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 North Carolina General Assembly continues to struggle with budget negotiations, with no comprehensive state budget passed despite being well into the second fiscal quarter. Governor Josh Stein is calling for an emergency session to address the Medicaid rebase, while the Republican-led General Assembly is at odds over tax code policies. Meanwhile, the federal government is on the verge of reopening after a 43-day shutdown, with a bipartisan deal to end the shutdown advancing through the House Rules Committee. [... more]

God is seeking to connect us with his unshakable kingdom, where we find purpose and satisfaction. However, this requires us to let go of our attachment to the world and its kingdoms. When God creates turbulence and disruption in our lives, it's an opportunity for us to listen to his voice and deepen our connection with him. By showing gratitude and serving him, we can become kingdom servants and advance his name, truth, and kingdom impact. [... more]

A trade war between the US and China has led to a spike in rare earth metal imports in North Carolina, with the US seeking new trade agreements with other Asian countries. Meanwhile, a new congressional map in North Carolina is facing legal challenges, with plaintiffs arguing that the map was drawn in a racially discriminatory way. President Trump has announced a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they will discuss trade issues, including tariffs and fentanyl enforcement. [... more]

Devin Westhill shares a powerful story about his mother's unwavering resilience and determination to provide a better life for her children, despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the American Dream and the importance of embracing diversity and individuality. [... more]

A doctor shares a moving story about a dying patient and the importance of taking a spiritual history, revealing the connectedness we have in all of our imperfect, vulnerable lives. [... more]

Medicare insurance market disruption is causing changes in coverage and premiums for Medicare Part D and Advantage plans. The Inflation Reduction Act introduced a $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Part D, but the government did not provide funding to support this change. As a result, insurance companies are increasing premiums and changing formularies, affecting drug coverage and costs for beneficiaries. To navigate these changes, Medicare beneficiaries should create a Medicare.gov account to access their claims history, shop for plans, and compare coverage and costs. Insurance agents and advisors can help beneficiaries understand these changes and make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage. [... more]

Jesus makes his claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God, and shares his experience, qualifications, and references as the right person for the job of Savior and Redeemer. He explains his relationship with the Father, his authority, and his role in giving life and exercising final judgment. [... more]

Walking by faith and trusting God's plan can lead to healing and restoration, but it often requires disruption and dismantling of old beliefs and strongholds. This process can be challenging, but it's necessary for deep healing and growth. By looking back and seeing God's hand in past experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of His plan and trust Him more fully. This journey of healing and restoration is not always easy, but it's worth it for a stronger, more authentic relationship with God and others. [... more]

Getting perspective as a son in our fathers' lives can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and spiritual development. By understanding our fathers' stories and struggles, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their flaws and imperfections, and develop a greater sense of compassion and empathy. This process of disruption, dismantling, healing, and restoration can be a transformative experience, allowing us to break free from the lies and agreements that have held us back and move towards a more authentic and meaningful life. [... more]

A heartwarming story of an old dog named Benny and his owner, who form an unbreakable bond despite the challenges they face. Through their journey, they show us the power of unconditional love and the importance of companionship in our lives. [... more]

Cliff Scheife's health crisis led him to surrender and seek healing, ultimately finding peace and a new dream in the Patola Valley. His story is a testament to the power of faith and trust in the face of disruption and change. [... more]

When life's circumstances turn upside down, it can be difficult to understand God's plan. The Bible teaches that disruption and dismantling are part of the process, but it's not just about chaos, it's about being redirected towards a greater purpose. The hosts share personal stories of how they've experienced disruption and dismantling in their lives, and how they've come to understand that it's an opportunity for growth and transformation. [... more]

Disruption and dismantling are key components of spiritual growth, as God often must burn down our old ways to make room for new growth. This process can be painful, but it's necessary for us to submit to God's plan and allow him to dismantle our false selves. By examining the stories of others, such as Coach White and Harold, we can see how God's disruption and dismantling have led to healing and restoration in their lives. [... more]

Godly men often find themselves in situations where their agendas are disrupted, leading to a dismantling of their false selves and a deeper understanding of their purpose. [... more]

Investing in the Kingdom of Heaven means choosing the right treasures, having a healthy eye, and serving the right master. Jesus teaches that earthly treasures are temporary and fragile, while heavenly treasures are durable and secure. A person's eye reveals what's going on inside them, and a healthy eye looks on the world with generous love, while a bad eye is greedy and selfish. Ultimately, Jesus says that we can't serve two masters, and we must choose between living for earthly treasures or the kingdom of heaven. [... more]

Rob West discusses the potential impact of President Trump's second term on the economy and investors with Mark Biller, executive editor at Soundmind Investing. They examine the market trends, interest rates, and inflation, and provide insights on how to navigate the anticipated disruption. [... more]

Having an emergency fund is crucial for financial management, but knowing when to use it requires careful consideration. Three questions to ask before tapping into your emergency fund are: is it urgent, is it necessary, and is it an unexpected expense? Understanding these concepts can help you avoid unnecessary debt and achieve financial peace of mind. [... more]

Growing up in a blended family can be challenging, but one man's story of resilience and forgiveness offers a powerful lesson in the importance of parental love and the impact of childhood trauma on adult relationships. [... more]

Rob West discusses the importance of keeping a cash reserve for emergencies, and how to determine the right amount to keep on hand. He also talks about the benefits of hiring a wealth manager and the importance of aligning your financial decisions with your Christian values. [... more]