Joey Hudson / Just The Truth

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

You don't have to drive to Atlanta or Charlotte to see some great live entertainment. Some big names are coming right here to the Upstate!

Mark Thompson from the Walhalla Performing Arts Center joins Joey Hudson to preview an exciting fall lineup featuring country, bluegrass, Christian music, comedy, tribute acts and holiday entertainment.

We talk about the artists coming to Walhalla, why some shows are selling out, the experience of seeing nationally known performers in an intimate venue, and how the Walhalla Performing Arts Center has become a destination for live entertainment in Upstate South Carolina.

Mark also explains what goes into booking these performers and why audiences—and the artists themselves—enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic venue.

🎟️ See the complete concert schedule and ticket information at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center website.

Be sure to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel and SHARE it with someone who loves live music.

And tell us in the comments: Who would YOU like to see perform at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center?

#WalhallaSC #WalhallaPerformingArtsCenter #UpstateSC #SouthCarolina #LiveMusic #CountryMusic #Bluegrass #Concerts #ThingsToDoSC

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

President Trump got plenty of attention at the Republican convention in Dallas when he promised a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every adult American citizen if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in November.

Five thousand dollars sounds pretty good.

But now some Republicans in Congress are asking the obvious question:

Where are you getting the money?

The proposal could cost more than $1 trillion, and several Republican lawmakers are questioning whether the federal government can afford it when the national debt has already surpassed $40 trillion.

Others are looking for ways to make Trump's proposal work.

So today we’re going to follow the money.

How much would these checks actually cost?

Could tariff revenue pay for them?

Would Congress have to approve them?

And what would sending that much money into the economy mean for inflation and the national debt?

Plus, parents—you’re going to want to hear this next story.

A father says his 9-year-old son managed to spend $118,000 promoting his Minecraft and Roblox videos on YouTube.

And it apparently started after Dad showed him how to run a $20 advertising campaign.

Talk about a marketing lesson getting expensive!

Then we come home to South Carolina.

The Palmetto State continues adding people at an extraordinary rate.

But voter-registration numbers aren't keeping pace with that population growth.

So here's my question:

Where are all these new South Carolinians when it comes time to register to vote?

And finally, today is one of my favorite days of the year.

It's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day—LEAD Upstate.

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis joins us to talk about something incredibly simple that can mean an awful lot to the men and women who put on that badge every morning:

Thank you.

💰 REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP’S $5,000 DIVIDEND

President Trump made a very big promise in Dallas.

If Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in November, Trump says every adult American citizen will receive a $5,000 dividend.

Now comes the hard part.

Paying for it.

Estimates suggest the program could cost somewhere around $1.2 trillion.

And some Republican members of Congress are raising concerns.

South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman is among those questioning the proposal and asking where the money would come from.

Other Republicans are more receptive but say Congress would need to be involved.

Trump has argued that revenue generated from tariffs can help fund the payments.

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno has proposed legislation that would use what he calls “market access fees” on foreign goods to finance the checks.

So there are several big questions still unanswered.

Is there enough tariff revenue?

Would the payments add to the deficit?

Would Congress approve them?

And could putting more than a trillion dollars into consumers’ hands put additional pressure on inflation?

Forget the slogans for a moment.

Let's do the math.

💳 A 9-YEAR-OLD SPENDS $118,000 ON YOUTUBE ADS?!

Parents, this story should get your attention.

A father says he wanted to teach his 9-year-old son a little about marketing.

The boy had a YouTube channel featuring Minecraft and Roblox videos and was disappointed that he wasn't getting many views.

So Dad showed him how YouTube advertising works.

They created a small campaign with a budget of about $20.

Apparently the 9-year-old learned the lesson a little too well.

According to his father, the boy later returned to the advertising system and started creating campaigns himself.

And the credit card attached to the account?

It wasn't Dad's personal card.

It was his company credit card.

Three weeks later, Dad says he was called into a meeting with company officials and shown the total:

$118,000.

Apparently the young man figured more advertising meant more views.

Technically, he wasn't wrong.

