WPTF Morning News

Kaila'Shea Menendez, deputy director of the Durham Sports Commission, joins Lisa Price to discuss how Bull City leaders are expanding opportunities for women and girls in athletics and positioning Durham as a destination for major women's sporting events during Women's History Month.

National Weather Service meteorologist Jonathan Blaes joins Lisa Price to break down a level 4 severe weather threat for central North Carolina, including multiple rounds of storms expected throughout the day with the most dangerous conditions likely arriving mid to late afternoon. Blaes warns residents to expect wind gusts of 50 to 70 mph, possible power outages and dangerous road conditions, and advises people to charge their phones and stay off the roads as temperatures drop back near freezing overnight.

Jill Schlesinger of JillOnMoney.com joins Lisa Price to break down the IRS's annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams, including AI-powered phone impersonators, phishing emails, ghost tax preparers and social media tax misinformation, and explains what filers can do to protect themselves before the April deadline.

Dey Rossell, communications manager, and Kristen Upton, lead otter keeper at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, join Lisa Price to discuss the recently born triplet otter pups and what to expect as the aquarium prepares to close for a major expansion and renovation.

Bernice Russell-Bond, state chief information security officer at the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, joins Lisa Price to discuss the state's partnership with GovRAMP to improve cybersecurity and connectivity for vendors and government offices, as well as a new internship program aimed at building a cyber talent pipeline for North Carolina.

Marine Corps veteran Larysa Murray, deputy director of volunteer management at Team Rubicon, joins Lisa Price to discuss the growing role women play in disaster response operations at the veteran-led humanitarian organization. Murray, who has completed 17 deployments including a recent response in Alaska following Typhoon Halong, reflects on her path from military service to the front lines of disaster relief during Women's History Month.

Rosie Rios, chair of America250, joins Lisa Price to discuss a national startup competition inviting college students to pitch bold, scalable ideas for a chance to win $25,000 in grant funding as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Applications are open through March 31, and 10 winners will be selected.

Renae Newmiller joins Lisa Price to share the story of her daughter Ella, who was diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain cancer in 2008 and passed away in 2012. Ella's Race, a 10K, 5K and 1-mile road race, will be held March 21 at North Ridge Country Club with proceeds benefiting The Cure Starts Now foundation. To register or volunteer, visit ellasrace.com.

Gary Harris, executive director of the North Carolina Petroleum and Convenience Marketers, joins Lisa Price to discuss the impact of rising fuel costs on small businesses and consumers across the state and whether the increases are fear-driven or market-driven.

Julian Griffee, senior planner for the Town of Garner, joins Lisa Price to discuss the town's ongoing transportation plan update, the challenges facing one of the region's fastest-growing communities and how residents can make their voices heard during the public outreach process.

Rachel Miller of the PenFed Foundation joins Lisa Price to discuss a free three-day incubator program running March 18-20 at the First Flight Venture Center in Raleigh, designed to help veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs pressure-test their business ideas and take the first steps toward launch.

Caitlin Hochul, senior vice president of public policy at Inseparable, joins Lisa Price to discuss a new workforce report examining how North Carolina is addressing mental health care affordability, the growing shortage of mental health workers, and how to better serve residents in areas with limited access to mental health services.

Sean Gallagher, senior vice president of policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association, joins Lisa Price to discuss new data on what is driving electricity costs higher, the local job growth and broader economic impact of solar power, and how solar energy could help lower bills and improve grid reliability in North Carolina.

Karen Bailey-Chapman, senior vice president of public and government affairs for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, joins Lisa Price to discuss a federal bill that would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create guidelines for calibrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems after a vehicle has been modified or customized.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to break down a near-collision at Los Angeles International Airport between two United Airlines jets, explaining how a crew making a wrong turn onto an active runway forced a high-speed abort just before takeoff. Ratliff also gives an update on the latest search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which again turned up nothing after months of scanning a previously unsearched stretch of the Indian Ocean. He also addresses growing TSA staffing concerns tied to missed paychecks during the government shutdown and what travelers should expect at major hub airports.

Lauren Wieczorek, co-chair of the Forward Together campaign for Healing Transitions, joins Lisa Price to discuss the Raleigh nonprofit's $14 million campaign to build a first-of-its-kind recovery-oriented housing facility on its women's campus. Wieczorek explains how the new apartment homes will allow women who complete the program to remain close to support services and reunite with their children, and how the project addresses the lack of affordable housing for women transitioning out of addiction treatment. To learn more or donate, visit forwardtogetherht.org.

