The Tara Show

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Tara presides over the Upstate's #1 all news/talk morning show every weekday on News/Talk 989 WORD.Tara's faithful listeners are affectionately known as "Tara-ists" because of their passion and participation in the show. Tara was named 2021 Best News Talk Show and Best overall Personality, AGAIN, by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association! Tara took home the same honors in 2018 and was also named 2016 "Personality of the Year!" In addition, Tara has also won over two dozen state and national journalism awards for column writing, news reporting and investigative reporting while working for three newspapers and writing for a variety of national publications. She won a first place reporting award from the North Carolina Press Association for an investigative series about the weaknesses in Charlotte's overburdened court system, which regularly let murderers off the hook with less than 15 years in prison. Due to her work, that system has been reformed. Tara is also a winner of the prestigious first place Green Eyeshade Award, a national award for column writing from The Society of Professional Journalists. Tara took to the airwaves about 15 years ago to do a radio show heard up and down the coast and fell in love with bypassing her editors to talk straight to the people. Tara hasn't stopped reporting, and still brings her investigative journalism to the show. Tara is a mom, wife and talk radio convert-- and weekday mornings she's live and local on News/Talk 989 WORD. Are you a "Tara-ist"? It's time to get captured!     

  1. 13H AGO

    Full Show - Chaos, Radicalization & Political Retribution: America on Edge

    Episode Title: Chaos, Radicalization & Political Retribution: America on Edge Runtime: ~45–50 minutes Tone: Urgent, edgy, investigative 🔵 SEGMENT ONE: LEFT-WING RADICALIZATION & SECURITY THREATS (10 min) ⚠️ Gen Z Extremists Young men, mostly white, radicalized online, targeting Trump administration officials: JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Christine Noem. Weapons attempts include shotguns and incendiary materials; motivated by extreme rhetoric and perceived threats of a “Nazi revolution.” Former FBI experts James Galliano and Chris Schwecker explain vulnerability of disaffected youth and “true believer” phenomenon. Discussion Points: Social media influence and political echo chambers. Need for proactive law enforcement messaging and coordinated accountability. Risks of extremist violence escalating if rhetoric continues unchecked. 🔵 SEGMENT TWO: IMMIGRATION & BORDER CRISIS (8–10 min) 🌎 DHS Data Reveals Massive Migration Department of Homeland Security reports: 8% of Nicaragua’s population entered the U.S. 7% from Cuba, 6% from Haiti, 5% from Honduras. 61% of these migrants reportedly enrolled in welfare programs. Hosts discuss job scarcity, legal access to benefits, and broader economic impacts. Discussion Points: Implications for U.S. jobs and infrastructure. Political framing of migration as a “dumping ground” and debate over legality of welfare access. 🔵 SEGMENT THREE: POLITICAL RETRIBUTION & DEMOCRAT OVERREACH (10 min) 🏛️ Susan Rice & The Corporate Threat Susan Rice’s statements interpreted as threatening political retribution against: Christie Noem, Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, tech executives like Mark Zuckerberg. Past examples include Trump allegedly targeted with “700+ years of total prison sentences” on dubious charges. Pressure on corporations to rehire DEI staffers and Obama-era officials; threats framed as political, not legal. Discussion Points: Florida as a safe haven: Zuckerberg and Palantir relocations to avoid biased courts. Federal and state courts scrutinized as “post-American” kangaroo systems. Implications for corporate compliance and political neutrality. 🔵 SEGMENT FOUR: FOREIGN POLICY & MILITARY POSTURE (6–8 min) ✈️ U.S. Power Projection & Hemisphere Stability U.S. air power buildup in the Middle East signals readiness for potential conflict with Iran. 100+ midair refueling planes deployed; 15 in Azores; F-22s staged in Britain and Jordan. Public opinion largely supports Trump’s stance: 56% back current or increased U.S. involvement in Latin America. Discussion Points: Migration pressures tied to regional instability in Latin America. Strategic balance between military readiness and economic/political consequences. U.S. domestic support for proactive hemisphere policy despite Democrat objections. 🔵 SEGMENT FIVE: CORPORATE CENSORSHIP & MEDIA HARASSMENT (6–8 min) 💻 Silicon Valley Under Siege Zuckerberg’s court harassment in LA for product addiction framed as politically motivated. Past censorship of Hunter Biden stories and election-related content highlighted. Companies relocate to Florida for safety and predictability in court systems. Discussion Points: Threats against CEOs and corporate decision-makers for perceived disloyalty. Comparison between federal/state courts and traditional American legal norms. Impact on innovation, media freedom, and private sector independence. 🎯 Closing Key takeaways: Rising domestic extremism, mass migration pressures, political retribution threats, and corporate harassment indicate a shift toward a “banana republic” scenario. Urgent need for messaging coordination, institutional accountability, and awareness of changing political and judicial landscapes.

