A safety crackdown in North Carolina removed nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers and vehicles from roads and highways. The state is facing concerns over commercial driver's licenses, with a federal audit finding 54% of non-domiciled licenses did not meet federal requirements. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is proposing revised math standards to better align with workforce needs, and the state is investing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity initiatives. Additionally, a new partnership between federal and state agencies is providing a significant financial and operational boost to Western North Carolina's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. [... more]

James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, is a lesser-known figure in American history. Despite his lack of charisma and personal scandals, Polk was a highly effective one-term president who added more territory to the United States than the Louisiana Purchase. He was driven by the concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to spread their culture and religion across the North American continent. Polk's presidency was marked by his ambitious goals, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon and California. He was a workaholic who trusted no one and was involved in every aspect of government. Polk's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and his story is a fascinating one that sheds light on the early 19th century and the growth of the United States. [... more]

The Super Bowl originated from the merger of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) in 1966, with the first game being the AFL versus NFL World Championship. The event has since become a cultural phenomenon, with the halftime show evolving from a G-rated variety show to a cutting-edge entertainment spectacle, and the Super Bowl itself becoming the most-watched and most-important advertising day of the year, with an economic impact of over $40 billion annually. [... more]

Windmills played a crucial role in the development of the American West, providing water for families and farms. The Halliday Windmill Company's design, which swiveled to adjust for wind speed, was a game-changer. Today, some people are restoring these old windmills, like Rick Ritter, who fixed his family's Flint and Whaling brand windmill after years of neglect. [... more]

A major winter storm is approaching North Carolina, prompting Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. The state's emergency response team has been activated, and crews are pre-treating roads with brine and restocking salt supplies. Meanwhile, a lawsuit over the state health plan has been ongoing for 14 years, with the state health plan seeking to have the state Supreme Court revisit its ruling. Additionally, a company called ComScope has canceled a major manufacturing expansion in Catawba County, and UNC Chapel Hill is poised to break ground on a major campus expansion in 2027. [... more]

General Chris Donahue, the four-star general in charge of US Army Europe and Africa, discusses his daily responsibilities and the challenges of deterring Russia's expansionist power in Europe and Africa. He highlights the importance of the Eastern Flank deterrence line and the need to eliminate strategic dilemmas in the region, particularly in Ukraine and Africa. [... more]

North Carolina Family Policy Council highlights key legislation passed in 2025, including bills protecting parental rights, preventing sexual exploitation, and improving foster care and adoption laws. The organization also discusses its efforts to prevent gambling expansion and promote parental involvement in education. [... more]

God wants to use ordinary people like Stephen to bring his power to the world, and we can start by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and meeting the needs right in front of us. As we reflect on the story of Stephen, we see that he was an ordinary Christian who was filled with the Spirit and used by God to spread the gospel, and we are called to do the same. We must start with the needs right in front of us and be willing to sacrifice ourselves to save others, just as Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Ultimately, Jesus is worth it, and we must build our lives on the Word of God and the souls of people. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in church growth is discussed, with Pastor Jack Hibbs emphasizing the importance of spiritual gifts and their operational use in the body of Christ. He teaches that believers need to examine their motives for growth, whether it's to impress or serve the Lord, and that church growth begins from within. Pastor Jack also discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the word of wisdom, prophecy, and exhortation, and how they can be used to strengthen the body of Christ. [... more]

The Remnant Is Holding Fast, a message about the erosion of Judeo-Christian culture in America, the rapid importation of people with opposing values, and the consequences of embracing diversity and equity and inclusion. The discussion touches on the rise of Islamic expansion, Satanism, and communism, and the need for Americans to return to their Judeo-Christian roots. [... more]

America's evolving vision of its place on the world stage is explored through its history of foreign policy, empire building, and imperialism. The story delves into the complexities of human trafficking and its impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children. The narrative also touches on America's expansion westward, including the acquisition of Alaska and Cuba, and the events leading up to the Spanish-American War. [... more]

The American West is often seen as a land of opportunity and freedom, but its true history is complex and multifaceted. From the forced assimilation of Native Americans to the myth of the rugged individualist, the story of the American frontier is one of both promise and tragedy. [... more]

Jedediah Smith, a devout Christian and ambitious mountain man, embarked on a series of expeditions through the American West, establishing trails and pioneering routes that would become crucial for the Oregon Trail and California's early settlers. He faced numerous challenges, including brutal battles with Native American tribes and encounters with grizzly bears, but his determination and courage earned him respect from his peers and a place in American history. [... more]

