Have we actually made a difference here in Coastal Carolina? In this 100th episode of the Wilmington Standard Daily Update, Reuel looks back at how a single column grew into a growing conservative media platform for our region. From adding voices like Sam Ibraham, Jonathan Bridges, Trevor Blackwell, Paul Stam, and now Johnston Smith, to partnering with The Center Square and the Franklin News Foundation, the goal has always been clear: bring conservative, common‑sense commentary back to the public square. Reuel walks through the podcasts, writers, and partnerships you’ve helped make possible—and why your shares, support, and advertising dollars matter more than ever.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Marking the 100th Daily Update and asking, “Have we made a difference?”
• 00:23 – How the Wilmington Standard grew from one column to a team of conservative voices.
• 00:52 – New partnerships with The Center Square and the Franklin News Foundation to bring relevant North Carolina news.
• 01:45 – Expanding podcasts like Three Guys, the Reagan‑Faulkner Show, and the Wilmington Standard Podcast to reach new generations.
• 02:06 – Why your likes, shares, advertising support, and monthly giving are crucial to keeping local conservative media alive.

What you can do

If you believe Coastal Carolina needs a strong, conservative voice, this is where you come in. Start by liking, subscribing to, and sharing our columns and podcasts—the more you engage, the more the algorithms push our content in front of new listeners and readers. If you own a small business, consider advertising with the Wilmington Standard to reach a growing, engaged local audience that actually cares about this community. And if you value having an independent conservative outlet that doesn’t hide content behind paywalls, please consider becoming a monthly supporter through Patreon or by shopping our store—every bit of support helps us stand in the gap where traditional media has walked away.

Deciding when life begins is not just a legal question in North Carolina—it is a moral and spiritual one. In this Daily Update, I break down House Bill 1232, a proposed constitutional amendment that would define human life as beginning at fertilization and effectively classify abortion as homicide in our state. We look at why similar measures have failed across the country, why Raleigh Republicans are unlikely to let this one reach the ballot, and why the truth that life begins at conception does not depend on polls or politicians. I also call on churches, parents, and lawmakers to defend unborn children, promote abstinence, make adoption easier, and treat every human being as precious in the eyes of God.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:01 – Opening question: Should our state constitution define when human life begins?
• 00:11 – Overview of House Bill 1232 and how it could put the question of life on the November ballot.
• 00:39 – Why similar pro-life constitutional amendments have failed in other states and why this one has slim chances here.
• 01:32 – Why it ultimately does not matter what the legislature or voters say if life truly begins at conception.
• 01:37 – A call for churches, parents, and lawmakers to defend unborn children, promote abstinence, and make adoption easier.

What you can do

If you believe life begins at conception, do not wait for Raleigh or a constitutional amendment to settle the question. Talk with your pastor and church leadership about clearly teaching the value of every unborn child and offering real help to women in crisis pregnancies. As a parent, demand transparency from schools on how they handle teen pregnancies and insist that abstinence, not experimentation, is at the core of sex education. Contact your legislators and urge them to make adoption more accessible and to ensure that mothers hear about life-affirming options before they ever reach an operating room. Most of all, choose to live consistently pro-life in your own relationships—honoring God with your body, acting responsibly, and treating every human being, at every stage, as someone created in His image.

War with Iran is already here; the only real question is whether America will finally confront the evil regime that has fueled chaos in the Middle East for nearly half a century. In this Daily Update, Reuel lays out why negotiations with Tehran have repeatedly failed and why President Trump must recognize that time only strengthens the mullahs’ grip on power. He walks through Iran’s economic collapse, military weakness, and dependence on a narrow strip of water that keeps global oil and trade flowing. Reuel argues that true peace and freedom for the Iranian people will only come when the United States decisively dismantles the regime’s military and economic power.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why “ending the war” means ending the government of Iran, not rewarding it.
• 00:11 – Fox News report on IRGC General Ahmad Vahidi’s threat of “worldwide devastation.”
• 00:33 – How Iran is economically and militarily ruined, yet still rattles its saber.
• 01:41 – The case against negotiations: why Iran’s evil leadership will never deal in good faith.
• 02:15 – What decisive U.S. military action would look like—and how it could finally free the Iranian people and secure the region.

What you can do

If you’re tired of watching Washington kick the can down the road while Iran’s leaders threaten our allies and our interests, share this update with friends who need to hear a clear, unapologetic explanation of what’s really at stake. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Wilmington Standard Daily Update on your favorite podcast platform, and visit our website to read, comment, and pass along this episode to others who care about American strength and the cause of freedom in the Middle East.

North Carolina Democrats are sending a clear message to moms and minorities: they don’t think you can do simple math or handle basic paperwork, but they still expect your vote. In this Daily Update, Reuel walks through Senator Val Applewhite’s comments on the state income tax cap and why they insult the intelligence of the very voters she claims to champion. He unpacks the broader Democratic pattern of talking down to women and black voters on issues like voter ID, name changes, and diversity initiatives. Finally, he looks at Gallup data showing how those same voters are slowly but surely walking away from a party that keeps them dependent while demanding their loyalty at the ballot box.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why Democrats think you can’t do simple math and still count on your vote.
• 00:10 – Senator Val Applewhite’s tax‑cap comments and Senator Michael Lee’s blunt response.
• 01:04 – How Democrats’ rhetoric depends on portraying women and blacks as helpless and easily misled.
• 01:27 – The pattern: voter ID, marriage paperwork, and “diversity” programs that assume low expectations.
• 02:08 – What Gallup says about shifting black and female support away from Democrats – and why that trend matters.

What You Can Do

If you are tired of being talked down to by politicians who assume you cannot understand a tax rate, fill out a form, or think for yourself, it is time to prove them wrong. Share this episode with friends and neighbors who have been told for years that big government and Democratic “protections” are their only hope. Start asking hard questions at the local and state level, support candidates who actually trust voters to make informed decisions, and refuse to reward those who keep you dependent while mocking your intelligence. The more you learn, speak up, and vote your convictions, the less power these low expectations will have over your community.

In this daily update, we walk through a new poll showing that nearly one in five Democrats now believe all three assassination attempts on President Trump were staged, and what that says about the Left’s mindset. We unpack how Trump Derangement Syndrome has hijacked the Democrat Party to the point where facts, basic logic, and even the death of Corey Comperatore no longer seem to matter. We explain why Republicans need to stop chasing voters who think this way and instead get serious about turning out our own side up and down the ballot. Finally, we talk about why sitting out races, nitpicking imperfect GOP candidates, or throwing protest votes to third parties only helps keep an out‑of‑touch Democrat Party in power.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:01 – The poll showing nearly one in five Democrats think all three Trump assassination attempts were staged.
• 00:33 – How this belief requires ignoring basic facts about the shooter and the death of Corey Comperatore.
• 01:06 – Why Trump Derangement Syndrome has taken over the Democrat Party and made persuasion pointless.
• 01:51 – How Republican “purity tests,” blank ballots, and third‑party protest votes keep Democrats in power.
• 02:23 – The closing warning: only consistent Republican voting can keep an out‑of‑touch Democrat Party out of office.
  
