North Carolina Treasurer Brad Breiner is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the state's treasurer's office after a successful pilot program. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein's proposal to revisit North Carolina's data center tax incentive is drawing attention from lawmakers and industry leaders. In Western North Carolina, private entities like Samaritan's Purse and Baptists on Mission are continuing their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, with Samaritan's Purse expanding its rebuild program and Baptists on Mission completing 472 grant-related home repair projects. [... more]

Rapid spending on autism therapy in North Carolina's Medicaid program is projected to exceed a billion dollars within the next two years, prompting state lawmakers to raise alarms and press health officials to explain these rapidly rising costs. Meanwhile, a legal challenge in North Carolina is testing the limits of body camera footage access, and a ballot selfie ban is being appealed to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. [... more]

Many faith-based ministries are missing out on billions of dollars in charitable gift matching programs due to restrictive policies. A Christian investment firm is working to change this by engaging with companies to create more inclusive programs. Meanwhile, a couple is seeking advice on how to manage their retirement accounts, including a TSP with a large balance, and a listener asks about the factors that determine when to start taking Social Security payments. [... more]

The iron lung, a life-saving device, was invented in 1927 to help people with polio, a disease that paralyzed thousands of people each year. The device used negative pressure to force air into the lungs, allowing patients to breathe. Although it was a costly and cumbersome treatment, the iron lung helped many people recover from polio, and its development paved the way for the creation of vaccines that eventually eradicated the disease. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is calling for a $1.4 billion critical needs budget to address the state's budget crisis, which has been ongoing for over two and a half years. The budget would provide raises for teachers, state troopers, and other state law enforcement, as well as fund Medicaid and other critical needs. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd is voicing his support for President Trump's approach towards Iran, citing the regime's history of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. In other news, a federal judge has ruled against a Libertarian voter who challenged North Carolina's ballot selfie restrictions, citing the state's interest in preventing vote buying and coercion. Additionally, North Carolina's charter school infrastructure is set to receive a major boost from a record-breaking $52.9 million federal grant, which will support the establishment of new charter schools and career and technical education programs. [... more]

George Whitfield, a British preacher, and Ben Franklin, a renowned printer and statesman, formed an unlikely friendship that shaped American history. Whitfield's passionate preaching and emphasis on personal spirituality sparked the Great Awakening, a massive revival that transformed the colonies. Franklin, initially skeptical, was won over by Whitfield's charisma and message, and the two men collaborated on various projects, including a potential colony in the Ohio River Valley. Their friendship, despite their differences, demonstrates the power of spiritual conviction and the impact of Whitfield's ministry on American society. [... more]

New parents can benefit from a financial checklist to ensure they're prepared for the added expenses of raising a child. This includes updating health insurance, life insurance, budgeting, creating or updating a will, building an emergency fund, updating taxes, and considering education savings. A financial advisor can help individuals navigate these changes and make informed decisions about their finances. [... more]

Iceland's strategic location made it difficult to remain neutral during the events of World War II. The island nation's population was small, and its economy was hit hard during the Great Depression. Britain imposed export controls on Icelandic exports to Germany, further depressing the economy. The British offered assistance and sought to make Iceland an ally, but the Icelandic government chose to remain neutral, disallowing visits by military vessels and aircraft of the belligerents. The German invasion of Denmark and Norway demonstrated that Hitler did not respect neutrality, and Britain considered invading Iceland to prevent a German invasion. The British eventually occupied Iceland, and the US took over the occupation in 1941. The occupation had a significant impact on Iceland's economy and culture, with the US and Britain building infrastructure and bases on the island. [... more]

A report from the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force warns of rising energy rates amid a demand boom, recommending policies to ensure affordable, reliable, and clean energy supplies. Meanwhile, the state's Department of Environmental Quality awards $5.7 million in grants for flood resiliency projects in Western North Carolina, aiming to reduce flood risks and protect surrounding communities. [... more]

