A New Year's Eve terrorist attack in North Carolina was stopped by law enforcement, according to information from the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The attack was allegedly planned by 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, who was radicalized online by ISIS. Meanwhile, Republicans have overtaken Democrats in North Carolina voter rolls for the first time in state history, with registered Republicans now outnumbering registered Democrats. The shift in registration balance comes as candidates prepare for the March 3rd primary and the larger 2026 general election. [... more]

Building habits that last requires intentionality, a plan, and accountability. A budget helps automate goals and steward what God has entrusted. Real lasting change requires spiritual power, not just willpower. Sticking to a budget may feel restrictive, but Scripture assures us that discipline produces peace, stability, and a life aligned with God's wisdom. [... more]

Lasting change doesn't start with what you want to achieve, but with who you're becoming in Christ. Taylor Standritz joins Rob West to explore why resolutions rooted in identity, not just effort, are the ones that endure. They discuss how to shift from behavior change to identity transformation, and how this approach can lead to lasting financial resolutions and spiritual growth. [... more]

Scripture offers a far better and far more freeing vision for how believers relate to money and possessions. Rejecting materialism does not mean rejecting material things, but rather recognizing the difference between enjoyment and dependence. Gratitude and generosity are powerful tools in breaking the grip of materialism, and Christians are called to steward God's resources wisely and grow in generosity. [... more]

The story of Jesus' birth and the Magi's journey to find him is a testament to the power of seeking truth and faith. Despite facing barriers such as distance, race, and religion, the Magi persevered and ultimately worshiped the Christ child. Their example serves as a reminder to investigate the truth and come to a personal faith in Jesus, who is the answer to our deepest problem: sin. [... more]

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is on the verge of receiving full federal recognition after decades of struggle and advocacy. Meanwhile, the state's disaster relief efforts, particularly with the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCOR), have been marred by bureaucratic delays and mismanagement. A new audit highlights the issues with NCOR, and a proposed bill, the Salamander Act, aims to streamline disaster recovery efforts by expediting permits for the US Army Corps of Engineers. [... more]

Aligning financial decisions with biblical values can bring peace and purpose to one's life. Faith-based investing and financial planning can help individuals make intentional decisions about their money, while generosity and values-based investing can bring a sense of fulfillment and impact. Understanding Social Security and retirement options can also provide clarity and security for the future. [... more]

The Father's role in drawing people to Jesus is a mystery, but it is clear that left to ourselves, we would not choose salvation. The Bible is the key to understanding God's plan of salvation, and it is through faith in Jesus that we are given eternal life. [... more]

Rob West advises listeners on managing their finances, discussing topics such as debt consolidation, mortgage payoff, and retirement planning. He emphasizes the importance of financial stewardship and making wise decisions when it comes to money, using biblical principles as a guide. [... more]

The Cleveland Browns' recent game saw Shadur Sanders' first career start, with the team showing improvement and optimism. Miles Garrett's dominant performance has him on track to break the sack record, and the Browns' defense is considered championship quality. The team's future is tied to their quarterback situation, with Shadur Sanders' development crucial to their success. [... more]

Ron Blue shares insights on biblical and practical wisdom for business partnerships, emphasizing the importance of shared faith and values in lasting relationships. Rob West discusses various financial topics, including vendor access to bank accounts, retirement planning, and charitable giving. [... more]

The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history ended late Wednesday night after the House passed a clean continuation resolution in a 222 to 209 vote, and President Donald Trump signed off on the measure. Toyota held a ceremony to mark the opening and start of production at its first North American electric battery manufacturing plant in Liberty, Randolph County, North Carolina. The plant will feature 14 production lines, including four dedicated to supporting battery production for hybrid electric vehicles, and 10 dedicated for battery production for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Meanwhile, a state health plan lawsuit involving the exclusion of certain treatments for transgender patients has been put on hold until the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decides a similar case from West Virginia. [... more]

The JR Sport Brief Show discusses various sports topics, including the NFL and NBA, with a focus on the New York Giants' quarterback situation, the development of Victor Wembanyama, and the Detroit Tigers' decision on Tarek Skubel's future. [... more]

