WPTF Morning News

The North Carolina Values Coalition has shown their support for House Bill 606 as well as Women’s Safety and Protection Act, both of these bills have been controversial as House Bill 606 aims extend the stature of limitations for medical malpractice for those who have try to sue post sec change surgery, and the Women’s Safety and Protection Act which would define sex based on male and female in public spaces. Tony Riggsbee speaks with Tammy Fitzgerald the Executive Director of North Carolina Values Coalition about the bills and why they are showing their support.

The Freedom Ranch has been helping large animals for years in Kittrell, they are having a fund raiser this weekend to help raise money so they are better equipped to help these large animals Tony Riggsbee speaks with Sean Fallon the founder of the Freedom Ranch about the fund raiser and how you can help.

North Carolina is part of the "stroke belt", a region of the united states where the people living there have a higher risk for stroke, as May is National Stroke Prevention Month, Tony Riggsbee has a conversation with Dr. Clinton Wright about causes and symptoms of stokes and how we can help prevent them.

President Trumps first 100 days in office is over and he has already done more then most presidents have in the same time. Jon Champion gets a moment to talk with Nancy Cordes, CBS News chief White House correspondent, about President Trump's first 100 days in office and what he is expected to do next.

The Tackle the Tar 5k obstacle course is coming in in may and aims to help raise money for college scholarships to help local students. There are many ways to help support the race and here to talk about it is Kristen Brabble, Founder of Tackle the Tar, who speaks Tony Riggsbee.

Financial literacy month in under way and is a necessary skill that everyone should learn. Understanding financial and the agility to teach your children about it is just as important as ever. Tony Riggsbee speaks with Jill Schlesinger, CBS News Business Analyst, about Financial literacy and why it is important.

More unruly passengers and some unusual items trying to get past TSA. These story's and more as Tony Riggsbee has his weekly talk with Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff.

President Trump has been lashing out at Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Trump saying that Ukraine should give up Crimea to Russia, Zelenskyy stating it goes against their constitution and is necessary for Ukraine defense. Tony Riggsbee speaks with Beth Knobel about the latest going on in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

AI is starting to become a part of everyone's everyday lives and salesforce is hoping to make that easy and convenient. Sales force recently did a survey to see how interested the public would be in an "AI Agent" that would help us in daily menial task. Tony Riggsbee speaks with Vala Afshar, the Chief Digital Evangelist of Salesforce about the results of this survey.

People of all faiths are mourning the loss of pope Francis, and many more are wondering what is going to happen next with the papacy and the college of cardinals. Tony Riggsbee speaks with CBS Rome Correspondent Rich Lamb about what is happening in the Vatican and what is next for the papacy.

Tariffs and the financial uncertainty have been plaguing the minds of many people lately. Tony Riggsbee joins Jill Schlesinger to talk about the future of the economy and what we do to prepare for any economic downturn.

Airlines are cracking down on "Self upgrades", a United flight forced to return after an animal strike, and a sad day for southwest. These story's and more as Tony Riggsbee joins Jay Ratliff for their weekly conversation about aviation news.

NCFC Youth held its 20th annual golf tournament presented by TowneBank on April 14, raising more than $45,000 for the club’s Financial Aid Fund. The group uses this money to help youth of all skill levels be able to play soccer. They are preparing for a busy summer for of events. Tony Riggsbee talks with Katharine Eberhardt with the NCFC Youth about their fundraiser and upcoming events.

House Bill 79 and Senate Bill 11 called "North Carolina Work and Save" would set up savings plans workers can voluntarily contribute to with automatic withdrawals from their paychecks. The proposal builds wealth and creates a new employee perk for businesses that may have few workers and don’t need the administrative hassle. Tony Riggsbee talks to Catherine Sevier the former state president, AARP North Carolina about the bills.

A judge has ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be returned to the US after being deported to El Salvador, as of now there has not been any effort to attempt to do this. Many people have also been saying that we are approaching a constitution crisis. Tony Riggsbees speaks with CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum about this and more.

DJ Svoboda is an extraordinary artist and autism advocate who has created a beautiful, inclusive world called Imagiville, where kindness and acceptance are at the center of everything. He lives independently and supports himself solely through his art and books. Without immediate support through book sales and donations, he risks losing his home. DJ Joins Jon Champion to explain how you can help.

