A $34.4 billion state budget has been unveiled in North Carolina, with a 7% increase from the last budget. The plan includes an average 8% pay raise for educators, a 3% raise for all other state employees, and bonuses for certain positions. The budget also includes tax cuts, with the personal income tax rate set to decrease to 3.49% from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, the plan allocates more than $700 million for Hurricane Helene relief and $450 million to the Rainy Day Fund. [... more]

Mental health struggles in the church can be disunifying, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Vulnerability and openness are key to healing, and the church can be a space where people can share their struggles and find support. By normalizing the idea that everyone is broken and can be vulnerable, the church can help people overcome shame and find healing through community and connection with God. [... more]

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are expected to make significant decisions on a state budget and a constitutional carry bill, while U.S. Senator Ted Budd expresses opposition to a White House funding request for Hurricane Helene recovery. Meanwhile, experts discuss the importance of controlling spending, setting aside funds for emergencies, and reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses in the state. [... more]

The Joplin tornado of 2011 left a permanent scar on the community, but the people of Joplin came together to rebuild and recover. Jeremiah Cook, a former weatherman, shares his story of the tornado and its aftermath, highlighting the resilience and kindness of the community. [... more]

A children's book, 'God Bless America 250 Years Strong', shares America's history from a Christian perspective, highlighting God's hand in shaping the country. The book is a resource for families to teach children about American freedom and the importance of faith. Meanwhile, a Race Against Drugs event aims to raise awareness about fentanyl and addiction, providing Narcan and education to the community. [... more]

Exploring the intersection of faith and social justice, panelists discuss how their relationship with Christ shapes their approach to helping others, particularly in areas such as human trafficking, homelessness, and mental health. [... more]

Bobby Geary, a Salvation Army disaster response expert, shares her experiences and challenges in deploying personnel and resources during a major disaster. She discusses the toll of decision fatigue, missing out on family time, and the importance of staying connected with her team in the midst of chaos. [... more]

North Carolina's legislative leaders are pushing back a budget timeframe, with Republican leaders signaling that a finished spending plan may not be ready as quickly as they had hoped. The state's budget is expected to include additional funding for Western North Carolina's Hurricane Helene recovery, as well as proposed raises for teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers. Lawmakers are also considering a tax increase on sports betting operators and changes to a Medicaid policy for applied behavioral analysis therapy. [... more]

When encountering someone on the street who is homeless, it's essential to consider the biblical foundation of caring for the poor and the importance of showing love and compassion without enabling sinful behavior. Dr. David W. Jones, a senior professor of Christian ethics, discusses the ethics of giving to homeless people and how to show compassion without causing harm, highlighting the need to consider the root causes of poverty and the importance of long-term involvement in addressing it. [... more]

Recovery officials in western North Carolina are warning of a long-term wildfire threat after Hurricane Helene left behind hundreds of thousands of acres of downed timber. The state's timber economy is struggling due to aging logging operations, mill closures, and declining markets for low-grade wood products. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are working to finalize the state budget, which includes a proposed 8% teacher pay raise and a 3% raise for state employees. The Catawba Nation's 2 Kings Casino is also at the center of a legal dispute over sovereign immunity and easements. [... more]

Western North Carolina leaders warn that Hurricane Helene recovery efforts may last years longer than public attention and funding will. Governor Josh Stein describes the state's financial slowdown as a threat to rebuilding efforts, and recovery leaders express concerns about volunteer oversight and construction quality. Meanwhile, a federal prison sentence has been handed down to Greg Lindbergh for insurance fraud, and a major electricity merger between Dominion and NextEra is planned, which could affect utility rates in the northeastern half of the state. [... more]

Terry Neal shares her story of growing up in a chaotic household with addicted parents, joining a gang, and becoming pregnant at 16. Despite the challenges, she found faith and redemption, pursued higher education, and became a strong believer in prayer and spiritual growth. She now works with at-risk youth and is proud of her two sons, both Marines, who have broken the cycle of addiction and abuse. [... more]

