The Carolina Hurricanes demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity in the NHL playoffs, while the Kansas City Chiefs look to make a comeback with Patrick Mahomes' return. In college football, the possibility of expanding the playoff to 24 teams is discussed, and Kevin Durant's future with the Houston Rockets is uncertain. The Carolina Panthers have a promising draft class, and Henry Vassar's decision to enter the NBA draft is analyzed. [... more]

The NCAA tournament expansion to 76 teams has sparked controversy, with many questioning the need for the change. Meanwhile, the NFL's Panthers are looking to replace quarterback Bryce Young, with Jonathan Brooks and Chuba Hubbard emerging as potential options. In the world of racing, NASCAR is facing criticism for its current car design, while LeBron James continues to defy expectations with his performance for the Lakers. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL draft, NCAA expansion, and the Los Angeles Rams' quarterback situation, including Matthew Stafford's potential retirement and the team's decision to draft Ty Simpson. He also talks about the Masters golf tournament and the FIFA World Cup, and interviews Chase Crawford about his role in the TV show 'The Boys'. [... more]

The NBA is proposing a new draft lottery system to prevent tanking, but critics argue it's too complicated and won't effectively address the issue. Meanwhile, the NFL draft is underway, and the Packers are looking to rebuild their team. In other news, the NCAA is considering expanding its tournament to 76 teams, which could lead to more exciting matchups but also more complexity for fans. [... more]

North Carolina Treasurer Brad Breiner is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the state's treasurer's office after a successful pilot program. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein's proposal to revisit North Carolina's data center tax incentive is drawing attention from lawmakers and industry leaders. In Western North Carolina, private entities like Samaritan's Purse and Baptists on Mission are continuing their recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, with Samaritan's Purse expanding its rebuild program and Baptists on Mission completing 472 grant-related home repair projects. [... more]

Tom Fitzpatrick, a legendary mountain man, played a crucial role in the early history of the American West. He was a skilled trapper, guide, and scout who helped shape the course of the fur trade and the development of the region. Fitzpatrick's life was marked by adventure, danger, and tragedy, but he also played a key role in negotiating the Treaty of Fort Laramie, which had significant implications for Native American tribes. His story is a fascinating look at the complexities of the American West and the people who shaped its history. [... more]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide if he will play for the team, a situation reminiscent of Brett Favre's indecision years ago. The team's decision to hire Mike McCarthy, who previously waited for Favre to decide, has added to the uncertainty. Meanwhile, the NFL is dealing with labor disputes and officiating issues, including the use of replacement officials and the implementation of new rules to improve accountability and accuracy. [... more]

The NFL owners' meeting discussed minor rules changes, including officiating rules and the ability for the New York office to eject players without a flag on the field. The league also voted to allow the kicking team to declare an onside kick at any time during the game. Meanwhile, the Raiders and Ravens are working towards a trade involving Max Crosby, and the Eagles are considering trading AJ Brown due to relationship issues with quarterback Jalen Hurts. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the pros and cons of NBA expansion, particularly in Las Vegas, and how it might affect the league's tanking problem. The show also touches on load management, roster building, and the challenges of balancing player health with competitive interests. Meanwhile, guest Dave Ogleton shares his experiences as a 'Dad Fluencer' and the origins of his popular dad jokes. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses potential Las Vegas NBA team names, Women's March Madness, and Men's March Madness, featuring expert analysis from Andrea Carter, a women's basketball analyst for ESPN. The conversation also touches on the Reese's March Madness campaign and the possibility of UConn winning back-to-back national championships. [... more]

Olive Oatman, a 13-year-old pioneer, was traveling west with her Mormon family in 1851 when they were attacked by Native Americans. She and her sister were taken captive and treated as slaves, but eventually escaped and made their way back to their family. Olive's story is one of hope, suffering, and redemption, and it has become a legendary tale of the American West. [... more]

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 had a profound impact on Christopher Columbus, inspiring him to launch a new crusade by sailing across the Atlantic and connecting with the Great Khan in Asia, with the goal of spreading the gospel and liberating the eastern Mediterranean from the Islamic Horde. [... more]

A safety crackdown in North Carolina removed nearly 2,000 unqualified drivers and vehicles from roads and highways. The state is facing concerns over commercial driver's licenses, with a federal audit finding 54% of non-domiciled licenses did not meet federal requirements. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is proposing revised math standards to better align with workforce needs, and the state is investing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity initiatives. Additionally, a new partnership between federal and state agencies is providing a significant financial and operational boost to Western North Carolina's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. [... more]

James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States, is a lesser-known figure in American history. Despite his lack of charisma and personal scandals, Polk was a highly effective one-term president who added more territory to the United States than the Louisiana Purchase. He was driven by the concept of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to spread their culture and religion across the North American continent. Polk's presidency was marked by his ambitious goals, including the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon and California. He was a workaholic who trusted no one and was involved in every aspect of government. Polk's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and his story is a fascinating one that sheds light on the early 19th century and the growth of the United States. [... more]

The Super Bowl originated from the merger of the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL) in 1966, with the first game being the AFL versus NFL World Championship. The event has since become a cultural phenomenon, with the halftime show evolving from a G-rated variety show to a cutting-edge entertainment spectacle, and the Super Bowl itself becoming the most-watched and most-important advertising day of the year, with an economic impact of over $40 billion annually. [... more]

Windmills played a crucial role in the development of the American West, providing water for families and farms. The Halliday Windmill Company's design, which swiveled to adjust for wind speed, was a game-changer. Today, some people are restoring these old windmills, like Rick Ritter, who fixed his family's Flint and Whaling brand windmill after years of neglect. [... more]

A major winter storm is approaching North Carolina, prompting Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. The state's emergency response team has been activated, and crews are pre-treating roads with brine and restocking salt supplies. Meanwhile, a lawsuit over the state health plan has been ongoing for 14 years, with the state health plan seeking to have the state Supreme Court revisit its ruling. Additionally, a company called ComScope has canceled a major manufacturing expansion in Catawba County, and UNC Chapel Hill is poised to break ground on a major campus expansion in 2027. [... more]

North Carolina Family Policy Council highlights key legislation passed in 2025, including bills protecting parental rights, preventing sexual exploitation, and improving foster care and adoption laws. The organization also discusses its efforts to prevent gambling expansion and promote parental involvement in education. [... more]

God wants to use ordinary people like Stephen to bring his power to the world, and we can start by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit and meeting the needs right in front of us. As we reflect on the story of Stephen, we see that he was an ordinary Christian who was filled with the Spirit and used by God to spread the gospel, and we are called to do the same. We must start with the needs right in front of us and be willing to sacrifice ourselves to save others, just as Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Ultimately, Jesus is worth it, and we must build our lives on the Word of God and the souls of people. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's role in church growth is discussed, with Pastor Jack Hibbs emphasizing the importance of spiritual gifts and their operational use in the body of Christ. He teaches that believers need to examine their motives for growth, whether it's to impress or serve the Lord, and that church growth begins from within. Pastor Jack also discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including the word of wisdom, prophecy, and exhortation, and how they can be used to strengthen the body of Christ. [... more]