WPTF Morning News

As we march ahead toward Election Day, we continue to highlight the races that will appear on the ballot in November which include races for the White House, locally the council of state and a congressional race, too. With Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy for Congress in North Carolina's 13th District is Brad Knott.

Note in the Pocket is a a local non-profit that's mission is to provide quality clothing to homeless and impoverished children and families. Unfortunately the organization has faced growing challenges and weeks of disruptions all stemming from Tropical Storm Debbie that hit our area in August. With Chris Edwards to talk through some of their struggles and how our listeners can help is Dallas Bonavita, Executive Director of Note in the Pocket.

We are 62 days away from Election Day and the race for the White House has kicked into high gear with both campaigns making their pitch to voters across our country. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on their campaign is Monica Crowley, Trump Campaign Surrogate.

As the calendar hits September it means that election season is officially underway and in this this wild election year, we have reached the point where ballots are set to be unveiled as North Carolina will become the first state to mail out absentee ballots. State Board of Elections executive director Karen Brinson Bell joins Chris Edwards to discuss different ways to cast your ballot.

The North Carolina Tar Heels opened up the season with a 19-17 win over Minnesota early this morning in a game you heard here on WPTF. With Chris Edwards now to talk about last nights performance and look ahead to next week is the Voice of the Tar Heels, Jones Angell.

There are a number of races that are on the ballot this fall including several that will impact the current Council of State. One of the races that will be decided by voters in the Old North State this November is the Secretary of State when Chad Brown is the Republican and the challenger in the race. Mr. Brown joins Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy.

As traditional calendar students go back to the classroom this week, classes have also started for those students who are home schooled across Wake County and the state at large. With us now to discuss home schooling and some of the benefits and to answer some questions about the process is Melody Martin.

There are a number of state-wide races that have drawn lots of attention this election cycle but at the local level there are even more races that will impact our local communities and municipalities those races include the Raleigh City Council where several at-large seats are on the ballot this fall. With Chris Edwards to discuss their candidacy for the council is current Raleigh City Council member Stormie Forte.

We are less than 70 days away from the election and North Carolina promises to play a key role in the Presidential Election with many pundits calling this one of the key battleground states. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective with North Carolina 2nd District Congresswoman Deborah Ross.

There are a number of state-wide races that have drawn lots of attention this election cycle but at the local level there are even more races that will impact our local communities and municipalities those races include the Raleigh City Council where several at-large seats are on the ballot this fall. With Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy for the council is current Raleigh City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton.

Recently the Raleigh Police Department announced the creation of the Civilian Traffic Investigator Unit which is now assigned to handle some of the car accidents around the Capitol City. With Chris Edwards to talk more in depth about the program is Raleigh Police Sergeant Reeves.

There are a number of state-wide races that have drawn lots of attention this election cycle but at the local level there are even more races that will impact our local communities and municipalities those races include the Raleigh City Council where several at-large seats are on the ballot this fall. With Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy is Reeves Peeler.

There are a number of state-wide races that have drawn lots of attention this election cycle but at the local level there are even more races that will impact our local communities and municipalities those races include the Raleigh City Council where several at-large seats are on the ballot this fall. With Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy is James Bledsoe.

Chris Edwards gets the time to talk with Eric Trump, the son of former President Donald Trump, about what Donald Trump is expected to do in office and how he plans to fix the issues that are on the minds of Americans.

The city of Raleigh is now one step closer to approving a plan that would make way for a new Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. This is a move that has gotten some pushback from residents living in some of the nearby communities but business owners in downtown say Red Hat is critical to their operations. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Kerry Painter.

A lawsuit filed last week by a Greensboro mother on behalf of her son is raising new questions about Name, Image and Likeness for high school athletes across North Carolina. Rolanda Brandon the mother of Greensboro Grimsley High School quarterback Faizon Brandon field the lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Education and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction alleging those bodies overstepped state law when they restricted public high school athletes benefiting from NIL. With Chris Edwards to discuss this is North Carolina State Senator Vickie Sawyer.

Those that are on the state health plan will have a new provider soon as Aetna is set to take over as the provider and third party administrator to state employees taking over from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Chris Edwards gets more details of the transition as we discuss other topics with State Treasurer Dale Folwell who joins us in studio this morning.

