Podcasts about General assembly

On this June 16, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by higher education reporter Jane Winik Sartwell and politics intern Ronni Butts. Hear the latest news on UNC System education legislation in the General Assembly, plus development projects like Carolina North and what's being demolished at NC State. Plus the response to a bleeped out video by Senate Minority Leader Sydney Batch. Stay tuned to the end for their picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Jane Winik Sartwell and Ronni Butts Producer: Kevin Keister Want even more North Carolina politics news? Our Under the Dome newsletter dives deep into all things #ncpol and legislative happenings. It's sent to your inbox Sunday to Friday. Sign up here. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to The N&O. If you're already a subscriber, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Chess, attorney, real estate strategist, capital-raising expert, and trusted advisor, is passionate about helping entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners navigate complex decisions that can dramatically impact enterprise value and long-term success. Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Rick has raised over $100 million for multiple organizations, guided companies through acquisitions, governance challenges, and strategic growth, and helped owners prepare for successful exits. We explore The Capital Raising Framework — Focus on Individuals, Not “the Market”; Be Ready to Sell; Start With Who You Know; Connect on Emotion; and Find a Problem to Solve. Rick explains why raising capital is ultimately about understanding people, not pitching ideas, why investors care more about their needs than your opportunity, and how trust-based relationships create opportunities that compound over time. He also shares lessons from raising capital, building influential networks, serving on boards, and helping entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes when pursuing funding, growth, and exit strategies. — How to be a Trusted Advisor with Rick Chess  Good day, dear listeners. Steve Preda here with the Management Blueprint Podcast. And my guest today is Rick Chess, who is a real estate and exit strategist. He helps business and real estate owners, and the trusted advisors who guide them, turn complex decisions into strategic moves that grow enterprise value and maximize sale outcomes. Rick, welcome to the show.  Thank you. Appreciate it, Steve.  Well, it’s great to have you. And I’m going to ask you my favorite question, which I always ask: What is your personal ‘Why’, and what are you doing to manifest it in your practice?  When you go back in my career, 50-some years, where I’ve been most happy is either growing an organization. That can be a community, that can be a business, it can be an association. And then, at some point, individuals in that association want to move on, whether that’s to retire, to go someplace else, or whatever. And I find that in that world, there are certain things where they might have a Steve Preda who helps them with how to manage day to day. But they get to certain big issues that they’ve never done before, and maybe they’ll never do again. That’s where I like to come in because I know I’m critically important to them. So you’re a trusted advisor. You like to grapple with the big challenges people have in their lives, whether it’s a big real estate transaction, getting ready for an exit, an acquisition, or something like that.  Yeah.  Yeah.  So, I mean, the things that would be—for instance, most folks, if they’re talking about real estate, they have some idea how to fix a toilet. They have some idea how to buy a property. But when they get to a certain point, it’s like, “We need to raise $10,000. We need to raise $100 million,” whatever the amount is, because there’s either a great opportunity or they want to keep moving upward. And they have, again, a Steve Preda who can help them through the process. How they get that capital often is what trips people up. So that’s where I kind of first got into this.  I was an acquisition guy. I knew how to spend other people’s money, but I didn’t know at that time how to raise the money. And I’ve done it several times. I’ve raised $100 million for three different companies. And like everything in life, like with Summit, there is a process that you go through. And I love doing it. I just love doing that kind of stuff.  Okay. So when you are doing capital raising, fundraising, M&A deals, or real estate transactions, is there a framework that has helped you, that you figured out along the way? And think about something that is three to five steps. Maybe it’s a mental model of how you look at things, or maybe it’s a process. How would you describe that framework that you have, or that has helped you, so that the listeners would also benefit from it?  The listeners are best served if they step back from their preconceived notions of, A, how they think capital is attracted, because they usually are wrong. And they step back from how wonderful they are. And those two things are difficult. Because the reality is, no one is waiting to give you money. That’s foolish. You’ve got to sell the concept like you have to sell everything else. And what you sell is not what you think is wonderful. It’s what the market is going to think is wonderful. It’s like with any other product you’re making. “Hey, I made this great widget.” And the population looks at it and says, “I don’t need it. I don’t want it. I don’t know what it does.”  And depending on whether you’re trying to raise $100,000 from friends and family or $100 million on Wall Street, you look at who it is that you know. Because people that you know might at least return your phone call. So if you don’t know Bill Gates, thinking that you’re going to go to Bill Gates and get a billion dollars is, well, stup*d. But if you’re just trying to raise money from friends and family, and you have an aunt who lives three states away that you don’t see very often, and she has some money, okay, then you start with who you know. So, for instance, thinking about one of the many ways that you can raise money, there’s something called intrastate. And it is something that’s allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. If all of your money is raised within your own state, there are certain allowances for that.  But if you do one transaction outside the state, it all collapses. So like everything else on the business side, where there are certain rules that you can’t violate without getting into trouble, it’s the same thing when raising money. And I get so many people saying, “I’m going to list this on Wall Street, and I’m going to make…” It’s like, “No, you don’t. You better be prepared. If you’re going to list something on Wall Street, you’d better have $25 million that you can risk just to get it out there. And nine times out of ten you’re going to fail.” Not because there’s anything wrong with you.  It’s just that if you’re going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a pair of Keds, a T-shirt, and some shorts, you’re not prepared to climb that mountain. It’s no different when raising capital. And also think about when you were a kid. At a certain age, your parents let you cross the street to see your buddy. Then ten years later, they’ll let you get in the car and drive, but you’ve got to get home by midnight. It’s the same thing with raising money. And there aren’t a lot of folks who have done what I’ve done. So talking to your local lawyer or accountant—who may be wonderful people—but if they’ve never raised money, they’re not the people to talk to.  One of the ways people get taken advantage of on a regular basis is they’ll go to a securities attorney. The securities attorney will charge them $100,000 and write this great offering document, and no one ever gives them a penny. Because lawyers generally have no clue what’s happening in the marketplace. I own my own securities broker-dealer. I’ve also raised money for three different companies. It’s not easy. But like having read your book, Steve, if you follow certain paths, there’s at least a chance for success. Same thing here. Fascinating. So what I’m taking away in terms of a framework: Be aware that people are not out there waiting to give you money. You have to sell them. So that’s the first step. The second one is: start with who you know. Don’t start on Wall Street. Start with the people you know, where you have some trust, the people you understand, and where you have a chance to get there. And then look at some special circumstance that’s going to give you a leg up. For example—  Absolutely. Again, this is coming right out of your book on the business side. You create a widget. So what? But you create a widget that solves a problem. Ah. Then you have something. So it’s the same thing. When you get over onto the money-raising side, it’s: who do you know? Where do they live? How much money do they have? How do I approach them? But then, in the end, it’s not what’s in it for you, it’s what’s in it for them. And for them, if it’s friends and family, your mama may give you some money because she thinks you’re cute.  Your aunt might give you some money because she’s related to your mama. But at some point, you’re going to people who really have a checkbook. They have money in the checkbook. They’re not going to give this up just because you’re cute or you have a great idea. You’re either going to get them because you have something they’ve never heard of, or you have something that really feels like it could solve one of their needs. And their needs are not always what you think. Some people think, “Well, what they need is high cash flow.” What if they don’t need cash flow, but they’re really interested in a cure for cancer?  What if you think, “Well, it’s really going to go up in value”? Well, they have all the money they need. They’re not looking for that. But is this something that is going to allow their nephew to come work for you? Yeah. When you start thinking that you know what other people are thinking, that’s when you’re going to fail. When you can step back and just ask them, “Well, what’s important to you?” If you can’t have a conversation, one, you’re never going to date anybody, and you’re never going to raise any money.  And don’t be slick. You can be slick for three sentences, and at that point they’re going to reject everything you say thereafter. So don’t talk about how much money you’re going to make and all the rest of it. No. Talk about them. Talk about them. Talk about them. Your document should talk about them. Your questions should talk about them. Now, does that mean there are certain people who won’t put money into your deal? Yes, because it doesn’t fit. If you sell high-heeled shoes and a runner comes in, they’re generally not going to buy your high-heeled shoes. They’re not going to invest money in high-heeled shoes.  But if that high-heeled shoe actually is a running shoe, and you can break off the heel and then… I mean, I don’t know. You could come up with something there. And the folks that say no are sometimes your biggest advocates. What? The folks that… Yes. Because you’ve been able to get into their head, and they’ve shaken it around, and they’ve looked at it and said, “No, that’s probably not right for me. I’m not into high-heeled shoes, but I have a friend.” If you’ve done a sincere job, a thoughtful job, you’ve really asked them questions, and you’ve connected on an emotional level, they’ll open the next door. And that’s what it’s about. It’s often a lot of the same things that you teach people about how to sell their company. It’s how they sell—  Rick, this is fascinating. So how do you connect with people on an emotional level? What’s the trick there?  First thing is: why are they going to take a meeting with you? Why they take a meeting with you answers almost everything that we’ve just asked. If they’re taking a meeting with you because you’re related, okay, that’s the emotional connection. If they take a meeting with you because some friend of yours called them and said, “This is a great way to make money,” that’s another reason. If you found them in an article in the paper—yes, there are things called newspapers. They print them. There are words in them. And there’s somebody in there who has shown an interest in something you do.  Then you’re talking to them about that interest. You want to try to avoid cold calls. Really, it’s a waste of your time and a waste of their time. It’s a random thing. It’s like asking every girl who walks by in college, “Do you want to go out on a date?” Sometimes it works. You get slapped a lot, get arrested, and what have you. There’s this thing called the internet, Steve. And what shocks me is how few people—not just my age, but young pups—say, “Well, that’s for watching YouTube videos.” No.  