The White House Correspondence Dinner was marred by a security threat, highlighting concerns about the Secret Service's ability to protect the president and other high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the Panama Canal due to China's economic pressure, and Jewish communities are facing a surge in hate crimes. In other news, identity theft is a growing concern, and cast iron products are being celebrated for their durability and beauty. [... more]

Senator Steve Daines discusses his decision to retire from the U.S. Senate after 14 years of service, citing a desire to spend more time with his family in Montana. He also shares his thoughts on the U.S.-China relationship, the importance of competing with China on the global stage, and the need to become independent of Chinese dependencies, particularly in the area of rare earth minerals. [... more]

A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted former FBI director James Comey on charges of making threats to harm President Donald Trump. The indictment comes after a 2025 Instagram post involving seashells arranged on a beach with the message 8647. Meanwhile, North Carolina has fewer low-income households than it did 14 years ago and more upper-income ones, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census data. The state's education system is also facing challenges, with roughly 45% of public school students not proficient in reading and math. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education is working to address these issues and improve education funding. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation to overcome a shortfall in the state's Medicaid program, while tightening oversight of the program. The legislation, House Bill 696, would allocate an additional $319 million to cover the Medicaid rebase for the remainder of the fiscal year and implement several policy changes designed to strengthen eligibility verification and program integrity. Meanwhile, a major election integrity lawsuit is continuing to play out in the state as the State Board of Elections is asking a three-judge panel to jump in on a case dealing with so-called never residents. Additionally, some North Carolina lawmakers have filed a proposal that would dock their own pay if they failed to pass a state budget on time, an idea that appears to have overwhelming public support. [... more]

A devastating conflict is unfolding in Lebanon, leaving families in fear and uncertainty. Heart for Lebanon is responding with emergency aid and the hope of the gospel, providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to newly displaced families. The organization is committed to walking with these families for as long as they need, introducing them to the hope of Christ and the possibility of a lasting eternal peace. [... more]

A new committee is formed in the North Carolina General Assembly to investigate the release of 4,200 inmates from prison under a settlement in 2021, sparking public safety concerns. Meanwhile, a state audit reveals $1.25 million in mental health resources were spent on items like stuffed animals and plants instead of supporting students and faculty in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The state auditor's office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent, and the issue raises questions about waste and abuse in government spending. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

Investing can become an act of worship and a tool for human flourishing when approached with biblical wisdom. Scripture calls us to use what we have to serve others and reflect God's purposes. Faithful investing starts with surrender, inviting God into our investment decisions and asking for wisdom and discernment. It's about directing resources into productive work that serves others, advancing the goodness of God's world, and promoting dignity, justice, and opportunity. [... more]

The North Carolina State Board of Elections adopted new non-citizen voter rules despite heated debate. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein is calling for the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing a report that warns of the dangers of the state's unregulated cannabis market. Additionally, Duke Energy is seeking a $800 million rate increase to recoup energy costs from a recent cold snap. The U.S. birth rate has hit a record low, with implications for the economy and public education. North Carolina's demographic shift is expected to have significant impacts on the state's economy and education system. [... more]

The discussion revolves around NATO's stance on Iran, Europe's reliance on the US, and the implications of taxation policies on the movement of people from blue states to red states, potentially shifting the balance of power in Congress. [... more]

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Breiner is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the state's treasurer's office after a successful pilot program. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein's proposal to revisit North Carolina's data center tax incentive is drawing attention from lawmakers and industry leaders. In Western North Carolina, private entities like Samaritan's Purse and Baptists on Mission are continuing their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, with Samaritan's Purse expanding its rebuild program and Baptists on Mission completing 472 grant-related home repair projects. [... more]

Artificial intelligence has brought revolutionary change to the world, but with controversy over huge data centers popping up in towns across America. Senator Dave McCormick discusses the importance of leading the AI revolution, the need for energy leadership, and the potential for Pennsylvania to be a leader in this field, creating jobs and economic growth. [... more]

The US Navy has imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz to block Iran's economic lifeline, following failed negotiations and Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions. The blockade is part of a larger economic phase of the conflict with Iran, which has significant implications for global oil prices and the world economy. Meanwhile, the ACLJ is fighting for First Amendment rights in a case before the Supreme Court, where a church in California is facing $1.2 million in fines for defying public health orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. [... more]

North Carolina made a pivotal decision 250 years ago, adopting the Halifax Resolves, which authorized its representatives to vote for independence from Great Britain, making it the first colony to do so. The document's significance is being renewed as state leaders and historians commemorate its anniversary. Meanwhile, a Vietnamese electric car manufacturer, VinFast, has faced delays and setbacks in its North Carolina factory plans, raising questions about the company's ability to meet its hiring goals and the state's investment in the project. [... more]

Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater, as seen in the story of the rich young ruler, who struggled with the desire for more and the longing to create treasure, ultimately realizing that true wealth lies in using every resource in service of Christ. [... more]

The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a temporary solution to the issue of slavery in the United States, but it ultimately delayed the inevitable conflict. Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to John Holmes expressing his concern and fear for the future of the country, warning that the issue of slavery would lead to the downfall of the Union. [... more]

Investing in companies that prioritize servant leadership and biblical stewardship can lead to long-term business success and positive impact on society. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Eventide Asset Management, shares her expertise on evaluating leadership quality and its role in creating lasting value. [... more]

Saving and stewardship are not just about accumulating wealth, but about living with purpose and aligning our financial habits with values that reflect the kingdom. Scripture reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, and what we have is entrusted for purposes that reach beyond us. A life without margin leaves little flexibility to serve others, support ministry, or participate in kingdom work. God designed generosity often requires readiness, and readiness requires margin. [... more]

The Trump administration's military campaign against Iran continues, with the US and Israel working to dismantle the country's military capabilities and disrupt its ability to threaten global energy markets. The war has been ongoing for 21 days, with the US and Israel making significant progress in targeting and destroying Iran's military assets, including its air force, missiles, and drones. The US and Israel are also working to stabilize the energy market and coerce the Iranian regime into no longer threatening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Iranian people are beginning to defect from the regime, with many expressing their desire for a more democratic and peaceful government. [... more]

The US military is pursuing its objectives in the Iran war, targeting Iranian missile capabilities and drone teams. The coalition is making progress, but the Iranians are trying to hold out and cause economic pain by holding energy supplies hostage. The Gulf states are unified in their opposition to Iran's actions, and the US is giving President Trump options to bring the USS Tripoli through the Strait of Hormuz. [... more]