Western North Carolina leaders warn that Hurricane Helene recovery efforts may last years longer than public attention and funding will. Governor Josh Stein describes the state's financial slowdown as a threat to rebuilding efforts, and recovery leaders express concerns about volunteer oversight and construction quality. Meanwhile, a federal prison sentence has been handed down to Greg Lindbergh for insurance fraud, and a major electricity merger between Dominion and NextEra is planned, which could affect utility rates in the northeastern half of the state. [... more]

The New York Knicks are on an incredible 11-game winning streak, beating teams by the most points in an 11-game stretch in NBA history. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are one step closer to returning to the Stanley Cup, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to make significant changes after a disappointing playoff run. LeBron James is a free agent at 41 years old, and rumors are swirling about his potential return to the Cavaliers. [... more]

A below-average hurricane season is predicted in the Atlantic, with El Niño conditions expected to disrupt storm development. In North Carolina, lawmakers are considering a proposal to impose new limits on large data centers and add ratepayer protections. Meanwhile, the state's elections data system is being modernized to improve cybersecurity and efficiency. [... more]

The passing of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch at 41 years old has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with fans and fellow drivers paying tribute to his legacy. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are struggling in the conference finals, and college football playoff expansion is being discussed, with some questioning the benefits of increased slots. [... more]

The Carolina Hurricanes are facing off against the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals, with a long break between their first two series. App State Basketball Coach Dustin Kearns discusses the NCAA tournament expansion and the health of the game, while App State AD Doug Gillen shares his thoughts on the expansion and the college football playoff. Meanwhile, Will Dalton explores the possibility of Bill Belichick returning to the NFL and John Shire potentially becoming the next head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. [... more]

The Spurs' emergence as a Western Conference contender, led by Victor Wembanyama's incredible performance, is a major storyline in the NBA. Meanwhile, in the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens are preparing to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final, with the Canadiens looking to capitalize on their young roster and the Hurricanes seeking to overcome their extended break from play. [... more]

The North Carolina Supreme Court has denied a rehearing in the 32-year-long Leandro education funding case, ending the lawsuit and vacating all related court decisions. Meanwhile, the state treasurer's office is promoting financial literacy among high school students through an internship program and other initiatives. A new bill in the state legislature aims to overhaul how the state funds K-12 schools and create a pilot program for outside-the-classroom learning. [... more]

The Hurricanes made history by sweeping two playoff series, becoming the first team to do so since the 85 Oilers. The team's success can be attributed to their business-like approach and ability to stay consistent in various situations. Meanwhile, LeBron James' time in LA is being debated, with some considering it a success despite not meeting expectations. The Knicks are also making a strong playoff run, with the highest margin of victory in NBA playoff history. [... more]

The Carolina Hurricanes are on a hot streak in the NHL playoffs, while the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for rookie minicamp. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are looking to build on their 25-win improvement from last season, and the college football world is debating the merits of expanding the playoff system. In other sports news, the NHL's Rod Brenda More is being hailed as a legend, and the Charlotte FC is searching for a win against Cincinnati. [... more]

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces her resignation, effective June 30th, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren. Meanwhile, North Carolina officials urge residents to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1st. In other news, a competency hearing is set for DeCarlos Brown Jr., who is accused of murdering Irina Zarutska on the Charlotte Light Rail, due to concerns over his mental fitness to stand trial. [... more]

On a Thursday drive WD tsalks about how the Panthers are the most underrated teams in the NFL the Hurricanes game matchup agaisnt the Flyers David Glenn joins to talk some hockey and Daron Vaught talks some MLB [... more]

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 Carolina Hurricanes are set to face the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL playoffs, with a series that promises to be exciting. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have made some significant moves in the NFL draft, including selecting Monroe Freeling as their first-round pick. The team's general manager, Dan Morgan, has been praised for his draft strategy, and the Panthers are looking to build a strong team around quarterback Bryce Young. [... more]

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur discusses his team's draft picks, including Jeremiah Love and Carson Beck, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles talks about his team's draft, including Ruben Bain and Josiah Trotter, and the Buccaneers Coaching Academy. [... more]

Representative Carla Cunningham switches party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated, potentially impacting veto overrides in the North Carolina House. Meanwhile, a new infusion of federal disaster funding highlights progress and challenges in Western North Carolina's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein's proposed budget would phase out the Opportunity Scholarship Program, affecting an estimated 60,000 students. The U.S. Postal Service's regulations on cluster box units are causing delays and adding costs to housing developments, making homes less affordable for many families. U.S. Representative Alma Adams was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation by the House Ethics Committee regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer. [... more]

A new committee is formed in the North Carolina General Assembly to investigate the release of 4,200 inmates from prison under a settlement in 2021, sparking public safety concerns. Meanwhile, a state audit reveals $1.25 million in mental health resources were spent on items like stuffed animals and plants instead of supporting students and faculty in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The state auditor's office is working to bring transparency to how hurricane relief funds are spent, and the issue raises questions about waste and abuse in government spending. [... more]