  

What you can do

If you are tired of a political climate where people are more willing to believe that Trump staged his own assassination attempts than admit the Left has gone too far, this is the moment to act. Start local: know your ballot, support the best viable Republican in every race, and stop handing wins to Democrats by staying home, leaving blanks, or throwing protest votes to third parties. Talk with your friends, family, and church groups about what is at stake, and help them understand that elections are about choosing a direction for the country, not finding a perfect candidate.

 Most importantly, let us commit together to voting Republican from the courthouse to the White House so that an out‑of‑touch, ideologically captured Democrat Party is kept far away from power.

North Carolina voters say they want lower taxes, school choice, and more economic opportunity – but right now they think Democrats will deliver it. A new Carolina Journal poll has Roy Cooper up double digits over Michael Whatley and shows Republicans facing an uphill climb this November, especially in the General Assembly. At the same time, strong majorities back Opportunity Scholarships, limits on property tax hikes, and rolling back health care regulations – all core conservative ideas. In this episode, we break down what the poll really says and why this election has to be a ground game for trust and ideas, not a shouting match on talk radio.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why NC wants Republican policies but trusts Democrats to deliver them
• 00:14 – The new poll: Cooper’s 11‑point lead over Whatley and what it means for November
• 00:38 – How voters quietly back school choice, low taxes, and fewer government barriers
• 01:02 – Support for Opportunity Scholarships, stopping property tax hikes, and reforming Certificate of Need
• 01:24 – Why GOP ideas are winning but GOP messaging is not
• 01:41 – This is not a talk‑radio election: why preaching to the choir is not enough
• 01:57 – Turning conservative policy into a front‑door, plain‑English ground game
• 02:18 – The path forward: win the ground war on trust, not the shouting match

What You Can Do

If you are serious about seeing conservative ideas actually govern North Carolina, it is time to move from commentary to contact. Get behind candidates who can explain school choice, low taxes, and real economic opportunity in plain English at the front door, not just on a stage or a podcast. Support campaigns that invest in real ground game – door‑knocking, voter contact, and clear policy conversations – instead of just another round of outrage clips. The party that earns trust face‑to‑face and shows how its ideas help every North Carolinian is the party that will govern this state.

North Carolina isn’t just a battlefield for ideas; it’s becoming a quiet battleground for land, food, and military security. In this episode, we walk through how Chinese‑owned WH Group and its control of Smithfield Foods gives Beijing leverage over America’s pork supply and puts Chinese‑owned land within a short drive of Fort Liberty and other key bases. We break down a renewed push in Raleigh to tighten the NC Farmland and Military Protection Act, why a 50‑mile buffer around military installations matters, and how Democrats are trying to water it down. We wrap up with why Chinese land holdings may be smaller than other foreign investors on paper, but still pose the most serious threat to our sovereignty and national security.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:01 – How much North Carolina farmland is already in Chinese hands and why it matters for our state
• 00:12 – How WH Group’s takeover of Smithfield gives Beijing leverage over America’s pork and meat supply
• 00:41 – Chinese‑owned land sitting less than 25 miles from Fort Liberty and what that means for military security
• 01:03 – Other Chinese‑owned properties near key U.S. bases like MacDill and Camp Pendleton
• 01:19 – The updated NC Farmland and Military Protection Act and the proposed 50‑mile buffer around military sites
• 01:38 – Why the bill stalled, what Senator Bill Brinson is trying to fix
• 01:57 – Why Chinese ownership is a smaller share of land on paper but still the most serious national security threat, and my closing thoughts

What you can do

If you’re concerned about hostile regimes buying up land around our military bases, now is the time to speak up. Call and email your state legislators and tell them to support a strong NC Farmland and Military Protection Act that keeps Chinese‑controlled companies at least 50 miles away from our most sensitive military sites. Share this episode with friends, family, and neighbors who may have no idea how close Beijing already is to Fort Liberty and other bases. Stay informed, stay vocal, and let Raleigh know that North Carolina farmland and national security are not for sale.

Annexed, ignored, and over‑taxed—today we break down Wilmington City Council’s push for nearly a 20% property tax hike and what it means for the communities footing the bill. We look at how high‑value neighborhoods like Landfall, Wrightsville Sound, Masonboro Sound, River Lights, and Pine Valley were forcefully annexed years ago and are now being used as the city’s ATM for Democrat tax‑and‑spend dreams. You’ll hear why Republicans will likely never win Wilmington again, and why it may be time for conservative neighborhoods to simply leave the city and rejoin the county. Finally, we walk through the straightforward state‑level process to redraw city lines—and what it would take for local homeowners to say “enough” and make it happen.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Is it time for conservative communities to leave Wilmington altogether?
• 00:10 – Wilmington’s nearly 20% property tax hike and a proposed budget that’s $44 million higher than last year.
• 00:26 – How annexed areas like Landfall, Wrightsville Sound, Masonboro Sound, River Lights, and Pine Valley are being overruled by downtown liberals.
• 00:50 – The history of forced annexation and how high‑value neighborhoods were pulled into the city without a say.
• 01:11 – Why a Democrat‑controlled council sees Wilmington as a showcase for higher government pay and permanent big‑spending policies.
• 01:23 – The case for de‑annexation: why Republican‑leaning communities should consider rejoining New Hanover County.
• 01:36 – The simple, state‑driven process for redrawing Wilmington’s city limits—and why City Council doesn’t control the map.
• 01:56 – How conservatives can fight back by shrinking Wilmington instead of funding liberal expansion.
• 02:28 – Closing thoughts on standing up, saying “no more,” and taking real local action.

What you can do

If you live in one of these over‑taxed, under‑represented neighborhoods, now is the time to get organized. Talk with your HOA, your neighbors, and local conservative leaders about whether it’s finally time to leave Wilmington’s boundaries and return to the county. Learn the petition process, contact your state legislators, and make it clear that you are done being the purse for Democrat tax‑and‑spend experiments. 

Share this episode, start the conversation in your community, and let Raleigh know that if Wilmington liberals insist on growing government, conservatives will respond by cutting Wilmington down to size.

The North Carolina General Assembly is moving to hide how much top-paid student‑athletes at UNC System schools are making, even though taxpayers are footing much of the bill for the programs that support them. In this Daily Update, I walk through what the proposed records changes would conceal, why “competitive advantage” has become the new excuse for less transparency, and how that turns basic accountability on its head. We look at the irony of the NFL openly sharing player salaries while public universities try to lock theirs behind a legal firewall. And we talk about what it means for North Carolina families who pay for the facilities, housing, and infrastructure that make these programs possible in the first place.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why hiding public records on athlete pay is a bad idea.
• 00:08 – Setting the stage: Today’s Daily Update and what Raleigh is trying to change.
• 00:13 – The bill that shields high‑paid student‑athletes from salary disclosure.
• 00:30 – Rep. Wyatt Gable’s argument about “staying competitive” in the talent arms race.
• 00:45 – How the bill rewrites UNC records law to hide three major budget categories.
• 01:05 – Reminder: Student fees can’t pay athletes, but taxpayers underwrite the system around them.
• 01:25 – The real cost: facilities, housing, food, utilities, and support funded by the state.
• 02:20 – The irony: NFL salaries are public, but UNC wants secrecy for publicly funded programs.
• 02:56 – Final takeaway: If we pay the bill, we deserve to see where the money goes.

