussing Ty Simpson's potential and Matthew Stafford's MVP status. Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, talks about his team's draft picks, including Maxie Honachore and Broderick Jones. The conversation also touches on Aaron Rodgers' situation and the Steelers' quarterback depth. [... 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]

The Todd Sterns Radio Show discusses the California gubernatorial debate, Lindsey Graham's potential loss, the Southern Poverty Law Center's indictment, and the state of the school system in America, including issues with education, local control, homelessness, and gas prices. [... more]

Kurt Warner discusses his experience working with Fernando Mendoza, a potential first overall pick in the NFL draft, and how he believes Mendoza has the talent and work ethic to succeed in the league. Warner also talks about the quarterback competition between Mendoza and Kirk Cousins, and how the Raiders' decision to draft Mendoza will impact the team's future. [... 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]

Research suggests that classroom technology may be undermining learning, rather than revolutionizing it. Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist and educator, argues that digital tools erode attention, empathy, and long-term retention, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities. He advocates for a return to traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of human interaction and empathy in the learning process. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for the NFL draft, with general manager John Spytek discussing their strategy and potential picks. Meanwhile, top draft prospect Casey Concepcion talks about his athletic ability and confidence in his abilities, and the Raiders' decision to re-sign Max Crosby. The team's new head coach, Clint Kubiak, is also being discussed, as well as the potential return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. [... 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]

Cam Hayward discusses the Steelers' chances with Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard, while Tom Pellisero shares his insights on the NFL draft, including potential trades and quarterback prospects. [... more]

A North Carolina House Select Committee is recommending broad changes to the state's mental health and criminal justice systems to reduce violent incidents and address untreated mental illness. The committee aims to improve access to mental health services, increase the mental health workforce, and enhance data collection and sharing between state agencies. [... more]

A former cold case detective presents a case for Jesus Christ, using evidence from history, science, and culture to demonstrate the impact of Jesus on the world. He argues that Jesus matters in areas such as art, music, education, and science, and that his story can be reconstructed from the fallout of history. The book, 'Person of Interest,' is a unique approach to apologetics, using a detective's perspective to present the case for Jesus. [... more]

Two men, Governor Lee and Jellyroll, share remarkable faith stories of spiritual breakthroughs and pardons, transforming their lives from darkness to redemption, and inspiring others with their journeys of faith and resilience. [... more]