    2h 3m

  2. 13H AGO

    H1: Toothless Gold & The Left’s Flag Meltdown

    Team USA ends a 46-year Olympic gold drought in Milan with a bleeding, toothless overtime hero and a goalie performance for the ages. But the real meltdown? Not Canada. It’s the media reaction to loving America. From the “Marvel in Milan” to therapy sessions over the U.S. flag, we break it all down. 🎧 EPISODE SUMMARY: Forty-six years after the Miracle on Ice, Team USA did it again. In Milan, the United States defeated Canada 2–1 in overtime to win its first men’s Olympic hockey gold medal since 1980 — and it came in unforgettable fashion. Jack Hughes took a high stick from Sam Bennett, lost two teeth, kept playing, and scored the golden goal. Still bleeding. Still smiling. Still praising his country. In his now-viral 57-second locker room interview, Hughes spent more than a third of it declaring how proud he was to be American and praising what he called the “USA hockey brotherhood.” No complaints. No excuses. Just grit — and gratitude. Meanwhile, in net, Connor Hellebuyck delivered a masterpiece: 41 dramatic saves, breakaways, stick stops, even a behind-the-back save that felt almost supernatural. The performance instantly drew comparisons to Jim Craig during the 1980 Miracle on Ice in Lake Placid. They’re already calling this one the “Marvel in Milan.” But the cultural aftershock may be just as historic. While Americans celebrated, HuffPost went viral for publishing therapist interviews about the “cognitive dissonance” some viewers feel when cheering for Team USA. According to the piece, waving the American flag or chanting “USA” is triggering guilt, shame, and even physical symptoms for some. Yes — therapy sessions over Olympic patriotism. The episode breaks down: The game itself and why it was legendary The symbolism of 46 years to the day after 1980 The viral media reaction to public expressions of national pride The broader cultural divide over patriotism Why this moment feels bigger than hockey Add in outrage over Kash Patel attending and celebrating with the team after being invited, plus a broader geopolitical discussion about U.S. military positioning toward Iran, and this becomes more than a sports story. It’s a snapshot of where the country is right now. A gold medal. A bloody smile. A flag. And a culture war playing out in real time. Strap in. 🎯 KEY TALKING POINTS: 46 years to the day after the 1980 Miracle on Ice Jack Hughes’ toothless overtime winner Connor Hellebuyck’s 41-save Olympic masterpiece “Marvel in Milan” symbolism Media reaction to patriotic celebration Therapy headlines over flag-waving Kash Patel controversy Broader cultural and geopolitical tensions 📲 SOCIAL MEDIA CLIP TEXT: Two teeth gone. 41 saves. Overtime gold. “I love the USA.” And that’s what caused the meltdown. 🇺🇸🥇🔥 🔖 HASHTAGS: #TeamUSA #OlympicGold #MarvelInMilan #JackHughes #ConnorHellebuyck #MiracleOnIce #USA #Patriotism #CultureWar #Hockey #Olympics #America

