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]

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]

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]

The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against the Trump administration's tariff policies, limiting the president's authority to impose tariffs under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. This decision has significant implications for trade policy and the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. Meanwhile, a task force in North Carolina is exploring ways to overhaul the state's school accountability system, which relies heavily on end-of-grade and end-of-course assessments. [... 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 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]

Crime in North Carolina public schools has decreased for a third consecutive year, with fewer than 1% of students committing a reportable offense. The state auditor's office is promoting transparency and accountability with internal audits and budget dashboards. Meanwhile, a lawsuit against UNC Chapel Hill over a 2024 protest has resulted in a judge blocking the campus ban for three plaintiffs, citing First Amendment rights. [... 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]

As Christmas approaches, Christians are reminded to keep Christ at the center of the season amidst distractions and secularism. A pastor discusses the importance of understanding the biblical worldview and the challenges of immigration, Islam, and secularism in modern society, while also highlighting the significance of Israel and the Jewish people in God's plan of redemption. [... more]

Customs and Border Protection operations continue in Charlotte and Raleigh, with over 200 arrests in Charlotte and protests across the state. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly is set to appoint a new representative for House District 60, and the USDA has announced additional relief for farmers affected by natural disasters. Additionally, a lawsuit is underway challenging the certificate of need law in the state's medical industry. [... more]

Customs and Border Protection continues operations in Charlotte, with over 130 individuals arrested, sparking reaction from local officials and politicians. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly holds a skeleton session, and Governor Josh Stein warns of potential CBP operations in Raleigh. The state is also grappling with the impact of climate change, as beach erosion and sea level rise threaten homes and businesses in the Outer Banks. [... more]

Customs and Border Protection conducted an operation in Charlotte, known as Charlotte's Web, which resulted in the arrest of 81 individuals with significant criminal and immigration histories. Meanwhile, the North Carolina General Assembly is set to convene for its final week of business before the calendar flips to 2026, but it appears that there will not be any major voting taking place in either the House or the Senate. The dispute centers on the Department of Health and Human Services' handling of Medicaid reimbursements and recent rate cuts. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the top five matchups of week 11, including the Bears and Vikings, and the Seahawks and Rams. He also talks to actor Tracy Letz about his new movie House of Dynamite, a thriller about a missile attack on the United States. Letz shares his experiences working on the film and his thoughts on the human condition. [... more]

Shohei Otani wins his fourth MVP award, while Aaron Judge takes home his third consecutive MVP, with Cal Raleigh's impressive season going unrecognized. The discussion highlights the dominance of Otani and Judge, as well as the growing trend of analytical awards in sports, with some questioning the value of the MVP award. [... more]

A small group of North Carolina voters received incorrect letters about their voter registration status, but the state board of elections says it was an administrative error. The state is working to repair voter registration records, which will bring the state's voter rolls into compliance with federal and state law. Meanwhile, Charlotte has seen a high rate of property crime, and local leaders are being forced to address the issue. The city has seen a decrease in certain types of crime, but the public perception of safety remains a concern. The United States and South Korea have reached a trade deal that will lower tariffs on Korean auto imports, which will benefit North Carolina auto producers and consumers. Redistricting lawsuits are ongoing in North Carolina, and the state board of elections is working to resolve the issue before the December 1st deadline. The USDA is relocating its agricultural hubs to states like North Carolina, which has a thriving agricultural industry. [... more]

The North Carolina General Assembly is at an impasse over Medicaid rebase funding, with the House passing several measures that the Senate refused to take up. Meanwhile, the Opportunity Scholarship Program is nearing a milestone of 100,000 students enrolled, with broad support for school choice and medical marijuana on the rise. The state's auto parts manufacturing industry is also feeling the effects of tariffs, with imports declining sharply since the tariffs took effect in April and May. [... more]

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins 21 other states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for canceling a $7 billion grant called the Solar for All program. The program was designed to help low-income households utilize solar power to reduce their energy costs. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Raleigh are set to convene for the second to final legislative session of the year to discuss redistricting and proposed congressional maps. [... more]