What you can do

North Carolina taxpayers should push back hard against any attempt to hide how public institutions spend our money. Call and email your state legislators and demand that any bill touching UNC budgets and athlete compensation keep those records open to the people who pay the bills. Talk with friends, church members, and neighbors about why transparency matters more than winning another recruiting battle, and share this episode so more folks understand what’s happening in Raleigh. Public universities belong to the citizens of North Carolina, not to bureaucrats, lobbyists, or athletic departments, and it’s time we reminded them of that.

The Supreme Court just told Louisiana that race-based congressional districts have gone too far, striking down a map built to guarantee a Democrat in a majority-Black seat. In this Daily Update, we walk through how one 200‑mile‑long district was engineered to pack Black voters together and why the Court called it racial gerrymandering. We also look at how Louisiana and Tennessee are already scrambling to redraw their maps, with some proposals cutting majority-Black districts down to one or eliminating them entirely. Finally, we dig into Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent and explain why race-based districts insult both basic civics and the civil-rights vision of Americans being treated equally under the law.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why congressional districting is “not just a black and white issue”
• 00:11 – How Louisiana’s 200‑mile race-based district was engineered and why the Court struck it down as racial gerrymandering
• 00:40 – Louisiana’s and Tennessee’s rapid redistricting moves after the ruling
• 01:01 – Why building districts around skin color clashes with what we’re taught about being represented as Americans first
• 01:33 – Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent and what it reveals about the left’s view of Black voters
• 01:57 – Why race-based districts and “special chances” for certain voters are ultimately insulting and un-American

What You Can Do

If you believe representation should be based on citizenship, not skin color, now is the time to pay attention to redistricting fights in your own state. Learn how your congressional lines are drawn, show up at public hearings, and let lawmakers know you oppose race-based districts that divide Americans by color. Share this episode with friends who still think racial gerrymandering is “fairness,” and push your elected officials to defend one standard of representation for everyone.

North Carolina’s political class wants you to believe Roy Cooper’s mass release of inmates during COVID was a harmless “reform.” In this Daily Update, I walk through how more than 3,500 convicted criminals were turned loose, how at least 600 went on to commit serious new felonies, and how 18 have been charged with murder in just four years. We look at the Democrats and activist groups that pushed this through, the judge who signed off, and the tragic stories of innocent people who paid the price. This is what happens when “criminal justice reform” puts political wins ahead of public safety.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – “They got away with it — until now”: setting up the story of Cooper’s inmate release during COVID
• 00:09 – How 3,500 inmates were released and why 600 reoffended and 18 are now charged with murder
• 00:31 – The ACLU lawsuit, the Democrat judge, and how the “fix was in” from the start
• 01:08 – The human cost: Ivy Clay, Edmund J. Moore, and others who should still be alive today
• 01:41 – Cooper’s Senate run and what his record on crime tells us about where he wants to take the country
• 01:56 – Why we can’t let them get away with it this time
  
  

What you can do

If this makes you angry, good — it should. Share this episode with friends, family, and neighbors who still think these releases were no big deal. Pay attention to who backed this policy, from Governor Cooper to the activist groups and judges who helped push it through, and hold them accountable at the ballot box. Support candidates and leaders who actually stand with victims and law-abiding citizens instead of criminals and political donors. And stay plugged in to The Wilmington Standard so you know what’s really happening in Raleigh and beyond.

Wilmington’s city leaders are floating a 14.3% property tax hike, promising everything from “living wage” city jobs to more money for Wave Transit. In this Daily Update, I walk through what that really means for families and small businesses in our area. We talk about how much government you actually want in your life, and who should be responsible for essential services like trash, libraries, and public safety. And we draw a clear line between a conservative approach that shrinks government and trusts private citizens, and a liberal approach that grows bureaucracy and hands you the bill.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:00 – Why “every service comes with a bill” and why this tax hike matters now
• 00:09 – The proposed 14.3% Wilmington property tax increase and where the money would go
• 00:25 – Why government should provide services, not try to be the region’s “employer of choice”
• 01:03 – The real tradeoff: full‑menu government services versus what taxpayers can afford
• 01:25 – Conservative vs. liberal visions of government, and a warning for Republicans who stayed home

What You Can Do

If you’re tired of being treated like an endless ATM for bigger government, now is the time to pay attention and speak up. Learn what this 14.3% tax hike would mean for your family, ask your city council members where they stand, and support leaders who want leaner government and stronger private‑sector jobs. And this November, do not sit out local elections again—show up, vote your values, and remind Wilmington’s politicians that taxpayers are watching.

Fairfax County, Virginia released an illegal immigrant accused of raping a child—despite ICE requesting a detainer—because of sanctuary policies. This is the Democrat Party now running candidates across North Carolina, from Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate to local Board of Education races. No North Carolina Democrat has condemned this release, because open borders and sanctuary policies are central to their platform regardless of the consequences to children. If you've voted Democrat before, it's time for some serious soul-searching about what that party actually stands for.

What You'll Learn / Key Moments

• 00:00 – Why you need to do some soul-searching
• 00:10 – ICE arrests illegal immigrant in Virginia
• 00:17 – Fairfax County releases accused child rapist
• 00:26 – Sanctuary policies override ICE detainer
• 01:14 – NC Democrats running in 2026
• 01:48 – Why no NC Democrat has condemned this
• 02:15 – The choice facing voters

What You Can Do

Virginia's failure to protect children shows what happens when sanctuary policies override common sense and law enforcement cooperation. North Carolina voters need to ask every Democrat candidate—from Roy Cooper down to local Board of Education races—where they stand on sanctuary policies and whether they'll prioritize illegal immigrants over child safety. Your vote determines whether North Carolina follows Virginia's path or stands firm on border enforcement and accountability.

Daily Update May 4, 2026 exposes how far‑left radical professor Mohamed Abdou went from obscure academic to open cheerleader for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad—and why that should disqualify him from any role near American students. We walk through his shocking post‑October 7 statements, Columbia University’s decision to cut ties, and his ongoing “Death to the Akademy” tour targeting college campuses. Then we look at the numbers that show just how many college students now sympathize with Hamas and what that says about the ideological capture of our universities. Finally, we talk plainly about what parents, taxpayers, and voters must do to protect the next generation from a higher‑ed system that too often treats terrorists as heroes and America as the enemy.