    31 min

  3. 13H AGO

    H2: Blood on the Ice & Thugs in Suits

    Episode Title: Blood on the Ice & Thugs in Suits Runtime: ~25 minutes Tone: Combative, cultural commentary, high energy 🔥 OPENING MONOLOGUE (3–4 min) For years, only one group consistently had skin in the game: American taxpayers. Foreign policy failures? Taxpayers paid. Corporate capture? Taxpayers paid. Weaponized institutions? Taxpayers paid. And now, as political power shifts, we’re watching something else unfold: Corporate America fleeing blue-state courtrooms. Democrats threatening CEOs. And a hockey player bleeding on national television while talking about love of country. It’s a tale of two Americas — and today we break it down. 🏛️ SEGMENT ONE: McCONNELL & THE SAFE ACT (3–4 min) The political fight over the SAFE Act — legislation requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections — has intensified. Critics argue Senate leadership has stalled the bill. Much of the frustration is aimed at Mitch McConnell, with conservatives claiming the legislation is being blocked procedurally. Supporters of the bill say requiring documentation like a birth certificate is basic election integrity. Opponents argue it risks disenfranchising voters. The larger theme? Trust in institutions is at historic lows — and election security remains one of the country’s most combustible debates. 🏒 SEGMENT TWO: 46 YEARS AFTER MIRACLE ON ICE (6–7 min) Forty-six years after the legendary “Miracle on Ice,” the United States once again delivered a hockey moment that captured the country. Enter Jack Hughes. High stick from Sam Bennett. Two teeth gone. Blood pouring. He comes back. Overtime goal. Gold medal. 2–1 victory over Canada. But what electrified fans wasn’t just the goal. It was the interview. Bleeding. Teeth missing. No self-pity. In a 57-second locker room clip, Hughes spent more than a third of it talking about America, his teammates, and what it meant to win for the country. He praised goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He emphasized “USA hockey brotherhood.” He framed the win as national, not personal. That image — blood, grit, patriotism — instantly went viral. 📰 SEGMENT THREE: MEDIA MELTDOWN (4–5 min) Some progressive commentators expressed discomfort with the overt patriotic tone surrounding both the men’s and women’s teams. Articles highlighted cultural tension over highly visible national symbolism — red, white, and blue celebrations — and what it represents in today’s political climate. Adding fuel: Kash Patel, a known hockey fan, was invited into the locker room. Instead of focusing solely on the gold medal, media conversation shifted toward the political optics of that appearance. For supporters, it was harmless celebration. For critics, it blurred sports and politics. But culturally? The blood-on-the-ice image dominated. 🎭 SEGMENT FOUR: COMEDY & CULTURE (3–4 min) Comedian Shawn Farash went viral with a mock congratulatory speech in the voice of Donald Trump. The bit joked about: “Snow Mexico” Tariffs on Canada’s silver medal Hellebuyck being more secure than the southern border Political satire attached to a sports win is now almost automatic — a reflection of how intertwined culture and politics have become. ⚖️ SEGMENT FIVE: SUSAN RICE & CORPORATE WARNING SHOTS (5–6 min) Now to something more serious. Former Obama adviser Susan Rice recently issued warnings suggesting corporations that “bend the knee” to Trump-world politics could face consequences when Democrats return to power. The comments were interpreted by critics as threatening regulatory or legal retaliation against tech leaders and executives. This comes amid: Content moderation controversies involving Mark Zuckerberg Ongoing disputes between tech platforms and federal agencies Corporate pullbacks from aggressive DEI mandates Zuckerberg has publicly described intense pressure from government officials during prior administrations to remove certain content. Meanwhile, companies are relocating operations to states pe ...