There are a number local races this November outside of the National and sate-wide races that will impact our local communities on a daily basis. One of those races is for the Board of Education in Johnston County which has a number of candidates that are seeking a post on that Board. With Chris Edwards to talk about the work they have already done on the board and their candidacy for reelection is current Board of Education Chair Lyn Andrews.

There are a number local races this November outside of the National and sate-wide races that will impact our local communities on a daily basis. One of those races is for the Board of Education in Johnston County which has a number of candidates that are seeking a post on that Board. With Chris Edwards to talk about the work they have already done on the board and their candidacy for reelection is current Board of Education member Kay Carroll.(Photo Provided by Guest.)

We are nearly 70 days away from the Presidential Election and the race for the White House continues to intensify with both candidates hitting the trail hard over the final 2+ months until election day. Chris Edwards previews their campaigns with State Representative Zack Hawkins (D-Durham).

Alex (Ellick) Murdaugh A prominent South Carolina attorney was convicted of the murder of his wife and son in a story that captured the attention of the country. With Chris Edwards to talk about this story is Wall Street Journal Reporter and author of the new book: The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty, Valerie Bauerline.

There are a number of topics and stories that are making headlines across our country and our state, that under the backdrop of our run-up to the 2024 Presidential Election which is about 70 days away. With Chris Edwards for his monthly visit to discuss a number of these topics is the North Carolina Senior Senator Thom Tillis.

There are thousands of students in Wake County are back in the classroom today with Traditional Calendar schools back in session this morning. With Chris Edwards to preview the first day of school and the school year ahead is the Superintendent of Wake County Schools Dr. Robert Taylor.

We are nearly 70 days away from the Presidential Election and the race for the White House continues to intensify with both candidates hitting the trail hard over the final 2+ months until election day. With Chris Edwards to preview their campaign is Elizabeth Pipko, RNC National Spokeswomen.

The FAA change the "No Smoking rule", Southwest might be making some changes, and some people are saying the future of air travel is eclectic. All these story's and more in Chris Edwards weekly conversation with Jay Ratliff.

After a heavy military exchange on Sunday, both Israel and Hezbollah seem to be indicating they are stepping back. This comes as Hezbollah's leader says the attack was in response to Israel killing a top militant commander in Beirut last month. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on this conflict as well as provide an update on the Russia/Ukraine conflict is CBS News Military Correspondent Jeff McCausland.

There are a number of state-wide races that have drawn lots of attention this election cycle but at the local level there are even more races that will impact our local communities and municipalities those races include the Raleigh City Council where several at-large seats are on the ballot this fall. With Chris Edwards to discuss his candidacy for the council is Robert Steele.

Air Experts is seeking nominations for neighbors in need to be the program’s deserving recipient this year. Nominees that are a good fit for the program are community heroes, always putting others first. Whether it be someone who has lost their job, a struggling veteran, disabled, ill, elderly, or someone with limited income, Feel The Love is designed to help alleviate the issue of deserving individuals being unable to replace their old HVAC equipment and make their homes more comfortable on their own. Nominating a community member is a heartfelt way to show appreciation for those that are constantly giving back. With Chris Edwards to discuss this is Norma Behrend-Martinez.

The Democratic National Convention wrapped up on Thursday night with Vice President Harris officially accepting the parties nomination for the Presidency. However, the final day of the Convention in Chicago had a North Carolina flare with Governor Roy Cooper introducing the Vice President last night but earlier in the evening, Wake County educator Eric Fitts addressed the convention and Mr. Fitts is joining Chris Edwards via telephone to talk about this.

A report released on Thursday by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau showed that Wake County welcomed a record 18.5 million visitors in 2023. With Chris Edwards to discuss these numbers and what it means for Raleigh is Denny Edwards, President and CEO of Greater Raleigh Visitors Bureau.

The Democratic National Convention wrapped up in Chicago last night with Vice President Harris officially becoming the democratic parties nominee for President as she addressed the convention. With us now to offer perspective and a rebuttal from last night at the convention is Abel Maldonado former Lt. Governor of California and a Trump Campaign Surrogate.

August is National Dog Month and now seems like a perfect time to bring that perfect pet into the life of you and your family. With Chris Edwards to talk about pet adoption and how you can bring your forever friend home is Meagan Frost with the Wake County Animal Shelter.

