The United States is dealing with a crisis in the Middle East as Iran is being defiant and laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, in the US, the housing market is in crisis as socialist Mayor Mamdani unveils a failed plan on housing in New York City. Donald Trump is in charge of the Republican party and is running away with it, but the question is whether his influence will carry over to the midterms. The US is also dealing with a housing crisis in Los Angeles as Spencer Pratt tries to save the city from itself. The economy is a major issue as gas prices are high and the US is in a state of conflict with Iran. The US is also dealing with a crisis in Ukraine as Russia is besieging Kyiv with rockets and drones. The US is also dealing with a crisis in the Baltic states as Russia is eyeing them as a potential target. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are expected to vote on three constitutional amendments, including one that would lower the state's income tax rate and another that would limit how much local governments can raise property taxes. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order aimed at addressing the state's affordable housing crisis, and the agricultural industry is facing a fertilizer shortage due to global disruptions and trade policies. [... more]

An emergency fund acts as a financial shock absorber, providing stability and breathing room during uncertain times. Wise financial planning involves considering factors such as income stability, job loss, and medical emergencies when determining the right amount to save. Understanding Social Security and disability insurance can help individuals plan for retirement and navigate complex financial situations. Charitable giving through qualified charitable distributions can also be a strategic way to reduce taxable income and give back to the community. [... more]

Families are struggling with rising healthcare expenses, but there are alternatives to traditional health insurance. Medical cost sharing programs like Christian Healthcare Ministries allow individuals to share medical costs with a community of believers, providing a more affordable option. Meanwhile, listeners ask questions about Social Security, retirement planning, and investing, highlighting the importance of financial stewardship and making informed decisions about one's money. [... more]

Former FBI Director James Comey's scheduled court appearance in North Carolina has been canceled due to a motion filed by his lawyers. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to eliminate tax exemptions for data centers, which could save the state millions of dollars. Additionally, a proposal to create a $50 million revolving loan fund to help nonprofit developers cover upfront infrastructure costs for affordable housing projects is gaining traction. The North Carolina Supreme Court is also considering a petition for rehearing in the Leandro case, which has been ongoing for over 30 years and deals with education funding in the state. [... more]

Paul Blavin, a former Wall Street workaholic, shares his transformation from success to significance and real purpose. He founded the Blavin Scholars Program to support foster care youth, and his son Joseph, a Blavin scholar, is working on a novel approach for the early detection of cancer. Paul's story highlights the importance of connection, community, and support in helping foster care youth thrive and achieve their goals. [... more]

A Salvation Army officer and her husband discuss the challenges of being a good neighbor in a busy life, and how their community is affected by poverty and a housing crisis. They share their experiences of serving others and how it has helped them live out their calling as Salvation Army officers. [... more]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

Defining a financial finish line is a powerful tool for establishing a solid plan for your finances and recognizing that all of God's provision belongs to Him. By setting a maximum for your spending, you can protect yourself against lifestyle creep and keep yourself aligned with God's purposes for your finances. This concept is not just for high net worth individuals, but can be applied by anyone, regardless of their financial situation. [... more]

A North Carolina House Select Committee is recommending broad changes to the state's mental health and criminal justice systems to reduce violent incidents and address untreated mental illness. The committee aims to improve access to mental health services, increase the mental health workforce, and enhance data collection and sharing between state agencies. [... more]

For many Americans, owning a home is central to achieving the American dream, but rising costs and affordability crises are making it increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, electric cars from China are gaining popularity in Europe, and data centers are transforming towns across America as the AI economy takes hold. [... more]

God's Word offers profound and transformative perspectives on managing money, changing how we see it. Sharon Epps joins Rob West to discuss powerful biblical principles for financial decisions, including the power of trust, focus, priorities, planning, and decision-making. [... more]

Harlan Akola discusses the benefits and misconceptions of reverse mortgages, explaining how they can be a valuable tool for seniors struggling with cash flow and high-interest debt. He also addresses common concerns and provides guidance on how to approach debt management and retirement planning with a biblical perspective. [... more]

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, discusses the American Dream Initiative, a program aimed at expanding local and economic opportunity, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. He emphasizes the importance of education, financial literacy, and access to capital in driving growth and job creation. Dimon also shares his views on the current state of the economy, the housing market, and the need for business-friendly policies to stimulate growth. [... more]

The No Kings rally sparked controversy with its communist flag-waving and rioting against ICE, while celebrities like Jane Fonda and Bruce Springsteen attended. Meanwhile, China's anti-stealth radar capabilities were mocked, and a chief designer for the J-20 fighter jet was found dead, raising questions about China's technological advancements and leadership. The US has made significant strides in the Middle East, with air supremacy in Iran and a successful response to the Iranian conflict, but some critics question the administration's approach. In other news, home sales have hit a four-year low, and the housing market is showing warning signs. [... more]

North Carolina voters express pessimism about the country's direction, with 55% saying it's headed in the wrong direction, according to a recent Carolina Journal poll. The poll also found that 84% of voters support requiring lawmakers to give up their salary if they don't pass a budget, and 78% support requiring AI data centers to provide their own energy generation. Additionally, 69% of respondents support increasing the use of involuntary commitment for people with severe mental illness. [... more]

In rural Malawi, many children wake up each day unsure if they'll eat and relying on water that can make them sick. Cross International is working to break the cycle of poverty, provide clean water, and introduce families to the love of Jesus. Their long-term approach involves partnering with local ministries to equip communities with vital physical resources and spiritual support. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the enforcement of the pistol brace rule, the implications of immigration policies, and the controversy surrounding the installation of tampons in men's bathrooms. Additionally, the conversation touches on the current state of the housing market, taxation, and the importance of heart health, as well as a dam failure in Hawaii and a gaming event. [... more]

A property tax crisis is unfolding in Ohio, with nearly half a million households falling behind on their payments, potentially leading to a foreclosure crisis and housing market crash. Meanwhile, a conspiracy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death is being revisited, with new evidence emerging. Additionally, discussions on politics, religion, and freedom of religion are taking place, including debates on Sharia law and the importance of Christianity and the gospel. [... more]

Many older adults feel financially locked in their homes, which were never designed for aging bodies. A reverse mortgage can help them move into safer, healthier homes without taking on new monthly payments. Financial experts discuss the importance of prevention and planning for housing decisions later in life, and offer guidance on budgeting, debt management, and building an emergency fund. [... more]