    30 min

  4. 13H AGO

    H3: Sky Rings, Supreme Court Limits & Olympic Pride

    Episode Title: Sky Rings, Supreme Court Limits & Olympic Pride Runtime: ~35 minutes Tone: Fast-moving, high-energy, multi-topic flagship episode 🔵 SEGMENT ONE: THE SKY MYSTERY (8–10 min) 🌀 Strange Circles Over the Carolinas It started with social media lighting up. Perfect — or near-perfect — circles in the sky. Seen from Georgia through Upstate South Carolina. Clemson. Simpsonville. Spartanburg. Even into North Carolina. Local station WYFF reported no definitive explanation. The Livonia Police Department told residents: Don’t call 911 — it’s likely military training. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin said it wasn’t flight testing from their facilities. So what was it? 🌤️ Expert Breakdown We brought in retired chief meteorologist Christy Henderson. Her verdict: ✔️ Not a weather anomaly ✔️ Almost certainly contrails ✔️ Formed 18,000–25,000 feet up where jet exhaust condenses into ice crystals But here’s the twist: These weren’t long streaks. They were tight circles — some reportedly appearing just above neighborhoods. That would require: A highly nimble jet Tight maneuvering Stable upper-level winds Possibly military training. Possibly private aircraft. Definitely unusual. And no pilot has stepped forward. Phones are still lighting up. Videos still coming in. The mystery continues. 🔵 SEGMENT TWO: SUPREME COURT & TARIFF POWER (10–12 min) ⚖️ What the Court Actually Did The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the president cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose certain tariffs. Why? Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power to levy taxes and duties. The statute simply did not contain language delegating that tariff authority. It was a narrow ruling. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent framed it that way — calmly and strategically. 💡 The Underrated Part of the Ruling Here’s what many outlets glossed over: The Court reaffirmed the president’s authority to impose a full trade embargo. Meaning: He can block trade entirely. He just cannot collect tariff revenue under that specific statute. That’s significant leverage. Other trade authorities remain: Section 232 (national security) Section 301 (trade retaliation) So while one pathway narrowed, executive trade power remains substantial. 💰 Economic Impact Supporters cite: Reduced goods trade deficit Lower bilateral deficit with China Major domestic investment and manufacturing announcements Critics warn: Billions in potential tariff refund lawsuits Years of litigation Market uncertainty Congress could explicitly grant broader tariff authority. They haven’t. 🔵 SEGMENT THREE: THE SAFE ACT FIGHT (8–10 min) 🗳️ What Is the SAFE Act? The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would: Require proof of citizenship for voter registration Strengthen cross-state voter roll checks Expand federal oversight mechanisms Supporters argue it would: ✔️ Clean up voter rolls ✔️ Remove duplicate registrations ✔️ Increase transparency Critics argue: ❌ Existing law already requires citizenship ❌ Documentation burdens could impact eligible voters ❌ Fraud remains statistically rare in documented cases The debate is not just about citizenship — it’s about data access, state control, and federal authority. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett claims internal Senate leadership dynamics are blocking movement. Whether it advances could shape midterm politics dramatically. 🔵 SEGMENT FOUR: USA HOCKEY & AMERICAN PRIDE (7–8 min) 🏒 Forty-Six Years Later At the Winter Games in Milan, the U.S. men’s hockey team ended a 46-year gold drought — the first since the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Goalie performance reminiscent of Jim Craig. And the overtime winner? Jack Hughes. Teeth knocked out. Blood on the ice. Still playing. Scores the golden goal. Then used his postgame moment to say — repeatedly — how proud he was to be American. No politics. Just pride. 🇺🇸 Cultural Divide Some commentators noted a ...

