Steve Rhode

Steve Rhode is a nationally recognized consumer advocate and digital publisher with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate personal finance, debt relief, and online scams. As the founder of GetOutOfDebt.org and TapYourNews.com, Steve combines deep financial insight with cutting-edge technology to deliver trusted advice and local news without the noise. His expertise spans debt reduction strategies (including bankruptcy, debt settlement, and credit repair), SEO-optimized content automation, and AI-driven news curation. He has built scalable, ethical systems to bring reliable information to underserved communities, using tools like custom scoring algorithms to deliver relevant news, emails, and podcast episodes. Steve is also a seasoned WordPress developer, podcast host, and former search and rescue pilot. His unique blend of compassion, technical skill, and decades of lived experience has earned him the reputation of being a wise, no-nonsense voice people can count on, especially when things feel overwhelming. Through his work, Steve continues to help everyday people make smarter financial choices, stay informed, and find calm in the chaos of modern information overload.

Good Morning Wake County – Landfill, Powwow, and Local Pride

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It’s Tuesday, September 9th — your daily Wake County news update in five minutes. Today: county leaders debate the future of Wake’s landfill, Dix Park prepares for its Inter-Tribal Powwow, and Cary police investigate a body found near a shopping center. We’ll also cover a Rock Quarry Road shooting, a Holly Springs teen turning plastic waste into swimsuits, and NC State gearing up for its rivalry game against Wake Forest. Stick around through the end for your daily dad joke — a quick laugh before you head out the door. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

Car Show Returns, Detours Ahead, Community Pride

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Today in MoCo: the Rockville Antique & Classic Car Show returns next month, NOAA calls for a sunny mid-70s day, and a Dickerson road closure brings detours for three weeks. We cover two tough but important updates from Silver Spring — a park shooting with two suspects in custody and a Clarksburg townhouse fire with no injuries — then reset with good news: Irene’s Pupusas opens in Colesville and a Northwest High alum has reffed 450+ NBA games. Plus a gentle Steveism and a dad joke to end with a smile. TapYourNews.com

Raleigh Gets Monopoly, Local Safety Alerts, And A K-9 Tribute

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Wake County wakes up with news you can use: Raleigh lands its very own Monopoly game, a confirmed tuberculosis case at a local high school, safety updates including a DWI crash into a police car, and a hit-and-run at Carolina Kettle. Plus, a proud community moment as Holly Springs names a new police K-9 in honor of fallen deputy Ned Byrd. Toss in a grandfatherly bit of wisdom, a friendly weather update, and — of course — today’s dad joke. It’s your five-minute neighborly news fix, right in your ears. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

The PE Teacher Who Traded Ski Lessons for Casseroles

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Jan Muyskens taught more than gym class. She taught self-reliance, compassion, and how to build a bridge between people using nothing more than ski poles, stained glass, and a home-cooked meal.

This unforgettable PE teacher from Grand Junction, Colorado, lived 91 quietly remarkable years — shaping generations of students, building furniture and friendships alike, and feeding every stray dog or cat that crossed her path. In today’s episode, discover how one woman became the blueprint for strength, softness, and connection.

Not everyone makes the front page. But everyone leaves a story worth telling.

🎧 True Stories from the Obit Files

🔗 Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

Library charges, new street rules, Germantown October Fest

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Montgomery County’s news starts with charges against a Gaithersburg man accused of child sex abuse at the Quince Orchard Library. We’ve got your Friday weather, plus an update on hundreds of new “No Right on Red” signs aimed at making Bethesda and Silver Spring streets safer. Firefighters in Derwood rescued a resident from a serious apartment blaze, while Pines of Rome in Bethesda just won best pizza in the region. Police are also warning about a fake cop van spotted in Montgomery Village, and Germantown is gearing up for a big October Fest with music and parades. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

Raleigh meth bust, WakeMed plans, James Taylor concert

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Wake County’s news starts with a major meth bust that deputies say may have saved hundreds of lives. WakeMed’s CEO is charting big expansion plans, and the Hedingham trial date remains locked for February. Raleigh also got a treat as James Taylor played his greatest hits for a hometown crowd. Holly Springs honored Deputy Ned Byrd with a new K-9 officer, and Dix Park is preparing for a free fall festival. All that, plus today’s dad joke to close the week. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

Rockville Swatting Scare, Silver Spring Jazz Fest, Friday Night Lights

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Thursday in Montgomery County: Rockville High and a nearby elementary go into secure mode after a swatting call, today’s stormy forecast, an arrest in a 2022 Silver Spring homicide, Silver Spring’s free Jazz Festival brings New Orleans vibes, Quince Orchard vs. Paint Branch kicks off under the lights, and Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream earns a regional award. Neighborly news in five minutes, plus your daily dad joke. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

Day Care Charges, School Gains, Pet Parade Fun

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Thursday in Wake County: a Wake Forest day care worker faces charges after two children were hurt, today’s warm and mostly dry forecast, a Raleigh mansion with an FBI past finally sells, Wake County students bounce back in test scores and graduation rates, plans for a new data center in Apex, eighteen fun things to do in Raleigh this week, and the family-friendly Pet Parade. Neighborly news in five minutes for Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, RTP, RDU, and the Wake County Board — plus your daily dad joke. Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.

The Dollars Over Death Hospice Fraud Scam

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A Note from Steve When I started this one, I thought I was covering an “old-fashioned” money scam. No gore. No tragedy. I was wrong. This case shows how a hospice business was used to bill millions, while people who weren’t dying lost the medical care they relied on. It’s a hard listen, but an … Read more

Community Strength After Gaithersburg Tragedy, Plus Road Closures

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Today’s Montgomery County update brings tough news out of Gaithersburg, where neighbors are rallying to support the four children of Maritza Ferman Sorto after her tragic death. We’ve also got word on her partner’s arrest in Texas, a traffic closure on Frederick Road in Germantown, and the latest MCPS emergency protocol update for parents and students. On the lighter side, Takoma Park’s Folk Festival promises music, crafts, and fun this weekend, and an Aldi in Germantown had a very unusual visitor. Stick around to the end for today’s dad joke.

Visit TapYourNews.com to sign up for email notifications when new episodes drop.