A close election in North Carolina's 26th Senate District has Sheriff Sam Page extending his lead over Senate President Phil Berger, who has been in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2000. Meanwhile, NC State University is facing a lawsuit over alleged PCB contamination in the Poe Hall building, and a state audit has found financial mismanagement in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District, including a $15 million budget deficit. [... more]

A razor-thin margin in the Republican primary contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has led to scrutiny over provisional ballots and the state's budget impasse. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reviewing 189 provisional ballots, which could potentially change the outcome of the election. Meanwhile, the state's budget remains unresolved, with the General Assembly yet to pass a new budget. The lack of a budget is affecting various agencies, including the Secretary of State's office, which is struggling to fund investigations and staff. The Governor has announced plans to propose critical needs that cannot wait for next year's budget, including Medicaid funding. [... more]

Understanding the taxation of Social Security benefits can be complex, but it's essential to grasp the concept of provisional income and how it affects tax rates. By breaking down the formula and considering individual circumstances, retirees can see that taxes on Social Security are often lower than expected, especially for those with moderate income and a good Social Security check. This knowledge can help alleviate fears and allow retirees to make informed decisions about their finances, including Roth conversions and living off principle. [... more]

A Christian apologist discusses various topics, including Bible interpretation, evolution, and the flat earth theory, explaining why he believes the latter is incorrect and how it relates to creationism and faith. [... more]

In 1961, the residents of McDonald County in Missouri, feeling overlooked and economically threatened, decided to secede from the state and form their own territory, with its own government and laws, in a unique protest against the state's neglect. [... more]