Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

A contentious committee hearing in Raleigh revealed that the Chapel Hill-Carborough City School District is not in compliance with Senate Bill 49, the Parents' Bill of Rights, which aims to increase transparency in curriculum and protect children from inappropriate content. The district's superintendent, Dr. Rodney Trice, was questioned by lawmakers over the district's handling of materials in its libraries, with some lawmakers expressing concerns that the district is intentionally subverting the law. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court is considering a rehearing of the Leandro case, a 32-year-old legal challenge to education funding in the state. The case has been a major point of contention in North Carolina politics for decades, with some lawmakers arguing that it is a key factor in the state's education funding woes. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein laid out his recommended state budget for fiscal year 26-27, proposing a $3 billion spending increase and tax cuts. He emphasized the need to invest in public education, workforce development, and public safety, while also addressing issues like childcare and housing costs. The governor's budget also includes proposals to increase teacher pay, expand community college programs, and provide more funding for school safety and mental health services. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

The North Carolina State Board of Elections adopted new non-citizen voter rules despite heated debate. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing a report that warns of the dangers of the state's unregulated cannabis market. Additionally, Duke Energy is seeking a $800 million rate increase to recoup energy costs from a recent cold snap. The U.S. birth rate has hit a record low, with implications for the economy and public education. North Carolina's demographic shift is expected to have significant impacts on the state's economy and education system. [... more]

Everyday banking can become a tool for God's kingdom when financial decisions align with faith. Christian Community Credit Union and Adelphi offer unique approaches to banking, supporting churches, families, and ministries worldwide. By integrating faith with finances, individuals can make a tangible impact on their communities and beyond. [... more]

Mark Nicholson shares his testimony as a pro-life missionary and executive director of Passion Life Ministries, highlighting the importance of introducing the gospel in difficult circumstances, particularly in countries with declining population rates and abortion issues. [... more]

The Artemis mission and its Christian pilot's witness, the Iran war and just war theory, transgender issues and gender dysphoria, the decline in teen birth rates and its implications, and the complexities of abortion and assisted suicide are all discussed from a Christian worldview. [... more]

Preparing the next steward is crucial to intentionally passing on wisdom before wealth. The Bible never defines inheritance as merely financial, but rather as a tool for kingdom impact. Families should focus on transferring stewardship, not just assets, and prioritize spiritual formation, understanding of stewardship, and trust in God as the true provider. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans discusses the importance of serving Christ sacrificially, authentically, enthusiastically, relationally, and dependently, emphasizing the need to live a life based on grace rather than merit or human effort. [... more]

Developing holy craving for God's word is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Christians must put aside sinful attitudes like malice, deceit, envy, and slander to cultivate a deep longing for the pure milk of God's word, which brings about growth in faith and salvation. [... more]

North Carolina's state budget is facing a surplus, with lawmakers cautioning that rising costs and future tax cuts could strain finances. The North Carolina State Board of Elections certified the 2026 primary election results, with early voting up 25% from the last midterm primary. The Trump administration canceled two large offshore wind farm electrical generation leases, with Total Energies set to reinvest the money into LNG, oil, and other forms of electrical generation. North Carolina's community colleges are enrolling more students than at any point since before the COVID-19 pandemic, with full-time equivalent enrollment growing by 23%. A new labeling standard for meat, poultry, and egg producers, known as Product of the USA, was launched by the USDA, allowing producers to label their products as 'Made in the USA'. [... more]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in young men, urging them to live a lifestyle that is radically different from the world. He commands Titus to show young men the pattern of godly living, which includes self-control, good deeds, and purity in doctrine. Paul stresses that spiritual maturity is not guaranteed and must be modeled, and that young men need a culture that can help them define worthy aspirations and live a life that matters. [... more]

Understanding the three-legged stool of retirement income, Americans rely on Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings, with individual retirement accounts playing a crucial role. Mark Biller breaks down the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, discussing tax implications, contribution limits, and eligibility. He also shares practical advice on setting up business finances, including separating personal and business accounts, choosing a simple accounting system, and treating taxes as a bill to be paid. [... more]

Women are increasingly becoming the primary financial decision makers after inheriting wealth from their spouses, and with this responsibility comes the opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship. Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, shares insights from research on Christian women's financial habits and generosity, highlighting the importance of clarity, confidence, and biblical understanding in making financial decisions. [... 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]

The desire for genuine connections and friendships is a fundamental human need, but the rise of social media has led to a sense of loneliness and disconnection. A Christian author shares his personal struggles with loneliness and how he found meaningful friendships through vulnerability and authenticity. [... more]

North Carolina's manufacturing sector reported one of the largest yearly job losses of any major industry, with a 1.5% decrease in jobs over the past year. Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate decreased in 99 out of 100 counties, and statewide employment numbers have continued to move in a positive direction. In other news, early voting for the primary election continues across the state, with 319 sites open for voters. Additionally, Congressman Brad Knott discusses the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, which aims to secure the United States' supply of rare earth minerals and reduce dependence on foreign nations. [... more]

A grassroots movement in Ohio aims to abolish property tax, citing its impact on seniors and homeowners. Proponents argue that the state has the money to cover the cost of abolishing property tax, and that cutting spending is the key to achieving this goal. They also point to the accumulation of cash by taxing authorities, which they say is unsustainable and should be returned to taxpayers. [... more]