The ongoing conflict in Iran continues to be a source of frustration and concern for many Americans, with President Trump's back-and-forth approach to negotiations with the Iranian government causing confusion and chaos. Meanwhile, the ACLJ is fighting for the rights of preachers in Chicago, who are being targeted by the city for exercising their First Amendment rights. The ACLJ's attorneys, including Liam Harrell and Will Haynes, are working to protect the constitutional framework that allows for freedom of speech and religion. [... 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]

Western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, with federal grants aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening the workforce. Meanwhile, Duke Energy has joined the Trump administration's ratepayer protection pledge, promising to support measures preventing households and small businesses from paying for power plants and grid infrastructure changes. The North Carolina General Assembly is also debating election laws, with a pair of rewritten bills passed by the Senate that would shorten early voting for primary elections and add performance audits for election systems. Additionally, a state representative is raising concerns about professional standards in public schools, specifically regarding a transgender music teacher at an elementary school. [... more]

John McCormick's life story reveals the power of reinvention in American history. As a devout Catholic who rose to become the first ever Catholic Speaker of the House, McCormick bridged the divide between rural and urban America, and between Catholic and Protestant communities. His career shows that immigration is a solvable issue, and that Americans are always in the process of becoming something new. [... more]

David's faith is tested as he flees from King Saul and seeks refuge in the house of God. He encounters the high priest Abimelech, who is afraid of David's presence. David lies to Abimelech, saying he is on official business, and asks for bread. Abimelech is hesitant, citing the ceremonial laws, but eventually gives David the bread. Meanwhile, a man named Doeg, an Edomite and a servant of Saul, is present and will play a significant role in the next chapter. [... more]

A potential ICE detention center in North Carolina's northeastern part of the state has sparked debate over immigration enforcement and local cooperation. Meanwhile, a major elections overhaul bill is set to see significant movement in the North Carolina General Assembly. Electricity rates across the state are also under scrutiny, with Duke Energy proposing a 9.5% rate increase over the next two years. As North Carolina aims for a carbon-neutral future, the cost of achieving this goal is being felt by consumers. [... more]

A Durham-based energy company, American Efficient, files for bankruptcy after being accused of collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity savings it did not produce. The company's CEO, Adam Abrams, has ties to former Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Democratic Party. Meanwhile, VinFast, a Vietnamese EV manufacturer, is facing a lawsuit from the North Carolina Attorney General's office over its failure to meet job creation targets. The company received a $300 million grant from the state's JDIG program. In other news, former Governor Roy Cooper is leading in fundraising for the US Senate race, with $14.8 million raised in the second quarter compared to Michael Watley's $5 million. [... more]

The North Carolina State Board of Elections is implementing new rules for photo ID exemptions, sparking controversy over voter fraud and election integrity. Meanwhile, businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are still navigating insurance claims and government shutdowns, highlighting the complexities of public policy and the importance of transparency in government. [... more]

Biblical justice is a holistic concept that encompasses retributive and restorative justice, as well as a broader creative understanding of how things ought to be. It involves putting things to rights and fixing what's broken, and is tied to righteousness, mercy, and the care for the vulnerable. Christians are called to practice justice in their everyday financial decisions, including how they earn, spend, save, give, invest, and lend their money. [... more]

The Tate brothers face 59 charges from seven accusers of crimes that are alleged to have happened from 2010 to 2017 in the United Kingdom, including for rape, sex trafficking, and child and extreme pornography. The Democratic Socialist Party's ideology is compared to communism, with some arguing it's a good idea while others see it as a path to disaster. Identity theft is a growing concern, with LifeLock offering protection. The presidential election in 2026 and 2028 is discussed, with some arguing the Democratic Party is becoming more anti-Israel. Darlene Graham, the sister of Lindsey Graham, is running for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Caitlin Clark breaks a record in the WNBA, but seems unimpressed by the achievement. [... 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]

The discussion centers around the apparent disconnect between Vice President J.D. Vance and President Trump, with Vance seemingly at odds with the administration's stance on China and Russia. Meanwhile, the US is dealing with the aftermath of Canada's devastating wildfires, which have led to hazardous air quality and economic losses. Additionally, concerns about election interference and identity theft are raised, as well as issues with food safety and airline policies. [... more]

The concept of American exceptionalism is being redefined by politicians and thinkers who are embracing a Marxist framework, which rejects traditional values and ideals. This shift in perspective is having far-reaching implications for family structure, education, and individual identity, as well as the role of government and the state in shaping society. [... more]

The Todd Stern Show discusses the latest news and events, including President Trump's upcoming speech on election integrity, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the importance of voting laws and election security. The show also touches on conservative politics, government accountability, and national security. [... more]

A new analysis from Carolina Journal shows that elite private schools across North Carolina take little opportunity scholarship dollars, while predominantly lower-cost religious schools receive the largest share of funds. The state budget also expands sports betting and prediction markets, with a 5% increase on gross wagering revenue taxes and a 6% tax on net trading in prediction markets. A federal lawsuit is filed against the Gaston County School Board over a teacher's social media post after Charlie Kirk's assassination, raising questions about First Amendment rights and public vs. private conduct. [... more]

Lawson Bader pays tribute to his late teacher, Erika, by sharing a letter he wrote to her brother, describing how she changed his life and his perspective on freedom. He recounts their trips to Berlin, Germany, and how the city has transformed over the years, from the Berlin Wall to the modern high-rises. [... 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]

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]

John Marshall, the longest-serving Chief Justice in US history, played a pivotal role in shaping the Supreme Court and American law. His decisions, including Marbury v. Madison and Gibbons v. Ogden, established the court's power of judicial review and laid the groundwork for a national market. Marshall's legacy continues to influence American politics and law, with his commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law remaining a cornerstone of American democracy. [... more]