The story of the Ark of the Covenant and its journey from the Philistines to the Levites and priests in Beth Shemesh, where it was met with both joy and disaster, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of faith and motivation in the face of tribulations and trials. The narrative highlights the dangers of curiosity and the need for zeal and dedication in serving the Lord, as exemplified by King David's recovery of his people's stolen goods and Paul's exhortation to the disciples to continue in the faith. [... more]

The Philistine cities are afflicted with tumors and plagues after capturing the Ark of the Covenant, which they believe is a trophy of their victory. However, they soon realize that the Ark is a manifestation of God's presence and power, and they are unable to handle its wrath. Despite their attempts to appease God with offerings and sacrifices, the plagues continue to intensify, and the Philistines are forced to return the Ark to Israel. The story highlights the importance of faith and reason in understanding God's ways and the consequences of ignoring His presence. [... more]

The Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant, but God's power is revealed as the Ark topples their idol, Dagon, and brings physical judgment upon them, teaching a lesson about the supremacy of God and the futility of idolatry. [... more]

Danny Trejo's remarkable journey from a troubled youth and 11 years in and out of California prisons to become a beloved Hollywood actor, is a testament to the power of redemption and service. His story highlights the importance of seeking help and being of service to others, as he found his way out of addiction and into a successful career through his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. [... more]

Sarah Zagorski shares her deeply personal story of surviving an abortion and God's work in her life, discussing her foster care experience, adoption, and the impact of childhood trauma on her life and faith. She emphasizes the importance of Christian families providing hope and support to children in foster care and the need for compassion and understanding in the pro-life movement. [... more]

The North Carolina legislature is considering property tax reform and electricity generation proposals, while the city of Rocky Mount faces a financial crisis due to mismanagement and excessive spending. The city's utility revenue is under scrutiny, with some lawmakers proposing a bill to restrict its use. Meanwhile, Charlotte is preparing to host the 2027 Military World Games, which is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region. [... more]

Rich Eisen interviews Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, about the NFL draft, player evaluations, and team building. They discuss the Colts' draft picks, including CJ Allen and Daniel Jeremiah, and Chris's approach to evaluating players. Chris also shares his thoughts on quarterback Daniel Jones and the Colts' contract negotiations. [... 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]

The town of Lake Lure is reopening after months of storm recovery, with a phased soft opening allowing limited public access. Meanwhile, a North Carolina drone operator is taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging state regulations on occupational licensing. The North Carolina legislature is also gearing up for a busy session, with lawmakers set to tackle issues like the state budget and drone regulation. [... more]

Randy Wilson shares her story of struggling with an eating disorder, attending AA and NA meetings, and eventually finding recovery and motherhood. She credits her faith and support system for helping her overcome her addiction and achieve her goals. [... 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]

The US administration is dealing with a complex situation in the Middle East, where Iran is launching rockets towards Lebanon, and Israel is responding. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of NATO countries, some of which are not supporting the US response. Meanwhile, a Republican-led bill, the Dignity Act, aims to grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants in the US, sparking controversy and debate. [... more]

Federal, state, and local leaders in Western North Carolina are pressing for faster disaster aid and structural reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Helene's devastation. The new head of the Department of Homeland Security, Mark Wayne Mullen, visited the area, promising to work on regulatory reforms to speed up the funding process and ensure the region's recovery. [... more]

North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... more]

A majority of North Carolina voters oppose deploying ground troops to Iran, and a plurality say the United States was wrong to launch military action there. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are scrutinizing the costs of renewable energy, particularly solar power, and its impact on the state's energy grid and taxpayers. [... more]

The North Carolina Senate is facing a power struggle after Phil Berger's loss in the 2026 primary, with several Republican senators emerging as potential contenders for the president pro tem position. Meanwhile, a legal case is underway in the state Supreme Court, challenging North Carolina's law banning firearm possession by felons, with arguments centering on the type of felonies that should disqualify someone from owning guns. State education officials presented upbeat math scores, but Republican lawmakers are questioning whether the numbers tell a different story and are asking whether students have the materials they need for continued improvement. [... more]