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• 00:01 – Why I say “Don’t send your children to a university” and set the stage for this Daily Update.
• 00:09 – Who Mohamed Abdou is, his far‑left Islamist and anarchist background, and his time at Cornell and Columbia.
• 00:23 – Abdou’s October 11, 2023 post backing Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad after the Oct. 7 massacre—and Columbia’s decision to fire him.
• 01:03 – Why his praise for killing civilians, raping women, and beheading babies makes him unfit for civil society or any classroom, and why he should be barred from entering the U.S.
• 01:19 – How Virginia Tech hosted his “Death to the Akademy” event on campus and what that reveals about university leadership.
• 01:56 – The polling that shows about one in five college students sympathize with Hamas or see Oct. 7 as “resistance,” and what that means for America’s future.
• 02:13 – Why our universities have become epicenters of ideological rot and why sending your kids there is like sending a child to confront a tank with a pop gun.
• 02:48 – Closing thoughts and a warning about what happens if we don’t change course.

What You Can Do

If you’re a parent, grandparent, or taxpayer, you cannot sit this fight out. Start by taking a hard look at the universities you’re funding—through tuition, donations, or your tax dollars—and demand to know why extremists like Mohamed Abdou are given a platform while sane voices are sidelined. Support leaders, schools, and alternative programs that teach young Americans to love their country instead of cheering on terrorists, and be willing to say no when a college environment is clearly hostile to your values and your child’s soul. Share this Daily Update with friends, pastors, and local officials, and make sure your school boards, legislators, and members of Congress know you expect them to stand up to the radicalization happening on campus.

In this episode of The Wilmington Standard Daily Update, Reuel Sample breaks down how the New Hanover County Board of Education stood firm against pressure to close schools for a far-left NCAE–backed political rally. He explains how the teachers union and local Democrats have launched a relentless intimidation campaign targeting Republican board members who put kids over politics. Reuel lays out Operation May Day—a concrete plan for parents and citizens to push back by supporting good teachers and flooding board members with encouragement instead of hate. You’ll hear why unified resistance is the only way to confront political bullies in our schools and how you can help show these leaders they are not alone.

What You’ll Learn / Key Moments

• 00:00 – “Show them they are not alone” — why Operation May Day matters
• 00:04 – New Hanover school board rejects shutting schools for a union political rally
• 00:09 – How the far-left teachers union and Democrats are targeting GOP board members
• 00:39 – The schoolyard bully analogy and the need for unified resistance
• 00:54 – Launching Operation May Day: moving beyond social media outrage
• 01:07 – Step 1: Thank your child’s teacher and urge them to be in the classroom
• 01:18 – Recognizing hard-working, underappreciated teachers while rejecting political walkouts
• 02:18 – Step 2: Email GOP board members and counter the intimidation with support
• 02:00–02:15 – “Kids over politics” in New Hanover County and why your voice matters
• 03:39 – Closing appeal: stand with the board so they are not in the breach alone

Resources

• Full transcript:
  https://thewilmingtonstandard.com/podcast/the-daily-update/daily-update-april-23-2026
• Email for New Hanover County Board Members:
  boardmembersemail@nhcs.net

What You Can Do

If you’re tired of union bullies and partisan activists using your children as leverage, Operation May Day starts with you. Email the New Hanover County Board members today, thank them for putting kids over politics, and let them know they are not standing in the breach alone. Then reach out to your child’s teacher, express your appreciation, and ask them to stand with parents by being in the classroom—not at a political rally. Share this episode and the transcript with friends and neighbors so they can join the pushback and help reclaim our schools for students, not special interests.

Wilmington Standard Daily Update – April 20, 2026

Episode Summary

Sun Tzu warned, “Know yourself and know your enemy,” and this Wilmington Standard Daily Update asks whether America still does either. Reuel Sample lays out who our enemy is in no uncertain terms: the Iranian regime, a brutal dictatorship that murders protesters, sponsors terrorism, tortures women and children, and insists it has a moral right to nuclear weapons even as its economy and military collapse. He contrasts that clarity with an America that once stood up to evil—from the Revolution, to the Civil War, to World War II—but now frets over $4 gas, hosts seminars on the “morality of war,” and ignores Iranians who long to be free. The episode ends with a hard question: our enemy knows exactly who they are—do we still know who we are as Americans?

What you’ll learn / Key moments

• [00:00] Know Yourself, Know Your Enemy – How Sun Tzu’s teaching frames today’s conflict with Iran.
  
  
• [00:22] Naming the Enemy: Iran’s Evil Regime – Why Iran is described as an evil regime that kills protesters, sponsors terror, and brutalizes women and children.
  
  
• [00:49] Sabers, Ships, and Nuclear Ambitions – Iran’s collapsed economy and ruined military contrasted with its saber‑rattling, attacks on ships, and nuclear ambitions.
  
  
• [01:09] Remembering Who We Used to Be – America’s history of standing up to evil in the Revolution, Civil War, and World War II.
  
  
• [01:52] The American Century and Trust in God – How the 20th century became the American Century, driven by freedom and trust in God.
  
  
• [02:05] From Sacrifice to Softness – How we’ve shifted from enduring hardship to wailing over $4 gas and debating war in classrooms while ignoring suffering Iranians.
  
  
• [02:38] Blind to Evil – The Final Question – America’s headlong dash away from God and the closing challenge: if our enemy knows who they are, do we still know who we are?

Full transcript:
https://thewilmingtonstandard.com/podcast/the-daily-update/daily-update-april-20-2026

What Now?

If you believe America must rediscover who we are and confront evil regimes like Iran without flinching, share this episode with someone who’s tired of weak, apologetic foreign policy. Subscribe to the Wilmington Standard Daily Update, leave a 5‑star rating and review in your podcast app, and help amplify a voice committed to faith, freedom, and moral clarity in a world that’s forgetting all three.

North Carolina’s teachers’ union is planning a May 1 “Kids over Corporations” rally on a school day, demanding more spending, an end to tax breaks, and killing school vouchers — all while expecting parents to accept classroom walkouts as business as usual. Some counties are already closing schools, but New Hanover’s board refused to change the calendar, and this update argues any teacher who abandons students for a political stunt should also forfeit their job.

Texas Tech’s chancellor has ordered Women’s and Gender Studies programs to be phased out, arguing colleges should deliver rigorous degrees that actually have value in the real world. As DEI falls out of favor in corporate America and companies quietly ditch woke hiring fads in favor of merit, places like UNCW still cling to a 19‑credit WGS minor that prepares students for nowhere.

In this Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Monday, April 13, 2026, we examine the brutal Easter Sunday stabbing of Marine Corps Lance Corporal Daniel Montano in downtown Wilmington and the long criminal history of the accused, Davy Spencer. Despite a three-decade record of drug trafficking, assaults, and a habitual felon conviction, Spencer was repeatedly released early, raising urgent questions about a justice system that gives endless second chances to career criminals while failing to protect the community.

Tired of endless elections and low-turnout off-years? In today’s Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Thursday, April 9, 2026, we look across the river to Belville, North Carolina, where town leaders unanimously voted to move their local races to even-numbered, partisan election years to combat voter fatigue and save resources. We break down how Wilmington’s odd-year elections see turnout collapse from nearly 70% in 2024 to around 30% in 2025, why the costs don’t really change from year to year, and how simple charter changes—already adopted by cities like Charlotte and Winston-Salem—could give voters a breather while strengthening local democracy.