Some of the videos reportedly reached around 200,000 views.

But I don't think Dad was planning on a $118,000 marketing budget!

There is a serious lesson here for every parent and grandparent.

Check what credit cards are saved on your devices.

Use parental controls.

Set spending limits.

And don't assume a child understands that clicking a button on a screen is actually spending real money.

🗳️ SOUTH CAROLINA IS GROWING—SO WHERE ARE THE NEW VOTERS?

South Carolina continues to be one of America's fastest-growing states.

People are moving here.

New neighborhoods are being built.

Traffic is increasing.

Schools are growing.

Businesses are expanding.

You can see the growth practically everywhere.

But here's something interesting:

Our voter-registration rolls haven't been growing at anything close to the same pace.

And that raises a pretty simple question.

Why?

Are newcomers waiting before registering?

Are many keeping registrations in their former states?

Is the population growth concentrated among people who aren't eligible to vote?

Or are thousands of eligible South Carolinians simply choosing not to register?

This isn't about telling anyone how to vote.

It's about participation.

If you're eligible to vote and South Carolina is now your home, registering is how you gain the ability to participate when Election Day arrives.

So with all these people moving into the Palmetto State, where are the new voters?

🚔 TODAY IS LEAD DAY

Finally, today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day—LEAD Upstate.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across Greenville County will come together at the Greenville Downtown Airport.

And the purpose really couldn't be simpler.

Thank you.

Thank you for putting on the uniform.

Thank you for missing dinners with your family.

Thank you for working holidays.

Thank you for answering the call when the rest of us are running away from danger.

And thank you for serving communities that sometimes forget just how difficult that job can be.

Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis joins us to talk about LEAD and why those two simple words—thank you—can mean so much to a law enforcement officer.

We'll also talk about morale, recruitment, retention and what ordinary citizens can do to show officers that their service is appreciated.

Sometimes support doesn't require a big speech.

Sometimes it just requires two words.

Thank you.

📩 Join our mailing list at JoeyHudson.com

📱 Firmin Ford Text Line: 864-477-JOEY (5639)

Your texts are always welcome, and you can also leave a voice message that could be aired on a future podcast.

Subscribe for daily political analysis, breaking national news, South Carolina politics and conversations about the issues affecting American families.

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#DonaldTrump #TrumpDividend #5000Check #Congress #Republicans #Midterms2026 #SouthCarolina #SCPolitics #VoterRegistration #YouTube #Parenting #OnlineSafety #LEADUpstate #LawEnforcement #SheriffHobartLewis #GreenvilleSC #BreakingNews #JustTheTruth

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

There’s a fascinating new story about what may have been happening behind the scenes inside the Democratic Party during those chaotic weeks of the 2024 presidential campaign.

Former Democratic fundraiser Lindy Li says Democrats conducted secret polling as questions mounted about whether President Joe Biden could remain the party’s nominee.

And according to Li, Vice President Kamala Harris finished last among the potential Biden replacements tested in that polling.

If her account is accurate, it raises some fascinating questions about what Democratic insiders knew before Biden withdrew—and how Harris ultimately became the nominee.

We’ll separate what has been documented from what is being alleged and look back at one of the most extraordinary periods in modern presidential politics.

Plus, there will NOT be a House vote this week on Congressman Thomas Massie’s articles of impeachment against Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Why?

House leaders sent everybody home.

We’ll explain what happened.

Then, disturbing video from a New York college campus shows a violent confrontation that left three students stabbed and two people in custody.

And if you were hoping interest rates were finally about to come down, the Federal Reserve had other plans.

The Fed raised rates by a quarter point Wednesday—the first increase since 2023.

And here in South Carolina, lawmakers are providing hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand Flock license-plate cameras even as communities around the country debate privacy concerns surrounding the technology.

WHAT DID DEMOCRATS KNOW ABOUT KAMALA HARRIS IN 2024?

We all remember those extraordinary weeks in the summer of 2024.

President Biden’s debate performance intensified questions about whether he could continue as the Democratic nominee.

Democratic leaders were debating what to do.

