WPTF Morning News

We continue to highlight the work that is going on in our local communities from summer events, to things that impact them most. In the Talk of the Town Segment today Chris Edwards visits with Blake Massengill, mayor of Fuquay-Varina to tell us about his town and what makes Fuquay-Varina a great place to be.

A group of UNC Students from the Hussman School of Journalism are in Paris reporting on the 33rd Summer Games and finding North Carolina connects to the games. Those games continue today and with Chris Edwards to recap what we have seen so far and to preview what is coming up is one of those students from UNC, Holden Manna.

There are a number of issues that are key for the 2024 Presidential Race and one of them that is garnering a lot of attention are those reproductive rights with each side having strong opinions on the issue - with Chris Edwards now to talk more about the issue is Dr. John Purkal, ER Physician and Reproductive Rights Advocate.

There are a number of items that have made news from the political landscape both from a national and a state-wide level this week as we continue to monitor the rapidly changing 2024 political season. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Catawba College Political Science Professor Dr. Michael Bitzer.

Over the last several months there have been a number of crashes on roadways across the state but in particular the triangle and unfortunately many of them fatal. One of the themes of these crashes is speed of the drivers. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective and to talk about ways to prevent these awful crashes is Mark Ezzell, Director of the Governor's Highway Safety Program.

Today is the Anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act that was signed into law by President Johnson in 1965. That legislation established the Medicare and Medicaid programs and for 50 years have been protecting the health and well-being of Americans and families. Joining Chris Edwards to offer some perspective on this Anniversary is Brenda Pollard.

As the 33rd Summer Games continue in Paris, several of the competitions are getting into full swing and that is the case with equestrian which continues today. Joining us to offer perspective on the event is former American Olympian, competing in the 2020 games in Tokyo, Gold Medalist at the Pan Am Games, and owner of Payne Equestrian in Rougemont, Doug Payne.

The 2024 Presidential Election appears to be changing rapidly with new stories coming each day from both sides and the sprint to the home stretch really ramps up. With Chris Edwards to discuss their campaign as well as other items of note is Tommy Pigott, RNC Strategic Communications Director.

As the 33rd Summer Games continue in Paris, several of the competitions are getting into full swing and that is the case with equestrian which continues today. Joining Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the event as well as offer a North Carolina connection to the games is Cait Kincaid.

We continue to highlight the work done by departments in our state that are impacting the lives of North Carolinians each day. With Chris Edwards to talk about the work done by the Department of Labor is North Carolina Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson.

The Government released its most recent update on US economic growth it was what some have called an "upside surprise". The economy expanded in the second quarter far ahead of what was expected - to give us an update on how much the economy grew and why it was a surprise, Chris Edwards spoke with CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger.

We are less than 100 days away from election day and the Presidential Election has been a fast moving one with the news changing daily. Just eight days ago President Biden announced he would not seek his parties nomination for reelection and now presumptive nominee, Vice President Harris has raised over $200 million. With Chris Edwards to discuss the milestone as well as one of the bigger issues of this election cycle is State Representative Sarah Crawford.

There are a number of items to discuss that have made headlines in our Nation's Capitol over the last several weeks including the announcement from President Biden last week that he will not seek reelection and now Vice President Harris is poised to be the Democratic Parties nominee and will face former President Donald Trump in November. Chris Edwards discusses that as well as other legislation with North Carolina 13th District Congressman Wiley Nickel.

In an Oval Office address to the nation earlier this week, President Biden laid out an ambitious plan for his final six months in office, one of the things the President highlighted was reform with the Supreme Court. With Chris Edwards now to officer perspective is Retired North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a viral infection that can affect birds and sometimes humans. There is currently a new strain which seems to be highly contagious among birds and can likely infect humans through direct or indirect contact with infected birds or their droppings. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is Dr. Mark Heise with the UNC School of Medicine.

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA made it illegal for employees to discriminate against employees with disabilities and also provided better access to goods, services and communications, among other things for individuals with disabilities. With Chris Edwards to discuss this more in depth is Debra Farrington.

It has been a wild week in politics in our country from President Biden announcing he would not seek reelection to Vice President Harris now the presumptive Democratic nominee and former President Trump making a stop in our state this week. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is North Carolina Representative Zack Hawkins.

Vice President Harris has not yet selected her running mate as rumors continue to swirl about the possibility of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper being selected as a part of the ticket. A little closer to home the short sessions of the General Assembly has had a number of items coming out of Jones Street. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on all of these items is North Carolina Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue.