The San Antonio Spurs are off to a strong start, with Victor Wembanyama leading the team. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are also making waves in the Western Conference. LeBron James' return to the Lakers could be a game-changer, and the Detroit Pistons are surprisingly the best team in the Eastern Conference. [... more]

The Apollo 8 mission, a historic journey to space, propelled three men nearly a quarter of a million miles from the earth, capturing the iconic photograph known as Earthrise, which provided a moment of celebration, joy, and hope in a nation desperately in need of all three. [... more]

Joe Jutris from Rhode Island shares his passion for growing giant pumpkins and squash, which has become a competitive hobby. He discusses the process of growing these massive fruits, from planting seeds to weighing them in at the end of the season. Joe's dedication to this hobby has led him to set multiple records, including growing the world's largest green squash weighing 2,118 pounds. He also talks about the community of growers and the friendships he has made through this hobby. [... more]

Managing money as a couple can be a source of stress, but intentionally scheduling conversations about money, known as 'money dates,' can help couples grow closer together and become better stewards of their resources. Dr. Shane Enet shares six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations, including sharing their money story, giving together, cooking the books, and discussing credit reports and estate planning. [... more]

The JR Sport Brief Show discusses the latest sports news, including the NFL and NBA, with a focus on teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors. The hosts also touch on player injuries and trades, as well as the upcoming season and its storylines. [... more]

The 2013 brutal murders of an elderly couple in Davis, California, left the city paralyzed in fear, and the mastermind behind those murders is a psychotic individual. Meanwhile, the NBA season is approaching, with many storylines, including Giannis and LeBron James, and the potential for the Milwaukee Bucks and San Antonio Spurs to make a strong impact. [... more]

The automobile was initially seen as a major public health benefit, replacing the horse as a mode of transportation and reducing urban noise, but it has since become a major contributor to environmental problems, and its impact is a reminder that technological advancements can have unintended consequences. [... more]

Thad Buehler shares his story of founding the National Disaster Photo Rescue Organization after the Joplin tornado, which inspired him to reunite people with their lost photographs and help them heal. [... more]

The story of Thomas Mundy Peterson, the first black American to vote in the United States under the protection of the federal government, highlights the significance of the 15th Amendment and its impact on citizenship and voting rights. Peterson's historic vote in 1870 marked a crucial moment in the expansion of the franchise to African Americans, solidifying the right to vote as an attainable ideal of citizenship. [... more]

The JR Sport Brief Show discusses the top six active NFL players who are guaranteed to go into the Hall of Fame, including Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Miles Garrett, TJ Watt, and Travis Kelce. [... more]

The heroic age of polar exploration gave way to the mechanical age, where aircraft and motor cars changed the nature and method of exploration. Richard Byrd's flight to the North Pole in 1926 marked a significant achievement, but controversy surrounds the accuracy of his calculations. The story of Byrd's journey and the competition between airships and aeroplanes is a fascinating chapter in the history of aviation. [... more]

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Jocelyn Green was working in Washington, D.C. when the terrorist attacks occurred. She recounts her personal experience of the events, including the fear and grief that followed, and how she found comfort in her faith and a newfound friendship. [... more]

Financial advisors who share Christian values can help clients make wise decisions about their money, aligning their financial goals with their faith. A Certified Kingdom Advisor can provide guidance on generosity, stewardship, and biblical wisdom, helping clients make informed decisions about their financial resources. [... more]

Rob West explores how God can use our setbacks to move us forward with Tim Tebow, discussing how to reframe our mindsets and trust God's sovereignty, and how to use our success to turn it into significance for others. [... more]

The top six NFL players heading into 2025 are revealed, with Josh Allen taking the top spot, followed by Miles Garrett, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, and Patrick Mahomes. The list is based on last season's performances and accomplishments, with a focus on the quarterbacks who control the game. [... more]

Lowell Lytle shares his story of being one of the privileged few who have seen the Titanic first hand, and his passion for telling the story of the Titanic's last hero, Reverend John Harper, who gave his life vest to a non-Christian man and preached to him as he drifted away in the freezing waters. [... more]

