North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on a state spending plan, ending a months-long impasse between Republican leaders in the House and Senate. The budget includes record salary increases for teachers and state employees, as well as tax relief for citizens. Meanwhile, a joint legislative committee will investigate the release of inmates under a 2021 pandemic settlement, which has raised concerns about public safety and government accountability. [... more]

The Palisades arsonist claims he was inspired by CEO murderer Luigi Mangioni and resentment of the rich. Massive Medicaid fraud is uncovered in Ohio, and congressional Democrats plot the next government shutdown to demand changes to ICE. The 2024 presidential election heats up as Rubio and Vance emerge as potential candidates, with Trump's endorsement potentially making a difference. Chris Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey sparks controversy over DEI casting, and Islamist bigots are called out in Texas and New York. Meanwhile, climate refugees flee Texas for Maine, only to find homelessness and poverty. Gen Z brings back Hacky Sack, and Netflix is sued for allegedly spying on children. Identity theft is on the rise, and LifeLock offers protection. Allergy season is in full swing, and Kleenex has a new product to help. Kohler cast iron is a timeless and elegant choice for kitchen and bath products. [... more]

A police officer's daughter delivers a heartfelt eulogy for her father, a dedicated officer who was taken from her in a senseless act of violence. She shares stories of his kindness, love, and dedication to his family and community, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect us. [... more]

Faith-driven investors are seeking ways to align their investments with their values, and new tools are making it easier than ever. Mike Schnackenberg from Eventide Asset Management discusses the rise of faith-based ETFs and how they can help investors make a positive impact through their investments, while avoiding problematic areas that go against their Christian worldview. [... more]

The use of marijuana is being increasingly portrayed as a natural, therapeutic substance, but experts warn of its potential dangers, including addiction, public health and safety concerns, and the need for a science-based approach to policy decisions. [... more]

Alex McFarland shares his experience reading the Bible cover-to-cover at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. with a group of Christian leaders and politicians, highlighting the significance of the Bible's enduring message and its impact on his life and ministry. [... more]

Hate is rising across communities, including Jewish communities, and it's essential to show up for people. The UFO disclosure and potential alien life may be imminent, but it's uncertain. Trump's popularity among Republican voters remains strong, and voter turnout is a significant concern for the upcoming elections. [... more]

A discussion on various topics including Iran's economy, gun control, Marco Rubio's ascendancy, Jewish communities facing hate, anti-Semitism, and Florida Man's antics, with a focus on the intersection of politics and culture. [... more]

Peter Rosenberger, a caregiver, reflects on the hypocrisy in Washington and the media's credibility problem, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and repentance. He shares his experience as a caregiver and the impact it has on his perspective, emphasizing the need to own one's actions and behavior. The conversation also touches on a faith-based program at a prison facility, where inmates are involved in creating prosthetic limbs for those in need. [... more]

Public accommodation laws are being challenged by a Muslim-only event at a taxpayer-funded water park, sparking controversy and debate about the First Amendment and hate speech. Meanwhile, the Met Gala is under fire for its intersectional themes and gerrymandering is being discussed in the context of redistricting. Additionally, there are concerns about fraud and identity theft, and the benefits of cast iron products are being highlighted. [... 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]

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]

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]

When we come prepared to see God for who He is, we don't leave the same person we walked in. Worship is God's antidote for hypocrisy, and it has the power to transform our lives. By encountering God in corporate worship, we can experience spiritual transformation and grow deeper in Christ. [... more]

Faith-based investors can use their ownership to influence companies for good through corporate engagement, a process of talking with company management to encourage better policies and practices on issues that align with their values. [... more]

Hypocrisy can be overcome through worship, which allows us to see God and be progressively transformed into His likeness. Corporate worship, personal worship, and practicing the presence of God are all ways to encounter and experience God, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates in 1858 that would shape the course of American history. The debates centered on the issue of slavery and the principles of democracy, with Lincoln arguing that slavery was morally wrong and Douglas advocating for popular sovereignty. The debates made Lincoln a national figure and set him on the path to the presidency, while also defining the American experiment as the pursuit of natural rights embodied in the Declaration of Independence. [... 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]

Governor Josh Stein laid out his recommended state budget for fiscal year 26-27, proposing a $3 billion spending increase and tax cuts. He emphasized the need to invest in public education, workforce development, and public safety, while also addressing issues like childcare and housing costs. The governor's budget also includes proposals to increase teacher pay, expand community college programs, and provide more funding for school safety and mental health services. [... more]

Christian financial advisors can help clients align their values with their financial decisions, leading to a more fulfilling and responsible approach to money management. By prioritizing stewardship and biblical principles, individuals can make informed choices about their finances and create a more secure financial future. [... more]

A new committee is formed in the North Carolina General Assembly to investigate the release of 4,200 inmates from prison under a settlement in 2021, sparking public safety concerns. Meanwhile, a state audit reveals $1.25 million in mental health resources were spent on items like stuffed animals and plants instead of supporting students and faculty in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The state auditor's office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent, and the issue raises questions about waste and abuse in government spending. [... more]

