WPTF Morning News

Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic devastation of historic proportions to western North Carolina. In a briefing on Sunday afternoon, Governor Cooper confirmed more than 30 people have died in Buncombe County alone with more than 600 people still missing. With Chris Edwards to talk about the impacts of the storm and the recovery process is former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.

Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic devastation of historic proportions to western North Carolina. In a briefing on Sunday afternoon, Governor Cooper confirmed more than 30 people have died in Buncombe County alone with more than 600 people still missing. Pictures continue to come out that tell the story of the devastation in that region and that includes roads that are washed away or severely damaged making travel to our mountains treacherous. With Chris Edwards to talk about the impacts of the storm and the recovery process is Jennifer Goodwin, Communications Officer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation

One of the questions we have heard a lot during this and every presidential election is, "are you better off than you were four years ago?" While that seems like it could be a rhetorical question, CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger is here to provide some real answers.

With less than five weeks from election day there is a lot of activity within county boards of elections as they prepare for the day when so many across our state go to the polls. With Chris Edwards to discuss their work and preparations for Election Day is Olivia McCall, Director of the Wake County Board of Elections.

The 15th Presidents Cup got underway yesterday in Montreal, Canada and the US squad jumped out to an early 5-0 lead over the International squad. The event continues today with five foursome matches as the Americans look to build on their lead. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the event and just the state of golf as a whole is Alex Myers, Senior Writer with Golf Digest.

We are now less than five away from Election Day and while the races at the top of the ballot have dominated the attention of many national and sate-wide pundits, there are also a number of local races that will be important to our local communities - one of those races is for the School Board in Johnston County and with Chris Edwards in studio to discuss her candidacy is April Lee.

Nutritious food is becoming more accessible to patients at one Wake County regional center thanks to the new Eat. Well. Wake. program. The program will provide a free box of food twice a month to patients who receive medical care at the Northern Regional Center. With us now to talk more about the program is Ross Yeager, Northern Regional Center Director.

Conference play begins this week for the North Carolina Tar Heels as Carolina hits the road for the annual Battle for the Victory Bell. The Tar Heels take on the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium with kick-off set for 4 pm, our coverage on WPTF begins at 2 and with now for a preview is the Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell.

It has been six months since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and as recovery and reconstruction continues we wanted to take a look at what the process is like to rebuild and get the bridge back up and working. With Chris Edwards to talk about the rebuilding process is Chuck LeVerdiere, a Structural Engineer in Raleigh.

With just five weeks until North Carolinians go to the polls there are a number of state-wide races that will impact the council of state. One of those races that is on the ballot this fall is for State Treasurer, and with Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy for Treasurer is Dr. Wesley Harris.

The fallout for Lt. Governor Mark Robinson continued on Wednesday with reporting that many of the top members of Robinson's Lt. Governor staff have resigned amid the ongoing turmoil from that explosive CNN report last week that ties Mr. Robinson to comments he allegedly made on an online pornographic web site many years ago in which he referred to himself and a Nazi among other comments. Yesterday's fallout with the staff in the Lt. Governor's office was first reported by Bryan Anderson and independent journalist who was out with a number of stories on Wednesday. Bryan joins Chris Edwards to discuss this story and his other reporting.

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to N.C. State Parks, the Division of Parks and Recreation announced recently and with Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Reid Wilson, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

There is a pending shutdown at the ports along the North Carolina coast as unions prepare to strike on October 1. That is, if the two sides do not reach an agreement ports, including in North Carolina would shut down. With Chris Edwards to give us an updated to where things stand is Lauren Beagen the founder and CEO of Maritime Professor and a maritime attorney.

Hurricane Helene is churning in the Gulf and is already impacting Florida and Georgia with stronger impacts expected to be felt later today and for our state the biggest impacts will be felt in the Mountains. With Chris Edwards to discuss Helene and its impacts is Nick Petro, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Days after an explosive report by CNN several high-ranking staff members from Mark Robinson's campaign have resigned and now the Lt. Governor is threatening to take CNN to "task" for their reporting. But what does this story mean for North Carolina in the Presidential Race or even those down ballot races where several Council of State seats are up for grabs. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is State Auditor, Jessica Holmes

With just five weeks until election day, we continue to follow developments that will have impacts on the race for the Governor's Mansion, state-wide races and the White House while also turning an eye to Capitol Hill where lawmakers are staring down the possibility of another Government Shutdown. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of these topics is North Carolina 2nd District Congresswomen Deborah Ross.

Days after an explosive report by CNN several high-ranking staff members from Mark Robinson's campaign have resigned and now the Lt. Governor is threatening to take CNN to "task" for their reporting. But what does this story mean for North Carolina in the Presidential Race or even those down ballot races where several Council of State seats are up for grabs. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennan.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and we want to help highlight mental health and the resources that are available to North Carolinians who are struggling with mental health and ways that family and friends can help. With Chris Edwards is Kelly Crosbie, Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

With just five weeks until North Carolinians go to the polls there are a number of state-wide races that will impact the council of state. One of those races that is on the ballot this fall is for State Treasurer, and with Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy for Treasurer is Brad Briner.