    30 min

  5. 13H AGO

    H4: Susan Rice, DHS Shocks & The Banana Republic Reality

    Episode Title: Susan Rice, DHS Shocks & The Banana Republic Reality Runtime: ~40 minutes Tone: Urgent, politically charged, investigative 🔵 SEGMENT ONE: DHS SHOCKING IMMIGRATION DATA (8–10 min) 🌎 Massive Migration During Biden Era Highlights: **Department of Homeland Security reports unprecedented migration: 8% of Nicaragua’s population entered the U.S. 7% of Cuba, 6% of Haiti, 5% of Honduras 61% of migrants reportedly on welfare. Host commentary: U.S. jobs shortage and legal questions around benefits for non-citizens. Discussion points: Debate on legality of welfare access for undocumented immigrants. Concerns over demographic impacts on local communities. Framing of migration as a “dumping ground” for foreign nationals. 🔵 SEGMENT TWO: POLITICAL RETRIBUTION & DEMOCRAT OVERREACH (10–12 min) 🏛️ Susan Rice’s Warnings Highlights: Susan Rice signals potential political retribution against corporations, CEOs, and Trump administration allies. Targets include Christie Noem, Stephen Miller, Tom Homan, and tech CEOs. Past efforts: Trump allegedly targeted with “over 700 years of total prison time” in prior investigations. Discussion points: Corporations pressured to rehire DEI staffers and Obama-era officials. Threats framed as political, not legal — “kangaroo courts” or biased trials. Examples: Mark Zuckerberg moving to Florida for safety amidst LA court harassment. Federal and state courts scrutinized as post-American systems, creating a climate of fear for businesses and individuals. 🔵 SEGMENT THREE: YOUNG MEN & RADICALIZATION (6–8 min) ⚠️ Gen Z Threats Highlights: Radicalized youth targeting officials: JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Christine Noem. Behavioral experts label some young white males as “true believers” susceptible to extremist rhetoric. Former FBI agents James Galliano and Chris Schwecker weigh in on motivations: disenfranchisement, social media exposure, and political vitriol. Discussion points: Group dynamics, social media influence, and susceptibility to political extremism. Calls for proactive messaging and accountability to curb radicalization. 🔵 SEGMENT FOUR: FOREIGN POLICY & HEMISPHERE STABILITY (6–8 min) ✈️ Trump Doctrine & Military Readiness Highlights: Large U.S. air power buildup in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. Over 100 midair refueling planes deployed; 15 stationed in the Azores. Evacuations of embassies and bases signal potential conflict escalation. Discussion points: Public opinion: 56% support Trump’s current level or more active involvement in Latin America. Economic instability in neighboring countries framed as a hemisphere-wide threat. Comparison of migration pressures with U.S. foreign policy stance. 🔵 SEGMENT FIVE: CORPORATE PRESSURE & CENSORSHIP (6–8 min) 💻 Silicon Valley Under Threat Highlights: Past censorship incidents: Hunter Biden laptop, alleged manipulation for Barack Obama election. Zuckerberg’s legal troubles framed as harassment for “successful product” and resistance to political pressure. Palantir and other companies relocating due to unsafe corporate climate. Discussion points: Federal vs. state court risks for tech companies. Corporations pressured to align with partisan expectations or face punitive actions. Broader implications for free enterprise and political neutrality in business. 🎯 Closing Migration, radicalization, and political retribution converge to create a “banana republic” scenario. Urgent need for messaging, accountability, and awareness of the changing legal and political landscape. Americans encouraged to understand the stakes of unchecked partisan power and institutional overreach.

    32 min

  6. 13H AGO

    Gen Z Threats & Political Chaos: The New American Reality

    Episode Title: Gen Z Threats & Political Chaos: The New American Reality Runtime: ~30 minutes Tone: Urgent, high-energy, politically charged 🔵 SEGMENT ONE: YOUNG MEN & RADICALIZATION (8–10 min) ⚠️ Disenchanted Gen Z Turning Violent Discussion highlights: Recent incidents involving young white men, often from Gen Z, targeting Trump administration officials. JD Vance, Christine Noem, and Marco Rubio have faced threats or moved to secure locations. Motivations: feeling disconnected, disenfranchised, and influenced by heated political rhetoric. Behavioral experts label some of these individuals as “true believers” prone to violence. FBI perspective: these acts qualify as terrorist threats, not isolated incidents. Former FBI supervising agent James Galliano notes that while few, enough young men have latched onto extremist narratives to make it a growing problem. 🔵 SEGMENT TWO: RHETORIC & POLITICAL INFLUENCE (6–8 min) 📢 Messaging Matters Key observations: Left-wing rhetoric is cited as a driving factor for radicalization. The narrative of existential threat, Nazis, or political apocalypse can motivate extreme action in vulnerable youth. Experts highlight at least 10 intrusion attempts into political figures’ homes since 2017, mostly by young white males. Discussion points: The role of social media and constant exposure to inflammatory narratives. How disaffection and alienation create fertile ground for radicalization. The need to monitor and counter extremist messaging. 🔵 SEGMENT THREE: CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY (6–8 min) 🏛️ Susan Rice & The “Banana Republic” Warning Highlights: Susan Rice’s recent statements indicate a new era of political accountability or retribution. Corporations, universities, media companies, and big tech may face consequences for non-compliance. Historical context: prior administration pressures on companies (e.g., Mark Zuckerberg) led to investigations and compliance battles. Points raised: Calls for a long-term strategy rather than reactive short-term fixes. Emphasis on protecting free speech, satire, and factual reporting. Concern over escalation beyond social norms into politically motivated targeting. 🔵 SEGMENT FOUR: THE NEW AMERICAN DYNAMICS (6–8 min) 🔹 What This Means for Americans Threats from radicalized youth are increasing and require awareness. Heated rhetoric can have real-world consequences. Political, corporate, and legal institutions are increasingly intertwined with partisan pressures. Calls for proactive messaging and accountability to counter both extremist actions and political overreach. 🎯 Closing The episode frames a tense environment: Rising violence among disaffected youth Political accountability and corporate compliance The risk of America trending toward chaotic or extreme norms This is a call to vigilance for citizens, corporations, and policymakers alike.