Through the internet, you have so much information. So maybe I can’t find anything about Johnny Jones, but his kids are on there and what sports they play. Huh. Okay, so I used to do judo. I did three years of judo in high school. If somebody’s doing karate or whatever, I have an opening. I have something to talk about. Now, it’s great if what you have to talk about then connects to something else that they want. It’s a linking process of connecting various things together. It’s what I did… I told you I was a member of the General Assembly in Pennsylvania way back in the ’70s.  And I learned there that if I could get people talking about themselves, or their next-door neighbor, or some relative… What’s funny is people are much more likely to tell you about somebody else. So when I go into a company—this is just a side note—when I’m doing due diligence and I really want to know their financial condition, I’m not going to get it from the CFO. I’m going to get it from somebody over in property management. Why? Because the property management person knows not to tell me anything secret about property management, but they’ll talk about finances all the time. And it’s the same thing. If I’m in a family and I want to know about Daddy, I talk to the daughter.  If I want to know about a neighbor, I talk to a neighbor. I can go to the post office. Everything you ever need to position yourself to sell is out there waiting for you. But you’ve got to get out of your head what you think the market is about and start thinking about individuals within the market. And accept that when I’ve raised money, 70% to 80% of the people I call on don’t do a deal with me. But of that 70%, half of them lead me to somebody else. And I keep up with them. They become my support group. They become my unofficial advisors. Because I’m a decent guy, they want me to succeed. And once they know I’m not bugging them anymore, I say, “Hey, you told me I should go talk to such-and-such.  Here’s what I heard.” And then the network just expands. And occasionally, that person who said no has somebody new come into their life and says, “You need to go talk to Rick Chess.” And sometimes the next time I’m raising money, their situation is different. So the person who told me no originally has seen me work the market and close the deal. It’s amazing how attractive an opportunity is once you can’t put any more money into it. And so you let them know, “I know it wasn’t the right time for you to come into my deal, but we did buy this company. We’ve doubled their…” Whatever it is. You continue to work with them. If somebody is willing to give you time on the phone, on Zoom, at a coffee shop, or wherever, they’re your friend for life. They don’t know that yet, but you’re going to make them your friend for life. It’s the old six degrees of separation—the Kevin Bacon game.  Everybody’s related to somebody somewhere. And it’s what makes this fun for me. You were talking before about growing an exit. I love the process of putting together the network and feeding the network. There are people I’ve known for 50 years that I still talk with.  You’re very good at connecting people and making them look good with other people that you connect them to. It’s very gratifying. So this is a long game, right? Absolutely.  It’s a long game because you’re being decent. You listen to people. You find something that helps them. You learn what they need, what is the itch that needs to be scratched, and then you connect people who can help them scratch that itch. And then they will reciprocate, and it becomes a self-perpetuating process.  Well, I mean, an example is the work that I do in North Carolina with a family that owns 44 hotels. A woman who was my CPA left the CPA firm and became the family officer for a large family here in Richmond. A friend of hers who does advisory work with family offices was giving up on a client. So she told my friend, who used to be a CPA. She introduced me to them and said, “Would you be willing to serve on the board of a private company?” I said, “Well, do they pay?” I used to be on the board of a public company, and after a certain age, you’re not attractive anymore.  After a certain age, they want you off the board because the institutions say, “We want a mix on the board. So I got introduced to these people, and I’ve had a great time. Members of the family have hired me for other work, and it just goes on and on. But I’ve learned that you’ve got to pay it forward. So I have students of mine from VCU who I’ve helped place in jobs. I keep up with them. I give them ideas. And they’re often shocked to find that I’m still in touch with them. I’m not asking them for anything. I’m just saying, “Look, I paid it forward to you. Now it’s your turn to pay it forward to somebody else.” And some of them are doing it. Some of them haven’t caught on yet.  But it is the circle of life, and it’s all tied together. And there are skills you have that I don’t have. There are skills I have that you don’t have. We both have folks that work with business brokers because they have a different drive. But it’s also self-selecting. There are a lot of people you’ve met that you don’t do business with. There are a lot of people I’ve met that I don’t do business with. If you’re going to get into raising money, doing governance, or doing exit planning, whatever it may be, one of the most important things is saying no. Or, “No, I don’t want to work with this person.” You can always be friendly with them. Yeah. But I try to fire a client every month. Somebody that just doesn’t fit for me ethically. Yeah. Or I don’t think there’s anything more I can do for them.  I pass off legal work to other attorneys in Virginia. I’m the chair of the Real Property Section of the state bar. There are 1,550 attorneys. I have plenty of attorneys that I can pass things on to, and they’re happy to get the business, and I’m happy. I’ve got somebody that I’ve referred that’s happy that I’ve referred them. My biggest challenge, my wife would say, my son would say, is that I’m a squirrel chaser. Something new and interesting comes along, and I want to get involved with it. And I’ve wasted so much time. So I’m working with this hotel group down in North Carolina. The last time I had worked with a hotel company was 30 years earlier. Two owners couldn’t agree on a direction.  I worked with them for six months. We made a decision. It was great work. I learned a lot about hotels. But I then went 30 years without applying the same skills. And that’s one thing that, with age, I’ve realized. I am better off saying: “I’ll help you with capital, I’ll help you with governance, and when you’re ready, I’ll help you exit.” That’s it.  Yeah.  If it’s not one of those three, I’ll talk about it.  Yeah.  I’ll listen to you. You don’t want to engage me.  Yeah. I mean, people want deep expertise. They don’t want generalists. They want someone who knows what they’re talking about and who can link them to other resources who also know what they’re talking about. And in today’s age, I think this is becoming more important again. Because of the internet, there was a disintermediation going on, but now there is a reintermediation, I believe. Because there’s so much noise out there, you don’t know what is true and what is fake. AI is creating a lot of fake stuff.  The only people you can really trust are the people who are in front of you, or someone recommends them whom you trust. It’s a transparency thing. So I think what you’re doing is very valuable. It’s going to become even more valuable. And knowledge is ubiquitous. You can ask ChatGPT, and it will give you an answer. But how do you get the trust? How do you get the emotion? How do you get the relationships? That’s all human stuff. And if you still have that, then you’ve got what is valuable.  Well, I have a friend of mine who wrote a book, and he wrote it as a fable. What I love about it is that I know the true story behind the fable. And what comes across in every single chapter is that, with that trust, people who were afraid took a step. And often that is the hardest thing. So I go to the gym six days a week, and the gym is hard. Getting in the car to drive there is the hard part. Once I’m there, I’m around friends, I work hard, I sweat, I get better. Getting in that car and driving down the drive…  So in your fable, in your book, and in most of where I’ve had success, I would love to say it was because I was brilliant. Eh, sometimes I will say I was brilliant. But let me give you an example. United Dominion Realty Trust, now based in Denver and originally based here in Richmond, has been around for 35 years. It was one of the original five REITs in the country—real estate investment trusts. I came in as acquisitions director. They hadn’t closed a deal in a year. I closed three in the first three months. I grew the firm tenfold in 10 years, and I had great people. Buddy Scott as an analyst. Catherine Surface as an attorney.  But what I did was look at it and say, “Does anybody know what we’re trying to buy?” Because they had no acquisition criteria. So I wrote a one-page acquisition criteria document and put it out to everybody who had ever submitted a deal. Oh, and we weren’t responding to the submissions. So a submission would come in, they would look at it and say, “Okay, that doesn’t work.” But they never told anybody no. So one of my rules was that anything that came in would get a response within 48 hours.  And it should be specific. “We don’t like this because of the city.” “We don’t like this because of the roof.” Something specific, because I knew they’d pay attention. And by responding within 48 hours, we went from struggling to get submissions to doubling our submissions within a year. Because people were like, “Oh, we know what they want. We know they will respond.” And then—and this probably sounds outrageous—we celebrated. We put out a newsletter every month. This is back when you mailed things, so we’re going way back into the dinosaur era. But anytime a broker brought us something that we bought, we would do a full-page spread on the broker. We were marketing him or her.  People loved us. And they would tell others about us. So owners would know that if they came to us, we’d make a fair offer and we’d move on. So I would love to say that’s because I was a great attorney. I would love to say that’s because I was insightful. It was just like, “Well, damn, this is obvious.” And reading some of your stuff, I’ve seen you point that out to people time and time again.  You give me too much credit. But yeah, I mean, if you’re there, they say that if you work hard for 25 years, you can become an overnight success. So yeah, it does get obvious when you’ve been studying it long and hard. Well, listen, Rick, that’s been wonderful. So what is your final thought for an entrepreneur, a young entrepreneur or founder who’s coming up? Maybe he’s in real estate. Maybe he’s trying to be successful. What’s the most important mindset for an entrepreneur to become successful?  Well, I mean, you’ve got to know something. I mean, you either need to really know construction, or you’ve got to really know how to lease a space. If you’re going into it like they do on HDTV, like, “Oh, we’re going to find this property and it’s going to be…” You’re going to fail. So get good at something. Accept the fact that you’re not going to be good at everything. Find people who fill in the spots where you aren’t good. In the old days, you might have had to hire them. In today’s world, there are fractional CFOs.  And then when you get down to picking your experts—your attorneys, your accountants, the people that cost you real money—ask them a simple question: When was the last time they did whatever it is that you’re trying to do? Not when was the last time they prepared a securities document. When was the last time they prepared a securities document that succeeded? And that’ll knock out two-thirds of them right there.  Love it. That’s fantastic. Well, if you’re listening to this and you want to be successful in business, or you have a business and maybe you’re getting close to retirement and want to figure out how to transition it, how to exit right, and how to structure it… Or maybe you have a family company and you’re trying to put together a board, and you need someone who really understands governance. Or if you’re trying to do a transaction, a merger, or an acquisition, and you need a trusted advisor who will connect you to the right people and help you make it happen, then call Rick Chess. Rick Chess is here in Richmond. He is on LinkedIn. And you have a website as well, Rick, right?  Yep, yep.  What’s your domain?  It’s chesslawfirm.com.  Chesslawfirm.com. So you can go there, and Rick is going to respond because he always does within 24 hours, or 48 hours max, and he’ll help you. So Rick, thank you very much for coming on the show and sharing your wisdom with us. And if you’re listening to this and you like this show, please follow us on YouTube and Apple Podcasts. Give us a review, and make sure you listen to every episode because we have very exciting entrepreneurs and subject matter experts sharing their knowledge. So thank you for coming, and thank you for listening. Important Links: Rick's LinkedIn Rick's website

