State Rep. Zack Hawkins on the new state budget and funding for children with special needs

Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute, on cryptocurrency regulation and what consumers should know

Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute, joins Tony to break down what cryptocurrency is, why nearly 1 in 5 Americans now own digital assets and what Congress is considering with the CLARITY Act, which would establish the first federal framework for digital asset markets. Smith explains what clearer regulations could mean for everyday consumers and what anyone should know before investing in or using cryptocurrency.

Jeff Whitson, associate director of survivor services at InterAct, on training first responders to identify domestic violence victims

Jeff Whitson, associate director of survivor services at InterAct, joins Tony to discuss domestic violence statistics in North Carolina and how the organization's Lethality Assessment Program trains sheriff's deputies, police officers, first responders and child protective services workers to use a screening tool when responding to domestic violence calls.

Dr. Macie Smith, gerontologist at SYNERGY HomeCare, on planning for care as a solo ager

Dr. Macie Smith, gerontologist at SYNERGY HomeCare, joins Lisa Price to discuss the growing number of older adults aging without nearby family and the practical steps solo agers can take to plan for their long-term care needs, from working with a certified elder attorney and geriatric care manager to exploring continuing care retirement communities. For more information visit aginglifecare.com [http://aginglifecare.com].

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, on cooling inflation, resilient retail sales and a strong earnings season

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, joins Lisa Price to discuss June's Consumer Price Index report showing inflation cooled more than expected, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve ahead of its July meeting, though renewed Middle East tensions are already pushing oil prices higher. Kates also breaks down retail sales data showing consumers remain resilient despite financial stress, with annual sales growth of nearly 7%, and explains why second-quarter corporate earnings are beating expectations by more than twice the recent average with the broader market increasingly driving growth beyond the Magnificent 7.

Jeff Whitson, Interact Center to Prevent Domestic Violence, on training first responders to help victims

Jeff Whitson of Interact joins Lisa to discuss how the organization is working to better equip first responders to identify and support victims of domestic violence when they respond to calls.