Chloe Howard shares her story of living with a severe congenital foot deformity and being a victim of a hate crime at 14. She recounts the assault, her struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and how she found the strength to forgive her perpetrators and share her story with others, promoting self-acceptance and vulnerability. [... more]

A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina due to drought severity and forecast fire weather, with six major wildfires burning across the state. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, with some areas seeing progress and others still facing significant challenges. North Carolina's Republican congressional delegation is urging the Department of Homeland Security to clear administrative bottlenecks that have delayed FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene. Additionally, a state audit has found delivery gaps in the ABC system, which generates over $1.4 billion in revenue annually, despite meeting cost accuracy and safety performance indicators. The audit recommends improvements to the system, including developing contingency plans and establishing improved fleet maintenance schedules. [... more]

The Bible teaches that men and women have distinct roles in marriage, with men as the head and women as the helper. This order is not based on superiority, but rather on the design of God. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden introduced distortions in relationships, leading to a desire for control and manipulation. However, the gospel restores relationships to their original design, where men lead and women submit, and both are equal in essence but different in function. [... more]

North Carolina's Senate District 26 is at the center of a heated election dispute between Phil Berger and Sam Page, with Berger's campaign requesting a recount due to concerns over incorrect ballots. Meanwhile, a group known as Grow NC is working to aid in the recovery efforts of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, exploring disaster investment zones and long-term economic recovery strategies. [... more]

A new Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education has been formed in North Carolina to study the state's school system, examining areas such as teacher training, student achievement, and accountability measures. Meanwhile, concerns are emerging around Medicaid fraud, with a recent scheme exposing improper enrollment and potential fraud during the sign-up process. Additionally, Western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with a significant funding shortfall for water infrastructure repairs. [... more]

Cam Scataboo discusses his recovery from injury and his goals for the New York Giants, while Bam Autobio's record-breaking performance in the NBA is questioned by Rich Eisen and O'Shea Jackson Jr. They debate whether the NBA made a conscious decision to allow Autobio to break Kobe's record, and discuss the controversy surrounding the game. [... more]

As caregivers, we often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about our role, but Peter Rosenberger reminds us that we have a unique authority and responsibility to care for our loved ones. He shares his personal experiences and insights on how to trust God and find hope in the midst of suffering, and how to recognize the redemptive work of God in our lives. [... more]

Kurt Anderson's life was turned around by a company that gave him a second chance, allowing him to overcome addiction and find a new career as an electrician. Carla Nugent, a founding partner of Wayfield Group, shares her passion for nonprofit community and her company's commitment to giving back to the community through job training and charitable programs. [... more]

A close election in North Carolina's 26th Senate District has Sheriff Sam Page extending his lead over Senate President Phil Berger, who has been in the North Carolina General Assembly since 2000. Meanwhile, NC State University is facing a lawsuit over alleged PCB contamination in the Poe Hall building, and a state audit has found financial mismanagement in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District, including a $15 million budget deficit. [... more]

A woman's journey from childhood abuse and sex industry involvement to faith, redemption, and healing, as she finds purpose in helping others escape similar situations through her outreach group, Treasures. [... more]

The US military is making significant gains in the war against Iran, with a 86% reduction in missile launches and a 73% decrease in drone attacks. However, Iran is still launching attacks and the US is working to destroy their launchers. The UK is also getting involved in the conflict, with some politicians facing criticism for their handling of the situation. [... more]

Florida Man stories of absurdity and chaos continue to amaze, while the value of gold and silver rises to record highs. Meanwhile, experts stress the importance of recovery, particularly connective tissue, for muscle growth. Identity theft and tax fraud remain significant concerns, and the resurgence of physical media, such as DVDs and Blu-rays, is a notable trend. [... more]