Alex Murdaugh finished law school at the University of South Carolina in 1994. The judge who now holds his future finished at the same school in 1993. Twelve months apart, same building, same degree — and two lives that could not have run in more opposite directions. He walked into a family firm with a century of Lowcountry power behind it. She walked out with law books other people had to buy for her, opened a solo practice, and spent twenty-five years grinding before the General Assembly ever put her on the bench. Now those two paths collide in the biggest retrial this state has ever seen.If you've followed every turn of this case, this episode is your full briefing on Judge Debra McCaslin. We trace how Chief Justice Kittredge's order handed her exclusive control over every motion, every hearing, and the retrial itself. We dig into her real history with Dick Harpootlian — the shared office space, the video poker class action, the murder case where she refused to revoke his client's bond. And we look hard at the other side of her ledger: the triple-murder trial where she sentenced both defendants to life, and the DNA challenge she shut down that the appeals court later upheld.Then the stakes: McCaslin will decide whether this trial leaves Walterboro, how a death penalty demand gets handled if the Attorney General follows through, and how much of the financial-crimes evidence the next jury actually hears after the Supreme Court said the first jury heard far too much. Every road in this case now runs through one woman — and the Murdaugh name means nothing to her.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspodX Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#MurdaughRetrial #AlexMurdaugh #MurdaughMurders #TrueCrime #DebraMcCaslin #Harpootlian #MurdaughNewTrial #SouthCarolina #MaggieMurdaugh #PaulMurdaugh

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there could be a special legislative session in Illinois this summer, but he won't raise people's taxes to pay for a new Chicago Bears stadium. Pritzker spoke in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon and said there could be a special session if the General Assembly can get together on one piece of Bears legislation. “The first priority for me is we're not raising people's taxes to pay for a privately owned stadium, that's number one, or any stadium for a billionaire-owned family,” Pritzker said. The governor also said the legislature would be meeting again in few months. Fall veto session is scheduled Nov. 17-19 and Dec. 1-3. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it mean to be a people marked by prayer? In this episode of In All Things, Dave Strunk, outgoing Moderator of the 45th General Assembly and Thursday morning worship speaker, reflects on the theme of prayer through the story of Hezekiah and Isaiah. Drawing from scripture and his experience serving the EPC, Dave offers encouragement for leaders and churches to seek the Lord with humility, dependence, and trust. As we gather for General Assembly, this conversation reminds us that our strength as a church is found not in ourselves, but in the Lord, and that we are “Better Together” when we come to Him in prayer. To learn more about the 2026 General Assembly and to register, visit: epconnect.org/ga2026

Aaron, Chris and Kim cover Lexington's data center deliberations, what's up with medical weed, and WHEN WILL BEVIN GET LOCKED UP, then check in on the civics crisis facing Kentucky with online educator and good troublemaker, Attica Scott. Great week on #ColonelsOfTruth!BITIN' LISTAaron: Jason NemesChris: Demetrius LigginsKimberly: Baron Trump GET INVOLVED:NO KINGS, NO CAGE MATCHES - Just singing, and a livestream and community at the The Historic Lyric on Sunday evening: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/965165/ We've got 145 Days to FLIP THE 6th!!! Join the campaign to turn out more unlikely voters!!! Wise Bird on the 23rd and W6 on the 6th - https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/870258/ NEWS OF THE WEAK:https://www.weku.org/the-commonwealth/2026-06-05/kentucky-ohio-valley-coal-plants-receive-more-than-100-million-in-trump-fundshttps://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article316064052.htmlhttps://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/09/gop-leader-says-ky-agencies-that-go-along-with-medical-cannabis-order-should-be-prosecuted/https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/05/judge-orders-jail-time-for-former-gov-matt-bevin-over-failure-to-produce-financial-information/INTERVIEW: Attica Scott - Ask Attica and Civics in 60!she's on FB: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atticascottkyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atticascottkyIG: https://www.instagram.com/atticascottky/CALL TO ACTION - Kentucky Conservation Committee & Kentuckians For The Commonwealth are coming together to demand more from our General Assembly on the issue of data centers:https://secure.ngpvan.com/MtM-HGBKykG8KsVyCaNWIA2#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruthJoin us! http://progressky.org/Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progresskyLive Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_kyListen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylKFacebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠ Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠https://linktr.ee/progresskyEpisode 262 was produced by Aaron & supported by ParkerTheme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Colorado's General Assembly gaveled out on May 15th after passing hundreds of bills on everything from conversion therapy to transportation, law enforcement requirements to homelessness. This week on "Off the Record" we hear a conversation with reporters from the Colorado Capitol News Alliance on bills of note and where politics are going in Colorado. This program is hosted by Rocky Mountain Community Radio and KVNF's Body Wilson.

