AACS Today

Breaking News: Introducing the Youth Legislative Development Conference

Olivia joins Matt and Jamison for some breaking news: the Youth Legislative Training Conference is officially now the Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC). Inspired by a conversation with a member of Congress regarding the dignity of human reason, the new name better reflects the program's focus on intellectual and character growth. Based in Washington, D.C., the YLDC equips high school students for civic engagement and biblical leadership through a week-long mock senate, congressional briefings, and historic tours. This transformative experience encourages students to view government as a ministry and prepare for future leadership roles. The program is fully scholarship-based, with donors covering all costs except travel. Nominations for students graduating in 2026–2028 are due to state offices by March 30th. Visit aacs.org to learn more about this life-changing opportunity to develop the next generation of Christian leaders.

Bodies Play Sports, Identities Don't: Biological Reality at the Supreme Court

In this episode, Matt and Jamison delve into recent Supreme Court arguments regarding laws in Idaho and West Virginia. These cases center on whether states can require student athletes to compete according to their biological sex rather than gender identity. The discussion examines the legal nuances of Title IX and the 14th Amendment, highlighting the critical need for a clear legal definition of "sex" that aligns with Scripture. Jamison shares observations from a rally outside the Court, noting a significant cultural shift and the participation of prominent advocates like Riley Gaines. Grounded in the biblical perspective that humans are "different by design," the episode argues that bodies play sports, while identities do not. Listeners will gain insight into the "axiomatic truths" of biological reality and the potential implications for the future of fair competition in women's sports.

New Year, Same Government

This episode explores the shifting dynamics of the 119th Congress, focusing on what we can expect as we enter 2026. Jamison and Matt discuss the ongoing effort to wind down the Department of Education and the legislative push for "Reconciliation 2.0" to enhance school choice through the federal tax credit scholarship program. The conversation further addresses cultural concerns, including large-scale fraud within Minnesota's childcare block grant system and the Trump administration's aggressive deregulation agenda Finally, the hosts provide insights into landmark Supreme Court cases, such as West Virginia v. B.P.J. regarding biological sex in sports, Trump v. Barbara on birthright citizenship, and Charles v. Salazar concerning First Amendment and religious liberty protections. Stay informed on how these legal and political battles shape the future of Christian education and national identity.

Update on the Federal School Choice Program

On this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the emerging federal school choice program, which is structured as a tax bill under the Treasury Department—not the Department of Education—and is projected to be a $25 billion annual initiative funded by private donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). The discussion centers on the crucial regulatory phase, where the Treasury Department is currently writing the program's rules and requesting public comments to determine participation criteria. The hosts also explore the political dynamics surrounding the federal program's requirement that governors must opt in annually, noting recent movements in Texas and Colorado. Finally, the efforts of the AACS office are detailed, including advocacy during the comment period and the establishment of the AACS Children's Scholarship Fund, anticipating the program’s effective date for receiving donations starting January 1, 2027. Listeners are encouraged to leave comments about the program by clicking here [https://www.regulations.gov/document/IRS-2025-0466-0001].

Chloe's Story: From Gender Deception to Redemption

On this episode, Jamison and Matt welcome Chloe Cole, an articulate 21-year-old woman passionately advocating against the practice of transitioning minors. Chloe shares her powerful, true story of undergoing medical gender transition between the ages of 12 and 16, which included puberty-suppressing drugs, high-dose testosterone, and a double mastectomy at age 15. She speaks with firsthand authority on the deeply traumatic effects of these "sex-denying procedures" and the consequences of medical professionals disregarding their oath to "do no harm." Chloe shares the isolation and alienation experienced in public school settings, the challenge parents face when seeking expert advice that often pushed instant affirmation, and the importance of affirming God's design and restoring the sanctity of family. She offers vital counsel to parents, urging them to teach their children critical thinking to inoculate them against ideological deceptions prevalent online. Chloe concludes by discussing her legislative advocacy, including the Chloe Cole Act, a federal effort to allow those harmed as minors to seek legal justice by reforming medical malpractice statute of limitations. Her testimony highlights her journey of healing and redemption found through faith in Christ.