Today is World Pharmacist Day which has four million people in this profession around the globe. We wanted to do our part to highlight the profession and celebrate all things Pharmacists and with that thought in mind, joining Chris Edwards is Dr. Ashley Edwards Clark, Dr. of Pharmacy working with Appalachian Regional Healthcare system.

We are in the home stretch of this election cycle and with it, several offices on the Council of State will change hands, one of those that will have a new leader is the Office of the State Treasurer, with Chris Edwards to discuss what is new in his office and the final months serving in the public is State Treasurer Dale Folwell.

Days after an explosive report by CNN several high-ranking staff members from Mark Robinson's campaign have resigned and now the Lt. Governor is threatening to take CNN to "task" for their reporting. But what does this story mean for North Carolina in the Presidential Race or even those down ballot races where several Council of State seats are up for grabs. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Catawba College Political Science Professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer.

We are just seven weeks away from Election Day and the race for the White House has swung into high gear with North Carolina firmly entrenched as a battleground state and becoming a key state in this years election. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the race is Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary.

We are just seven weeks away from Election Day and the race for the White House has swung into high gear with North Carolina firmly entrenched as a battleground state and becoming a key state in this years election. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the race is North Carolina State Representative Sarah Crawford.

Days after an explosive report by CNN several high-ranking staff members from Mark Robinson's campaign have resigned and now the Lt. Governor is threatening to take CNN to "task" for their reporting. But what does this story mean for North Carolina in the Presidential Race or even those down ballot races where several Council of State seats are up for grabs. With Chris Edwards to talk more about what the polls say and offer perspective on more of the fallout from Robinson is Donna King, Editor-In-Chief at the Carolina Journal.

In a move that didn't really take anyone by surprise, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week for the first time since March of 2020. With Chris Edwards to offer more perspective on what this means is CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger

With only 43 days until election day, there are a number of stories that will have an impact on North Carolina and the race for the Governor's mansion, White House and other down ballot races, particularly in the wake of an explosive CNN report last week that linked Republican candidate for Governor and current Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to damming comments he made in an online pornographic web site forum years ago. With us now to offer perspective is former veteran Scott Peoples.

Oakland International changing their name, a mouse causing an emergency landing, and southwest airlines making some major changes. All these story's and more as Chris Edwards visits with aviation analyst Jay Ratliff.

Join Wake County Public Libraries now through Oct. 15 to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with more than 25 special events at locations across the county. There will be a number of activities that will be available for the whole family and with Chris Edwards now to talk more about this is Anna Ward, Library Branch Manger Green Road Community Library.

With 43 days until election day, we continue to follow developments that will have impacts on the race for the Governor's Mansion, state-wide races and the White House while also turning an eye to Capitol Hill where lawmakers are staring down the possibility of another Government Shutdown. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of these topics is North Carolina 13th District Congressman Wiley Nickel.

An explosive story from CNN last week has linked Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, who is also the GOP candidate for Governor to damming comments in which he referred to himself as a black Nazi, and a "perv" among many other things. We also heard on Sunday afternoon that several high-ranking staff members within the Robinson campaign have resigned with just 43 days until election day. With Chris Edwards to discuss this story and its impacts is Former Communications Director for the Republican National Committee, Doug Heye.

An explosive story out from CNN yesterday, ties Lt. Governor and current Republican candidate for Governor, Mark Robinson to an online porn site message board where Robinson, allegedly made comments in which he referred to himself as a black Nazi, and a "perv" among many other damming comments that we can not repeat on this radio program. What does this mean for the Gubernatorial race and the Presidential Race in North Carolina? Chris Edwards gets perspective from long-time Republican-turned=independent and former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.

The North Carolina continues their home stand on Saturday for the final non-conference game before ACC play gets underway as the Tar Heels host James Madison at Kenan Stadium tomorrow at noon in a game you can hear on WPTF - with Chris Edwards to preview the game tomorrow is the Voice of the Tar Heels, Jones Angell.

There are a lot of great events going on throughout our listening areas as we wind down summer and officially get into fall. With Chris Edwards in our Talk of the Town segment to preview some of their great events going on is Nikki Wall Community Engagement Coordinator for the Town of Selma.

An explosive story out from CNN yesterday, ties Lt. Governor and current Republican candidate for Governor, Mark Robinson to an online porn site message board where Robinson, allegedly made comments in which he referred to himself as a black Nazi, and a "perv" among many other damning comments that we can not repeat on this radio program. After that story, another story out from Politico tying that same email address used by the Lt. Governor to the long establish web site, Ashley Madison which allows adult married to seek affairs. With Chris Edwards to talk about her reporting on this story is Politico Reporter Natalie Allison.