Donors were nervous.

Potential replacements were being discussed.

Eventually Biden withdrew, and Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee.

But now former Democratic fundraiser Lindy Li is describing what she says was happening privately.

Li says secret polling tested Harris against other possible Biden replacements—and she says Harris finished last among the alternatives.

That claim could become part of the discussion surrounding Harris if she considers another presidential campaign in 2028.

But there is an important distinction:

The underlying poll has not been publicly released, so this is Li’s account of what Democratic insiders were seeing—not independently verified public polling.

We’ll look at what she says happened and how it compares with what was publicly known during those chaotic weeks in 2024.

🏛️ NO HEGSETH IMPEACHMENT VOTE—HOUSE LEAVES WASHINGTON

Remember Congressman Thomas Massie’s effort to force a House vote on eight articles of impeachment against Secretary Pete Hegseth?

That vote isn’t happening this week.

House Republican leaders abruptly ended the chamber’s legislative week Wednesday, sending members home ahead of the November midterms.

That means Massie’s effort to force lawmakers to vote on his impeachment resolution has been interrupted.

Massie isn’t happy.

He argues that Congress should have remained in Washington and voted.

House leadership says lawmakers have completed their scheduled business and are returning home.

We’ll explain what happened and what it means for Massie’s effort against Hegseth.

🚨 THREE STUDENTS STABBED ON COLLEGE CAMPUS

What is happening on our college campuses?

Disturbing video captured a violent confrontation at Westchester Community College in New York that left three students injured.

Authorities say two people were taken into custody following the incident.

Video from the scene appears to show students fighting as the confrontation escalates.

Three students suffered stab wounds.

We’ll look at what authorities say happened, what the video shows and what we know about the investigation.

💰 THE FED JUST RAISED YOUR INTEREST RATE

If you were waiting for the Federal Reserve to start lowering interest rates, you’re going to have to wait a little longer.

The Fed went in the opposite direction Wednesday.

Policymakers unanimously raised the federal funds target rate by a quarter percentage point to 3.75% to 4%.

It is the first Federal Reserve interest-rate increase since July 2023.

Why?

Inflation.

The Fed says inflation remains too high and that higher rates are necessary to move inflation back toward its 2% target.

But there’s a cost.

Higher rates can mean higher borrowing costs on credit cards, auto loans, business loans and other variable-rate debt.

And there may be more coming.

Federal Reserve projections indicate policymakers expect another quarter-point increase before the end of the year.

We’ll explain what this means for your wallet and why the Fed is raising rates when so many Americans were expecting them to come down.

📸 SOUTH CAROLINA PUTS MORE MONEY INTO FLOCK CAMERAS

There’s an interesting debate happening over automated license-plate readers.

Some communities around the country have restricted or reconsidered Flock cameras because of privacy concerns.

But South Carolina lawmakers are moving in another direction.

The state budget includes $365,000 for four South Carolina law-enforcement agencies to add automated license-plate readers or expand their existing camera networks.

The money is going to agencies in Cameron and Florence and McCormick and Marlboro counties.

Supporters say these cameras can be valuable tools for finding stolen vehicles, locating suspects and solving crimes.

Critics worry about how much information is being collected, how long it's stored and who can access it.

So where should the line be?

How do we give police useful technology without creating a surveillance network that tracks innocent people?

That’s a conversation worth having.

📩 Join our mailing list at JoeyHudson.com

📱 Firmin Ford Text Line: 864-477-JOEY (5639)

Your texts are always welcome, and you can also leave a voice message that could be aired on a future podcast.

Subscribe for daily political analysis, breaking national news, South Carolina politics and conversations about the issues affecting American families.

Facebook: facebook.com/joeyhudsononline
X: @joeyhudson

#KamalaHarris #JoeBiden #Democrats #Election2024 #Election2028 #PeteHegseth #ThomasMassie #Congress #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #FlockSafety #FlockCameras #SouthCarolina #Privacy #CollegeCrime #BreakingNews #JustTheTruth

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

There was plenty of drama on Capitol Hill Tuesday.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has filed articles of impeachment against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the continuing war with Iran.