Jill Schlesinger of JillOnMoney.com joins Lisa Price to break down the economic ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East, including oil prices topping $100 a barrel and gas prices jumping nearly 50 cents a gallon in a week. Schlesinger also explains why the fertilizer supply chain could push grocery prices higher, advises long-term investors to stay the course on their 401(k)s despite market turbulence, and weighs in on the February jobs report that showed the economy lost 92,000 positions.

Hall of Famer Mike Raley joins Lisa Price to reflect on the life and legacy of college football coach Lou Holtz, who passed away recently. Raley, who was at NC State during Holtz's tenure from 1972 to 1975, shares personal memories of Holtz recording his coach's show at WPTF studios on South Salisbury Street and recalls the impact he made on players, students and the Raleigh community. The two also discuss how Holtz would fit into the modern era of college football.

Bryan Anderson joins WPTF Morning News for an update on the high-profile North Carolina Senate race between Senate President Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. He breaks down the latest developments in the Berger–Page contest and what the race could mean for the political landscape in North Carolina.

WPTF anchor Tony Riggsbee joins Josh Ellis to reflect on the life and legacy of legendary football coach Lou Holtz following news of his passing. They discuss Holtz’s impact on the game, his larger-than-life personality and why his voice resonated far beyond the football field.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reacts after President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to protect domestic supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. Troxler discusses what the move could mean for farmers, fertilizer production and the reliability of key agricultural inputs.

Chase Pellegrini de Paur, staff writer for Indy Week and The Assembly, joins Lisa Price to break down the results of the primary election with a focus on the 4th Congressional District.

Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, joins Lisa Price to discuss the multiple tax law changes now in effect and how they could impact everyday filers, particularly those with tips, overtime pay, multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Steber breaks down common filing errors to avoid, new deduction updates, and why getting ahead of the April deadline could save you money.

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff explains how the Iran situation is forcing airlines to suspend or reroute flights through key Middle East airports, leaving large numbers of travelers stranded and uncertain about when service will resume. He also breaks down what the government shutdown could mean for TSA staffing and security line wait times as agents miss paychecks, and shares what travelers should watch for with possible weather-related hub delays later today, especially in the Northeast.

Donaji (Donnahee) Alba, Consul General of Mexico in Raleigh, discusses recent violence in Mexico and signs it may be easing, addresses the evolving relationship between Mexico and the United States in light of recent political comments, and outlines the services offered by the Mexican Consulate for citizens in North Carolina.

Jill Schlesinger of JillOnMoney.com discusses mortgage rates falling below 6% for the first time in more than three years and what that means for spring homebuyers and sellers. She explains how affordability is measured, why rising home prices and insurance costs still strain budgets, how much to put down in today’s market, and provides a simple formula to decide whether refinancing makes financial sense.

Andres Lares, CEO of Shapiro Negotiations Institute, explains how consumers are using artificial intelligence to gain an advantage in everyday negotiations, from salary discussions to rent and major purchases, offering strategies for researching fair prices, drafting confident messages, practicing pushback, recognizing delay tactics and negotiating for added value beyond price reductions.

Margie Bucheit discusses her new historical novel We Chose Resistance marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighting the courage and risks taken by members of the French Resistance, the role of spies and key battles that helped France align with Allied forces and defeat German occupation, and the pivotal contributions many women made in intelligence and resistance efforts.

Dr. Marylise Boutros, a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, explains why colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults under 50, which symptoms should never be ignored, how current screening guidelines apply to younger adults and how a new American College of Surgeons patient checklist can help people recognize warning signs and prepare for conversations with their doctors.

Veteran journalist Bill Conroy discusses recent violence in Mexico following the killing of a cartel kingpin and explains the differences between drug cartels and the mafia, along with how organized crime groups operate and impact communities on both sides of the border.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger discusses his race against Sam Page in the upcoming March 3 primary and shares why he believes North Carolinians should support his candidacy in the election.

Matt Schulz of LendingTree reviews new research showing Fayetteville and Durham rank among the top cities for Black-owned businesses, explains factors driving growth in minority entrepreneurship, and outlines ongoing challenges Black entrepreneurs face in accessing capital and building sustainable businesses.