An explosive story out from CNN yesterday, ties Lt. Governor and current Republican candidate for Governor, Mark Robinson to an online porn site message board where Robinson, allegedly made comments in which he referred to himself as a black Nazi, and a "perv" among many other damming comments that we can not repeat on this radio program. What does this mean for the Gubernatorial race and the Presidential Race in North Carolina? Chris Edwards get perspective from Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennan.

With less than 50 days until Election Day, the race for the White House is intensifying across the country but in particular in a number of battleground states, including North Carolina where both campaigns have made numerous stops already with more coming this week. On Wednesday, Vice Presidential Candidate and current Ohio Senator JD Vance was in Raleigh to speak with voters. Joining Chris Edwards for perspective is Texas Congressman, Ronny Jackson.

There is a lot of work being done by our law enforcement officials across North Carolina that are working to keep our communities safe, that includes the work the Attorney General is doing with several initiatives currently ongoing. Attorney General Josh Stein joins Chris Edwards to discuss some of the work his office is doing and respond to a recent debate challenge from his Republican opponent and current Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson.

With less than 50 days until Election Day, the race for the White House is intensifying across the country but in particular in a number of battleground states, including North Carolina where both campaigns have made numerous stops already with more coming this week. On Wednesday, Vice Presidential Candidate and current Ohio Senator JD Vance was in Raleigh to speak with voters. Joining Chris for perspective on the race for the White House is Robert Brown who served as John McCain's North Carolina Director for the 2008 campaign.

A project that feels like it has been in the works for years is getting closer to opening as Phase one of the 540 Project is heading toward completion after a few delays. With Chris Edwards to talk updates on the project is Logen Hodges, Director of Marketing and Communication for the North Carolina Turnpike Authority.

As we head toward Election Day there are a number of state-wide races that have gained lots of attention including the race for Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction with both of those races making headlines this week. All of that as a number of other races will impact the Council of State with Chris Edwards to offer perspective on all of this is Catawba College Political Science Professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer.

You are probably growing weary of all the political ads that you are hearing on radio or seeing on television and maybe you are wondering why you are hearing one race and not the other or why you are hearing from one candidate in a race but not their opponent. With Chris Edwards now to break all of this down is our Vice President of News at Curtis Media, Josh Ellis.

Just days after professional baseball left Kinston with the Down East Wood Ducks officially moving to Spartanburg, there was announcement by city leaders on Tuesday that brought professional baseball right back to the town with the announcement that the Down East Bird Dawgs will begin playing this coming spring at Grainger Stadium. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the announcement and the birth of the new franchise is Shari Massengill, General Manager of the Down East Bird Dawgs.

We continue to highlight the work that law enforcement is doing to keep our communities safe and with Chris Edwards to highlight the work they continue to do for Eastern North Carolina is US Eastern District Attorney Michael Easley.

The home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Basketball has a new name. Leaders from both the Hurricanes and NC State unveiled the signage for the newly named Lenovo Center last week which comes as the company, which has a headquarters in the Triangle will embark upon a 10-year deal to be the naming rights sponsor for the arena. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the deal is David Hamilton, Director of Communications, North America for Lenovo.

We are now less than 50 days away from Election Day and while the races at the top of the ballot have dominated the attention of many national and sate-wide pundits, there are also a number of local races that will be important to our local communities - one of those races is for the School Board in Johnston County and with Chris Edwards in studio to discuss his candidacy is Rick Walker

The Federal Reserve began a two-day meeting on Tuesday to cover a number of topics and many observers believe the Fed might be making a decision on interest rates and will have other economic projections. With Chris Edwards to recap day one of the meeting and look ahead to today is Economic Professor Emeritus at NC State, Dr. Mike Walden.

With less than 50 days until election day, we look at the General Assembly where a changing of the guard is expected with current House Speaker Tim Moore seeking a seat as part of North Carolinas Congressional Delegation in a newly drawn congressional district. Under that backdrop, there was a story in the Assembly last month that pointed to a potential crack in the relationship between the House Speaker and the Senate President Pro Temp, Phil Berger. With Chris Edwards to talk about his story is Bryan Anderson, writer for the Assembly.

The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday afternoon to approve the moving of Red Hat Amphitheater and closing a block of South Street for the expansion of the Raleigh Convention center. This comes after much back-and-forth between residents of that area and those supporters of the Red Hat Amphitheater. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is Kerry Painter, Executive Director and General Manager of the Raleigh Convention Center and Performing Arts Complex.

We are less than 50 days away from the election and both sides continue their message to those undecided voters as they make their case to the American people as to why they would be the best choice to be the leader of our country. This pitch comes after a second apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump at a golf course in Florida on Sunday. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the campaign is And Puzder, former Hardee's CEO and a Trump Campaign surrogate.