A well known name in Raleigh for his business moves, and his work to help others is James Montague, he is a real estate developer with multiple projects including affordable rental housing for the elderly, single family affordable homes homes and shopping centers. He's helped build a Women’s Birthing Hospital overseas and established Sister city programs abroad. Born and raised in southeast Raleigh. Jon Champion joins James Montague owner of F7 international development to talk about his new book called "HOOD MINTED : How hustle faith and fifty cents built an empire"

A bill advancing in the North Carolina legislature could impact the cost of your prescription drugs. House bill 163, which just passed the House Health Committee, would crack down on the business practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers that lead to higher costs. With Chris Edwardsto discuss is Antonio Ciaccia, Advocate for drug price transparency, competitive healthcare markets, & patient-centered care.

A helicopter crash in New York, Frontier to reduce flight capacity, and corrosion in some plane bathrooms. These story's and more as Chris Edwards has his weekly talk with Jay Ratliff.

There is much to discuss when it comes to what is happening at the White House, from a pause of tariffs to talks with Iran and a visit with the President of El Salvador we get the latest on all of this with CBS News White House Reporter Aaron Navarro.

It has been about a week and a half since President Trump displayed his tariff plan at the White House and since then things have been a rollerc oaster on the financial front. However, the President has implemented a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs which have been replaced by a 10-percent rate with the exception of China which will now be tariffed at 145%. With Chris Edwards to break all of this down is CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and General Motors (GM) is calling attention to one of the most dangerous driving habits of our time: distracted driving. It’s not just a U.S. problem—it’s a global issue that continues to claim thousands of lives each year. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Dan Glaser, General Motors Safety Engineer.

The United States Senate will be up for grabs in 2026 with several key races on the ballot but the one that might get the most attention will be here in North Carolina where the seat, currently held by Thom Tillis will be up for grabs. Former North Carolina 13th District Congressman Wiley Nickel formally announcing his candidacy and the congressman joins us now.

The 89th Masters Tournament is underway this morning at Augusta National Golf Club where Rory McIllory is looking to complete the career grand slam while Scottie Schleffler tries to defend his green jacket. With Chris Edwards now to break down the Tournament is Alex Myers, Senior Writer for Golf Digest.

There have been a flurry of litigation filed both by and against the Trump Administration from deportation lawsuits to the Associated Press and much more. With Chris Edwards to discuss all these lawsuits is CBS News Legal Analyst Thane Rosenbaum.

A bill introduced in the General Assembly recently would eliminate class size-limits, making them suggestions only and also reduce the number of licensed teachers in the schools. This news comes after a report from DPI recently that says teacher turnover in our state is at 9.9% which is down from the previous year. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is one of the co-sponsors of the bill Union County Representative David Willis.

The tariffs that have been implemented by the Trump Administration is having impacts on a number of industries and some economist say could result in higher prices in our day-to-day lives. With Chris Edwards to talk about how these tariffs are impacting the hospitality industry and what the state of the industry is in North Carolina is Lynn Minges President and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association.

There is much to discuss in politics both in North Carolina and at the national level, from tariffs, to the ongoing State Supreme Court race to more news from the General Assembly with Chris Edwards to offer perspective on all of this is Catawba College Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Bitzer.

There is much to discuss when it comes to things that are going on with the City of Raleigh. From a new music festival to high rise buildings, work around the Lenovo Center and more. With Chris Edwards now for our Talk of the Town segment today is Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.

It was another day on Wall Street Monday with stocks continuing to be in flux with the recent tariffs announced by the Trump administration and perhaps more of those tariffs on the way this week. But we want to focus on what you should be doing with your stocks and other investments and with Chris Edwards now to discuss all of this is Rick McElory from Glenwood Financial Partners.

A great event for a great cause comes to Rocky Mount next month. The Tackle the Tar Race will be held May 17 at Bishop Stadium on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College and with Chris Edwards now to talk more the race is the President of North Carolina Wesleyan Dr. Evan Duff.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared April 2025 Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, emphasizing the urgent threat of invasive pests and what Americans can do to help stop their spread. Invasive plant pests and diseases cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion annually in damages. Many of these pests spread through human activity—on vehicles, outdoor equipment, firewood, and even in online purchases of agricultural products from overseas. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is USDA Agriculturist Kathryn Bronsky.

