North Carolina's rural healthcare system is on unstable footing, with hospital leaders warning of potential closures due to financial strain. The state legislature is considering a $213 million plan to stabilize and transform care in rural areas. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is underway challenging the Trump administration's tariff policies, with multiple states, including North Carolina, joining the suit. Additionally, wildfires are burning across the state, with agricultural officials warning of the risks facing communities statewide. [... more]

A majority of North Carolina voters oppose deploying ground troops to Iran, and a plurality say the United States was wrong to launch military action there. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly are scrutinizing the costs of renewable energy, particularly solar power, and its impact on the state's energy grid and taxpayers. [... more]

In 1838, two U.S. congressmen, Representative Jonathan Silly of Maine and Representative William Graves of Kentucky, engaged in a high-profile duel at the Bladensburg dueling grounds, using rifles, which was a rare and unusual choice for a duel. The duel ended with Silly being struck in the thigh and succumbing to his injuries. This event highlights the complex history of dueling in America and the tensions leading up to the Civil War. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses various sports topics, including Kirk Cousins' contract with the Raiders, Aaron Rodgers' potential return to the Steelers, and the NFL Referees Association's dispute with the league. Tom Pellicero joins the show to break down the details of Cousins' contract and the potential implications for the Raiders. The conversation also touches on the FIFA World Cup, Puka Nakua's rehab, and the latest sports news. [... 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]

North Carolina faces a nearly $2.8 billion revenue shortfall over the next two years, according to Governor Josh Stein. Meanwhile, a long-standing election dispute in the small town of Pembroke has finally been resolved, with the challenger, Alan Dial, being certified as the winner after a two-and-a-half-year battle. The state is also dealing with wildfires and a burn ban, with crews making progress in containing the fires. [... 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]

A federal judge upholds a North Carolina law changing same-day voter rules, while the state's Board of Elections reviews 15,000 comments on its adoption of a rule for non-citizen list maintenance. Meanwhile, the state's tax policy is compared to that of Vegas casinos, which treat high-net worth individuals well, and the North Carolina Forest Service is working to contain multiple wildfires across the state. [... more]

A statewide burn ban is in effect in North Carolina due to drought severity and forecast fire weather, with six major wildfires burning across the state. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, with some areas seeing progress and others still facing significant challenges. North Carolina's Republican congressional delegation is urging the Department of Homeland Security to clear administrative bottlenecks that have delayed FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene. Additionally, a state audit has found delivery gaps in the ABC system, which generates over $1.4 billion in revenue annually, despite meeting cost accuracy and safety performance indicators. The audit recommends improvements to the system, including developing contingency plans and establishing improved fleet maintenance schedules. [... more]

Senate leader Phil Berger has officially conceded in his race to Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, citing the voters' decision and avoiding a lengthy and potentially costly court fight. The concession statement highlights Berger's confidence in the election process and his recognition of the voters' will. Meanwhile, the North Carolina House and Senate are at odds over the budget, with the House pushing for tax cuts and the Senate advocating for lower tax rates. The House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform is also investigating Medicaid fraud and waste, calling for testimony from Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Health and Human Services Secretary. [... more]

Frank Scatoro's story about his journey to revive and restore Grant's tomb in New York City, a historic site that had fallen into disrepair due to bureaucratic neglect and lack of funding. Scatoro, a young man with a passion for American history, worked tirelessly to expose the site's condition and push for change, eventually leading to a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who secured increased funding for the tomb's restoration. [... more]

A new Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education has been formed in North Carolina to study the state's school system, examining areas such as teacher training, student achievement, and accountability measures. Meanwhile, concerns are emerging around Medicaid fraud, with a recent scheme exposing improper enrollment and potential fraud during the sign-up process. Additionally, Western North Carolina is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, with a significant funding shortfall for water infrastructure repairs. [... more]

North Carolina's record voter turnout in the 2026 primary elections was driven by the presidential race, but still relatively low compared to general elections. Meanwhile, a state auditor's report reveals financial mismanagement in Rocky Mount, leading to a $80 million decline in cash reserves. Legislative leaders are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging a state law banning taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures for prison inmates, arguing it's a matter of state policy. [... more]

The 14th Amendment was put to the test in a landmark Supreme Court case involving a Chinese laundry owner in San Francisco. Eli Yick's business was targeted by the city, leading to a fight for his livelihood and rights. The court ultimately ruled in his favor, establishing that the government may not make laws that abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens or deprive anyone of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. [... more]

The story of Nike's rise to success, particularly with the Air Jordan brand, is a fascinating tale of innovation and marketing genius. From its humble beginnings as an underdog brand to its current status as a global powerhouse, Nike's journey is a testament to the power of taking risks and pushing boundaries. With the help of author Nicholas Smith, we explore how Nike's partnership with Michael Jordan helped to revolutionize the sneaker industry and create a cultural phenomenon that continues to shape the world of sports and fashion today. [... more]

