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]

Senator Steve Daines discusses his decision to retire from the U.S. Senate after 14 years of service, citing a desire to spend more time with his family in Montana. He also shares his thoughts on the U.S.-China relationship, the importance of competing with China on the global stage, and the need to become independent of Chinese dependencies, particularly in the area of rare earth minerals. [... 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]

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]

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]

The Todd Stearns Radio Show discusses the importance of patriotism in education, the dangers of gerrymandering, and the impact of the Virginia election on the country. The show also touches on the lack of patriotism among some teachers and administrators, and the need for parents to take an active role in their children's education. [... more]

Dana discusses various topics including the situation in Iran, the Red-Green Alliance, lung cancer, identity theft, laundry detergent, nepo babies, Coachella, the Save America Act, psychedelic drug treatments, a humanoid robot, the Berna gun, and affordability, also criticizing Kamala Harris's statements. [... 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]

A look at the latest developments in North Carolina politics, including the U.S. Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Watley, and the ongoing debate over tax reform and property tax rates. Additionally, the state health plan is seeking a new third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the current situation with Iran, Trump's actions, and the global implications of a potential reset. The conversation also touches on Islamism, the accommodation of Muslim students in schools, and the cultural differences between Japan and the US, particularly in regards to barbecue. Additionally, the topic of shingles and its virus is mentioned. [... more]

North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... more]

Victor Glover's message from space emphasizes unity and shared humanity, while President Trump's press conference highlights the success of the US military in saving two service members. Meanwhile, the media's bias and double standards are on full display, and the importance of protecting one's assets with gold and silver is discussed. [... 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]

The US position in negotiations with Iran continues to strengthen, with the country's anti-drone technology proving effective against Iranian-built drones. Meanwhile, a Democrat Senate candidate in Michigan is criticized for his response to the death of the Ayatollah, with some accusing him of being insensitive to the victims of the regime. Additionally, the Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman criticizes the Obama-Biden administration for giving Iran $150 billion, which was used to fund Hamas, Ansar Allah, and Hezbollah. In other news, an airline is introducing a 'fat tax' that requires overweight passengers to purchase an extra seat, and a new study suggests that the Cologuard test is effective in detecting colon cancer. Furthermore, IBM is working on quantum computing and has made significant progress in the field, with the goal of building the first fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029. [... more]

Todd Stearns discusses the current state of politics, including the Iran situation, the rise of Islam in America, and the conservative movement. He also talks about the importance of freedom and the need for Americans to be aware of the threats to their country. [... more]

The Todd Sterns Radio Show discusses the recent actions of Senate Republicans, particularly Jon Thune, and their decision to pass a funding bill that does not fully fund Homeland Security, leading to criticism from President Trump and other Republicans. The show also touches on the Save America Act, which aims to secure elections and prevent voter fraud, and the importance of Congress taking action to address these issues before the midterms. [... more]

North Carolina voters express pessimism about the country's direction, with 55% saying it's headed in the wrong direction, according to a recent Carolina Journal poll. The poll also found that 84% of voters support requiring lawmakers to give up their salary if they don't pass a budget, and 78% support requiring AI data centers to provide their own energy generation. Additionally, 69% of respondents support increasing the use of involuntary commitment for people with severe mental illness. [... more]

The discussion revolves around current events, including Trump's stance on NATO and the Hormuz Strait, the Iran war, and Israel's influence on US decisions. The conversation also touches on abortion, the importance of judgment, and the role of Christianity in society. Additionally, the topic of drone security and its implications on military sites is explored. [... more]