On this episode of Our American Stories Tony Maglica was born in New York but spent much of his childhood in Croatia where World War II brought foreign occupation hunger and the constant threat of violence When he returned to the United States in he arrived with little money a limited command of English and no clear path forward He took whatever work he could find eventually discovering a gift for machining that carried him from New York to Colorado and finally California There with just in savings and a determination to work for himself he opened a small machine [... more]

Someday someone else will steward the resources God has entrusted to you But will they be prepared for that responsibility Many families devote considerable time and attention to estate planning They establish wills create trusts and develop strategies to transfer assets efficiently Those are important steps but they address only part of the challenge Preparing the next steward involves more than preparing an inheritance It involves preparing the person who will receive it David Wills President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation NCF and a contributor to FaithFi's newest Field Guide How Do I Prepare the Next Steward joined the [... more]

Money can be a wonderful servant or a terrible master It touches nearly every part of our lives influencing our decisions shaping our priorities and often revealing what matters most to us But have you ever wondered why the Bible has so much to say about it According to bestselling author Randy Alcorn Founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries the answer has less to do with money itself and more to do with what money reveals about our hearts On today's show Randy joined us to share insights from his forthcoming -day devotional with FaithFi exploring why God's wisdom [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Andrea Ludden's mother was an archaeologist who began collecting salt and pepper shakers after moving to the United States in the s What started with a search for pepper mills grew into a collection of thousands as she realized that these ordinary household objects could reveal changing fashions technology travel manufacturing and everyday life Andrea shares how the family's -year collecting adventure eventually became the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg Tennessee home to shaker sets and pepper mills and how carrying on the museum after her mother's death became a way [... more]

North Carolina officials are recruiting aerospace and defense manufacturers to the state, while Governor Josh Stein has announced a new statewide advisory council to bolster the state as a premier location for defense research and innovation. Meanwhile, the state is also dealing with the potential opening of a federal immigration processing center in North Carolina, and the collapse of a major economic development project with VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have passed a state budget that includes tax cuts, teacher raises, and disaster recovery funding. The budget, which was passed with bipartisan support, now heads to Governor Josh Stein's desk for signature. The budget also includes funding for economic development projects, including a commercial aircraft manufacturing facility in Greensboro. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $197 million in additional disaster recovery funding for Western North Carolina, which was affected by Hurricane Helene. [... more]

Henry Ford's life and legacy are a testament to his innovative spirit and determination to make cars affordable for the masses. He revolutionized the automotive industry with the Model T, introducing the first modern assembly line and transforming the way cars were manufactured and sold. Ford's impact on American society was profound, breaking down social barriers and creating a new era of consumerism. His story is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of technology, business, and culture. [... more]

North Carolina's legislative leaders are pushing back a budget timeframe, with Republican leaders signaling that a finished spending plan may not be ready as quickly as they had hoped. The state's budget is expected to include additional funding for Western North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, as well as proposed raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers. Lawmakers are also considering a tax increase on sports betting operators and changes to a Medicaid policy for applied behavioral analysis therapy. [... more]

North Carolina Representative Sarah Stevens resigns from the state House to run for the Supreme Court, while nearly two-thirds of opportunity scholarship dollars go to lower-income families. Meanwhile, a growing trend of municipal financial distress is being highlighted by State Auditor Dave Bollock, with Rocky Mount facing significant cash flow issues. The case of DeCarlos Brown, who killed a 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee on the Charlotte Light Rail, is also being closely watched as he is deemed incompetent to stand trial and will undergo treatment for up to four months. [... more]

The US is facing a crisis with Iran, with tensions escalating and the possibility of war looming. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is working to strengthen ties with Taiwan and reduce China's influence in the region. In the US, the rare earth industry is struggling to compete with China's dominance, but efforts are being made to develop domestic resources and manufacturing capabilities. The Supreme Court has also been a focus of attention, with decisions on gerrymandering and the census potentially having a significant impact on the 2024 elections. [... more]

Buck Sexton explores the concept of manufacturing delusion, where people are manipulated into believing false information, and how this can lead to mass hysteria and radicalization. He draws on his CIA background and historical examples to explain the tactics used to control people's minds and the dangers of this phenomenon in modern society. [... more]

Henry Ford's legacy is deeply ingrained in American history, from the invention of the Model T to the creation of the modern assembly line. His innovative approach to mass production and consumerism transformed the automobile industry and had a profound impact on society. Ford's courage and conviction in the face of adversity are a testament to his enduring legacy. [... more]

Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin and his claim to have developed interchangeable parts is a story often told in a simplified way. However, the truth behind his invention and the role of firearms in his development of interchangeable parts is more complex and fascinating. [... more]

President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address highlighted several key issues, including the economy, tariffs, and the impact of AI data centers on utility grids. He also discussed the housing shortage, immigration, and the need to prevent large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes. Additionally, the president called for legislation to bar states from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens and highlighted the case of Irina Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was murdered on the Charlotte Light Rail. [... 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]

The screwdriver has a rich history, with early versions emerging in the 15th century for use in medieval jousting armor and early firearms. Over time, inventors like Peter L. Robertson and Henry Phillips developed new screw designs, including the Robertson screw and the Phillips head screw, which revolutionized the industry with their self-centering and torque-resistant features. These innovations paved the way for mass production and widespread adoption in various industries, including automotive and manufacturing. [... more]

North Carolina continues to experience significant population growth, with a 1.3% growth rate, trailing only Texas and Florida. The state is also facing rising electricity costs due to the growth of data centers, particularly those using AI technology. A bipartisan group of governors, including North Carolina's Josh Stein, are pressuring the nation's largest regional electrical grid operator to lower prices. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is launching a nationwide freedom truck tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a stop in North Carolina. [... more]

The North Carolina economy could be negatively impacted by an estimated $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs threatened by the European Union in response to President Trump's threatened tariff pressures for the sale of Greenland to the United States. A new federal law grants state and local law enforcement officials the authority to take down drones that pose a credible threat to public safety. A biotech company plans to more than double its spending on its East Coast manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with the help of local and state government incentives. [... more]

Black licorice, candy corn, and circus peanuts are perhaps the most divisive of candies, yet each of them has their own history that has allowed them to survive as a treat for generations. From ancient Egypt to modern-day America, these candies have been a part of human culture, with their origins dating back thousands of years. Despite their polarizing nature, they remain popular globally, with candy corn being the most popular Halloween candy in West Virginia and black licorice being the most popular in Colorado. [... 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]