A new rule from the United States Department of Labor aims to make farm worker wages more predictable and fair, but some groups are calling for Congress to make the changes permanent to help stabilize the agricultural industry and grocery prices. [... more]

The ACC is heating up in college football, with Georgia Tech and Duke facing off in a crucial matchup. Meanwhile, the NBA and MLB are also in the spotlight, with the Seattle Mariners and LA Dodgers potentially facing off in the World Series. In college football, Wake Forest's Jake Dickert is making a strong impression, and Penn State's James Franklin is a highly respected coach who may be taking a break from the sport. [... more]

The Senate has passed the 2026 fiscal year National Defense Authorization Act, which includes major funding for military installations across the state of North Carolina. Meanwhile, lawmakers are set to redraw at least one, if not multiple, North Carolina congressional districts as they head into the 2026 midterm elections, a move that could lead to litigation over gerrymandering. [... more]

A federal government shutdown enters its eighth day, with the White House expected to announce a bailout for American farmers impacted by inflation and tariffs. The agricultural industry, North Carolina's number one industry, is struggling due to the trade war, with farmers producing tobacco, sweet potatoes, and soybeans being particularly affected. A bipartisan House committee is set to meet in Raleigh to discuss government efficiency, paralleling federal-level efforts to reform the Department of Government Efficiency. [... more]

North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein is facing a deadline to sign or veto Arena's Law, a sweeping criminal justice reform bill that tightens pretrial conditions for violent offenders, eliminates cashless bail, and establishes a new protocol for mental health evaluations. Meanwhile, the USDA is relocating employees to Raleigh, North Carolina, to increase its workforce and make it more affordable for people to join the department, citing the city's low cost of living and its importance as a hub for agriculture, which is the state's number one industry. [... more]

Rich Eisen discusses the NFL with guests, including Kevin Pollack, who talks about his role in the hit show Tulsa King, and the San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy's impressive start to the season. They also discuss revenge games, including Micah Parsons' return to Dallas, and the upcoming Ryder Cup. [... more]

Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm's impact was exacerbated by heavy rainfall in the days leading up to the storm, causing saturated ground and landslides. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) bureaucracy has been criticized for hindering the recovery efforts, with officials citing a lack of clarity and consistent guidance. The state of North Carolina has received limited federal funding to cover the damage, with estimates suggesting $60 billion in damage. Despite the challenges, there has been progress in the recovery efforts, with businesses reopening and tourism returning to the area. [... more]

The JR Sport Brief Show discusses the current state of baseball, focusing on the record-breaking home runs hit by Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, as well as the international games in the NFL, including the matchup between the Vikings and Steelers in Ireland. The show also touches on the usage of Travis Hunter, the number two overall pick in the NFL draft, and his potential impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars. [... more]

The MVP race in Major League Baseball is heating up, with Cal Raleigh and Aaron Judge leading the pack. The Seattle Mariners are making a push for the playoffs, and the American League is shaping up to be a competitive division. Meanwhile, the National League is seeing some exciting storylines, including the Phillies and Dodgers battling for the top spot. [... more]

Cal Raleigh's historic 60-home-run season has sparked debate over whether he or Aaron Judge deserves the American League MVP award. With the Mariners' surge in the second half, they're now a contender for the World Series, but their starting pitching and roster composition make them vulnerable to competition from the Yankees and other teams. [... more]

Cal Raleigh's historic 60th home run has the Seattle Mariners on the cusp of clinching their division, while the San Francisco 49ers face injuries and a tough schedule, but quarterback Mac Jones and coach Kyle Shanahan are leading the team to a 3-0 start. [... more]

Cal Raleigh is rewriting baseball history, hitting 57 and 58 home runs in a single season, surpassing records set by Ken Griffey Jr. and Mickey Mantle. Meanwhile, Mike Trout and Jean Carlos Stanton are nearing milestones of 500 and 600 home runs, respectively, despite their bodies betraying them. Aaron Judge is also having a remarkable season, hitting 50 home runs for the fourth time in his career, putting him in the company of legendary players like Babe Ruth and Mark McGuire. [... more]