July is National Independent Retailer Month and all month long we will highlight Independent retailers in our communities that are working each day to provide goods and services to those in our areas. Today Chris Edwards visits with April Morey owner of the Cookie People.

Vice President Harris has not yet selected her running mate as rumors continue to swirl about the possibility of North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper being selected as a part of the ticket, additionally President Biden addressed the nation last night for the first time since announcing he was not running for reelection, with Chris Edwards for perspective on all of this as well as the state of politics is former North Carolina Congressman Dr. David Price.

A busy day in Washington on Wednesday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of congress in the afternoon while President Biden spoke to the nation from the Oval Office to, for the first time, lay out the reasons he was not seeking reelection. With Chris Edwards now to offer perspective on both those speeches and their impact is CBS News Correspondent Scott MacFarlane.

On Wednesday former President Donald Trump held a rally in Charlotte, his first event in North Carolina since Vice President Harris was named the presumptive nominee for the democratic party. With Chris Edwards now to offer thoughts on his speech is Raleigh City council member and Mayor Pro Tem, Jonathan Melton.

Today is National Merry-Go-Round day and one of the places in our area that has one of the best merry-go-rounds as well as many other attractions for kids of all ages is Pullen Park in Raleigh. Chris Edwards go's in-depth to learn more about the history of the park and to find out what events are going on this for the rest of the summer with the Operations Manager for Pullen Park, Andrew Boos.

President Biden is set to address the nation tonight just days after dropping out of the race for the White House this as current Vice President Kamala Harris has enough delegates to be the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party. While all of this is going on, President Donald Trump is set to hold a rally in Charlotte later today. With Chris Edwards to give perspective on all this is Michele Woodhouse, host of the Michele Woodhouse Show heard here on WPTF.

The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) North Carolina Chapter today announced that it will receive $67.8 million to conserve and restore peatlands, resulting in significant reductions of carbon dioxide emissions. The money is part of an historic $421 million grant award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. With Chris Edwards now to talk more in depth is Debbie Crane, Communication Director for The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Chapter.

On Tuesday, Illinois Police released the bodycam video of a fatal shooting of an African American women in her home as 36-year old Sonya Massey who had called 911 for help was shot and now the deputy is facing murder charges. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is retired New York Police Lt. Steve Hauck.

A lot has been made about the changing political landscape across the country from movement at the top of the Democratic ticket to possible Vice President picks, polling is at the heart of it all. Chris Edwards gets some polling insight from Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling.

Vice President Kamala Harris held her first rally since becoming the presumptive Democratic Nominee on Tuesday with an event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harris has secured enough delegates to become the parties nominee for the Presidency after current President Joe Biden decided over the weekend to drop out of the race. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Sloan Duvall, President of the UNC Young Democrats.

After President Joe Biden decided not to seek reelection over the weekend the Democratic Party seems to have coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris as she now has enough delegates to be the parties nominee. Now the question turns to selecting a Vice President and on the short list of possible running mates is North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. With Chris Edwards to offer some perspective on Governor Cooper and the strengths he could bring to the ticket is Rufus Edmisten former North Carolina Secretary of State and Attorney General.

July is National Blueberry Month and in North Carolina, blueberries are a popular summertime snack and a popular ingredient in whatever dessert is being made across the Old North State. With Chris Edwards to talk more about blueberries and their importance to people and to our state is Bill Cline, Extension Specialist of Small Fruit Production and Pathology at NC State.

Former President Donald Trump will be back in North Carolina today holding a rally in Charlotte just days after Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic Parties nominee for the Presidency after Joe Biden dropped out of the race over the weekend. With us now to preview Mr. Trump's visit as well as to offer perspective on the race as a whole is Michael Whatley, Chairmen of the RNC.

Former President Donald Trump will be back in North Carolina today holding a rally in Charlotte just days after Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates to become the Democratic Parties nominee for the Presidency after Joe Biden dropped out of the race over the weekend. With Chris Edwards to preview Mr. Trump's visit as well as to offer perspective on the race as a whole is former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.

The weather in North Carolina has created highs and lows for farmers in our state over the last month - from extreme heat to drought conditions to now days of rain, our farmers continue to face challenges on a daily basis, with Chris Edwards to offer an update on how the weather has impacted our farms is Mike Davis with the Southern Farm Network.