President Trump has paused strikes on Iran for two weeks after receiving a 10-point proposal brokered by Pakistan, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing global oil fears while talks continue. The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, looks at whether this brief window will be used by Iran’s untrustworthy regime to reload—or by the Iranian people to finally rise up and claim the freedom they’ve been denied since 1979.

Exposing the left’s stunning hypocrisy: they scream “war criminal” at President Trump while giving Iran’s terror regime a pass. We break down how the United Nations and the political class invert morality, demonizing the one American president willing to confront Tehran while downplaying Iran’s blood-soaked record of murder, hostage-taking, and regional chaos.

A fresh photo from Artemis II shows Earth as a tiny speck in a vast, cold universe, but today’s reflection digs into why that speck — and every soul on it — matters eternally to God. Drawing from the cross and the empty tomb, we explore how Jesus bore the full wrath of God, conquered death, and proved that no distance in space or time can separate us from a Creator who chooses to adopt us as His children when we simply believe.

President Trump lays out a clear mission in the growing conflict with Iran: stop the mullahs from ever getting a nuclear weapon and back those words with decisive action. This Wilmington Standard Daily Update explains why weapons themselves are not inherently moral or immoral, how policy and intent define their use, and why Iran’s terror sponsorship, proxy wars, and massacres at home make a nuclear-armed Tehran unacceptable. We also confront the temporary pain of higher gas prices, explain why stability in the Strait of Hormuz will bring relief, and argue that preventing Iran’s evil regime from going nuclear is worth the short-term economic hit.

Donald Trump’s challenge to birthright citizenship hits the Supreme Court as justices hear Trump v. Barbara, a case that could finally force a return to the original intent of the 14th Amendment and shut down automatic citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants and temporary visa holders. With hundreds of thousands of so‑called “anchor babies” added to our strained schools and social services every year, it’s time to ask whether America must keep rewarding illegal entry with lifelong benefits and chain migration—and whether the Court has the courage to say no more.

A clear, unapologetic look at Transgender Day of Visibility, why sex is a fixed biological and God-given reality, and how activists and politicians are misleading our communities about what it means to be male and female.

Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Monday, March 30, 2026 digs into how convicted felon and registered sex offender James Osborne managed to vote in multiple North Carolina elections despite being legally barred from the ballot. We connect his role in the recent school board primary scandal, expose failures in county election oversight, and explain why North Carolina’s outdated verification system from 1998 must be urgently modernized.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Friday, March 27, 2026 tackles the UN’s new slavery reparations resolution, exposes its historical blind spots, and argues that slavery is a human problem rooted in every race and culture, not just the West. It challenges the targeting of America, highlights African and global roles in the slave trade, and calls listeners to focus on freeing those in bondage today and honoring our shared humanity under God.

A billion‑dollar proposal for a new six‑lane Cape Fear Memorial bridge is on the table, and someone has to pay for it. Wilmington Standard Daily Update breaks down the WMPO’s unsolicited public‑private partnership bid from Delivering Bridges LLC, the billion‑plus price tag, and the hard choice between a regional transit tax or a user toll. We walk through what each option would really cost local drivers and businesses, why government “solutions” are getting more expensive and less effective, and whether the private sector should take the lead on keeping this critical link open for our region.

Republicans just took two avoidable losses in Florida special elections, and it’s a warning shot for November. In this Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Reuel Sample breaks down what these flips mean for President Trump’s agenda, the fight for control of Congress, and why conservative voters cannot afford to sit out “low stakes” races anymore. From Raleigh to New Hanover County and the Board of Education, he lays out what’s at risk if Republicans stay home or splinter their vote instead of uniting behind GOP candidates.

Wilmington Standard Daily Update for March 24, 2026: Breaking down the turmoil inside the New Hanover County Board of Elections, the suspension of Director DeNay Harris, and the New Hanover NAACP’s charge that any scrutiny of her performance is racism and sexism, raising serious questions about accountability, transparency, and competence in local election oversight.

In today’s Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Monday, March 23, 2026, we break down a new report from 26 Democrat U.S. Senators claiming that the One Big Beautiful Bill has devastated Planned Parenthood’s “women’s health” services, from cancer screenings to birth control access. We expose how Planned Parenthood’s real business model depends on abortion-on-demand, how losing taxpayer Medicaid dollars hits a revenue stream built on ending unborn lives, and why the organization could restore funding tomorrow if it simply stopped elective abortions and focused on genuine life-affirming care.

In today’s Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Friday, March 20, 2026, we tell the story of 19‑year‑old Iranian wrestling champion Saleh Mohamadi, executed by the Khamenei regime for daring to join pro‑freedom protests, after torture, forced confessions, and a sham trial with no real defense or appeal. While over 30,000 Iranians have been killed this year by a terror‑sponsoring regime that brutalizes its own people, especially women and dissenters, American activists will soon don inflatable dinosaur and cartoon costumes to “resist” President Donald Trump and his supporters, before safely going home to live and protest another day—luxuries Mohamadi never had.

In this Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Thursday, March 19, 2026, we break down the New Hanover County Board of Education’s potential partnership with LifeWise Academy to offer Bible education during school hours. We explain how the program works, why claims about “separation of church and state” are historically and constitutionally misguided, and expose the hypocrisy of activists who cry “indoctrination” while pushing radical gender and sexual content in our schools. We close by urging listeners to contact Republican school board members Pete Wildeboer, Josie Barnhart, Pat Bradford, and Melissa Mason to support LifeWise and put truth back at the center of public education.

New Hanover County is proving that the private sector does a better job than government at protecting our environment and managing green space. In this Wilmington Standard Daily Update, we break down the county’s decision to negotiate the sale of the Flossie Bryan tract to the private, non-partisan Coastal Land Trust, why Commissioner Dane Scalise is right about saving taxpayers money, and how this model can apply to everything from trash collection to human services. It’s a clear example of better services, less waste, and smaller government in action.

Forget the green beer—this St. Patrick’s Day we uncover the real Patrick, the kidnapped slave turned missionary who helped transform pagan Ireland and what his radical faith in Jesus means for America today.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update for March 16, 2026 focuses on a “David and Goliath” primary upset in which Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page defeated longtime political powerhouse and Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger, reflecting a broader revolt against over 150 Republican incumbents nationwide whose leadership voters rejected. It also notes that North Carolina voters saw through a scheme by left-leaning “NC Educators on the Ballot” who ran recently registered Democrats in GOP primaries; all six such candidates lost, while solid conservatives like David Rouzer were strongly reaffirmed.​

The commentary uses these results to argue that primary elections prove term-limit laws are unnecessary and would actually be disastrous for voter choice. Despite massive campaign spending, voters chose between established experience and “new blood” based on genuine Republican values, demonstrating they can hold leaders accountable without arbitrary limits and must always retain the right to send effective, principled politicians back to work on their behalf.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update for March 13, 2026 connects three recent attacks in Michigan, Virginia, and New York to the broader struggle with Iran, arguing they are not coincidences but likely part of Tehran’s terror strategy as the regime faces mounting military and political collapse. Citing historical examples and commentary from Ben Shapiro, it frames these incidents as typical last-ditch offensives by a losing side trying to demoralize its enemy before defeat.​

The piece insists President Trump must prosecute the war against Iran to a decisive end: stripping the regime of nuclear capabilities, halting its threats to U.S. allies, and ending its role as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. It urges Americans at home to reject fear, stay vigilant, continue daily life in defiance, and accept short-term pain in prices and security as the cost of achieving a safer world once Iran’s brutal regime finally falls.