The Democratic National Convention continued on Wednesday night in Chicago and on the third night of the DNC Minnesota Governor officially accepted the nomination for the Vice Presidency. That convention will wrap up tonight with Vice President Harris formally accepting the nomination and addressing the delegates - with Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the convention is Wiley Nickel, North Carolina 13th District Congressman.

The Democratic National Convention concludes tonight with Vice President Harris formally accepting the Democratic Parties nomination for the Presidency. With Chris Edwards now to offer perspective on what we have seen this week as well as other items of note from the Presidential Race and races around our state is Dr. Michael Bitzer, Catawba College Political Science Director.

On Wednesday, former President Trump was in Asheboro to campaign with his running mate, JD Vance. This was the first outdoor rally for Mr. Trump since last month's assassination attempt and the former President spent a large portion of his speech critiquing his opponents this fall. However, the GOP nominee did spend time talking about National Security Issues as well as some proposals within the Tech industry. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the Former President's Tech Policies is Hannah Cox of Net-Choice.

The Democratic National Convention continued on Wednesday night in Chicago and on the third night of the DNC Minnesota Governor officially accepted the nomination for the Vice Presidency. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective and a rebuttal of last night at the convention is Sonny Joy Nelson, Trump Campaign's Director of Media Affairs.

Michael Easley, U.S. District Attorney for Eastern District of North Carolina, has been taking action against drug trafficking and gun violence in his district. He has helped get more federal support to local law enforcement and is tackling each part of his district differently deepening on their needs. There has also been a heavy focus on helping kids that are at high risk to become members of gangs and to help communities view their local police as someone they can trust. Chris Edwards speaks with Michael Easley about this and more in their monthly conversation.

The Democratic National Convention continued on Tuesday night in Chicago where former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered key note addresses. With Chris Edwards to offer a rebuttal of yesterday at the DNC is Jessie Jane Duff, Gunnery Sergeant and Veterans for Trump Executive Director.

August is National Golf Month and in North Carolina we have thousands of tremendous golf courses for a game that continues to rise in popularity. With Chris Edwards to discuss golf in North Carolina as well as the game as a whole is Jack Nance, Executive Director of the Carolinas Golf Association.

Their are several state-wide races that are on the ballot this fall in North Carolina and one of them is the race for the Attorney General. With Chris Edwards to discuss the race as well as one of the events he has coming up across the state is Dan Bishop.

The Democratic National Convention continued on Tuesday night in Chicago where former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered key note addresses. With Chris Edwards now to offer perspective on yesterday at the DNC and to preview what's coming up today is Eric Wiloughby, a DNC Delegate from North Carolina.

The Democratic National Convention got underway on Monday night in Chicago as Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, First Lady Jill Biden and outgoing President Joe Biden addressing the delegates. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on night one oat the DNC and look ahead to today is Devin Freeman a DNC Delegate from North Carolina.

The Democratic National Convention got underway on Monday night in Chicago as Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, First Lady Jill Biden and outgoing President Joe Biden addressing the delegates. With Chris Edwards to offer a rebuttal of last night at the DNC is Former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and a Trump campaign surrogate, Jay Town.

Pork is not only a mainstay in our diet but also a delicious addition to any meal and since today is National Bacon Lovers Day it gives us a reason to talk a little bacon and the pork industry as a whole. Here is the Conversation Chris Edwards had with Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council.

The Democratic National Convention got underway on Monday with speeches from Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton as well as the keynote address from outgoing President Joe Biden. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the DNC, the race for the White House as well as the race for the Governor's Mansion in North Carolina is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennen.

The Democratic National Convention gets underway today in Chicago where the Harris and Walz ticket will officially become the Democratic ticket. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective and rebuttal to the DNC is Caroline Sunshine, Trump Campaign Deputy Communications Director.

The Democratic National Convention gets underway today in Chicago where both the first lady and President are expect to speak, additionally, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will address the delegates. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the Democratic National Convention is Wake County Representative and DNC Delegate Maria Cervania.

Chris Edwards speaks with aviation analyst Jay Ratliff about a flight canceled for backing over a tug, an American Airlines flight trapped in Bermuda, and more in their weekly conversation.

As it is the two year anniversary of Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act we go over some of the impact that it had and what Republican's have to say about the act and how it is continuing to affect Americans. To discuss this and more Tony Riggsbee speaks with representative Zach Hawkins.

Tony Riggsbee joins Josh Stein for his monthly conversation with WPTF, this time to discuss the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby and DNA testing kits.