Jessica Bichler’s ads say Sen. Michael Lee sponsored a bill to “roll back” water testing. The bill they cite is the 2018 budget. It did the opposite: it funded statewide PFAS testing at every public water supply intake in North Carolina. This issue is too important to get wrong. Full article in the comments. #ncpol #WilmingtonNC #NewHanover

What if more students left high school already having explored real career paths? Since 2022, we brought a Spark Lab to SEA-Tech High School — and we just expanded a second lab to New Hanover High. New Hanover was one of only 17 counties in the state to do this. These labs keep students engaged and let them work through modules at their own pace, so they leave high school exposed to fields and opportunities they may never have seen otherwise. That’s the kind of innovation we should keep building. Want more students to have that chance? More about Josie Barnhart is in the comments. #ncpol #NewHanover #WilmingtonNC #NCGOP

What does it take to raise graduation rates and school performance districtwide? 📚 Josie Barnhart is running for reelection to the NHC Board of Education — and the results are showing: highest grad rate in 10 years, rising proficiency, 9 schools up a letter grade. Learn more about Josie in the comments. Ready to keep the momentum going? 🗳️ #ncpol #WilmingtonNC #NewHanover #NCGOP

A man dressed like Captain America who calls himself “Chrisp LikeTheChicken” believes me to be a hypocrite. He writes… "Mike - People don’t accuse you of hypocrisy because you don’t offer scholarships to four-year schools. You’re a hypocrite because you preach to be for the working-class while being funded by anti-union Koch bros. and regurgitate Republicans talking points while they’ve systematically dismantled the working class for the past 40+ years." Hello there, Chrisp. Nice outfit! As a rule, I don’t debate with grown men who dress like super-heroes and hide behind a pseudonym, but since you’ve been so candid with your criticism, and since I’m trapped on another plane for the next few hours, I’ll bite. First of all, let me assure you that many people do in fact, accuse me of hypocrisy because I have a four-year degree, but don't offer scholarships to four-year universities. I hear from these people every day, and they are very clear about the extent of their disappointment. Interestingly, many of those same people, also call me a hypocrite because I had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry before I launched mikeroweWORKS. They use the fact that I used to work as an actor, narrator, singer, and writer, to undermine any opinion I might have about education and workforce that they don't share. (He's just an actor! He sang in the Opera! What does he know?) These ad hominem attacks are very popular among those with no actual arguments to make, and easy to identify once you start looking for them. Consider those who tried to dismiss Ronald Reagan's ideas because he used to be an actor, or more recently, Markwayne Mullen's nomination to Secretary of Homeland Security, because he used to be a plumber. (I'm talking to you, Jimmy Kimmel.) To your second point, I've never preached or claimed to speak for the "working class," especially as you define them. Like many others who favor the term, you imply that the "working class" is limited to those workers who are represented by unions. I don't share that view. Although I've been critical of some union policies in the past, and argued that not all unions are created equal, I have no issue with organized labor. In fact, I've worked closely with dozens of them, and featured them prominently on Dirty Jobs, Somebody's Gotta Do It, Returning the Favor, and other shows over the years. Most tellingly, many of the 3,500 people my foundation has assisted are members of a trade union today, and I’m very happy for them. But, like the workforce overall, most of my scholarship recipients do not join unions, for all kinds of reasons. Fact is, Chrisp, the sum total of all workers in America who belong to a union – public and private sector combined - is barely 10%. Begging the obvious question...why would a guy who dresses up like Captain America want me to ignore 90% of the American workforce? And why for that matter, would a super-hero like you want me to reject financial assistance from companies, foundations, or individuals who employ so many hard working, highly skilled, well-compensated Americans? Does Captain America really want everyone to be in a union? If so, he should maybe consider changing his name. As for Republican talking points, again, I would invite you to prove the accusation. Just because I happen to say something that might coincide with a conservative position, doesn’t mean I’m “regurgitating” anyone else’s talking points. I’ve been a registered Independent my whole life, and I’ve tried to limit my public comments to issues pertaining to workforce and education. But if you really find my opinions inconsistent with your own, and feel compelled to tell six million people why you think I’m a hypocrite with no actual proof, you might want to at least consider the possibility that your disappointment has less to do with me, and more to do with the narrowness of your own worldview. Is that possible, Chrisp? Is it possible that you think I’m a hypocrite simply because I don’t share your priorities? I'll tell you what I think. (I know you didn't ask for my opinion, but I didn't ask for yours either, right?) I think your worldview is largely shaped by the eternal struggle between labor and management. I think you see one as the oppressor, and the other as the oppressed, and I think that perspective has made your world a very small place. Thus, my view of organized labor is just too nuanced for a super hero like you. Anything short of total fealty is a threat to your belief system. Because I don’t focus entirely on the 10% of the workforce that matters most to you, you see me as a threat. Because I might not vote the way you vote, you see me as a threat. Because I accept support from people you don't like, you see me as a threat. And because I have a large public platform, you see me as an even bigger threat. The unfortunate part, is that you don't seem to care at all about the 3,500 hundred people my foundation has assisted, most of whom are making a pretty great living outside a union. And because you’re not alone in your apathy, fear, and paranoia, you’ve whipped up the courage to hide behind a pseudonym, dress up like an imaginary Avenger, and criticize anyone who falls short of your own beliefs and expectations. With respect, "Mr. LikeTheChicken," I think your name says it all... Mike