There is much to discuss when it comes to Capitol Hill and Washington as a whole, this morning Chris Edwards check-in with North Carolina Senator Ted Budd for our monthly conversation.

Airline Stock prices taking a hit, American Airlines to discontinue airport self-serve kiosks, and more. In Chris Edwards's weekly conversation with aviation analyst Jay Ratliff

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction last week release new data that shows data on teacher turnover in our state which sits at 9.9% from last year, an improvement from the 11.5% turnover rate from the previous year. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Dr. Tom Tomberlin, with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Tariffs from the Trump administration continue to be the dominate headline as the stock market continues to take a hit leaving many with uncertainty about their investments. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this and to also talk about what is going on with TikTok is CBS News White House Reporter Olivia Rinaldi.

President Trump implemented new tariffs this week during what he called Liberation Day and those tariffs have had impacts on many industries but some of the biggest impacts thus far have been on farmers. With Chris Edwards to talk about the impact these tariffs have had on those farmers across our state is Mike Davis with the Southern Farm Network.

There are a lot of things coming up at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh over the next several weeks and months and the fairgrounds have made some news this week with the announcement of a new structure that is hopefully in place in time for next year's State Fair. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this further is Kent Yelverton.

Three is much to discuss when it comes to things that are going on with the City of Raleigh. From a new music festival to high rise buildings, work around the Lenovo Center and more. With Chris Edwards for our Talk of the Town segment today is Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte.

Today is Opening Day for the Carolina Mudcats who begin their 35th season in Zebulon at Five County Stadium. This also marks the final year for the club in Zebulon before they move to Wilson next year. With Chris Edwards to talk about Opening Day and what to expect over this 35th Anniversary season is the General Manager of the Carolina Mudcats, David Lawrence.

We continue to monitor the impact of wildfires in Western North Carolina and in particular Haywood County where crews are still working to get this fire under control. With Chris Edwards to provide an update on where things stand with those wildfires is Allison Richmond, Public Information Officer for Haywood County.

The Durham Fire Department recently announced the hiring of several new firefighters and are still on the lookout for more. Also this week, the state lifted that state-wide burn ban after those wildfires that impacted western North Carolina. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of these topics are Timothy McKoy recruiter for the Durham Fire Department and the Robert Zoldis, Chief of the Durham Fire Department.

Lawmakers on Jones Street have advanced a bill this week that would put a ban on social media accounts for children 14 and under and would also require permission from parents for children who are 14 and 15 years old. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is one of the advocates of the bill, Forsyth County Representative Jeff Zenger.

From Cory Booker's record long speech on the senate floor to tariffs and other bills that have been introduced by the General Assembly there is much to talk about in politics this week. With Chris Edwards to discuss the latest is Meredith College Political Science Professor David McLennen.

Today is the so-called Liberation Day that was announced by President Donald Trump with new rounds of tariffs announced that revolve around reciprocal tariffs. With Chris Edwards to discuss these tariffs and what it means is NC State Economics Professor Emeritus Dr. Mike Walden.

There continues to be much to discuss when it comes to Capitol Hill and what is going on with congress with Chris Edwards to provide an update on a number of topics is North Carolina 5th District Congresswomen Dr. Virginia Foxx.

We continue to follow the ongoing state supreme court race - which remains the only outstanding race from the 2024 election as Judge Jefferson Griffin keeps challenging some 60,000 votes in his attempt to defeat Justice Allison Riggs. With Chris Edwards to discuss this and other topics of note is retired North Carolina State Supreme Court Justice, Bob Orr.

After being pushed back multiple times your time it ticking to get that RealID. This new star on your ID will allow you through TSA lines and into some government buildings. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the RealID and what you need to know is Daniel Velez TSA Spokesperson for the New England Region.

We are a little over a week away from the best week on the golf calendar, the Masters which returns to Augusta National Golf Course for that annual spring tradition. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the Tournament and to discuss his most recent book, The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National is Durham native Ward Clayton.

There continues to be more fallout after last weeks messaging issues surrounding war plans and potential tariffs this comes as President Trump made comments about wanting to run for a third term. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this is CBS News Correspondent Aaron Navarro.