In this week’s episode of Still Here, I turn 61 and reflect on a life filled with twists I never expected — moments I thought would be endings that turned out to be beginnings. Inspired by the wisdom of Fred Rogers and grounded in the promise of Romans 8:28, we explore how purpose often emerges from challenge.

Then, we shift to the news that’s captured our attention:

The brutal winter storm that crippled travel — flights canceled, temperatures plunging to 40 below, and over a million without power.

A surge of unrest in Minneapolis after federal immigration enforcement actions resulted in the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen and subsequent clashes between protesters and ICE/Border Patrol agents, including reports of an officer being seriously injured during protests. Major developments have sparked national debate on use of force, accountability, and federal-local relations.

What “peaceful protest” looks like — and how individual incidents are being interpreted and investigated one by one.

Housing market dynamics: mortgage rates remain uncertain, yet homeowners continue to tap equity through HELOCs.

A somber moment in sports news with the death of former Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson at a homeless encampment.

The curious case of “Bitcoin Jesus” who avoided prison thanks to political connections.

Why 71% of Realtors didn’t sell a single home last year — exploring market headwinds and shifting buyer behavior.

Finally, we look at a growing health concern among visitors and workers at major theme parks — including a highly contagious influenza spreading through crowded environments.

Join me for a thought-provoking mix of personal reflection and the headlines shaping our communities, country, and conversations.

This week on the show: I share an honest update on my latest progress in law school and the exciting possibility of teaching college part-time next semester.

Then we dig into some of the biggest, most polarizing stories dominating the national conversation — from the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis and the massive protests it’s sparked, to fierce debates about federal vs. state authority and Minnesota’s National Guard response. We ask: Are we really on the brink of deeper civil conflict in America?

We also unpack:

The fall from grace of famed Christian author Philip Yancey

News on mortgage rates and whether they’re finally cooling

Rumors and political drama around Governor Tim Walz resigning or relying on the Guard

A Philadelphia DA warning federal law enforcement over jurisdiction clashes

Allegations of billions in fraud in Minnesota

A curious Trump Greenland headline

Is Iran nearing collapse?

And a lighter, inspiring tale of a man who taught English in Vietnam for 10 years.

It’s a blend of personal growth, national tension, and global intrigue — the news, context, and perspective you didn’t know you needed this week.

On this episode of Jim Paris Live, Jim shares reflections from the Orlando holiday season and his 26-day break from law school, along with thoughts on the soaring cost of Florida tourism. Then Jim dives into a series of current-events controversies — including the heated reaction to Donald Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, the online conspiracy theories being discussed about Charlie Kirk, and the rumors circulating about Reiner’s death.

Jim also breaks down why mortgage rates remain stubborn despite Fed cuts, Florida’s sweeping new child-protection death-penalty law, major federal fraud headlines, and the reports of widespread social-service fraud in Minnesota. Plus — remote work trade-offs, people choosing to live on cruise ships, and whether the Chicago Bears can go the distance.

Smart commentary, finance insight, and current-events discussion — only on Jim Paris Live.

This week’s episode is a wild ride: Florida is about to plunge into the 30s, Dick Cheney has passed away, and NYC voters just elected Mamdani as mayor in a political shockwave. We’re now 40 days into the government shutdown and the airlines are melting down.

Kim Kardashian might actually become a lawyer, Fannie Mae is scrapping the 620 middle-score requirement, and Washington is floating a 50-year mortgage that could permanently reshape homeownership.

Meanwhile, The Blaze is reporting that the mysterious J6 bomber may have been a former Capitol Police officer, and a new tariff proposal could send a $2,000 annual dividend to every American.

Plus: new claims that Epstein was offered a plea deal to implicate Trump, the latest 3I Atlas drop for December 19, Pope Leo’s declaration that Jesus alone saved the world (sorry, Mary-co-redeemer crowd), and—yes—the Louvre’s security password was literally “Louvre LOL.”

Strap in. This episode has everything.

Jim talks about the government shutdown now hitting 34 days — one shy of the all-time record — and asks whether artificial intelligence is overhyped or shaping our future. He shares stories from his first mock trial, a throwback Halloween in his mom’s neighborhood, Florida’s hurricane-free year, and a few thoughts on “bio-baiting” and online dating scams. Plus, why mortgage rates are still stuck in the 6s even after another Fed rate cut — and what’s up with his AI HELOC.

This week’s episode breaks down the stunning NBA poker and gambling scandal — “Operation Royal Flush” — that’s rocked professional basketball, with names like Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier caught in the headlines. We also touch on the federal government shutdown, the TikTok deal with China, ICE’s surprising sweep at Port Canaveral, and a Halloween throwback to Vincent Price’s million-dollar mistake.

Jim is back with an energetic new episode covering everything from the latest Supreme Court news to the price of gold. He discusses reports that the Court has allowed Trump to deploy the National Guard to certain cities, shares a warning about crypto ATM scams, and talks about a recent trip to H Mart. James also touches on Nathan Appfel’s critique of megachurches and their lack of transparency, marvels at gold’s incredible rise to $4,200 an ounce, and breaks down the latest moves in crypto markets — with Bitcoin dropping from $125,000 to $105,000 and Ripple (XRP) still looking strong at $2.41. Plus, a quick segment on what shows he’s been watching lately. Smart, grounded, and full of real-world perspective — it’s another solid edition of Jim Paris Live.

The government shutdown is officially underway — but do most people even know what actually shuts down? We break it down. Then, we dive into the growing chaos in blue cities that reject federal law enforcement help, a bizarre new app that lets you “Text with Jesus,” and the shocking prediction from Axios that 15,000 churches could close this year.

Plus: Texas pastor Robert Morris makes headlines, Sean “Diddy” Combs gets 4 years and 2 months in prison, Richard Gere slams Trump’s first six months, Bad Bunny lands the Super Bowl halftime show, and Europe moves to fingerprint and facial scans instead of passport stamps.

It’s a wild mix of politics, pop culture, and faith in the modern world — all in one episode.

This episode dives into a whirlwind of breaking stories: Jimmy Kimmel makes his return to late-night, while Washington braces for a government shutdown. Former FBI Director James Comey faces indictment, and new reports reveal 275 undercover FBI agents were embedded in the Jan. 6 crowds as Christopher Wray testifies before Congress. We also cover the wild turn of the hurricane, the upcoming release of Amelia Earhart files, and Candace Owens stirring controversy with conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk. Buckle up—this one’s packed.

In this episode, we cover a packed week of breaking stories and personal reflections:

The massive Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona that filled State Farm Stadium and left crowds outside. The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and what it signals about media accountability.

AOC mulling a presidential run and the political waves it could create. The Fed’s latest rate cut and how falling mortgage rates are reshaping real estate opportunities. Exploring a new HELOC option based on business income for entrepreneurs. A personal warning about scams targeting the elderly, including my own mother’s experience. The uncertain future of social media as TikTok faces a potential sale.