ALTERNATE TITLES Lindsey Graham's Machine Faces a Reckoning The GOP Civil War in South Carolina Alan Wilson's Final Pitch to Voters Can Conservatives Finally Change Columbia? The Battle for the Governor's Mansion The Establishment vs. The Grassroots Why This Election Could Change South Carolina Forever The Last Stand of the Political Machine Immigration, Taxes, and the Future of SC Election Day: A Turning Point for Conservatives HOOK After decades of control, is South Carolina's political machine finally vulnerable? On Election Day, Tara examines the power structure that has dominated state politics for generations, hears a final pitch from gubernatorial candidate Alan Wilson, and asks whether voters are ready to demand a different direction for the Palmetto State. PODCAST DESCRIPTION South Carolina voters head to the polls today in what many conservatives view as a defining election for the state's future. Tara explores what she describes as the long-standing political machine operating in Columbia, examining issues ranging from immigration enforcement and tax policy to congressional redistricting and Republican primary battles. The episode features an extended interview with Attorney General Alan Wilson, who outlines his vision for the governor's office, discusses plans to eliminate the state income tax, reform the judicial system, combat government waste, and use the governor's office more aggressively to push legislation through the General Assembly. The discussion also focuses on Lindsey Graham's influence within South Carolina politics, ongoing tensions between grassroots conservatives and establishment Republicans, and concerns about whether state leaders have done enough to advance conservative priorities. As Election Day unfolds, Tara argues that voters have an opportunity to begin reshaping the future of South Carolina politics. FEATURED INTERVIEW Attorney General Alan Wilson Makes His Final Case With voters heading to the polls, Attorney General Alan Wilson joined the program to deliver his closing argument to South Carolina Republicans. Wilson highlighted his record as attorney general, including criminal prosecutions, legal challenges against federal administrations, public safety initiatives, and efforts to combat government waste and corruption. He also laid out a gubernatorial agenda focused on: Eliminating South Carolina's income tax Reducing property taxes Expanding school choice Reforming judicial selection Modernizing state government Increasing accountability in Columbia Using the governor's office more aggressively to advance legislation Wilson emphasized that leadership requires active engagement and pledged to use the governor's office as a "bully pulpit" to pressure lawmakers when necessary. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Election Day could reshape South Carolina's political landscape • Alan Wilson argues for a more aggressive use of gubernatorial authority • Immigration enforcement remains a major issue among conservative voters • Debate continues over the influence of political insiders in Columbia • Congressional redistricting remains a source of controversy • Conservatives continue pushing for income tax elimination • School choice and judicial reform remain major campaign themes • Lindsey Graham's influence remains a significant factor in state politics • Grassroots voters are increasingly challenging establishment leadership • Turnout may determine whether political change occurs SOUND BITES "The office of governor belongs to you, and I'm asking you to hire me." "Strong, bold leadership—not someone waiting for a bill to come to their desk." "The governor should be leading from the front." "We can begin to break the back of the machine." "I will always be accountable to you." "This is a rare chance to change the future of the state." CHAPTERS Segment 1 Election Day and the fight against the political machine Segment 2 Lindsey Graham's influence on South Carolina politics ...

On this June 9, 2026 episode of The News & Observer's Under the Dome politics podcast, host and Capitol bureau chief Dawn Vaughan is joined by legislative and lobbying reporter Esther Frances and democracy reporter Kyle Ingram, looking at State Board of Elections upcoming hearing and the dustup at the Jackson County Board of Elections. Plus what to expect at the General Assembly this week, from Jaleeyah's Law to budget talks. Stay tuned to the end for a Canes update and picks for Headliner of the Week. Host: Dawn Vaughan Guests: Esther Frances & Kyle Ingram Producer: Kevin Keister Want even more North Carolina politics news? Our Under the Dome newsletter dives deep into all things #ncpol and legislative happenings. It's sent to your inbox Sunday to Friday. Sign up here. Please consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to The N&O. If you're already a subscriber, thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalists from around the state discuss the news of the week with host Bill Bryant, including court challenges to several laws passed in the 2026 General Assembly. Panelists: Tessa Duvall, Lexington Herald-Leader; Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern; and Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal.

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Illinois' new budget for fiscal year 2027 protects working families from new taxes, but Republican state Rep. Blaine Wilhour says the governor can't stop asking for more. The governor touted investments in housing, education and health care in the $55.9 billion spending plan approved by the General Assembly on Monday. “We made all of those people-first investments while maintaining our positive fiscal trajectory and protecting working families from paying new taxes,” Pritzker said. The state's latest revenue package includes Pritzker's social media platform fee, which the governor suggested could generate $200 million for public education. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last month the PA state House unanimously approved legislation requiring utilities to consider Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) -- hardware and software innovations that make the electric grid smarter and more efficient -- in their infrastructure planning. As the Senate takes up HB 2223, we're republishing our 2025 interview with Jenny Netherton of the Pew Charitable Trusts and Chris D'Agostino of Advanced Energy United. Plus, PEC's John Walliser has an overview of pending energy legislation heading into the General Assembly's busiest season.

This week on Newsmakers: Ted Nesi is joined by The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson and Rhode Island Current's Nancy Lavin for a roundtable on the key issues as the General Assembly session wraps up; plus, Kim Kalunian's one-on-one interviews with Republican 2nd Congressional District candidates Stephen Skoly and Vic Mellor.

How does the church stand firm in the midst of spiritual opposition, and what does that mean for our unity? In this episode of In All Things, Keon Abner, teaching elder and Regional Church Planting Director for the EPC Northeast, shares his experience in ministry and previews his General Assembly message from Ephesians 6, exploring the reality of spiritual warfare and the call for the church to stand firm together. As we prepare for General Assembly, this conversation calls us to remain grounded in truth, strengthened in faith, and committed to one another – because we are “Better Together.” To learn more about the 2026 General Assembly and to register, visit: epconnect.org/ga2026

State lawmakers are taking a swing at delivering a more comprehensive approach to how large load electricity users – specifically data centers – are regulated going forward. The new legislation was introduced late last month with the hope of getting it through the General Assembly before the current session ends June 30th.Delaware Public Media contributor Jon Hurdle took a closer look at the new bill and reaction to it in his latest piece, and he joined Tom Byrne to discuss his reporting.

Unlock the full episode with a discount subscription to Global Dispatches --> https://www.globaldispatches.org/40PercentOff There was a remarkable scene at the United Nations yesterday as the President of the General Assembly and former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock read out the results of a hotly contested race for a Security Council seat. For months, Portugal, Austria, and Germany had been duking it out behind the scenes at the General Assembly. These three EU allies were competing for just two seats on the Security Council, where they would serve for two years as non-permanent members. They needed the votes of two-thirds of the Assembly to secure those seats, and one country would be the odd European out. As Baerbock read the results, she sat stone-faced while the General Assembly erupted in raucous applause: Portugal and Austria would be joining the Security Council in 2027. Germany was snubbed. This was the first time that Germany sought a Security Council seat and lost. What's more, it was the first time that any of the so-called "G4" countries — India, Brazil, Japan, and Germany — were denied a seat on the Council. Adding insult to injury in Berlin is the fact that, ever since the United States sharply cut foreign aid, Germany has been the largest bilateral donor in the world, according to OECD figures. So what happened here? Why was Germany snubbed? In this episode of To Save Us From Hell, our podcast about the United Nations, we break down the likely reason that Germany fell from a shoo-in for the Council to losing an election to much smaller European countries. But first, we discuss the first "hustings" in the race for UN Secretary-General, hosted in London by the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom. Five of the six declared candidates for UN Secretary-General took rapid-fire questions before a live audience in London. We break down what we learned about the candidates — and what their answers suggest about who might become the next UN Secretary-General.