The March 11, 2026 Wilmington Standard Update covers the officer-involved shooting of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra in a Wilmington parking deck, emphasizing that he was killed after fleeing police at an active shooting scene and posing a threat with his vehicle. The piece argues Sierra’s death stems from his own choices, not police misconduct, defending WPD’s actions as necessary to protect the public

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update uses Admiral Nelson’s “Never mind the maneuvers, always go at them” to argue that Republicans must stop overthinking and start driving a bold legislative agenda. Citing an NBC/WRAL poll showing Democrats with a 6-point edge for control of the House and highlighting top voter concerns like inflation and threats to democracy, it stresses that whichever party offers concrete solutions will win in November.​

The commentary insists GOP leaders bypass committee slow-walking and bring straightforward, no-pork bills on issues such as banning CDLs for illegal immigrants, stopping Wall Street from buying up homes, ending congressional stock trading, protecting women’s sports, securing elections, fixing the border, and cutting taxes. By forcing up-or-down votes, Republicans can expose Democrats as the true threat to the republic and to Americans’ wallets—or else resign themselves to losing in November by “playing around” instead of governing.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update reports that gas prices in Wilmington have jumped 50 cents in a week, nearly double the national increase, with diesel seeing the biggest spike. It notes that because the entire economy depends on oil, residents should expect broader price increases or at least an end to the recent declines seen under President Trump.​

The commentary then argues that these higher costs are a small price to pay for confronting Iran, described as an evil, terror-sponsoring regime behind attacks like the October 7 massacre in Israel and other proxy wars. Citing a 2025 human rights report, it highlights Iran’s systemic oppression of women, including child marriage and widespread gender-based violence, and concludes that in Women’s History Month 2026 it is appropriate to bear higher prices to force Iran toward unconditional surrender

The United States Coast Guard Will Not Get Paid Today - Thanks To Democrats

Democrats in Congress have halted pay for the U.S. Coast Guard during a DHS shutdown, prioritizing protection of criminal illegal aliens over funding those who guard America’s coasts and enforce maritime law. The update condemns Democrats and their donors for embracing open borders and illegal immigration to secure power, even at the expense of Coast Guard families.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update reports a final settlement in the Michael Kelly sex abuse scandal in New Hanover schools and notes Title IX reforms to protect students. It then argues that broken and single-parent families dramatically increase children’s risk of victimization and that, unless moms and dads strengthen marriages and homes, predators will keep finding easy targets.

The Wilmington Standard Update condemns Democrats in Congress for refusing to stand when President Trump affirmed that government’s first duty is to protect American citizens, arguing this reveals their true priorities: illegal immigration, radical gender ideology, riots, and higher taxes over public safety. It links DC Democrats’ behavior to New Hanover County Democrats and urges voters to send them home in November.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update critiques the Supreme Court’s decision blocking President Trump’s tariffs and exposes Congress as weak, impotent, and unwilling to defend American workers through real free trade policy. It argues voters keep electing influencers instead of statesmen, then demand “term limits” instead of accepting responsibility for sending unserious politicians to Washington in the first place.

Wilmington Standard exposes Port City Daily for reprinting a DNC press release on a 225,000 voter registration settlement without disclosing it, excluding GOP voices while amplifying national Democrats. The update contrasts Port City’s biased coverage with transparent conservative outlets like The Wilmington Standard and its partners, pledging honest reporting and clearly labeled opinion for North Carolina readers.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update covers a Massachusetts ruling forcing a 5-year-old to remain in kindergarten lessons using books that challenge “blue/pink” gender norms, despite his father’s religious objections. The commentary blasts Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV’s decision as an attack on parental rights, warns Democrats weaponize schools to erode gender normality, and urges New Hanover County parents to demand book scrutiny, school choice, and Republican leadership.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Feb. 13, 2026 challenges Wilmington’s proposed tax hike to fund $14.6M in wage increases for 1,200 city employees. While backing strong pay for police and fire, it blasts City Manager Becky Hawke’s goal of making government an “employer of choice,” arguing government should cut positions, privatize, and automate to provide essential services with fewer workers and lower taxes.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Feb. 12, 2026 urges North Carolina Republicans, as early voting opens, to choose primary candidates who can actually win and govern, not just check every ideological box. It cites Mark Robinson’s 2024 loss as a warning that hardline primary choices can hand Democrats sweeping victories down the ballot, and argues that Republicans need electable, effective leaders like Donald Trump in November.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update defends Trump’s SAVE Act and mocks Democrat claims that married women will be disenfranchised by voter ID rules. It argues women can easily use marriage certificates to match birth and married names, notes NC already makes IDs simple, and urges Republicans to pass SAVE to secure elections against fraud.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update highlights a new measles outbreak in South Carolina and rising cases in North Carolina, reigniting the debate over vaccines. It contrasts historic vaccine success with post-COVID distrust, notes both real benefits and potential side effects, and welcomes RFK at HHS calling for an honest, fact-based reexamination of vaccine policy and individual rights.

North Carolina faces major voter roll problems, with over 70,000 registrations needing fixes under a DOJ agreement and tens of thousands of duplicate entries still on the books, raising doubts about recent close races like the 2024 Supreme Court contest. The update argues that maintaining and, when necessary, purging rolls is essential to restore public trust in election outcomes.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Feb. 5, 2026 argues that voter ID is broadly supported across racial groups and that the SAVE Act, requiring proof of citizenship to vote, reflects this consensus. It criticizes Democrats and Sen. Schumer for branding voter ID and the SAVE Act as “Jim Crow 2.0,” noting Georgia’s 2022 reforms increased Black turnout without reported ID problems.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update exposes confirmed fraud at the U.S. African Development Foundation, where its CFO funneled taxpayer funds to a friend and took kickbacks. Despite this, 11 Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, joined Democrats to block shutting the agency down and refuse to explain their votes, fueling grassroots anger over unchecked government waste.

North Carolina heads into 2026 primaries with Democrats hemorrhaging voters and Republicans gaining over 300,000 registrations since 2022, yet the state is far from safely red. Nearly 40% of voters are now unaffiliated, and independents have recently shifted left, making them the real battleground. GOP victories will hinge less on ideological purity and more on practical solutions that can win over skeptical independents.