The Miami Dolphins are struggling, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa admitting he can't do half of what Josh Allen can do, and head coach Mike McDaniel struggling to find the right words. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills are looking strong, and the NFL is dealing with controversy surrounding Tom Brady's purchase of a 5% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. In baseball, Shohei Otani is continuing to impress, and Cal Raleigh is leading the Mariners to a 10-game winning streak. [... more]

A federal appeals court ruled that a majority of President Trump's tariffs are illegal, but allowed them to remain in place until October 14th. Meanwhile, a case between two parents and a private school in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to be heard by the state Supreme Court, which could have implications for the state's school choice movement. In another development, State Treasurer Brad Breiner and Republican legislative leaders are opposing Governor Josh Stein's proposal to pause a court dispute involving state judicial and utilities commission appointments. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the upcoming college football season, with a focus on the Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes. Mac Brown, the former head coach of the Texas Longhorns, joins the show to share his thoughts on the team's chances and the challenges they will face. The show also touches on the NFL, with a discussion about the Green Bay Packers and their recent trade for Micah Parsons. [... more]

Rich Eisen and Adam Ray discuss the NFL, American League, and National League MVP candidates, including Cal Raleigh, while also touching on the Seattle Seahawks and fantasy football. [... more]

The New Orleans Saints have announced Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback, sparking concerns about the team's future. Meanwhile, in the NFL, several players were cut on Cut Day, including Hunter Renfro and Tommy DeVito. In other news, Travis Kelsey and Taylor Swift have gotten engaged, and Cal Raleigh has become the first catcher in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs. [... more]

A biotech company, Janine Tech, breaks ground on a $700 million manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, creating over 1,900 jobs. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Supreme Court is set to review a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging unfair and deceptive trade practices. The state's General Assembly is also set to return for a short session, with lawmakers considering various bills, including constitutional carry and immigration legislation. A recent state Supreme Court decision has also thrown out judicial deference, giving more power to litigants challenging government agencies and regulations. [... more]

The Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation is a soap opera, with Shador Sanders struggling to find his place on the team. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons' behavior is being scrutinized, and Trey Hendrickson and Terry McLaurin have secured new contracts. [... more]

Josh Duhamel discusses his new film, London Calling, and shares stories about his career, including his experience in the Transformers movies and his time on the set with James Kahn. Rich Eisen also talks about the upcoming NFL season, the Detroit Lions, and the NFC North division. [... more]

A category three storm, Hurricane Aaron, is expected to bring significant impacts to the North Carolina coast, particularly the Outer Banks, with coastal flooding, high rip currents, and storm surge. Meanwhile, a new study from NC State looks at the viability of Raleigh and Charlotte as potential homes for a Major League Baseball team, with both cities showing strong growth and economic potential. In other news, the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Renew NC single-family housing program has received over 1,000 applications, with construction expected to begin on the first home within the next month. Additionally, the state is dealing with the aftermath of a ban on transgender surgery for minors, with lawsuits and court cases ongoing. [... more]

The Milwaukee Brewers are on a hot streak, with a bottom one-third payroll and a winning record. Meanwhile, the New York Jets are optimistic about their new quarterback, Justin Fields, who showed impressive skills in his preseason debut. In baseball news, Shohei Otani continues to impress, and Aaron Judge is carrying the load for the Yankees, but Kyle Raleigh's 45-home run season is making a strong case for him to be considered one of the best catchers in MLB history. [... more]

Shohei Otani and Cal Raleigh are on a home run tear, with Otani hitting his 41st and Raleigh matching Johnny Bench's 1970 record with his 45th. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers are on a 10-game winning streak, and Justin Rose wins the FedEx St. Jude Championship on the PGA Tour, his first victory in nearly three years. [... more]