Election 2026: Nation’s longest voting window opens Friday thewilmingtonstandard.com/no… #ncpol

North Carolina taxpayers just funded $1.2 million ❗ to a group that openly pushes puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors. An investigative report by The Center Square found DHHS sent the money to the Charlotte Transgender Healthcare Group. Their own directory lists: • 53 providers claiming “gender-affirming care” competency for ages 17 and under • 21 who see patients 10 and younger • 6 (including one MD) who serve ages 0–3 Full details and source in the first comment.👇 #NorthCarolina #TaxpayerFunds #ncpol @thecentersquare

Do you ever get tired of talking about politics? A neighbor hit me with that exact question while we were walking the dogs—and it stopped me cold. I realized I’d slipped into the trap of assuming everyone around me is living in the same political swirl I work in every day. Not everything is about R’s and D’s. Faith, family, community, and just living life come first. America was built that way, and most people still prefer it that way. The full Wilmington Standard Daily Update podcast drops later today—but the links to the full episode and shownotes are right here if you want to listen now. Have we become too ensnared in politics? #ncpol

On August 1, 1988, Rush Limbaugh launched his syndicated radio show from WABC in NYC. Over the next 30 years, he transformed the conservative media landscape, inspired generations of broadcasters, and became the most influential voice in talk radio history. Truly the GOAT.

Have you seen the latest jobs report? Jobless claims just fell to 187,000 — the lowest level in nearly 60 years. That means fewer families relying on unemployment and more stability for workers right here in New Hanover County. Pro‑business, Republican policies are delivering real results. Let’s keep this momentum going. Check out this weeks article by Chairman John Hinnant. Link is in the comments.

Republican members of the New Hanover County School Board are focused on fiscal responsibility and better outcomes for students and families. They’re sharing important facts about our school district and why responsible budgeting matters. Link to full article in the comments. What matters most to you when it comes to local schools — spending, results, or both? #NewHanoverCounty #NHCSchools #FiscalResponsibility #ncpol

Are Gen Z men and women living in completely different political universes? A 31-point gender gap. Deaths of despair. Dobbs. Campus culture. Algorithms that reward outrage over conversation. On today’s episode of The Reagan Faulkner Show we dig into the data, the stories, and the digital forces driving young men right and young women left—and what that means for marriage, family, and America’s future. Conservatives are “winning the young men” while quietly losing an entire generation of women. That isn’t a win. That’s a crisis. Full episode in the comments. If you’re serious about rebuilding a culture of faith, family, and responsibility instead of just yelling into the void, listen, like, share, and subscribe. So what’s your take— is Gen Z too far gone, or can men and women still choose real conversations over caricatures? #GenZ #GenderGap #PoliticalDivide #YoungMen #YoungWomen

Rage baiting may get clicks… but it gets nothing done. In today’s Wilmington Standard Daily Update we look at how outrage-driven content has taken over both liberal and conservative feeds — and why the algorithms love it even as it quietly destroys trust and credibility. We talk about the complex issues that actually matter (communism in America, abortion, transgender ideology, high taxes) and why none of them will ever be solved inside a character limit or a 10-second rage clip. Then we outline a more disciplined conservative approach: less spectacle, more substance, and a focus on the only thing that creates lasting change — hearts and minds. The full podcast drops later today. Want to listen right now? Links are already in the comments. If this resonates, like, share, and follow so more people can join the conversation. So… are we ready to stop chasing outrage and start building something that lasts? #RageBait #Conservative #CultureWar #RealSolutions #WilmingtonStandard @grok

Pat Bradford knows what it means to be fiscally responsible. On the Board of Education, she’s focused on making sure your tax dollars are used wisely. Check out her website in the comments. #ncpol #NCGOP #NewHanover #BoardOfEducation @patwbm7

Every education dollar should be working for students—not getting lost in the system. That’s what real fiscal responsibility looks like. Check out all of our Board of Education candidates in the comments. #ncpol #NCGOP #NewHanover #BoardOfEducation

The full Daily Update is now live! 🔥 Full show notes are in the comments.👇 Conservatives need to be careful with raging over the income of the recipients. There is a bigger issue. Tell us, should there be tighter control over "reserve" appropriations? #ncpol #taxes

Full podcast:

In the NC Senate race, do attack ads on the opponent help or hurt a candidate with unaffiliated voters?

Today's Daily Update talked about mail-in voting here in North Carolina in light of the new Supreme Court ruling about Mississippi. After the Barrett ruling, NC should #ncpol #ncelections

1/8 Why are we still flooding North Carolina with no‑excuse mail‑in ballots when Justice Amy Barrett just affirmed that states can decide how their elections are run? If Raleigh can further restrict insecure mail‑in voting, why shouldn’t we demand they do it? The link to today’s Daily Update podcast and text is in the comments—what do you think North Carolina should do now? #ncpol #NCElection

Who should our schools serve—kids and good teachers, or the NCAE and its DEI agenda? SB 227 just killed DEI in NC classrooms so real educators can get back to teaching honest history and real academics. Full Wilmington Standard Daily Update is in the comments—listen, like, share, and subscribe if you’re with parents and good teachers. Whose side are you on in this fight for North Carolina’s schools? #ncpol #NCAE #DEI