North Carolina is expanding its apprenticeship programs with federal workforce funds, connecting high school students with career opportunities in various industries. Early voting kicks off in the state for the March 3rd primary election, with low expected voter turnout due to the lack of competitive races. The state is also launching a new energy efficiency program to make utility bills more affordable for eligible households. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is addressing the growing demand for energy in the state, particularly from data centers, and is awaiting recommendations from his Energy Policy Task Force. [... more]

Faith-based investing is expanding rapidly, with new tools offering more thoughtful stewardship. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a popular investment vehicle, providing transparency and lower costs. Christians have a growing opportunity to invest in a way that aligns with their values as Christ followers, using faith-aligned ETFs and other investment options. [... more]

The New England Patriots are heading to the AFC Championship game, facing off against the Denver Broncos led by quarterback Jared Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass in over 740 days. Marcus Jones, a key player for the Patriots, discusses the team's preparation and strategy for the big game, while Rich Eisen and Chris Brockman analyze the potential impact of a Super Bowl appearance on various players' career narratives. [... more]

A hearing is scheduled to take place in Mecklenburg County to petition the removal of Sheriff Gary McFadden due to allegations of willful misconduct and maladministration. Meanwhile, a report from the state auditor's office reveals that the North Carolina Education Lottery has not been providing a significant portion of its revenue to public education, sparking calls for transparency reforms. Additionally, the North Carolina General Assembly has passed a law banning the use of cell phones and laptops during instructional time in public schools, and the Rural Health Transformation Program has been allocated $213 million to improve health outcomes in rural areas. [... more]

The story of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4 illustrates God's provision and the importance of faithfulness, wise counsel, and generosity in financial stewardship. The widow's reliance on God and obedience to His instructions demonstrate the balance between God's role and our role in meeting our needs. [... more]

A Canadian citizen has been indicted for illegally voting in federal elections in North Carolina, and a $12 billion bailout has been announced for American farmers. In North Carolina, a student is dead and another injured after a fight at North Forsyth High School, and $29 million in federal public assistance reimbursements will be flowing into Western North Carolina communities and state agencies. [... more]

New laws in North Carolina take effect, including one allowing employees and volunteers at non-public schools to carry weapons on school property, and another requiring adult content websites to verify users' ages and secure written consent from individuals featured in images. [... more]

The next generation is redefining stewardship and generosity, with a focus on authenticity, impact, and community. Women play a significant role in shaping generosity, and advisors should consider co-creation and connecting head and heart when working with millennials and Gen Z. A reverse mortgage can be a viable option for tapping into home equity, and QCDs allow for tax-free charitable giving from IRAs. [... more]

A small group of North Carolina voters received incorrect letters about their voter registration status, but the state board of elections says it was an administrative error. The state is working to repair voter registration records, which will bring the state's voter rolls into compliance with federal and state law. Meanwhile, Charlotte has seen a high rate of property crime, and local leaders are being forced to address the issue. The city has seen a decrease in certain types of crime, but the public perception of safety remains a concern. The United States and South Korea have reached a trade deal that will lower tariffs on Korean auto imports, which will benefit North Carolina auto producers and consumers. Redistricting lawsuits are ongoing in North Carolina, and the state board of elections is working to resolve the issue before the December 1st deadline. The USDA is relocating its agricultural hubs to states like North Carolina, which has a thriving agricultural industry. [... more]

Many people want their investments to reflect their values and convictions, and they need guidance from financial advisors to align their finances with their faith. Research shows that 48% of investors have already connected their investments with their faith or are interested in doing so, but a gap exists between investor interest and advisor action. Financial advisors can help clients incorporate faith-based investing into their financial plans, and tools are available to screen portfolios and exclude companies that conflict with their values. [... more]

Faith-based investing and financial education are discussed, with a focus on biblical wisdom and investing for Kingdom Impact. A listener asks for resources to learn about investing, and the host recommends the Sound Mind Investing Handbook and a faith-based investing portal on the new faithfy.com website. [... more]