Former NC Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest sits down for a candid conversation about the twists and turns that have shaped his life, career, and outlook on the future.   The Republican reflects on growing up in a political family, how his parents' divorce affected him and influenced his views on faith, family, and perseverance. He also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of his public life: his 2020 gubernatorial loss, what he learned from the experience, and how it changed his perspective on politics and leadership. Today, Forest has embarked on a new chapter that he says he genuinely loves. As a lobbyist and leader of a coalition focused on blockchain technology and AI, he is helping businesses and policymakers navigate some of the most transformative innovations of our time. He discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, the future of cryptocurrency, and why he believes emerging technologies will reshape government, business, and everyday life. Plus, Skye and Brian break down the latest developments at the General Assembly, including a budget update, several key bills on the move, and a notable veto override. They also take a look at the stories shaping the week across North Carolina before turning their attention to the state's collective obsession: the Carolina Hurricanes.  The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.globaldispatches.orgThere was a remarkable scene at the United Nations yesterday as the President of the General Assembly and former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock read out the results of a hotly contested race for a Security Council seat.For months, Portugal, Austria, and Germany had been duking it out behind the scenes at the General Assembly. These three EU a…

The state Ethics Commission has voted to formally investigate whether former House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's bid for the Rhode Island Supreme Court violates the state's "revolving door" law. The complaint, filed by Roger Williams University Law Professor and former Dean Michael Yelnosky, sets up a high-stakes legal showdown over legislative power and judicial independence. Key Talking Points & Fact Sheet The Vote: In a closed-door session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the RI Ethics Commission voted 6–1 to accept the complaint and greenlight a formal investigation. Notable Recusal: Commission Chairman Lauren Jones recused himself due to his past legal representation of the General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Legislative Services. The Core Conflict ("The Revolving Door"): Written into state law in 1992 following the supreme court scandals of the 1980s/90s, the rule explicitly prohibits sitting legislators from seeking or accepting employment with any state government agency for one year after leaving office. Yelnosky's Argument: Professor Michael Yelnosky filed the complaint the exact afternoon Shekarchi stepped down from the speaker's rostrum (May 7). Yelnosky argues the rule is crystal clear and designed precisely to stop powerful lawmakers from transitioning seamlessly into high-court judicial appointments. Shekarchi’s Defense: Former Speaker Shekarchi and his attorney, Thomas Dickinson, contend that the Supreme Court is a "constitutional office/court" rather than a standard state agency, making it exempt from the one-year cooling-off period. Shekarchi opted not to seek an advance advisory opinion, stating, "the law is very clear to me." The Precedent (The 2020 Loophole): This isn't unchartered territory. In 2020, the commission voted 5–2 to allow then-Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Erin Lynch Prata to jump straight to the Supreme Court—defying their own staff's recommendation. Crucially, the commission never issued a formal, written opinion back then, leaving the legal question legally unsettled. Yelnosky argues that 2020 did not establish a binding precedent. What Makes This Investigation Different: Ethics Commission Executive Director Jason Gramitt noted that unlike typical cases, there are virtually no facts in dispute. Shekarchi applied for the seat, and he was just in office. The entire case hinges strictly on legal interpretation of the statute. The Timeline & Stakes The Vacancy: The seat opened up following the March 27 retirement of Associate Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg. Clock is Ticking: The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) has until August 4, 2026, to submit a list of 3 to 5 vetted candidates to Governor Dan McKee. The Playbook: McKee then has 21 days to choose a nominee, who must be confirmed by both chambers of the General Assembly. If the Ethics Commission doesn't rule "fairly quickly" (as Gramitt expects), it could completely cloud the JNC selection process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Gina Patterson is joined by VSBA's Government Relations Specialist, Sofhia Pineda to discuss the outcome of the Virginia General Assembly's April special session and key legislative updates affecting public education. Tune in for an overview of what school board members should be watching and how to prepare for changes ahead.

History is usually told through the lens of famous men, but it's often that lesser-known figures deserve our closer attention. Such is the case with Philip Cary (fl. 1685–1710), a Particular Baptist minister in Dartmouth, England. Cary attended the General Assembly of Baptist churches in London in 1689, and his writings were commended in a letter from that esteemed association. This volume contains the complete works of Cary, published for the first time in 300 years. These three treatises were written to defend the distinctives of the Baptist tradition. In particular, he defended the doctrine of believer's baptism in dialogue with his friends and fellow-townsmen, the Puritan minister John Flavel, and a local physician, Richard Burthogge. Taylor Walls has written a substantial introduction in which we meet Philip Cary, and the reader is well-served by his survey of Cary's theology. Cary's view of the law and covenant theology reveal both his continuity and discontinuity with the broader Reformed tradition. Cary's labor was valued by Baptists in ages past and, after such a lengthy stay in dusty archives, is worthy of rediscovery in our day. Pick up your copy of the Works of Philip Cary here: https://www.particularbaptistbooks.com/product-page/the-works-of-philip-cary-1 For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org  

It's now abundantly clear that not only are the Georgia Republican Party's two Senate options of poor candidate quality with mid-20th century 'Jim Crow' vision, they're corrupt. Even worse for the Georgia GOP, they're golden boy - governor Brian Kemp - has been pulled into the woodchipper and exposed as well. With good local journalism disappearing - even in major hubs like Atlanta - it's important to pay attention to when it's still covering stories like these. The whole "Dooley-Kemp-other Dooley money funnel" story brought to light last week by WXIA-TV's Doug Richards was actually touched on in a Substack piece by Georgia Politics & Polling (no author named). Still, hat-tip!That sullies the already mediocre shine on the campaign of failed football coach Derek Dooley, son of UGA football legend Vince. It's also tarnished the perception that Brian Kemp is an unblemished 'rising star' with 2028 aspirations. Rep. Mike Collins, however, has long seemed to have issues with the company he keeps - notably his chief staffer and campaign manager Brandon Phillips. If Brandon's not making repulsive statements about rape victims being "sloppy seconds," he's making sure his girlfriend gets paid via taxpayer dollars through an internship where she did nothing. Then there's another staffer - Kip Talley - working double-time to free a Holocaust-denier - and bragging he'd do so in a group chat.A whole lot of 'ick' on that run-off ballot.- - - Speaking of run-offs, I'd opted not to weigh in on Georgia Democratic run-offs because I don't see bad options; but the lieutenant governor's race calls for commentary. Listen, I've no issues with ambition, but former Senator Nabilah Parkes put hers above her constituents, and her debate performance did little to make her look as a) a superior choice or b) a likable candidate (and she's a likable person, so that's baffling). Leaving your post is one thing; leaving the middle of a General Assembly session is another. Trying to explain that your absence means nothing because the other side is the majority and will ram new maps through anyway smacks of 'defeatism' and her opponent, state Senator Josh McLaurin is right to point that out.

History is usually told through the lens of famous men, but it's often that lesser-known figures deserve our closer attention. Such is the case with Philip Cary (fl. 1685–1710), a Particular Baptist minister in Dartmouth, England. Cary attended the General Assembly of Baptist churches in London in 1689, and his writings were commended in a letter from that esteemed association. This volume contains the complete works of Cary, published for the first time in 300 years. These three treatises were written to defend the distinctives of the Baptist tradition. In particular, he defended the doctrine of believer's baptism in dialogue with his friends and fellow-townsmen, the Puritan minister John Flavel, and a local physician, Richard Burthogge. Taylor Walls has written a substantial introduction in which we meet Philip Cary, and the reader is well-served by his survey of Cary's theology. Cary's view of the law and covenant theology reveal both his continuity and discontinuity with the broader Reformed tradition. Cary's labor was valued by Baptists in ages past and, after such a lengthy stay in dusty archives, is worthy of rediscovery in our day. Pick up your copy of the Works of Philip Cary here: https://www.particularbaptistbooks.com/product-page/the-works-of-philip-cary-1 For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org  

Police mishandling of a 2022 murder in Harrisonburg means those who may have been involved have not faced justice… As the June 30th deadline for the budget approaches, leaders in the General Assembly battle each other and the governor for leverage… We talk with local hemp businesses about how they process the crop, and the regulatory challenges they face….