The town of Lake Lure is reopening after months of storm recovery, with a phased soft opening allowing limited public access. Meanwhile, a North Carolina drone operator is taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging state regulations on occupational licensing. The North Carolina legislature is also gearing up for a busy session, with lawmakers set to tackle issues like the state budget and drone regulation. [... 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]

Federal, state, and local leaders in Western North Carolina are pressing for faster disaster aid and structural reforms to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Helene's devastation. The new head of the Department of Homeland Security, Mark Wayne Mullen, visited the area, promising to work on regulatory reforms to speed up the funding process and ensure the region's recovery. [... more]

North Carolina's latest statewide audit of federal spending identifies questionable costs and reporting failures across multiple agencies. The audit resulted in 19 findings, including 18 related to federal awards and one tied to financial statement reporting. The state auditor's office will provide oversight for the $650 million stadium renovation project in Charlotte, the largest expense of public dollars in the history of the state. [... 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]

The North Carolina Senate is facing a power struggle after Phil Berger's loss in the 2026 primary, with several Republican senators emerging as potential contenders for the president pro tem position. Meanwhile, a legal case is underway in the state Supreme Court, challenging North Carolina's law banning firearm possession by felons, with arguments centering on the type of felonies that should disqualify someone from owning guns. State education officials presented upbeat math scores, but Republican lawmakers are questioning whether the numbers tell a different story and are asking whether students have the materials they need for continued improvement. [... 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]

The World Baseball Classic concludes with Venezuela winning the championship, and the Rich Eisen Show discusses the tournament's excitement and the upcoming NFL draft, including Daniel Jeremiah's mock draft and his top 10 players, including Jeremiah Love and Makai Lemon. [... more]

North Carolina's Senate District 26 is at the center of a heated election dispute between Phil Berger and Sam Page, with Berger's campaign requesting a recount due to concerns over incorrect ballots. Meanwhile, a group known as Grow NC is working to aid in the recovery efforts of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, exploring disaster investment zones and long-term economic recovery strategies. [... 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]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL Combine and Draft with Mike Mayock, covering topics such as player evaluations, positional needs, and team strategies. They also touch on the Cowboys' plans for free agency and the potential trade of Max Crosby. [... more]

The NFL Combine showcased a record-breaking group of athletes, with the average offensive lineman standing at 6'5" and 315.9 pounds. Quarterbacks like Mendoza and Ty Simpson impressed, but Jeremiah Love's false start almost beat a seasoned runner's time. The event highlighted the importance of humility, as seen in Sonny Styles' reaction to his impressive performance. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the 2026 Scouting Combine, quarterback prospects, and defensive linemen, including Sonny Styles and David Bailey, who impressed with their performances. The show also touches on the Cowboys' decision to franchise tag George Pickens and the implications for the team's salary cap. [... more]

The NFL Draft is approaching, and experts are weighing in on the top prospects. Fernando Mendoza is a highly touted quarterback, while Jeremiah Love is a top running back candidate. Ty Simpson and David Bailey are also being considered for the top picks, with Arvel Reese and Caleb Downs also in the mix. The NFL Combine is a key event for teams to evaluate the prospects' skills and abilities. [... more]

The NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, with top prospects, including Ruben Bain, showcasing their skills. Meanwhile, teams are evaluating their quarterback situations, with Kyler Murray's future with the Arizona Cardinals uncertain. Sean Payton, head coach of the Denver Broncos, discusses his team's approach to the draft and the challenges of finding the right quarterback. [... 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]

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]

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]

A major winter storm affected North Carolina, causing power outages and ice accumulation in western parts of the state. The storm also impacted neighboring states, with over a million people without power. In related news, a housing recovery program for those affected by Hurricane Helene has completed 14 projects and awarded over 86 grants, but still has over 7,500 applications pending. Meanwhile, a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's Sunday hunting restrictions has been dismissed by the state Supreme Court, upholding the existing laws. [... more]

Fernando Mendoza's incredible leap for a touchdown in the national championship game has left fans in awe, showcasing his toughness and determination. The Indiana Hoosiers' dominant performance against the Miami Hurricanes has sparked a conversation about the team's future and the potential for repeat success. Meanwhile, Chris Fowler reflects on the game and the larger implications for college football, including the expansion of the playoff bracket and the importance of special teams. [... more]

Indiana Hoosiers football coach Kurt Signetti's team has made a remarkable turnaround, going from 713 all-time losses to a 16-0 season, including a college football playoff appearance. The team's success has sparked questions about the secret to their success and what it means for college football moving forward. [... 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]

The New York Giants hire John Harbaugh as their new head coach, bringing 18 seasons of experience from the Ravens. Meanwhile, in college football, Dante Moore decides to stay at Oregon, turning down the Jets and a potential NFL draft spot, and Josh Pate discusses the current state of college football, including the transfer portal, agent representation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on player eligibility. [... more]

The Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen led his team to a thrilling victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard round, with Khalil Shakir setting a career high in receptions. The Bills' defense also played a crucial role in the win, with Trey White and Brandon Cooks making key contributions. The team is now moving on to face the Denver Broncos in the divisional round, with many fans confident in their ability to make a deep run in the playoffs. [... more]