A razor-thin margin in the Republican primary contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has led to scrutiny over provisional ballots and the state's budget impasse. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reviewing 189 provisional ballots, which could potentially change the outcome of the election. Meanwhile, the state's budget remains unresolved, with the General Assembly yet to pass a new budget. The lack of a budget is affecting various agencies, including the Secretary of State's office, which is struggling to fund investigations and staff. The Governor has announced plans to propose critical needs that cannot wait for next year's budget, including Medicaid funding. [... more]

A wild primary night in North Carolina saw several incumbents lose their seats, including some who have served for decades. The results were largely driven by social media, with many voters surprised by the outcomes. The Senate District 26 race between Phil Berger and Sam Page is particularly contentious, with a two-vote difference between the two candidates. The outcome of the election may not be known for several weeks, as provisional ballots and absentee ballots are still being counted. [... more]

Voters in North Carolina head to the polls on primary election day, with a Senate primary and several other key races drawing attention. The state's voting requirements include showing a valid photo ID, and voters must cast their ballots in their assigned precinct. Despite low turnout, the election is expected to be closely watched, with some races potentially going down to the wire. [... more]

The US continues military operations in Iran, with President Trump stating that American forces have hit hundreds of targets and that the entire Iranian military command is gone. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, a primary election is taking place, with a focus on the US Senate race and concerns about voter fraud, including a case of a Canadian national accused of voting in federal elections. Additionally, the UNC system has approved an overhaul of its academic freedom policy, which includes a new definition of academic freedom and guidelines for faculty conduct. [... more]

The royal family is embroiled in a sex trafficking scandal involving Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, a trans murderer in Rhode Island is linked to a family with a history of cousin marriage and white nationalist views. In France, a student is beaten to death by Antifa, and the media downplays the incident. The left's embrace of wokeness and identity politics is also under scrutiny. [... more]

State officials and lawmakers in North Carolina are at odds over the pace of recovery efforts in western North Carolina, 17 months after Hurricane Helene. The state has allocated over a billion dollars for relief, but lawmakers say bureaucratic delays and complex designs are slowing repairs and increasing costs. [... more]

The U.S. Department of Energy invests $175 million in upgrading coal-fired power plants across the nation, including a major facility in North Carolina. The funding aims to strengthen the power grid, keep electricity affordable and reliable, and preserve energy jobs. Meanwhile, the North Carolina State Board of Elections investigates reports of voter registration fraud, including individuals impersonating election officials and providing misinformation to voters. [... more]

The discussion revolves around the ongoing trial of social media companies for allegedly designing platforms to addict children, the economy's performance under the Trump administration, and the ongoing debate over immigration and border security. The conversation also touches on the potential consequences of Iran's actions, the importance of voter ID laws, and the current state of the Democratic and Republican parties. [... more]

A contentious hearing in the North Carolina General Assembly focused on crime and public safety in Mecklenburg County, with officials from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County testifying before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform. The hearing centered on the brutal murder of Irina Zarutska and the performance of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, with Sheriff Gary McFadden refusing to answer questions due to an ongoing investigation. [... more]

A bipartisan commission in North Carolina aims to modernize the state's election management system, addressing outdated technology and improving voter registration and election results. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order to strengthen the state's behavioral health and criminal justice systems, focusing on mental health crises, involuntary commitment, and re-entry support for individuals leaving prison. [... more]

A federal safety audit has found widespread non-compliance within the Charlotte area transportation system, citing serious deficiencies in how the agency manages safety risks, protects transit workers, and oversees rising violence across its system. Meanwhile, a state audit has revealed over $1 billion in lapsed salaries across North Carolina, with some agencies collecting funds for vacant positions for years. The state auditor recommends improving tracking and reporting of lapsed salaries, reducing administrative delays in the hiring process, and making state salaries more competitive with surrounding states. [... more]

North Carolina received a C-minus grade for infrastructure in a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers, citing strain on key portions of infrastructure due to population growth. The state board of elections is working to correct voter registration issues, with over 100,000 voters needing to provide required information. Meanwhile, lawmakers are set to hold a hearing on crime and public safety issues in Charlotte, with a federal judge indicating that the hearing can proceed without additional limits. [... more]

A major nor'easter dumped record-setting snowfalls across many counties in North Carolina, with all 100 counties seeing some trace amounts of snow. The state braced for winter weather for the second weekend in a row, with portions of Carteret County leading the state in snowfall totals. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported over 1,100 total car accidents and 1,600 calls for service, with two fatal crashes occurring in Robeson and Rutherford counties. Governor Josh Stein urged drivers to stay off the roads, and a winter weather advisory was issued for much of the state. Meanwhile, Duke Energy prepared for the extreme cold by requesting an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy, and the state health plan faced a 14-year-old lawsuit over retiree health benefits. [... more]