In 1986, a massive balloon release in Cleveland, Ohio, turned into a catastrophe as the balloons drifted back over the city, causing problems for traffic and the nearby airport. The event, known as Balloon Fest 86, was intended to be a harmless fundraising publicity stunt but ended up being a disaster, with the balloons clogging land and waterways and causing the deaths of two fishermen. Meanwhile, a treatment for eczema, EBGLIS, is discussed, with its potential benefits and side effects explored. [... more]

As believers, we died to the dominion of sin through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, and we have been raised to walk in newness of life, free from the kingdom of darkness and sin. This new life is not just a new leaf, but a new dynamic for living, with a new identity, destiny, master, purpose, heart, spirit, and battles. We are no longer bound by sin, but liberated by our Savior, and we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us. [... more]

Journalist Todd Starnes joins the Christian Worldview Radio Program to discuss the current events, including the war in Iran, the rise of Islam in Europe, and the impact of pride on leadership. He shares his insights on how to maintain a biblical worldview and the importance of humility in leadership. [... 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]

Dennis Peterson shares a story about his maternal grandmother's hands, which revealed a lot about her life and character. Her hands were hard working, expressive, and kind, despite being arthritic and worn. The story explores the connection between hard work and arthritis, and the importance of understanding the difference between a personalized savior and a revolutionary king. [... 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]

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 Todd Stern Show discusses various topics including the war in Iran, anti-Semitism, and the rise of Islam in the US, as well as personal stories and opinions on politics, space exploration, and social issues. [... more]

Allegations of election mismanagement and misconduct have been made against the election director in Anson County, North Carolina, with claims of failure to execute lawful board duties, interference with statutory duties, and mismanagement affecting election administration. The county board has filed a petition to remove the director, and the state board of elections will decide whether to terminate her. Meanwhile, a lawsuit over election integrity in North Carolina has been settled, with the state board of elections agreeing to comply with a 2023 law requiring the removal of non-citizen voters from the rolls. [... more]

Women played a crucial role in boosting military morale during World War I by interacting with soldiers in canteens and clubs, creating a sense of home away from home. Organizations like the YMCA and Salvation Army sought out women to work with soldiers, but had to balance their roles as wholesome reminders of home and family with the need to keep soldiers from prostitution. The experience of women like Emma Young Dixon, who served in a canteen in France, helped pave the way for women's suffrage and the eventual formation of the USO. [... more]

Bible clubs are being established in public schools across the United States and internationally, bringing the message of God's word to children who may not have access to it otherwise. This ministry, Crossroads Kids Club, is working to spread the gospel and provide a foundation for kids to grow in their faith, with the goal of reaching a new generation of Christian leaders. [... more]

Faith-based investing can align your investments with your values without sacrificing performance or diversification. Professional portfolio managers use sound investment analysis to produce competitive returns. T-bills are a low-risk investment option, but high-yield savings or money market accounts may be a better long-term solution. Payday loans can lead to a cycle of debt and should be avoided, with debt consolidation options available through organizations like Christian Credit Counselors. [... more]

Iran's military has been deliberately embedding its missile operations inside civilian infrastructure, warehouses, sports complexes, and industrial sheds, cataloged, mapped, and prepared in advance. This has led to civilian casualties in airstrikes, which the legacy media has been quick to blame on the US and Israel. However, a leaked document from Iran's own missile command reveals the IRGC's systematic and deliberate use of human shields, which is a war crime. This has significant implications for the ongoing conflict in the region and highlights the need for accurate reporting and accountability. [... more]

A 4-3 decision from the North Carolina Supreme Court has dismissed the Leandro case, a 32-year-old legal challenge to public education funding. The ruling has significant implications for education policy and the constitutional separation of powers in the state. [... more]

Believers are commanded to live holy lives, demonstrating their relationship with God through reverence and obedience. Holy fear is not about being afraid of God's judgment, but about being in awe of His holiness and submitting to His will. The judgment seat, or Bema, is a place where believers will be evaluated for their service and rewarded for their obedience, not for their sin, but for their service to God. [... more]

A discussion on the rare disease CIDP, the potential replacement for Pam Bondi as Attorney General, the Iran conflict, and the future of quantum computing and AI. Additionally, various news stories are covered, including the funding of DHS, a Florida woman accused of squatting in a home, the approval of an obesity pill, and a Domino's delivery driver's kindness. [... more]

The North Carolina Senate is facing a power struggle after Phil Berger's loss in the 2026 primary, with several Republican senators emerging as potential contenders for the president pro tem position. Meanwhile, a legal case is underway in the state Supreme Court, challenging North Carolina's law banning firearm possession by felons, with arguments centering on the type of felonies that should disqualify someone from owning guns. State education officials presented upbeat math scores, but Republican lawmakers are questioning whether the numbers tell a different story and are asking whether students have the materials they need for continued improvement. [... more]

Protecting your finances is a form of stewardship, and being aware of potential scams and identity theft is crucial. Building a strong credit score without accumulating debt requires intentional steps, such as using a secured credit card or credit builder loan. A more straightforward approach to paying off your mortgage is to send extra payments annually, rather than relying on complicated home equity lines of credit. [... more]

A federal judge upholds a North Carolina law changing same-day voter rules, while the state's Board of Elections reviews 15,000 comments on its adoption of a rule for non-citizen list maintenance. Meanwhile, the state's tax policy is compared to that of Vegas casinos, which treat high-net worth individuals well, and the North Carolina Forest Service is working to contain multiple wildfires across the state. [... more]