North Carolina state lawmakers are in the midst of the 2026 legislative session and, as had been expected, several important proposals are advancing that could impact everything from alcohol sales to the state constitution. On the alcohol front, it appears that the recent ongoing trend to move the state away from longstanding blue laws continues as the demands of retailers and producers seem to slowly be overcoming the objections of religious conservatives and other alcohol opponents. And recently, as part of a wide-ranging two-part conversation with NC Newsline government and politics reporter Brandon Kingdollar, we dug into precisely what's under consideration and what the competing sides are saying. In Part One of our recent extended conversation NC Newsline government and politics reporter Brandon Kingdollar, we examined the ongoing debate at the General Assembly over our state's regulation of alcohol sales and how proposals to liberalize and privatize the process and move away from older, more restrictive regulatory schemes appear to be making headway. In Part Two of our chat, we turned our attention to a series of constitutional amendments that Republican leaders are moving to place on the fall ballot that deal with an array of subjects – some of them potentially hugely impactful and some more symbolic that appear to be designed mostly to help drive conservative voter turnout. Click here for the full interview with NC Newsline government and politics reporter Brandon Kingdollar.

Msgr. Roger J. Landry General Assembly of The Pontifical Mission Societies Collegio San Lorenzo da Brindisi, Rome May 30, 2026   To listen to an audio recording of today's conference, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/5.30.26_TPMS_General_Assembly_Growing_Disciples_through_Generosity_1.mp3   To download a copy of the PDF of today's talk, please click below:  5.30.26 Growing Disciples Through Generosity   The post Growing Disciples through Generosity, General Assembly of The Pontifical Mission Societies, May 30, 2026 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

Kentucky is gearing up for the beginning of the interim General Assembly session but, in the meantime, we've got Randall Weddle news, a rocket ship explosion, a faulty casket, and a possible baseball strike.

On Friday's Football Daily, David Wilson brings you news from the League of Ireland and the international game.Republic of Ireland edge past Qatar 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium thanks to an early Nathan Collins header.Jack Moylan provides the assist before being sent off for a high challenge just before half-time.Qatar reduced to 10 men as Almoez Ali sees red after an off-the-ball clash with Jayson Molumby.Stop The Game protests dominate headlines as tennis balls are thrown onto the pitch twice during the first half.Supporters voice opposition to Ireland fulfilling upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.Heimir Hallgrimsson says he respects the fans' right to protest after the match.Off The Ball Breakfast discusses the difficult position Ireland players now find themselves in amid the controversy.An FAI Extraordinary General Meeting on boycotting Israel fixtures moves closer after enough support from General Assembly delegates.Jaden Umeh, Corrie Ndaba and Mason Melia all make senior Ireland debuts, while James Abankwah earns his third cap.Teenager Jaden Umeh prepares to sit his Leaving Cert exams in Canada while on international duty, with FAI staff helping organise logistics.Ireland fly to Canada on Saturday ahead of a June 6th clash with the World Cup hosts in Montreal.Shamrock Rovers host St. Patrick's Athletic in a huge League of Ireland showdown as first faces second in Tallaght.Stephen Kenny's St. Pats still searching for their first goal and first win against the champions this season.Derry City, Shelbourne, Bohemians and Drogheda United all in action as a full Premier Division schedule takes place before the mid-season break.Ireland international Lily Agg takes her first managerial role after being appointed Athlone Town women's boss on a two-and-a-half-year deal.Arsenal and PSG prepare for a blockbuster UEFA Women's Champions League final in Budapest this weekend.Argentina confirm Lionel Messi in their World Cup squad for what will be his sixth tournament, while Alejandro Garnacho misses out.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

What does it look like to trust Jesus in the midst of uncertainty? In this episode of In All Things, Megan Hackman, church planter and our Wednesday morning worship speaker at GA, shares about her experience in church planting and the ways God has been at work in her community. She reflects on both the joys and challenges of planting a church and the importance of depending on the Lord in every season of ministry. Megan also offers insight into John 14:1-7, the passage she will be preaching at General Assembly, where Jesus reminds His disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” As we prepare for General Assembly, this conversation points us to the hope we have in Christ and reminds us that we are truly “Better Together.” To learn more about the 2026 General Assembly and to register, visit: epconnect.org/ga2026

A June date is set for the General Assembly to reconvene and finalize the state's budget, with a deadline looming at the end of the month… Jeff Schapiro lends his insight on that and more in the week in Virginia politics… Two nonprofits team up to save Virginia's farmland from development….

Longtime U.S. Senator delivered a farewell speech to a joint session of the General Assembly, echoing Abraham Lincoln's warning about "a house divided." Meanwhile, Lawmakers continued working on a budget and a handful of other policy issues as the 2026 legislative session draws to a close. Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki analyze the week's developments.

Why are tourist visa denial rates so high for some countries while others sail through? What actually happens during a visa interview at a U.S. consulate? And how do foreign policy decisions, travel bans, and consular suspensions shape who gets in and who doesn't?Nicolas Garon is a researcher and writer whose work on U.S. immigration law has been published in T20 law school journals, cited by the United Nations in a report to the General Assembly, and used by The New York Times. He translates complex immigration policy into compelling human stories.Join host Khudania Ajay (KAJ) as they explore the overlooked consequences of executive actions, travel bans, and the January 2026 Presidential Proclamation restricting nationals from dozens of countries — and what it means for immigrants already inside the United States.Support independent journalism at https://kajmasterclass.com