Wilmington Standard Daily Update blasts eight GOP senators, including Tillis and Budd, for sinking their own party’s DHS funding deal and forcing President Trump to cut a softer compromise with Schumer on ICE funding. It warns that by caving to left-wing complaints about “tactics,” Republicans opened the door to radical demands to gut DHS and effectively abolish ICE, prolonging a shutdown voters never asked for.

The January 30, 2026 Wilmington Standard Daily Update condemns PC(USA) for acting as a political arm of the radical left rather than a true church, twisting Scripture to oppose lawful immigration enforcement and promote progressive social causes. It argues that by rejecting biblical authority, PC(USA) has become a spiritual danger that faithful Christians should avoid and ignore.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update exposes how the NEA funnels millions to far-left groups pushing DEI, gender ideology, and anti-Israel causes, while its own staff earn far more than classroom teachers. It praises North Carolina’s ban on collective bargaining and urges conservative teachers to leave the NEA and progressive activists to leave the classroom so the union loses funding and influence.

Governor Stein’s task force says NC needs more taxpayer money for child care after net closures in 2025, but this commentary argues government drives costs up. It calls for lower taxes, fewer regulations, cheaper healthcare and energy, and freer churches and relatives to help instead of more subsidies. Families are urged to reject consumerism and prioritize one parent at home with the kids.

Blasts the Supreme Court for the necessity of debating men in women’s sports and spotlights Riley Gaines standing outside the Court with her 3‑month‑old in a bulletproof vest as a tragic symbol of a culture where a radicalized left embraces violence, intimidation, and bloodshed to enforce its twisted worldview and silence dissent.

Remembering Dilbert creator Scott Adams, honoring his humor skewering corporate life while condemning his cancellation over “It’s OK To Be White” remarks. The piece blasts left‑wing hypocrisy and DEI policies as racist and sexist, urging a return to merit and hard work as the standard for success.

North Carolina’s no‑excuse absentee ballot system undermines election integrity and ballot privacy, especially given 17 days of early voting. It contrasts NC with states that require valid reasons for absentee voting, warns about ballot handling and coercion outside the voting booth, and urges lawmakers to adopt stricter, common‑sense limits on absentee ballots to protect secure, private, in‑person voting.

Host Reuel Sample interviews Dr. Amy Dunning, a conservative Republican candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, about her small-town NC roots, math teaching career, PhD in education, and teacher-training work. She outlines her “three Cs” platform: centering high-quality, student-focused instruction, contributing insider classroom expertise to policy, and cultivating safety through better training, SROs, and character education, while addressing COVID learning loss, teacher pay,

The update argues that “international law” is really unenforceable global opinion, noting Democrats condemned the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro while regimes like China, Iran, and Russia routinely violate human rights and treaties. It concludes that strong nations always act in their own interests and the United States must unapologetically defend its hemisphere and security.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update argues that Democrats and legacy media exploit January 6 to smear any GOP win as “insurrection,” contrasts 2020 riots with the Capitol breach, and urges conservatives to stop acting foolishly, reject emotional populism, and instead patiently advocate limited government, low taxes, and individual responsibility to win over disillusioned Democrats and voters on the fence.

President Trump’s extraction of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro ended a brutal communist regime, disrupted oil flows to China, blocked Russian and Iranian ambitions in the hemisphere, and crippled state-backed terror networks—without a single American casualty. Critics question his authority, but the update argues the War Powers Act and existing indictments fully justified the mission.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Jan 1, 2026 reflects on a turbulent 2025 for conservatives, with Trump back in office and GOP gains in Congress alongside painful losses, including Charlie Kirk’s assassination and local defeats in Wilmington. It frames 2025 as a “loss-leader” year of necessary turmoil that sets up 2026 as the start of a long-term cultural and economic conservative revolution, calling Republicans to unity, practical reforms, and wiser engagement.

North Carolina now ranks 4th nationally in charter schools, with enrollment up 6% while public schools decline and over 10% of students in charters. Wilmington charters like GLOW Academy, Classical Charter, and Cape Fear Center for Inquiry show diverse models where engaged parents and focused instruction help students outpace district peers in reading and math. The update urges voters to reject union-driven status quo and back real educational choice.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update explains that federal student loan garnishments resume in January for borrowers over 270 days delinquent, and argues that today’s loan system has drifted from its Cold War roots of funding high-performing STEM students into a taxpayer-backed machine subsidizing low-return degrees, rising tuition, and chronic default, calling for risk-based lending and for borrowers to honor the loans they promised to repay.

Wilmington Standard’s update explains that the Constitution protects freedom of religion, not freedom from it, applauds Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ Christ-centered Christmas proclamation against FFRF attacks, clarifies that the First Amendment restrains Congress not states or officials expressing faith, cites Washington on the need for religion in public life, and urges more Christians to run, vote, and govern openly as followers of Christ.

Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest highlights a growing civil war inside the conservative movement, pitting analytical voices like Ben Shapiro against populist firebrands like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, amid rifts over Israel and Gen Z priorities. The Wilmington Standard argues the real test in New Hanover County’s 2025 elections is not who is “most conservative,” but who can actually govern and make life better.

North Carolina bans tattoos, tobacco and other adult decisions for minors, yet Democrats in Congress fight to keep Medicaid dollars flowing to transgender procedures for kids. The Daily Update highlights Don Davis joining Republicans, contrasts others in the NC delegation, quotes Rep. Takano, and calls out Democrats for sacrificing children’s wellbeing to appease the far left.

President Trump launches campaign season with a blistering critique of generations of Democrat policies, contrasting their “Blue Wave” with his “Red Wall” of achievements on immigration, jobs, taxes, prices, crime, and energy, then challenges voters over the next 11 months to ask a simple question: are you better off under Republican or Democrat policies, and why

Trump wants marijuana reclassified from Schedule I to Schedule III, but The Wilmington Standard argues today’s high-THC cannabis is far more dangerous, tied to more workplace injuries and psychosis. They support recognizing legitimate medical uses via Schedule II, warning Schedule III would grant tax breaks and fuel broad deregulation, and conclude Trump is wrong on this issue.

Daily update covers the Brown University shooting that killed College Republican leader Ella Cook and standout student Mukhammad Aziz Umurzikov and injured Kendall Turner, plus the ongoing manhunt. It links this tragedy to other recent attacks and details a foiled New Year’s Eve bombing plot by the pro-Palestinian Turtle Island Liberation Front targeting California sites and ICE officials.

Charlotte is spending $3.4 million on a Texas PR firm to “enhance” public perception of CATS instead of hiring roughly 18 additional transit police officers over three years, despite recent stabbings on the light-rail. The Wilmington Standard argues the city should fix safety problems directly instead of hiding them behind expensive marketing campaigns.

The update contrasts a Kentucky child killer’s early release and quick reoffending with North Carolina’s stalled death penalty despite over 120 inmates on death row, some incarcerated since the 1980s. It argues that legal challenges over execution methods and the Racial Justice Act have delayed justice at taxpayer expense, and praises House Bill 307, “Iryna’s Law,” for reforming capital prosecutions and executions to ensure both certainty of guilt and timely enforcement as a matter of justice, n

This is the Wilmington Standard Daily Update for Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. A new DHS website lists 10,000 criminal illegal immigrants arrested in ICE raids across the country. The “Worst of the Worst” database exposes offenders ranging from drug traffickers and assault suspects to those convicted of crimes against children. DHS says the site lets Americans see for themselves who’s been taken off their streets.