    6 min

  7. 14H AGO

    Tariffs, the Supreme Court & The SAFE Act Showdown

    Episode Title: Tariffs, the Supreme Court & The SAFE Act Showdown Runtime: ~20–22 minutes Tone: Strategic, analytical, high-energy 🔥 OPENING MONOLOGUE (4–5 min) Big Supreme Court ruling. Big reaction from President Trump. And even bigger implications for trade, redistricting, and election law. Over the weekend, the Court ruled that the president cannot use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose certain tariffs. But here’s what didn’t make the headlines: The Court also reaffirmed that the president retains full authority to impose a trade embargo. So what was actually lost? And what power remains? Let’s break it down. ⚖️ SEGMENT ONE: WHAT THE SUPREME COURT ACTUALLY SAID (5–6 min) The Supreme Court of the United States ruled narrowly: The president cannot raise revenue via tariffs using IEEPA. That statute was not designed for broad tariff policy. But — and this is key — the Court did not strip the executive branch of broader trade authority. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the ruling was “very narrow.” Other authorities remain intact: Section 232 (national security tariffs) Section 301 (trade retaliation authority) And here’s the twist: The Court reaffirmed the president’s authority to impose a full trade embargo. Meaning: He cannot collect one dollar in tariff revenue under that specific statute — but he can block trade entirely. That’s leverage. 🌎 SEGMENT TWO: THE GLOBAL TRADE STRATEGY (4–5 min) Supporters argue the goal of tariffs isn’t revenue — it’s leverage. Recent numbers cited: Goods trade deficit reportedly down 17%. Bilateral deficit with China reduced. Increased investment and manufacturing announcements in the U.S. The administration argues tariffs have: ✔️ Reshored manufacturing ✔️ Driven factory investment ✔️ Rebalanced trade relationships And importantly — foreign trading partners are reportedly staying in their negotiated agreements despite the ruling. That’s a signal of stability. 🏛️ SEGMENT THREE: REDISTRICTING & THE BIGGER COURT CALENDAR (3–4 min) Beyond tariffs, major cases loom before the Court: Birthright citizenship Congressional redistricting disputes Some Republican strategists argue that maintaining favorable judicial relationships is critical with high-impact cases pending. Because rulings in redistricting could dramatically reshape House representation. This is high-stakes territory. 🗳️ SEGMENT FOUR: THE SAFE ACT & VOTER ROLL DEBATE (5–6 min) Now to the political fight that’s brewing underneath it all: The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — known as the SAFE Act. Supporters say the bill would: Require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Force states to share voter roll data. Strengthen cross-state verification systems. Critics argue: Existing federal law already requires citizenship to vote. Additional documentation rules could create barriers for eligible voters. Election fraud claims remain statistically rare in most documented cases. The debate hinges on two competing narratives: Election integrity expansion Voter access protection At the center of it is whether federal authority should compel states to adjust voter registration processes and share internal databases. And that fight isn’t going away. 💰 SEGMENT FIVE: THE LEGAL AFTERMATH One potential complication: If certain tariffs are ruled improperly imposed under IEEPA, businesses may seek reimbursement. That could mean: Billions in refund claims Years of litigation Complex interest calculations Trade policy doesn’t just reshape markets — it creates legal ripple effects. 🎯 CLOSING TAKE Here’s where things stand: The Supreme Court limited one tariff pathway. It reaffirmed broader executive trade authority. Major constitutional and election cases are still pending. Congress could act — but hasn’t. This is not the end of the trade war debate. It’s the next phase. And as always — the real story isn’t just the ru ...