We Like Shooting - Ep 664 This episode of We Like Shooting is brought to you by: Foxtrot Mike (Code: WLSISLIFE) Midwest Industries (Code: WLSISLIFE) Blue Alpha Otis Technology (Code: WELIKESHOOTING15) Flatline Fiber Co (Code: WLS15) Bowers Group (Code: WLS) Guests: Tom Bowers – Bowers Group – https://bowersgroup.com Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 Public   Show Titles   GOA GOALS Aug 1-2 in Iowa. https://goals.goa.org/ GunCon.net Tickets on sale now. Use code AGENCY171 GEAR CHAT Foxtrot Mike ISU-9 Foxtrot Mike ISU-9 INSTAGRAM(Savage) Stuff and Things o”ST”-14 Groza Kit for PSA Krink 5,048 likes, 78 comments – stuffandthingsinc on May 25, 2026: "The time hath come.". The o”ST”-14 Groza Kit from Stuff and Things is a simplified engineering copy of the Russian OTs-14 Groza bullpup conversion, designed as a bolt-on kit for PSA Krinkov/AK-74U pattern firearms in .300 Blackout or 5.56. The reel from stuffandthingsinc announces that Grozas are shipping this week and displays kit components including the carry handle with installed rear sight, grip module with installed trigger, and linkage. It is an all-metal kit with black phosphate finish that requires no permanent modification to the host firearm (though some fitting may be needed due to AK tolerances). PROOF RESEARCH(Nick) Pxt A New Era of Rifle Barrel Technology The PXT story began around 2018, as the U.S. military pushed to extract greater performance from existing weapons platforms. That effort led PROOF into medium-caliber cannon barrel development and forced a complete reassessment of rifling profiles, twist rates, pressure, projectile behavior, and barrel… BULLET POINTS PEW REPORT Glacier National Park Grizzly Bear Attack on Anthony Pollio On or about May 3, 2026, 33-year-old Anthony Pollio was killed by a bear on the Mount Brown trail in Glacier National Park. A can of bear spray was found near the site. The article contrasts this with the 2014 Mount Brown Trail incident where Brian Murphy successfully stopped a charging grizzly using bear spray followed by one shot from a .357 Magnum revolver at 7-10 feet, after which the bear went down and stopped moving. The .357 Magnum round did not kill the bear but incapacitated it temporarily. No recorded deaths in North America when a handgun was fired in defense against a bear. PEW REPORT Arsenal Inc. Open Letter to NSSF on Virginia Assault Weapons Ban Arsenal Inc., a Nevada-based firearms manufacturer and importer (associated with K-VAR.com), published an open letter dated May 22, 2026, responding to Virginia's newly signed assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban effective July 1, 2026. The letter frames the law as an unconstitutional restriction that creates legal uncertainty, compliance burdens, and business paralysis for citizens, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, ranges, and trainers nationwide, citing precedents in California and Washington. Arsenal Inc. announces immediate heavy discounts and prioritized shipping for Virginia customers through June 19, 2026, while calling on the NSSF and the broader firearms industry to provide coordinated legal, grassroots, and public support, treating the issue as national rather than state-specific. PEW REPORT AI Could Render the Federal Ban on Creating a Gun Registry Obsolete Article discusses a University of Wyoming Firearms Research Center working paper arguing that AI systems could create ‘registry-equivalent knowledge' by extracting, linking, and inferring firearm ownership data from ATF's existing 921 million digitized records (including Form 4473s, out-of-business dealer records, and NICS metadata containing names, addresses, and serial numbers). This would bypass the intent of 18 U.S.C. § 926(a) prohibiting any system of registration of firearms, owners, or transactions, especially as federal AI policy integrates more data. No specific firearms, accessories, or field gear are mentioned. GUN FIGHTS Play the best Price Is Right-style GunBroker game on the internet. WLS IS LIFESTYLE Pistol Grip Angle: Ergonomics and Natural Point of Aim Considerations does grip angle matter on pistols. GOING BALLISTIC BEARINGARMS.COM(Savage) Washington State Gun Control Laws Fail to Curb Crime on Seattle's Aurora Avenue Seattle residents struggle with rising crime despite Washington state's gun control laws. Washington state has enacted multiple gun control measures including waiting periods, red flag laws, universal background checks, high-capacity magazine bans, and assault weapon bans. Despite these, residents near Aurora Avenue in Seattle report uncontrolled drug dealing, prostitution, and shootings, with minimal response from city officials. Neighbors have erected reinforced barriers and posted “No Gunfire” signs while the mayor's office announced increased patrols by the Gun Violence Reduction Unit and community-led efforts; the article argues the focus on lawful gun ownership over criminal enforcement, combined with local taxes driving out FFLs, has left residents scrambling for protection and exercising Second Amendment rights. BREITBART(Savage) Indiana Police Chief Earl D. Mayo Faces Felony Charges for Allegedly Selling Guns from Evidence Room The police chief of New Chicago, Indiana, Earl D. Mayo, is facing felony charges over accusations that he sold guns from police investigations to a pawn shop. Earl D. Mayo, 45, Chief of the New Chicago, Indiana Police Department, was arrested in Clark County, Ohio and charged with seven felonies (two counts of theft, two counts of official misconduct, one count of attempted obstruction of justice, and two counts of unlawful possession of anabolic steroids) plus one misdemeanor theft count. He is accused of selling guns seized during police investigations to a pawn shop. A 47-year-old woman, Taneka Roshawn Borders, faces related charges of attempted obstruction of justice and possession of anabolic steroids for allegedly attempting to repurchase one of the guns on his behalf with $600. BEARINGARMS.COM(Savage) Virginia Governor Spanberger and AG Jay Jones Respond to Prosecutors Refusing to Enforce Assault Firearm and Large-Capacity Magazine Ban Virginia officials respond as prosecutors refuse to enforce new gun and magazine ban laws. Multiple Commonwealth's Attorneys and sheriffs across Virginia have publicly stated they will not enforce new laws banning the sale, manufacture, transfer of assault firearms and magazines over 15 rounds, plus a public carry prohibition on assault firearms, citing unconstitutionality. The measures take effect July 1. AG Jay Jones and a spokesperson for Governor Spanberger issued statements urging enforcement, emphasizing the laws were passed by the General Assembly to reduce gun violence. BEARINGARMS.COM(Savage) The Left Seems to Be Waking Up to Racist Gun Control Laws – Bearing Arms (Tom Knighton, May 26, 2026) Exploring racial bias in gun control laws and the ongoing fight for equal Second Amendment rights. This Bearing Arms opinion column discusses a Slate article by Aymann Ismail detailing his multi-year struggle to obtain a Firearm Purchaser Identification in New Jersey due to discretionary permitting practices by the Newark Police Department. The piece highlights historical racist motivations behind many early U.S. gun control measures (targeting non-whites and Catholics) and draws a through-line to modern subjective permitting systems that produce racial disparities in approval rates. It references the 1868 Camilla Massacre in Georgia as the origin of a now-invalidated ‘public gathering' carry prohibition and argues that the Supreme Court's Bruen decision properly eliminated such discretionary laws prone to abuse. GUNS.COM(Savage) Firearm Freedom Act (H.R. by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-FL) to Repeal Hughes Amendment The Firearm Freedom Act would eliminate the legacy Hughes Amendment that bars the purchase, ownership, and transfer of newly manufactured machine guns made after 1986. The Firearm Freedom Act, introduced by Republican Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida in May 2026, seeks to repeal the Hughes Amendment to the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986. The Hughes Amendment prohibits the purchase, ownership, and transfer of newly manufactured machine guns made after 1986. The bill is endorsed by Gun Owners of America; no cosponsors, passage status, or court cases are mentioned in the source article. PEW REPORT GOA and GOF File Lawsuit Challenging Virginia SB749 Assault Weapons Ban and SB727 Public Carry Ban Gun Owners of America (GOA), Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), and 2A journalist John Crump filed suit against Virginia SB749 and SB727. The bills criminalize purchase and transfer of commonly-owned firearms and standard-capacity magazines while restricting public carry/self-defense; both take effect July 1. The complaint seeks declaratory judgment and injunction, arguing the measures violate the Second Amendment and Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution. PEW REPORT Nebraska Woman Injured by Shotgun Accidentally Discharged by Dog in Vehicle, Scottsbluff On Saturday in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, a woman standing at a traffic light near a convenience store was struck in the arm by a shotgun pellet after a dog in the back seat of a nearby truck triggered the discharge of a loaded shotgun. The injury was non-life-threatening; she was hospitalized. Police determined the vehicle had a damaged door from the blast and noted that Nebraska law prohibits transporting a loaded shotgun. PEW REPORT Maryland SB 334 (2026) – Criminal Law – Firearm Crimes – Machine Gun Convertible Pistols (Glock Ban) Governor Wes Moore signed SB 334 into law....

“S” is for South Carolina State Ports Authority. The South Carolina State Ports Authority is a state owned enterprise established by the General Assembly in 1942 to create and operate seaports in Charleston, Georgetown, and Port Royal.

Residents and supporters of Harrisonburg's Northeast neighborhood gather to protest police treatment of three teens as suspects after a shooting… Governor Spanberger's veto totals approach those of her predecessor in his first year in office… Federal government pressure influenced the lack of limits on AI in this year's General Assembly….

This episode is presented by Create A Video – Andrew Dunn is the publisher of Longleaf Politics and a contributing columnist to The Charlotte Observer. He joined me to discuss five of the proposals from the North Carolina legislature to make changes to the state constitution. Two proposals have already been approved to go to voters this November. Three others are making their way through the General Assembly. Plus, Charlotte's rejection of a plan to widen I-77 likely means no congestion relief for another decade or two.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-kaliner-show--6946691/support.Subscribe to the podcast My preferred podcast platform: SpreakerAll the links to Pete's Prep are free!Get exclusive content here!Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code!Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com  

Missouri Legislative Session 2026Summary of Municipal Issues of Specific InterestLocal governments secured several important wins this session, including reauthorization of land banks, revised filing dates for municipal candidates when the final filing day falls on a state or federal holiday, clarification of sovereign immunity provisions, expansion and reauthorization of economic development tools, and inclusion of political subdivisions in the website access litigation bill.Key measures that did not pass included proposals to shift cable television and broadband relocation costs in municipal rights of way to local taxpayers, restrict building codes, alter solid waste policy, expand sales tax exemptions, impose Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) provisions, mandate permitting deadlines and restrict annexation.Special NotesMunicipal officials' advocacy was instrumental in both advancing and defeating key legislation affecting cities and villages, underscoring the importance of a strong local government voice in the legislative process. Municipal leaders should maintain regular communication with incumbent legislators and candidates throughout the summer and fall and share examples of how proposals from prior General Assembly sessions would have affected their communities. For background on key legislative issues and talking points, refer to past issues of the Missouri Municipal League Capitol Report or contact League staff.Be sure to subscribe to Missouri City View and leave us a review in your favorite podcast app! Learn more at www.mocities.com.Follow MML!www.facebook.com/mocitieswww.twitter.com/mocitieswww.linkedin.com/company/mocities

“S” is for South Carolina Public Service Authority. The South Carolina Public Service Authority (better known as Santee Cooper) was established by the General Assembly in 1934 with the power to provide for navigation and flood control on the Santee, Congaree, and Cooper Rivers; to generate electricity; to reclaim swampland; and to reforest the state's watersheds.

