Kevin O'Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation, on honoring first responders

Kevin O'Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation, on honoring first responders

Kevin O'Connell, executive director of the NACS Foundation, joins Tony to discuss the First Responder of the Year Award and 24/7 Day, an annual initiative recognizing the essential role convenience stores play in supporting police, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders in communities across the country.

Brad Lovin, executive director of the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Homebuilders Association, on manufactured housing as a solution to the state's affordability crisis

Brad Lovin, executive director of the North Carolina Manufactured and Modular Homebuilders Association, joins Tony to discuss the new Housing That Works NC campaign and how modern manufactured and modular homes could help address the state's growing housing shortage, with new research showing nearly 80% of North Carolinians believe housing costs are too high.

Stephen Perrine, executive editor of AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, on 99 ways to save money in today's economy

Stephen Perrine, executive editor of AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, joins Tony to discuss the 17th annual "99 Great Ways to Save" cover story, including how to slash grocery bills, avoid overpaying while shopping online, cut driving and gas costs, and use AI tools to negotiate bills and plan budget-friendly trips. For more information visit aarp.org/99waystosave.

Mary Davis, marketing director of Big Charm Players, on East Wake County's newest community theatre and upcoming auditions

Mary Davis, marketing director of Big Charm Players, joins Tony to discuss the launch of East Wake County's newest community theatre, based at the historic Old Town Hall in Wendell, and its inaugural 2026-2027 season featuring four productions. Auditions for the season opener, "Sylvia," are scheduled for July 18-19. Tickets and information are available at bigcharmplayers.org [http://bigcharmplayers.org].

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, on the June inflation report and falling personal savings rates

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, joins Lisa Price to preview the June Consumer Price Index report, which is expected to show inflation easing slightly to around 3.9% as lower gas prices provide some relief, though annual inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Kates also raises concern about the personal savings rate falling to 3%, half its pre-pandemic average, warning that Americans are eroding the financial cushion they need at a time when it is taking longer than ever to find a new job after being laid off.