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]