Massie accuses Hegseth of committing “high crimes and misdemeanors” and says the administration has continued military operations without the congressional authorization required by the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution.

The administration disputes that argument.

And now Massie is seeking a House vote.

We’ll explain exactly what Massie is accusing Hegseth of doing, what the administration says in response and why this fight goes far beyond one cabinet secretary.

At the heart of it is a constitutional question Americans have debated for decades:

Who ultimately has the power to take America to war?

Plus, Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters had a heated exchange with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Trump administration’s approach to artificial intelligence.

Waters says America may be moving too quickly.

The Trump administration says America cannot afford to fall behind its global competitors.

We’ll get into that debate.

Then we have a story that proves golf apparently isn’t always the gentleman’s game we thought it was.

A Kansas man ended up in the hospital—and then jail—following a wild altercation on a Wichita golf course.

And finally, the Justice Department has announced a massive nationwide crackdown on COVID-era fraud.

Federal prosecutors took enforcement actions involving more than 160 defendants and approximately $245 million in alleged intended losses to taxpayers.

🏛️ REPUBLICAN MOVES TO IMPEACH PETE HEGSETH

Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie is once again challenging the Trump administration over the war with Iran.

This time, he’s going after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Massie filed eight articles of impeachment accusing Hegseth of violating the Constitution and federal law through his role in carrying out military operations against Iran.

Massie argues that Congress has not authorized the continuing war and says Hegseth should be held accountable for carrying out those operations.

The administration disputes that interpretation of the War Powers Resolution and has defended Hegseth’s leadership.

So this is about much more than Thomas Massie and Pete Hegseth.

It raises one of the oldest constitutional debates in Washington:

Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.

The president is commander in chief.

But where does one power end and the other begin when American military operations continue for months?

We’ll look at what Massie is alleging, what the administration says and what happens next.

🤖 MAXINE WATERS vs. SCOTT BESSENT OVER AI

Artificial intelligence continues to create some interesting political alliances.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters challenged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Trump administration’s AI policies, arguing that Washington needs to take warnings about rapidly advancing artificial intelligence more seriously.

And she isn’t alone in raising concerns.

Some of the very people developing advanced AI systems have warned that the technology is advancing faster than our ability to understand all of the potential consequences.

The Trump administration has emphasized another risk:

What happens if America slows down while China keeps going?

That gives us a fascinating debate.

Which poses the greater risk to America?

Moving too quickly?

Or falling behind?

We’ll take a look at both sides.

⛳ WHEN GOLF BECOMES A CONTACT SPORT

And now for something completely different.

Apparently golf can be a contact sport.

A Kansas man spent the weekend in jail after a golf course altercation in Wichita got completely out of hand.

Police say 52-year-old Scott Denning was involved in an altercation with other golfers after an errant shot.

At some point, authorities say, a golf club became a weapon.

Denning reportedly ended up with serious facial swelling, went to the hospital—and eventually landed in jail.

All this over a round of golf.

I always thought the most dangerous part of golf was standing too close to somebody with my backswing.

Apparently I was wrong.

💰 DOJ CRACKS DOWN ON COVID FRAUD

Remember the hundreds of billions of dollars Washington rushed out the door during the COVID pandemic?

Federal investigators are still trying to figure out where some of it went.

The Justice Department has announced the results of a nationwide enforcement surge targeting fraud involving pandemic-era small-business programs.

The numbers are staggering.

Enforcement actions involved more than 160 criminal defendants and approximately $245 million in intended losses to American taxpayers.

Nearly 80 defendants were newly charged.

Others pleaded guilty or were sentenced as part of the broader enforcement effort.

The allegations include fabricated businesses, false payroll and revenue claims, identity theft and other schemes designed to obtain pandemic relief money.

And five years after those programs were created, investigators are still tracking down people accused of stealing taxpayer money.

We’ll look at what prosecutors uncovered and why COVID-era fraud remains such an enormous issue years after the pandemic.

