A new investigation by the North Carolina State Auditor's Office has uncovered widespread failures in financial oversight and questionable taxpayer-funded spending in the town of Kerry, one of the state's largest municipalities. The report highlights a culture that discouraged employees from questioning leadership and a lack of transparency in financial decision-making. Meanwhile, former FBI Director James Comey faces a federal investigation in North Carolina, accused of threatening President Donald Trump with a 2025 social media post. [... more]

North Carolina's Lake Lure is recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastating impact, with officials transitioning from emergency response to long-term infrastructure reconstruction and economic development. Meanwhile, the state is considering an MLB expansion team in Raleigh, which could bring in significant economic benefits and create jobs. [... more]

When we don't sense God's presence, we must examine our hearts to ensure we're not cherishing sin, and then recognize who we are in Christ, a treasure in jars of clay. Sometimes God takes a step back to strengthen us, and it's in these moments that we must keep on praying, seeking, and knocking, for it's through perseverance that we grow in faith and mature spiritually. [... more]

Men's groups provide a sense of community and support, allowing individuals to share their struggles and experiences with others who understand. Fonda Bryant's mental health training aims to educate people on the importance of checking in with others and being kind, as many men suffer in silence with mental health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts. [... more]

A child welfare reform package, the Dominique Moody Safety Act, has passed the North Carolina House, aiming to strengthen the state's child welfare system by improving coordination, accountability, training, and oversight. Meanwhile, a North Carolina audit reveals delayed first-round unemployment benefit payments and over $47 million in fraudulent benefit overpayments. Additionally, a legal case involving a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly forced to receive a COVID-19 vaccine without parental consent is set to head back to trial courts after a ruling from the North Carolina Court of Appeals. [... more]

A recent New York Times investigation into autism therapy clinics has raised concerns about Medicaid spending and oversight in North Carolina. The state's Medicaid budget agreement includes provisions to address these concerns, including limits on therapy hours and requirements for licensed providers. Meanwhile, a K-12 education bill making its way through the North Carolina Senate includes a study on open enrollment policies and a state-funded artificial intelligence tutoring program. The bill also includes funding for advanced teacher roles and new limits on district overspending. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is the divine strengthener who comes alongside believers to provide strength, guidance, and wisdom. He promotes Jesus Christ, provides inner strength, and points us to the truth. The Spirit also prays for us when we don't know how to pray, making intercession with groanings that cannot be uttered. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives within us, and it's essential to recognize His presence and allow Him to reign in our lives. [... more]

A pastor's relationship with their congregation is built on shared commitment, mutual honesty, and determination to endure together for the long haul, as Chuck Swindoll teaches from 2 Thessalonians, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness, prayer, and spiritual growth. [... more]

A pastor's struggles with ministry pressures, opposition, and the need for faithfulness are addressed in a message from 2 Thessalonians, highlighting the importance of prayer, objective declaration, and recognition of human opposition, while emphasizing God's faithfulness and protection for both pastors and congregations. [... more]

Chuck Swindahl highlights five concerns that plague every pastor, including short-term commitments, lingering unresolved conflicts, insufficient time with God, and a reluctance to be real and vulnerable. He turns to 2 Thessalonians to show what holds pastors and flocks together, emphasizing the importance of prayer support and faithful leadership. [... more]

A common form of lung cancer accounts for 85% of all cases, and patients are living through every single day. Meanwhile, the conversation around it too often stops at the biology. In the Middle East, Iran is trying to get around a blockade, and the United States is taking control of the situation. In Florida, a man is accused of canceling his boss's flight tickets to Vegas by using her personal information. A Florida man was arrested after a truck with a toddler crashed into a Florida church playground. A Florida mayor was arrested for stealing 20 packages of sausage from a Walmart. A Florida man assaulted his mother with ice cream. A 13-year-old boy found royal Viking treasure on a German island, and archaeologists uncovered necklaces, pearls, rings, and 600 coins. [... more]

Intentional giving is an act of discipleship that connects our resources to God's redemptive work in the world. It's not just another financial habit, but a response to the favor we've already received. Generosity becomes one of the most exciting things we do with our money when we realize that our work and income aren't just about survival or success, but about joining God in meeting needs and restoring the lives of others. [... 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]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Many faith-based ministries are missing out on billions of dollars in charitable gift matching programs due to restrictive policies. A Christian investment firm is working to change this by engaging with companies to create more inclusive programs. Meanwhile, a couple is seeking advice on how to manage their retirement accounts, including a TSP with a large balance, and a listener asks about the factors that determine when to start taking Social Security payments. [... more]

North Carolina's manufacturing sector reported one of the largest yearly job losses of any major industry, with a 1.5% decrease in jobs over the past year. Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate decreased in 99 out of 100 counties, and statewide employment numbers have continued to move in a positive direction. In other news, early voting for the primary election continues across the state, with 319 sites open for voters. Additionally, Congressman Brad Knott discusses the Critical Mineral Dominance Act, which aims to secure the United States' supply of rare earth minerals and reduce dependence on foreign nations. [... more]

Cotton production plays a significant role in North Carolina's economy, with the state ranking sixth in the nation for cotton production. Meanwhile, immunization is crucial as the immune system weakens with age, and vaccines help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. In North Carolina, the General Assembly has made changes to appointment authority, which has led to legal challenges. Additionally, the state is experiencing winter weather, and scammers are taking advantage of individuals affected by the storms, making it essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance claims. [... more]

A great man, John the Baptist, doubts the Christian faith, but Jesus handles his doubts and teaches that he is well able to handle our doubts, showing that faith can be strengthened by humbly seeking answers and looking to Jesus for guidance and comfort. [... more]

North Carolina's finances are heading in the right direction in the new year, with a $20 billion reduction in total debt, according to State Treasurer Brad Breiner. The state's economic outlook for 2026 is also strong, with experts predicting a 2.6% increase in real GDP. However, a major political scandal is rocking the state, with federal officials threatening to pull nearly $50 million in federal funding due to issues with commercial driver's licenses issued to foreign nationals. [... more]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a $50 billion initiative to support rural health transformation, aiming to improve healthcare access and quality in rural areas, particularly in hospitals at risk of closure, by leveraging technology, quality control tools, and innovative solutions. [... more]