Twice-deported illegal immigrant Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, from Honduras, allegedly stabbed a man on a Charlotte commuter train. Despite multiple convictions and prior removals, he reentered the U.S. illegally. ICE has filed a detainer under NC’s HB10 law requiring local cooperation.

The update reports that North Carolina’s State Board of Elections narrowly approved using the federal SAVE program to identify non-citizens on voter rolls, over unified Democratic opposition. It notes that federal law blocks major roll cleaning within 90 days of elections, but changes could be in place by November, and cites estimates suggesting anywhere from 1% to over 20% of non-citizen adults may be registered, potentially enough to sway close races in North Carolina.

District Attorney Jason Smith joins The Wilmington Standard’s Reuel Sample to break down his first year as DA for New Hanover and Pender Counties, from major murder trials and the rocky e‑courts rollout to rising youth gun violence and his 2026 crime‑prevention plans for at‑risk kids.

North Carolina Republicans face a three-way U.S. Senate primary between RNC Chair Michael Whatley, attorney and former Navy JAG Don Brown, and newcomer Elizabeth Temple. With semi-closed primaries allowing Independents to choose which party ballot to vote on, unaffiliated voters could heavily influence the GOP outcome. Republicans have four months to rally around a candidate who can defeat Governor Roy Cooper in November and must turn out strongly in both the primary and general elections.

Wilmington swears in its new, all-Democratic city council today, marking a political shift for North Carolina’s 8th-largest city. With over 130,000 residents, the city faces likely tax hikes as City Manager Becky Hawke proposes pay raises to match cost of living—moves she says will require tax increases. The Wilmington Standard suggests privatizing services, expanding automation, and cutting non-essential costs before raising taxes, prioritizing public safety and efficient government.

Honoring Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, killed in D.C. after an Afghan national, brought here as a U.S. “ally,” allegedly drove cross‑country to ambush deployed Guardsmen. Her death, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe’s critical injuries, highlight how Democrat soft‑on‑crime policies, decimated police ranks, catch‑and‑release courts, and lenient judges have turned D.C. streets over to criminals—and now Wilmington is fully under Democrat rule.

Chicago’s latest outrage shows what soft-on-crime policies really mean. A repeat violent offender, long protected by a liberal justice system, allegedly torched an innocent woman on a Chicago train. While Democrat judges and activists downplay the threat, North Carolina’s Iryna’s Law proves that tougher bail, stricter sentencing, and Republican leadership put victims and communities first.

In this episode of the Nikki and Reuel Podcast, Nikki Bascome shares her deep connection with Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that provides free surf camps for children with autism. The conversation explores the emotional journey of families, the challenges faced by children with autism, and the transformative experiences at the beach. Nikki emphasizes the importance of community support, fundraising efforts, and creating a safe environment for families.

Parents in Jefferson County, CO are suing after an 11‑year‑old girl was allegedly assigned to share a hotel room and even a bed with a transgender‑identifying male classmate on a school trip, despite district assurances that boys and girls would be on separate floors. They argue the district’s policy allows biologically male students to room with girls based solely on gender identity and without parental notice, contrasting this with North Carolina’s new law requiring room assignments by biologi

President Trump plans to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. A new report reveals a long-term plan by the Brotherhood to infiltrate and undermine Western institutions, seeking to impose sharia law. The action targets the organization, not Islam itself, aiming to freeze assets and prevent support. Americans must remain vigilant against this ongoing threat.

The Wilmington Standard Podcast debuts with Reuel Sample interviewing Richard Collier on the challenges of growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure in Wilmington. Collier shares his practical insights as an engineer and council candidate, addressing real estate, development, traffic, and the future of local politics—offering residents a candid look at how decisions are made in Wilmington.

A new Fox News poll finds 76% of Americans view the economy negatively, surpassing the 70% at the end of Biden’s term. Trump’s early actions brought rapid results, but lasting solutions now require time and patience. Gas and interest rates are down, GDP is up 3.8%, wages rise, and capital investment is strong. Economic prosperity is on the horizon, but quick fixes remain elusive.

This Wilmington Standard Daily Update highlights concerns about truck drivers with poor English skills. Rep. Pat Harrigan reports drivers failing English and safety tests still keep commercial licenses, risking families on the road. Surveys show 10-25% of truck drivers lack adequate English proficiency. A federal judge blocked a rule to remove non-English-speaking drivers from service. Congressmen propose bills to set national English requirements for safety.

State Representative Ted Davis Jr., serving since 2012 and long respected across North Carolina politics, announced he will not seek re-election. Known for his dedication, wisdom, and integrity, Davis leaves behind decades of service to New Hanover County and the state. His likely successor, Commissioner Dane Scalise, shares his conservative convictions, faith, and commitment to principled, effective leadership.

Board of Education member David Perry questioned the group 100 Black Men based on its name, but failed to note that their local mentoring program includes white students. After meeting with the chapter president, Perry suggested a name change. There’s nothing wrong with an organization aimed at helping young black men, especially given family breakdown rates. 100 Black Men delivers real results and should be supported in our schools.

Wilmington faces freezing temperatures this Veterans Day as many go without shelter or food. The Good Shepherd Center housed 118 people last night, including homeless veterans, relying on mostly private donations. Despite political differences, local groups like Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army Center of Hope are vital in helping those in need. As the holiday season begins, Reuel Sample urges listeners to give generously—because compassion matters more than politics.

The Wilmington Standard Daily Update for November 10, 2025, reports that U.S. senators voted 60-40 to advance a bill to end the government shutdown, though procedural steps remain before reopening. Democrats secured a promise for a December vote on extending the Obamacare Premium Tax Credit and guarantees of back pay and rehiring furloughed workers. The shutdown highlighted concerns over government size, with nearly 42 million on food aid and 3 million federal civilian employees. The update call

According to several screenshots on social media, teachers in various parts of North Carolina are planning on having a tantrum today and call out sick. They are complaining about everything from a state budget that has not passed to lack of raises for veteran staff members.

It is time to end the Senate filibuster. Democrats, emboldened by election wins, use the filibuster to block Republican bills and continue the government shutdown. The host urges Republicans to eliminate the filibuster, reopen government, and swiftly pass policies on voter ID, taxes, immigration, and social issues, to showcase the impact of conservative policies.

Democrats swept Wilmington’s elections, giving Mayor-Elect Bill Saffo a fully Democrat-controlled city council. Low turnout hurt Republicans—only 27% of voters participated, despite over 103,000 registered. With independents breaking 60/40 toward Democrats, the GOP faced steep odds from the start. This is a civic failure conservatives will live with for the next two years.

Will Republicans show up at the polls? Everything else is going in their favor - all the GOP now has to do in Wilmington is to get their party to the polls.