Thousands of men, women, and children embark on a perilous journey to the American West, driven by the pioneering spirit and the promise of a new life. The Donner Party, a group of 87 pioneers, faces unimaginable hardships and tragedy as they attempt to reach California, but their fate serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American people. [... more]

North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein is facing a deadline to sign or veto Arena's Law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that tightens pretrial conditions for violent offenders, eliminates cashless bail, and establishes a new protocol for mental health evaluations. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating employees to Raleigh, North Carolina, to increase its workforce and make it more affordable for people to join the department, citing the city's low cost of living and its importance as a hub for agriculture, which is the state's number one industry. [... more]

The Apache Wars began with a desperate attempt to rescue soldiers besieged by Apache Indians, resulting in the first Medal of Honor by date of action and sparking a bloody conflict that lasted for decades. The clash of cultures and American westward expansion led to a series of missteps and conflicts, including the execution of Apache prisoners, which turned the Apache anger from Mexico to the United States. [... more]

The tush push, a contentious play in the NFL, has sparked debate among fans and officials. Dean Blandino, former head of NFL refs and current rules analyst, weighs in on the issue, citing concerns about health and safety, competitive fairness, and aesthetics. Meanwhile, targeting in college football has become a hot topic, with inconsistent officiating and draconian penalties drawing criticism. [... more]

A conversation between John Quincy Adams and John C. Calhoun during the War of 1812 marked the beginning of a rift between the two men, with Adams becoming a prominent anti-slavery politician and Calhoun advocating for the expansion of slavery, leading to a profound insight for Adams that slavery corrupts the master as well as the slave. [... more]

The Louisiana Purchase was a pivotal moment in American history, where the United States acquired 800,000 square miles of land from France in 1803. The deal was negotiated by Thomas Jefferson and Robert Livingston, who were sent to France to purchase New Orleans and the surrounding territory. However, Napoleon's decision to sell the land was also driven by his desire to reclaim the West Indies, which had been lost due to the Haitian Revolution. The purchase had significant implications for American expansion and the country's future, with Jefferson seeing it as an opportunity to secure the West and create an agrarian republic. [... more]

Investors can use their money to advance justice, compassion, and human flourishing by aligning their investments with their faith values. Faith-based investing and impact investing strategies can help shape a more just and compassionate world, and proxy voting can be a powerful tool for speaking truth and justice in the marketplace. [... more]

The Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, with Russia refusing to meet for direct talks with Ukraine and hitting civilian targets. Columnist David Ignatius discusses the need for the US to take a stronger stance and provide security guarantees to Ukraine, while also addressing the concerns of Russia and Europe. Ignatius argues that the US must work with Ukraine to help them fend off the illegal invasion and that the settlement of the conflict would be an admission of defeat for Russia. [... more]

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the NFL preseason, while Major League Baseball considers expansion to North Carolina and Nashville. Meanwhile, college football is heating up, with the ACC and Clemson looking strong contenders for the National Championship. [... more]

Managing your money can draw you closer to God. Your bank account is not just a tool for managing finances, but also an opportunity to steward your influence and serve the body of Christ. By choosing a values-aligned institution, you can make a meaningful impact on the kingdom of God, even with small deposits. God isn't limited by the size of your bank account, and he can multiply what you offer in faith. [... more]

The possibility of Major League Baseball expansion and realignment has sparked debate, with Commissioner Rob Manfred suggesting the addition of new teams and potential changes to the league's divisions. Cities like Tennessee, Portland, and Utah have been mentioned as potential locations for new teams, but some fans and analysts are skeptical about the need for change, citing the importance of maintaining traditional rivalries and the history of the game. [... more]

College football is in a state of flux as the NCAA deals with NIL and settlement issues, while conferences like the SEC and Big Ten debate playoff expansion. Meanwhile, teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan navigate roster changes and coaching decisions, making for an unpredictable season ahead. [... more]

The Los Angeles Clippers have made significant additions to their roster, but can they compete with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference? Meanwhile, Damian Lillard is expected to return to the Portland Trailblazers, and the NBA is considering expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, with Adam Silver discussing the potential challenges and benefits of adding two new teams to the league. [... more]

North Carolina's State Board of Elections faces a lawsuit from the Democrat National Committee over a plan to collect missing voter ID information, while Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins a lawsuit against the federal government to prevent funding cuts for the state's schools. Meanwhile, a study by the American Enterprise Institute found that building light touch density housing does not appear to affect single-family home values in Charlotte and Seattle. [... more]