North Carolina continues to experience significant population growth, with a 1.3% growth rate, trailing only Texas and Florida. The state is also facing rising electricity costs due to the growth of data centers, particularly those using AI technology. A bipartisan group of governors, including North Carolina's Josh Stein, are pressuring the nation's largest regional electrical grid operator to lower prices. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is launching a nationwide freedom truck tour to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a stop in North Carolina. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the latest NFL news, including the upcoming Super Bowl, quarterback performances, and team dynamics. Guests include Mark Schlerith, who shares his insights on the Seahawks' defense and the Patriots' offense, and Matt and Marilyn, who debate the finger of blame for quarterbacks who don't make the Super Bowl. [... more]

Cotton production plays a significant role in North Carolina's economy, with the state ranking sixth in the nation for cotton production. Meanwhile, immunization is crucial as the immune system weakens with age, and vaccines help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. In North Carolina, the General Assembly has made changes to appointment authority, which has led to legal challenges. Additionally, the state is experiencing winter weather, and scammers are taking advantage of individuals affected by the storms, making it essential to be cautious when dealing with insurance claims. [... more]

The tragic loss of Alex Predi in Minnesota has sparked a heated debate about immigration law, law enforcement, and the Second Amendment. The incident occurred during a federal operation to detain violent criminals, and many are questioning the actions of the individual involved and the response of law enforcement. The situation has been further complicated by the refusal of some Democrat leaders in Minnesota to cooperate with ICE detainer requests, creating a sanctuary state where violent criminals can hide. As the investigation into the incident continues, many are calling for a more nuanced approach to the issue, one that balances the need to enforce immigration law with the need to protect the rights of citizens and the safety of law enforcement. [... more]

A major winter storm is set to impact North Carolina, with a state of emergency declared and power outages expected due to ice accumulation. Meanwhile, the state's General Assembly is considering a federal school choice tax credit program, with neighboring Georgia already opting in. Additionally, vaccines are being promoted to strengthen the immune system against respiratory illnesses. [... 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]

The North Carolina government is working to provide relief to Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastated the area. A bipartisan task force has released a report outlining six recommendations to increase access to childcare across the state. Meanwhile, a petition to remove Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden from office was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction, but the pressure continues to be turned up on the sheriff and the county. As people age, their immune system weakens, but vaccines can help train and strengthen the immune response to fight off respiratory illnesses. [... more]

A hearing is scheduled to take place in Mecklenburg County to petition the removal of Sheriff Gary McFadden due to allegations of willful misconduct and maladministration. Meanwhile, a report from the state auditor's office reveals that the North Carolina Education Lottery has not been providing a significant portion of its revenue to public education, sparking calls for transparency reforms. Additionally, the North Carolina General Assembly has passed a law banning the use of cell phones and laptops during instructional time in public schools, and the Rural Health Transformation Program has been allocated $213 million to improve health outcomes in rural areas. [... more]

The Todd Starns Radio Show discusses the recent ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, the role of federal agents, and the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act. The show also touches on the topic of immigration, fraud, and government shutdowns, as well as Elvis Presley's 91st birthday and the music industry's impact on American culture. [... more]

Questions are emerging over whether progressive activists are strategically entering North Carolina GOP primaries raising concerns among Republican leaders about voter confusion State officials are also urging lawmakers to pass a long-delayed budget warning that growing workloads and staffing pressures are straining agencies across state government In the courts a federal judge has blocked the release of CMPD body-camera video tied to the Charlotte light rail killing citing legal and procedural concerns Meanwhile North Carolina officials say they have received no formal notice of a rumored federal freeze on child care funding See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Gary McFadden has been requested to appear in front of the North Carolina General Assembly's House Oversight Committee to discuss his office's role in public safety and transportation. Meanwhile, a petition has been filed to remove McFadden from office, citing allegations of misconduct and corruption. In other news, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been arrested and is facing charges in the United States, prompting reactions from North Carolina lawmakers. Additionally, the Republican registration advantage in North Carolina has grown, with more registered Republicans than Democrats for the first time in state history. [... more]

A New Year's Eve terrorist attack in North Carolina was stopped by law enforcement, according to information from the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The attack was allegedly planned by 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, who was radicalized online by ISIS. Meanwhile, Republicans have overtaken Democrats in North Carolina voter rolls for the first time in state history, with registered Republicans now outnumbering registered Democrats. The shift in registration balance comes as candidates prepare for the March 3rd primary and the larger 2026 general election. [... more]