📩 Join our mailing list at JoeyHudson.com

📱 Firmin Ford Text Line: 864-477-JOEY (5639)

Your texts are always welcome, and you can also leave a voice message that could be aired on a future podcast.

Subscribe for daily political analysis, breaking national news, South Carolina politics and conversations about the issues affecting American families.

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Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

There’s a major battle developing over the future of artificial intelligence.

And the dividing lines may surprise you.

Some of the biggest names in AI are now warning that the technology is advancing so rapidly that it may be time to slow down, strengthen safety measures and make sure we understand what these increasingly powerful systems are capable of doing.

President Donald Trump has a very different concern.

Trump says the United States is leading China in artificial intelligence—and he doesn’t want America to surrender that advantage.

His message is essentially this:

Whoever wins AI wins.

So which is the bigger risk?

Moving too quickly with technology we may not fully understand?

Or slowing down while China keeps moving forward?

We’ll get into that debate.

Plus, questions are being raised about Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding after reports revealed that a Russian oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin paid hundreds of thousands of dollars toward the lavish celebration.

Don Jr. and his wife say there’s a straightforward explanation: the man is a friend and the spending was a wedding gift.

We’ll tell you what is known, what isn’t known and why the relationship is attracting scrutiny.

Then, South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick joins us to talk about last week’s Republican National Convention, the November midterms and South Carolina’s traditional role in choosing Republican presidential nominees as attention slowly begins turning toward 2028.

And there’s another interesting development in South Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.

A grassroots effort encouraging voters to write in Congressman Ralph Norman continues—even though Norman himself has endorsed Republican nominee Senator Darline Graham.

Could enough Republican voters participate to affect the November contest?

We’ll look at what this independent movement is actually doing and where Congressman Norman himself stands.

🤖 TRUMP VS. AI LEADERS: SHOULD AMERICA SLOW DOWN?

Artificial intelligence is advancing at a breathtaking pace.

And now some of the very people building this technology are telling us we need to be careful.

Leading figures in the AI industry have expressed support for slowing the development of cutting-edge systems long enough to strengthen safeguards and allow independent researchers greater ability to evaluate what these systems can do.

President Trump isn’t buying the argument that America should hit the brakes.

His concern is China.

Trump says the United States currently leads China in artificial intelligence and argues that slowing American innovation could allow Beijing to catch up—or potentially move ahead.

And that sets up a fascinating debate.

We know artificial intelligence could transform medicine, education, manufacturing, national defense and virtually every part of the American economy.

But we also know there are legitimate concerns about jobs, cybersecurity, misinformation and increasingly autonomous AI systems.

So where is the balance?

How do we stay ahead of China without moving faster than our ability to understand the technology we're creating?

🇷🇺 WHO HELPED PAY FOR DONALD TRUMP JR.’S WEDDING?

There are new questions surrounding Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Bettina Anderson earlier this year.

Reports say Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars toward their elaborate wedding celebration in the Bahamas.

Kremlev is president of the International Boxing Association and has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to reporting on the event, Kremlev helped cover major expenses, including renting one of the private islands used for the celebration and an elaborate fireworks display.

Don Jr. and his wife have confirmed that Kremlev helped pay for the festivities and describe him as a friend whose contribution was a generous wedding gift.

That doesn't by itself establish wrongdoing.

But given Kremlev’s relationship with Putin and Donald Trump Jr.’s relationship to the sitting President of the United States, the arrangement is drawing scrutiny.

So we’ll give you the facts that have been reported, explain who Kremlev is and let you draw your own conclusions.

🇺🇸 DREW McKISSICK JOINS US

South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick joins us for a conversation about where Republicans stand heading toward November.

We’ll get his firsthand perspective on the Republican National Convention and the enthusiasm he saw among activists and delegates.

We’ll also discuss the issues Republicans are emphasizing in the midterm elections and what he believes South Carolina voters are focused on.

And yes—we’re already beginning to hear the first whispers about 2028.

South Carolina has traditionally played an enormously influential role in the Republican presidential nominating process.