    9 min

  8. 15H AGO

    Sky Rings Over the Upstate

    Episode Title: Sky Rings Over the Upstate Runtime: ~18–20 minutes Tone: Curious, energetic, community-driven 🌤️ OPENING MONOLOGUE (3–4 min) Did you see them? Perfect — or near-perfect — circles in the sky over the weekend. Tight rings. Hanging above neighborhoods. Spotted from Georgia through the South Carolina Upstate. Social media lit up. Police departments posted about it. Newsrooms scrambled. The Livonia Police Department told residents: Don’t call 911 — it’s likely military training. But here’s the twist: no one seems to want to claim them. Not local airports. Not Lockheed Martin. Not flight testers. So what were they? Today on AMPERWAVE DAILY — we break it down. ☁️ SEGMENT ONE: WHAT WE KNOW (4–5 min) Viewers across: Greenville Simpsonville Spartanburg Parts of Georgia … reported seeing tight circular cloud formations — unlike typical long, streaking contrails. Local station WYFF reported that while the formations resemble contrails, they appeared unusually round and compact. Even officials connected to the Greenville Downtown Airport indicated it wasn’t their aircraft. So we brought in an expert. 🌦️ SEGMENT TWO: THE METEOROLOGY (6–7 min) We spoke with Christy Henderson, recently retired chief meteorologist in the Upstate. Her assessment? ✔️ They are contrails. ✔️ Formed by jet exhaust rapidly cooling at high altitudes (18,000–25,000 feet). ✔️ Ice crystals form when upper-level moisture is sufficient. But here’s the anomaly: Most aircraft fly point-to-point. These appeared to be tight circular patterns — requiring: A highly nimble jet Coordinated turns Stable upper-level winds (to preserve the shape) Henderson noted that contrails typically deform quickly due to upper-atmospheric winds — making the persistence of near-perfect rings unusual. ✈️ SEGMENT THREE: MILITARY TRAINING? (3–4 min) The Livonia Police Department suggested military training exercises. That’s plausible. Fighter jets — like F-16s — are capable of tight maneuvers at altitude. But questions remain: Why weren’t the aircraft widely observed? Why such tight circular formations? Why across multiple counties and states? If this was coordinated military training, it would require significant coordination — and fuel. 👽 SEGMENT FOUR: OR… SOMETHING ELSE? (2–3 min) Let’s be honest. When perfect circles appear in the sky, people think: Crop circles… but reversed. Smoke rings. Experimental tech. Aliens. While there’s zero evidence of extraterrestrial involvement, the mystery factor is what captivated people. And sometimes — the fun is in not knowing. 📡 COMMUNITY CALL-OUT If you saw them: 📸 Send photos. 📍 Tell us your location. ✈️ Did you hear jets overhead? Text line: 800-905-0989 We’re crowd-sourcing this one. Because somebody knows. 🎯 CLOSING TAKE Here’s what we can confidently say: They were almost certainly contrails. They required precise aircraft maneuvering. They appeared across a wide region. But until a pilot steps forward and says, “Yeah, that was me,” the mystery lingers. And honestly? Mystery makes Monday more interesting.

    8 min
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4.7
out of 5
186 Ratings

About

Tara presides over the Upstate's #1 all news/talk morning show every weekday on News/Talk 989 WORD.Tara's faithful listeners are affectionately known as "Tara-ists" because of their passion and participation in the show. Tara was named 2021 Best News Talk Show and Best overall Personality, AGAIN, by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association! Tara took home the same honors in 2018 and was also named 2016 "Personality of the Year!" In addition, Tara has also won over two dozen state and national journalism awards for column writing, news reporting and investigative reporting while working for three newspapers and writing for a variety of national publications. She won a first place reporting award from the North Carolina Press Association for an investigative series about the weaknesses in Charlotte's overburdened court system, which regularly let murderers off the hook with less than 15 years in prison. Due to her work, that system has been reformed. Tara is also a winner of the prestigious first place Green Eyeshade Award, a national award for column writing from The Society of Professional Journalists. Tara took to the airwaves about 15 years ago to do a radio show heard up and down the coast and fell in love with bypassing her editors to talk straight to the people. Tara hasn't stopped reporting, and still brings her investigative journalism to the show. Tara is a mom, wife and talk radio convert-- and weekday mornings she's live and local on News/Talk 989 WORD. Are you a "Tara-ist"? It's time to get captured!     

Information

  • Creator
    Audacy
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    564
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Tara Show

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