The Democratic Party is rallying behind Vice President Harris as she now has enough delegates to move forward as the parties nominee for the Presidency and challenge Donald Trump after President Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is North Carolina 2nd District Congresswomen Deborah Ross. (Photo Provided by Official Deborah Ross Website)

There are a number of noteworthy items at Raleigh-Durham International Airport from new airlines coming to town to an overwhelming number of travelers coming through the gates this summer - we get the latest now from Stephanie Hawco.

With the rise in popularity of mental health services in a post-COVID world where folks are more willing to acknowledge these sorts of struggles, many are familiar with the challenge of finding a therapist. This can prove especially difficult for those who fail to see their lived experience reflected in the mental health providers available to them. For example, it’s estimated that only 4% of therapists in the U.S. are Black, Indigenous and people of color. With Chris Edwards to discuss is Leah Sampson, Chief of Clinical Operations at Three Oaks.

July is National Independent Retailer Month and all month long we will highlight Independent retailers in our communities that are working each day to provide goods and services to those in our areas. Today we visit with Molly Goldston, Founder and Executive Director of Saving Grace Animals for Adoption & Saving Grace Supply Company.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden released a statement via social media announcing he was not going to run for reelection, that currently leave the democratic party without someone a the top of their ticket. This announcement comes just days after the GOP wrapped up the Republican National Convention where they officially nominated Donald Trump for a third time to be their parties choice for the Presidency. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this is Caroline Sunshine, Deputy Communications Director for the Trump Campaign.

Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff is joined by Chris Edwards to about the recent CrownStrike outage and how it affected airlines all over the US, as well as a potential strike averted between America Airlines workers.

Chris Edwards take the time to talk with Brad Crone, the President of Campaign Connections, about President Biden's withdraw from the upcoming presidential race.

President Joe Biden released a statement via social media on Sunday afternoon announcing he was not going to seek a second term and endorsed his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris. With us now to offer some perspective and to help guide us into what comes next is CBS News Correspondent Scott MacFarlane.

President Joe Biden released a statement via social media on Sunday afternoon announcing he was not going to seek a second term and endorsed his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris. With Chris Edwards to offer some perspective and to help guide us into what comes next is David McLennen, Meredith College Political Science Professor.

As Americans continue to invest in the stock market they are looking for ways to make the most of their investments and one of the biggest things people are talking about is their financial advisor and should they stick with the one they have? With Chris Edwards to discuss and put it into perspective is CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger.

The annual Kirby Derby is a Raleigh tradition of wacky downhill soapbox racing and community fun is coming up on Saturday, August 17 and now is the time to sign up and RSVP for the event. What is the Kirby Derby and how can you get involved? We learn the answers to all of those questions with Chris Dell'Anno who joins Chris Edwards.

The Republican National Convention wrapped up on Thursday night with former President Donald Trump officially accepting his parties nomination for a third time. With Chris Edwards to offer a recap of the convention is Michele Woodhouse, host of the Michele Woodhouse Show heard here on WPTF.

As we move toward the 2024 General Election there are a number of state-wide races that will change the landscape of the Council of State with numerous offices having a new leader. One of those offices is State Treasurer. Joining Chris Edwards now is one of the candidates for the office, Dr. Wesley Harris.

The Salvation Army is holding their annual Back to School Bash on August 2nd in Lee County and August 16th in Wake County to help kids as they return to the classroom in the coming days. With Chris Edwards to discuss this is Sharmaine Joyner, Program Manager of the Salvation Army.

As demand for FDA-approved diabetes and obesity injectables (also known as weight-loss medications) soars, harmful fakes have become pervasive in the market. The problem has prompted recent warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and drug makers about surges in unsafe counterfeit and compounded versions of the popular medications. Authorities have already taken action, shutting down over 250 websites that sold these dangerous knockoffs. With Chris Edwards to discuss more about this is Shabbir Imber Safdar, Executive Director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines.

The Republican National Convention continued on Wednesday including speeches from members of President Donald Trump's family and culminated with Ohio Senator JD Vance officially accepting the GOP's nomination for Vice President. With Chris Edwards to recap yesterday and preview today is Marc Lotter.

The Republican National Convention continued on Wednesday including speeches from members of President Donald Trump's family and culminated with Ohio Senator JD Vance officially accepting the GOP's nomination for Vice President. With us now to recap yesterday and preview today is Michele Woodhouse, host of the Michele Woodhouse Show heard here on WPTF.