What does it mean to be part of Christ's global church? In this episode of In All Things, Ed McCallum, ITEN's Associate for Site and Program Development and our Tuesday evening worship speaker at this year's General Assembly, reflects on Matthew 16 and the promise that Christ will build His church. With a focus on global mission and the upcoming World Outreach Commissioning service, Ed shares how the EPC participates in God's work around the world. This episode reminds us that the church is truly global and that we are “Better Together” as we join in God's mission across nations and cultures. To learn more about the 2026 General Assembly and to register, visit: epconnect.org/ga2026

This episode is presented by Create A Video – The North Carolina Republican-controlled General Assembly wants to ask voters whether we want to cap income taxes at 3.5%. The current constitutional cap is 7%. Democrat lawmakers oppose the ballot measure because they say future legislatures may need "fiscal flexibility." To raise taxes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-kaliner-show--6946691/support.Subscribe to the podcast My preferred podcast platform: SpreakerAll the links to Pete's Prep are free!Get exclusive content here!Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code!Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com  

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, have you or a loved one attempted to prove the big lie by committing identity theft, knowingly lying about the security of elections, and breaking into your own office to tamper with voting equipment? You may be entitled to a commutation of your felony sentence! Will this unconscionable betrayal of the people of Colorado potentially creating a martyrdom hood ornament for election deniers and would-be thieves in the upcoming midterms affect the election? How could it not? Next, we catch up on the 2026 Republican Governor's field once more, but reasonable people might ask if this is a good use of anyone's time. Then, how-loooow-can-he-gooooo? Donald Trump's GOP has their future in limbo as the President clocks the worst approval ratings of his entire presidential career. What else does GOP stand for? One intrepid listener suggests Group of Pedophiles, and some recent news out of Barb Kirkmeyer's Weld County Republican Party may well corroborate that accusation. And finally, the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly did in fact adjourn last week; we break down the highlights, the lowlights, and the lowlifes in the microminority.That's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!

Fare-free service will continue for another year on GRTC; Henrico Democratic lawmaker tout their General Assembly achievements; Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard appointed to new role; air conditioning issues persist at numerous Henrico schools.Support the show

Sine Die and the end of session create a fervor of activity at the State's Capital! Vincent and Joel sit down and have a few drinks at Tin Roof across from the Capitol Building. As Senators and Representatives finish up session, they walk across the street, join in on the drinks, and answer some pressing questions for South Carolina's most informational insider political podcast - Bourbon in the Back Room! Hear insider legislators and staffers talk about how the sausage gets made. Get your latest Statehouse update and hear firsthand the rationale behind some of the General Assembly's controversial bills - and the topic on the top of everyone's mind, re-drawing districts mid election cycle!Support the showKeep up to Date with BITBR: Twitter.com/BITBRpodcastFacebook.com/BITBRpodcasthttps://bourboninthebackroom.buzzsprout.com

With less than two weeks to go in the General Assembly's spring session, Gov. JB Pritzker expressed confidence Monday that megaproject legislation that could bring the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights would get done.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shaw-local-s-bears-insider-podcast--3098936/support.

With less than two weeks to go in the General Assembly's spring session, Gov. JB Pritzker expressed confidence Monday that megaproject legislation that could bring the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights would get done.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/shaw-local-s-bears-insider-podcast--3098936/support.

This talk argues that the ethnic conflicts of Southeast Europe are not the result of “ancient hatreds,” but of a specific historical configuration shaped during the Ottoman period. Under Ottoman rule, earlier forms of statehood did not disappear but survived in memory and identity in a kind of “suspended animation,” while at the same time demographic structures were significantly reshaped. Conflict emerged where these two processes intersected. In regions such as Kosovo, Bosnia, Vojvodina, and Transylvania, one group could claim historical precedence based on earlier statehood, while another could claim legitimacy based on later demographic dominance. The Greek–Turkish case shows a similar pattern, where a Byzantine territorial memory and Turkish nationhood collided over territories that became ethnically mixed during the Ottoman rule. The result is a particular type of conflict: not between truth and falsehood, but between competing and internally coherent forms of historical legitimacy — where both sides can plausibly claim that the land is, in different senses, their own. Csaba B. Horváth, PhD earned his PhD in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest after completing degrees in History and Political Science at Eötvös Loránd University. He is a member of the General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific as well as on Central and Eastern Europe. He has held visiting research fellowships at several universities in Australia, China and Taiwan, and earlier in his youth, spent two years living in Japan, where he acquired conversational proficiency in Japanese. He is also a regular participant in international conferences and held public talks across the Indo-Pacific, including in Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

Hour 1 opens with technical headaches inside the station's temporary studio as Marc and Kim joke through microphone failures while counting down their final day before returning to the renovated main studio. Marc recaps staying out late at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater watching Triumph reunite on stage for the band's first major tour appearance in decades, praising the legendary rock group despite running on barely three hours of sleep. The conversation quickly pivots into national politics as Marc celebrates Donald Trump's aggressive push against Republican critics like Thomas Massie and reacts to Senator Bill Cassidy's primary loss following his impeachment vote against Trump, while also discussing fears over Iran escalation, rising gas prices, and accusations that the media is manufacturing “forever war” narratives. The hour also revisits renewed 2020 election controversy after Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed ongoing investigations into alleged election misconduct in Arizona and Fulton County, Georgia, with Marc cautiously hopeful that long-promised accountability could finally materialize. During Kim on a Whim, the crew dives into America's collapsing birth rate, modern feminism, hookup culture, dating apps, AI-generated relationships, and how technology may be eroding social skills, marriage, and family formation among younger generations. The hour closes with a major breakdown of Missouri's legislative session victories, including movement toward eliminating the state income tax, reforms to school board elections in St. Charles County, initiative petition reform, expanded school choice, criminal justice measures, anti-human trafficking laws, ivermectin access, and several other conservative policy wins that Marc argues signal a dramatically more productive General Assembly. Hashtags: #Triumph #DonaldTrump #ThomasMassie #BillCassidy #Iran #ToddBlanche #2020Election #KimOnAWhim #BirthRate #DatingApps #AI #MissouriLegislature #TaxReform #SchoolChoice #StCharlesCounty #Ivermectin #InitiativePetition #HumanTrafficking #MissouriPolitics #TruthSocial

This month, the General Assembly enacted several new firearms restrictions that will directly affect Virginia law enforcement officers starting July 1, 2026. Today we examine the major new laws signed by the Governor.

Recorded live inside the Virginia General Assembly Joe Thomas gets perspective on what happened and what needs to happen next for the states' redistricting battle from one of the newest voices in the General Assembly, Delegate Andrew Rice of Virginia Beach and one of the most seasoned, Delegate Tom Garrett of Louisa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and ⁠Liz Farrell⁠ are hopeful that South Carolina will pass a law criminalizing coercive control abuse … eventually … maybe. Ugh.  After the tragic death of Mica Francis in April 2024, we all got a crash course in the horrors of coercive control abuse because of what Mica's estranged “Pastor” JP Miller is accused of doing to her during the final 18 months of her life. Mica repeatedly sought help from the Horry County and Myrtle Beach Police Departments in JP's alleged stalking and harassment of her, but over and again the police told her there was nothing they could do.  In the meantime, three coercive control bills continued to languish in the General Assembly, which is almost 90 percent men. Last week a hearing was held in subcommittee to discuss the latest iteration of the bill, dubbed Mica's Law. Liz and Mandy talk about how that went and what they think will happen next. Needless to say, South Carolina's women should be angry … again.  Let's Dive in…