So what does McKissick expect South Carolina’s role to look like in the next presidential primary?

🗳️ WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH “WRITE-IN RALPH”?

There’s an unusual grassroots political effort underway in South Carolina.

Supporters of Congressman Ralph Norman are encouraging voters to write his name in for U.S. Senate in November.

But there’s an important fact voters need to understand:

Ralph Norman himself has endorsed Senator Darline Graham.

Graham defeated Norman in the Republican runoff and is now the Republican nominee.

The “Write-In Ralph” effort describes itself as an independent grassroots project and specifically says it is not authorized, operated, endorsed or coordinated with Norman or his campaign.

So how much support does the movement actually have?

Could it attract enough voters to affect the Senate race?

And what does Norman’s endorsement of Graham mean for voters who are still considering writing his name on the ballot?

We’ll take a look at the movement, what its organizers are saying and what we actually know about its support.

📩 Join our mailing list at JoeyHudson.com

📱 Firmin Ford Text Line: 864-477-JOEY (5639)

Your texts are always welcome, and you can also leave a voice message that could be aired on a future podcast.

Subscribe for daily political analysis, breaking national news, South Carolina politics and conversations about the issues affecting American families.

Facebook: facebook.com/joeyhudsononline
X: @joeyhudson

#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #DonaldTrump #Trump #China #BigTech #DonaldTrumpJr #Russia #VladimirPutin #UmarKremlev #DrewMcKissick #SCGOP #SouthCarolina #RalphNorman #DarlineGraham #SCSenate #Midterms2026 #Election2026 #JustTheTruth

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Could President Donald Trump face another impeachment fight if Democrats take control of the House in November?

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday and was asked directly whether impeachment would be on the table if Democrats win the House.

Jeffries did not rule it out.

We’ll look at exactly what he said, what he didn’t say, and why the question of impeachment is already becoming part of the conversation surrounding the November midterms.

Plus, diesel fuel has now surged past $6 a gallon nationally, setting another record as disruptions from the Iran war and other global supply problems continue putting pressure on fuel markets.

And remember: diesel isn’t just about truck drivers.

Diesel moves America.

Trucks, farms, construction equipment and much of the machinery that keeps the economy moving depend on it. When diesel goes up, those additional costs can eventually show up in the prices consumers pay for everything from groceries to building materials.

We also have a major development in Mississippi, where police have arrested a 51-year-old man on a murder charge following the death of Tasia Fortune, the 29-year-old mother of four who was found hanging from a tree behind an abandoned home.

And LaDonna Ryggs joins us with a firsthand report from last week’s Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

🏛️ JEFFRIES WON’T RULE OUT TRUMP IMPEACHMENT

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” where George Stephanopoulos asked him about what Democrats would do if they regain control of the House.

And one word inevitably came up:

Impeachment.

When asked whether impeachment would be on the table, Jeffries did not rule it out.

That does not mean Democrats have formally announced an impeachment effort, nor does it mean articles of impeachment have been introduced as part of this discussion.

But it does mean the Democratic leader is leaving the possibility open.

We’ll listen closely to what Jeffries actually said and discuss what another potential impeachment battle could mean for Washington following the November elections.

⛽ DIESEL BLOWS PAST $6 A GALLON

This is one of those stories that affects people who never buy a gallon of diesel.

The national average price of diesel has now climbed above $6 per gallon, setting a record as global fuel supplies remain under pressure.

And this matters far beyond the trucking industry.

The food at your grocery store gets there on a truck.

The packages delivered to your home spend time on trucks.

Farmers use diesel.

Construction companies use diesel.

Manufacturers and distributors depend on diesel-powered transportation.

Those businesses don't simply absorb higher fuel costs indefinitely.

Eventually, those costs can work their way through the supply chain.

We’ll look at what is driving this record increase, how the Iran war and other global disruptions are affecting supplies, and what Americans should be watching in the weeks ahead.

🔎 ARREST IN DEATH OF TASIA FORTUNE

There has been a major development in the disturbing case of Tasia Fortune.