Raising financially literate children who understand God's heart and the counsel of Scripture is crucial. Parents can start teaching their kids about money at a young age, using age-appropriate lessons to help them become wise and faithful stewards. As children grow, parents can introduce more complex concepts, such as budgeting, saving, and investing, while reinforcing the importance of generosity and delayed gratification. [... more]

Big Brutus, a massive 11 million-pound machine, played a crucial role in the industrialization of modern America by digging 11 square miles of territory at 40 to 60 foot depths, helping power the country's growth. Its story is a testament to human ingenuity and the importance of preserving mining history. [... more]

Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old woman, became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail all the way through in 1955. She faced numerous challenges, including swollen creeks, improperly blazed trails, and harsh weather conditions, but persevered with the help of strangers and her own survival skills. Her story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity, as she became the first person to ever hike the entirety of the Appalachian Trail three times. [... more]

Quentin Lake, son of former NFL player Carnell Lake, joins the show to discuss his experiences with the Los Angeles Rams, including a team bonding trip to Maui and his interactions with teammates like Jared Verse and Devontae Adams. Lake also shares his goals for the season, including being a reliable player and helping his team win the Super Bowl. [... more]

A five-year-old girl named Bella is kidnapped by a 48-year-old man, Bill Mix, who offers her a better life in exchange for her father's pet parrot. A mother, Lisa, in Utah, receives a strong spiritual feeling that the girl doesn't belong with the man and calls the police, leading to Bella's rescue. The family is grateful for Lisa's intervention, and she credits it to God's divine intervention. Years later, Bill Mix is eligible for parole, but thanks to the efforts of Bella's sister, Clara, and Lisa, his parole is denied. The story highlights the importance of trusting one's gut feelings and the need for stricter laws to protect child victims. [... more]

The WNBA officiating has been a point of contention, with Angel Reese expressing her frustration with the lack of free throws for her team. Meanwhile, in the NBA, the New York Knicks have hired Mike Brown as their new head coach, replacing Tom Thibodeau. Paulo Boncaro has signed a five-year, $287 million extension with the Orlando Magic, and the NBA Summer League is underway, with teams like the Clippers and Heat making moves to strengthen their rosters. Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks is uncertain, and the Home Run Derby is just around the corner, with participants like Cal Raleigh and Ronald Acuna Jr. set to compete. [... more]

The NBA offseason is heating up with trades and signings, including the New York Knicks hiring Mike Brown as their new coach. The Orlando Magic are looking to take a step forward with their young core, while the Miami Heat have added Norman Powell and John Collins. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to win now with the signing of James Harden. In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee is uncertain, and Bradley Beal is expected to be a free agent. The Summer League is also underway, with many young players looking to make a name for themselves. [... more]

Clayton Kershaw becomes the fourth lefty with 3,000 strikeouts, and his high school friend Matthew Stafford is discussed as a potential Hall of Famer, with some arguing he's a compiler and others citing his impressive stats and Super Bowl win. Meanwhile, Spencer Rattler, a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, talks about his first year in the NFL and his goals for the upcoming season. [... more]

The story of the Burger King in Mattoon, Illinois, a local business that took on a national brand and won, highlighting the importance of small-town history and the impact of local businesses on communities. [... more]

The Milwaukee Bucks have made a series of moves in the NBA offseason, including trading for Miles Turner and stretching Damian Lillard's contract. The team's roster is now younger and deeper, with a mix of veterans and young players. The Bucks' decision to stretch Lillard's contract has been met with criticism from some fans and media members, who see it as a way to circumvent the salary cap. The team's ability to make these moves has been facilitated by the Bucks' front office, led by John Horst, who has been able to find creative ways to manage the team's salary cap. [... more]

Carter Momsen Hudson, a 22-year-old college student, shares his story of hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 2,000-mile journey that took him four months to complete. Along the way, he encountered scenic beauty, kindness of strangers, and personal struggles, including anxiety and depression. Through journaling and self-reflection, he learned to cope with his emotions and find meaning in his experiences. [... more]