North Carolina's tourism industry continues to thrive, with visitor spending reaching a record $36.7 billion in 2024. Despite the impact of Hurricane Helene, the state's cultural, recreational, and culinary experiences remain a top choice for travelers. Meanwhile, a lengthy legal dispute over the ferry and barge system serving the Village of Baldhead Island has resulted in a recent court ruling against the village government. Additionally, state lawmakers have scheduled veto overrides on several bills, including measures aimed at curbing the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda in education and government. [... more]

Harvard has sued the Trump administration over a ban on allowing new foreign students to join the university, citing concerns about antisemitic violence on campus. The Trump administration had revoked Harvard's participation in the Student Exchange Visitor Program, citing concerns about antisemitism and a pro-Hamas sympathy on campus. A judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's move, allowing Harvard to continue enrolling international students. [... more]

The Bremen Jewish Heritage Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, showcases the rich history of Jewish people in the South, from their arrival in 1733 to the present day. The museum's archives contain countless oral and written histories, and its founders, Sandy Berman and Jane Levy, share stories of Jewish life and philanthropy in Georgia and Alabama. [... more]

The Bremen Jewish Heritage Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, showcases a rich history of Jewish life in the South, dating back to 1733. The museum's archives contain countless oral and written histories of Jews in Georgia and Alabama, including stories of philanthropy, perseverance, and patriotism. One of the museum's founding archivists, Sandy Berman, shares the story of Dr. Samuel Nunez, a Jewish physician who helped save the colony and paved the way for Jewish settlement in the South. [... more]

PEZ, the Austrian invention, evolved into the brick-shaped candy dispenser that we all know and love today. Its creator, Edward Haas III, wanted to provide an alternative to smoking and freshen breath. The brand shifted its marketing from adults to children, adding fruit flavors and character heads, which led to its success in the United States. Today, PEZ has over 1,400 dispenser designs and 15 flavors, with a visitor center in Connecticut where fans can learn about its history and see how the candy is made. [... more]

Jesus visits the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary, and both demonstrate faithful devotion to him, utilizing their spiritual gifts through different expressions of love, but Martha's attitude and priority are misguided, leading to a lesson on balance and worship. [... more]

The breastplate of righteousness is a powerful symbol of our relationship with God, and its connection to the life of Sarah, a Proverbs 31 woman, is a beautiful reminder of the importance of hospitality and loving our enemies. As the bride of Christ, we are called to wear this breastplate, which represents our right standing with God and our ability to provide light and guidance to others through our faith. [... more]