College football playoff expansion is a topic of debate, with the SEC and Big Ten holding voting control over the future format. The SEC is open to having more at-large berths, while the Big Ten wants uniform scheduling among conferences. Meanwhile, coaches like Nick Saban and Brian Kelly face pressure to perform, and the SEC's dominance is being questioned. [... more]

North Carolina is dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, which left three people dead and caused historic flooding in the central part of the state. Governor Josh Stein has announced that the state will have to get creative to keep the Medicaid expansion population on the program's rolls after President Donald Trump's one big beautiful bill was signed into law, which will effectively end Medicaid expansion in the state or create a $32 billion budget hole over the next decade. The state's Medicaid expansion program added more than 65,000 able-bodied childrenless working-age adults to the federal entitlement program, and the governor is concerned that about 660,000 people who now have Medicaid through expansion are at risk of losing their coverage. [... more]

Brian Weber discusses the evolution of Aaron Rodgers' persona, the impact of his decision to join the Steelers, and the potential implications for the team's season. He also touches on the Big 12's efforts to push back against the Big Ten's proposal for playoff expansion, and the challenges facing the college football landscape. In addition, he shares his thoughts on the NBA, including the hiring of Mike Brown as the new head coach of the Knicks and the potential for the team to make a deep playoff run. [... more]

Governor Josh Stein signed six pieces of legislation into law, including the PAVE Act, which will allow a one-cent countywide tax referendum to address transportation needs in the Charlotte metro area. The bill also creates a new 27-member transit authority to oversee transportation money. Additionally, Stein signed the Protecting Students in a Digital Age Act, which requires school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students' access to social media platforms in the classroom. Meanwhile, the state health plan is facing a serious deficit, with a projected $949 million cash deficit by the end of 2027. [... more]

Managing money is about more than just numbers and budgets, it's a window into something eternal. Biblical wisdom for your financial journey involves trusting in God and understanding the emptiness of accumulation, finding peace and fulfillment in Christ. [... more]

The Charlotte Hornets are in prime position to trade back in the NBA draft, potentially moving from the number 4 pick to the number 8 pick to acquire more first-round draft picks. Meanwhile, the NCAA is considering expanding its basketball tournament, with options to add 4 or 8 teams, but this move is unpopular among fans. In college basketball, Stanford's Maxime Reynaud is a standout player who could be taken outside the top 5 in the NBA draft. [... more]

College football is facing significant changes with the introduction of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. The NCAA is also dealing with potential expansion and realignment, with the SEC and Big Ten conferences pushing for more control over the playoff format. Experts predict that the transfer portal may need to be adjusted to prevent student-athletes from rushing to transfer in the spring. [... more]

God's judgment of nations is based on their sins, including unprincipled expansion, arrogance, deceitful practices, and indifference to God. Pastor Lutzer examines the Bible's teachings on these sins and their consequences, highlighting the importance of humility and repentance. [... more]

The Pony Express was a mail service that operated in the 1860s, delivering mail from the East Coast to California in just 10 days. Founded by Alexander Majors, William Russell, and William Waddell, the service was a remarkable achievement in speed and efficiency, but ultimately failed due to financial difficulties. The Pony Express has become an iconic symbol of the American West and a testament to the pioneering spirit of the era. [... more]

The NFL owners meeting is approaching, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on joining the team. Meanwhile, the Giants have signed two veteran quarterbacks, and the Browns are considering taking a quarterback at number two. Women's sports are also in the spotlight, with a discussion on the lack of research into women's bodies and how they hold up playing sports. [... more]

The construction of the US Interstate Highway System is often attributed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, but the true story is more complex. Charles Zug, an assistant professor of constitutional democracy and political science, reveals the real history behind the system's development, including the role of user taxes and the Highway Trust Fund. [... more]

The NHL's Four Nations Face-Off was a huge success, attracting 16.1 million viewers across North America. Commissioner Gary Bettman discusses the event's origins and future plans, including the return of the World Cup and Olympics. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are considering Matthew Stafford's future, with the quarterback's agent seeking to gauge his market value. [... more]

The federal government has been spending billions of dollars on wasteful and immoral causes, including promoting atheism and LGBTQ values abroad. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, has uncovered these abuses and is working to cut back on unnecessary spending. This raises questions about the role of government and the values it promotes, and whether it is in line with the principles of the country's founding. [... more]