Fortune was a 29-year-old Black mother of four whose body was discovered hanging from a tree behind a vacant home in Jackson, Mississippi, last month.

The circumstances surrounding her death generated national attention and intense speculation.

Now the Mississippi state medical examiner has ruled Fortune’s death a homicide, and Jackson police have arrested 51-year-old Jarques Ratliff on a murder charge.

Police say Ratliff had an association with Fortune, but authorities have not publicly explained the nature of that relationship or announced a motive.

Police also say the investigation is continuing and additional arrests could be coming.

That makes this an important reminder about cases that explode across social media before investigators have completed their work.

We’ll look at what we actually know, what remains unknown and where the investigation goes from here.

🇺🇸 INSIDE THE REPUBLICAN MIDTERM CONVENTION

And finally, we’re going inside last week’s Republican midterm convention in Dallas.

LaDonna Ryggs has been involved in Republican politics for years and has attended national conventions before.

She joins us to give us a firsthand account of what it was like inside the convention.

What was the mood?

Which speakers generated the strongest reaction in the room?

What issues were Republican activists talking about when the cameras weren’t rolling?

And what did she hear from grassroots delegates about the November midterm elections?

We’ll get her firsthand perspective from Dallas.

📩 Join our mailing list at JoeyHudson.com

📱 Firmin Ford Text Line: 864-477-JOEY (5639)

Your texts are always welcome, and you can also leave a voice message that could be aired on a future podcast.

Subscribe for daily political analysis, breaking national news, South Carolina politics and conversations about the issues affecting American families.

Facebook: facebook.com/joeyhudsononline
X: @joeyhudson

#DonaldTrump #HakeemJeffries #Impeachment #Democrats #Congress #Midterms2026 #Election2026 #DieselPrices #GasPrices #Iran #IranWar #Inflation #TasiaFortune #Mississippi #RNC #Republicans #BreakingNews #JustTheTruth

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Why do some people visit a church once and never come back?

And perhaps the bigger question is this: How can churches help people move beyond simply attending on Sunday morning to actually feeling like they belong?

In this conversation, Joey Hudson sits down with Pastor Dustin Dozier to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing churches today — building genuine Christian community in a culture where millions of people are struggling with loneliness, isolation and disconnection.

We discuss what first-time visitors are really looking for, why some never return, how important the first few minutes of a church experience can be, and why small groups, volunteering and personal relationships can make such a difference.

We also tackle the challenge of reaching Millennials and Gen Z, why authenticity matters, and what smaller churches can do — without huge budgets or elaborate programs — to create a place where people feel welcomed, known and needed.

At its heart, this conversation isn't about church marketing or simply increasing attendance. It's about something much deeper: helping people find Christian community and move from attending church to becoming part of a church family.

LISTEN and then tell us in the comments:

What made you feel like you truly belonged at a church?

And if you haven't been to church in a while, what would make you consider going back?

Subscribe for more conversations about faith, family, community and the issues affecting our lives.

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

What happens when a woman facing an unexpected pregnancy feels frightened, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn?

Carolina Pregnancy Center is working to make sure she doesn't have to face that moment alone.

In this interview, I talk with Alexia Newman of Carolina Pregnancy Center about the organization's mission to protect unborn life while providing practical help, encouragement and support to mothers, fathers and families.

We discuss pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, parenting education, material assistance, support for fathers, and the role faith plays in helping women facing difficult decisions.

We also preview Babies, Barbecue & Bluegrass, a special Southern pig pickin' fundraiser benefiting Carolina Pregnancy Center.

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 1108 Charisma Drive, Spartanburg, SC
🎟️ General Admission: $25
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Package: $40

Come enjoy barbecue, live bluegrass music and an afternoon with friends and family while supporting a ministry working every day to help mothers, fathers and their unborn children.

Learn more about the mission, services, volunteering and ways to give at Carolina Pregnancy Center.

If you believe women facing unexpected pregnancies deserve compassion, support and real choices, share this interview with someone who needs to hear about this ministry.

And tell us in the comments: What more can churches and communities do to support mothers who choose life?