Dr. Michael Bitzer of Catawba College breaks down key points from the State of the Union address, what the president’s remarks signal about policy priorities, and what the speech may mean for Americans and the political landscape moving forward.

John Wood, broker and owner of RE/MAX United in Raleigh, discusses how winter storms slowed home sales in the Triangle in January, what recent market data shows about buyer activity, and what homeowners should update or fix before putting a house on the market to improve its appeal and resale value.

Alex Granados of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority explains the FAFSA February campaign, why completing the FAFSA is essential for students seeking state and federal financial aid, and how College for North Carolina is helping counselors, students and families navigate the college funding process.

Duke clinical research associate Tyler Cope explains the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack, why CPR training can save lives, what to expect from the statewide CPR Training World Record Day event, and how ongoing research aims to improve survival outcomes across North Carolina.

N.C. Department of Transportation DMV Communications Director Marty R. Homan explains new operating hours at DMV offices, how appointment timing is changing across the state, and what drivers should know to reduce wait times and avoid common scheduling frustrations.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams discusses the creation of a new task force focused on addressing recent teen shootings in the city, outlining its goals, who will be involved, how the city plans to prevent youth violence, and what families and the community can expect in the weeks ahead.

John R. Miles, award-winning podcaster and author of You Matter, Luma, talks about why helping children feel valued and worthy matters more than ever, how kindness can shape confidence and resilience, and how his own childhood experiences of feeling invisible helped inspire his message for kids and families.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger explains why the latest jobs report shows an economy that is still growing but not generating widespread hiring, with many companies holding steady as they wait to see how policy changes and artificial intelligence will reshape their workforce needs.

Josh Ellis, vice president of news, explains how the fictional WSQK radio station featured in Stranger Things was inspired by the real-world WPTF transmitter site in North Carolina, detailing how the show’s art department used the layout and appearance of the historic broadcast facility to inform its on-screen design and why that connection matters to fans and local history.Read More: https://www.wptf.com/stranger_things/

Dr. Joanna Parga Belinkie of the American Academy of Pediatrics explains what parents should know about childhood vaccines, addresses common questions and concerns, and offers practical guidance on keeping kids on schedule and protected as families navigate routine immunizations and seasonal illness.

Indy Week and The Assembly staff writer Chase Pellegrini de Paur walks through the reporting process behind uncovering outside political spending tied to an anonymous PAC, discusses how this election cycle compares with 2022, what candidates are saying about the money involved and whether big spending actually changes the outcome of local races.

Ray Tong, vice president and general manager of home warranty at American Home Shield, explains how home warranties work, how they differ from homeowners' insurance, what systems and appliances are typically covered, and how new virtual video support is helping homeowners quickly troubleshoot winter breakdowns and urgent repair issues when in-person service is not immediately available.

Wake EMS Director Jon Studnek outlines protocol changes planned for 2026, including reduced use of lights and sirens, and previews the agency’s renewed community engagement plan, explaining why the changes were developed, how they aim to improve safety and response efficiency, and what residents can expect as the new approach is rolled out across Wake County.

Former state Rep. Mickey Michaux, the longest-serving member of the General Assembly, reflects on his personal relationship with the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, his background in public service and civil rights advocacy, and how Jackson’s leadership and legacy influenced political organizing and racial justice efforts in North Carolina and beyond.

Dr. Charlotte Owens, SVP and head of U.S. Medical at Genentech – shares with Lisa Price data on flu cases across the nation that have resulted in at least 11 million flu-related illnesses by the end of December. Dr. Owens discusses why timing matters when treating the flu, how antivirals fit into overall flu preparedness and what patients and caregivers should know about accessing treatment during peak flu season.

Laura Owen, a mentor and dedicated companionship caregiver with Seniors Helping Seniors since 2022, shares what families should consider when choosing in-home care for aging loved ones, including how to evaluate caregiver fit, why companionship matters alongside practical support, how care needs change over time, and how thoughtful planning can improve quality of life for seniors while giving families peace of mind.

Sam Hayes, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, explains how early voting works for the upcoming election, what identification and documents voters need, where early voting locations are set up, and what voters should know to cast a ballot smoothly.

Harry Wayne Casey, known as KC of KC and the Sunshine Band, reflects on his decades-long career as a defining voice of disco, the music that shaped a generation, and what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming performance at DPAC in March.