WPTF Morning News

Tony Riggsbee speaks with Bill Conroy a Veteran Central American Journalist about the recent attacks in Vensaeula and what might be next for country going forward.

Tony Riggsbee joins Stephanie Hawco the Media Relations Director for RDU Airport to discuss airport expansion and what it means to travelers through RDU.

Sammy Shelor with the Lonesome River Band shares with Lisa Price news about their tour, their new single, and their appearance this Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Liberty Showcase Theatre in Liberty, NC. Get tickets at thelibertyshowcase.com.

Former Venezuelan Ambassador Patrick Duddy joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and what might happen next for the Venezuela.

Nicolás Maduro was seen in court yesterday pleading not guilty, comments from the interim president of Venezuela has stated that she would like Maduro returned. Tony Riggsbee talks with CBS News White House correspondent Aaron Navarro about the kidnapping of president Maduro.

Dr. Melissa Campbell, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at Duke Health discusses with Lisa Price spiking numbers of flu cases, how to prevent the flu and new restrictions put in place at Duke hospitals until flu and respiratory virus numbers go down.

Brian Fletcher the Welcome Center Manager on I-85 North joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about maps and interesting people that have come into the center.

Forbes names their top U.S. airline of 2025, another big change on the horizon for Southwest Airlines, and more as Tony Riggsbee has his weekly conversation with Jay Ratliff

Robert Zoldos the Fire Chief for Durham Fire Department joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss recent changes to the department that start today.

Mike Bedenbaugh Navy Veteran, historic preservationist, political analyst, and author of Reviving Our Republic. Grounded in lessons throughout American history, his book proposes 40 actionable reforms aimed at making a US government that truly works for the people. As a community leader and podcast host, Mike empowers the average citizen to take action and Reviving Our Republic is a blueprint for addressing the most challenging issues facing America today.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss accomplishments from the last year and goals for 2026.

Mitch Kokai the Director of Communications for John Locke Foundation and Carolina Journal joins Tony Riggsbee to look at the new state laws for 2026.

Lynn Williams the Public Relations Manager for Mt. Olive Pickle Company joins Lisa Price to share information about the annual Pickle Drop.

Cameron Laws the Creative Director of Artsplosure and First Night Raleigh joins Lisa Price tp talk about First Night Raleigh, how to buy tickets and everything you need to know about the event.

Rob Tart the CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission joins Tony Riggsbee to share details of their dinner and gifting event this afternoon.

Warren Keyes pm his 13th season with Santas Just Like me joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss what it means to children of color to see a Santa that looks like them.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss 2025’s accomplishments and goals for 2026.

Tony Riggsbee joins BS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger about how people started and ended this year financially. She also gives some advice on financial resolutions for the upcoming year.

Treasurer Brad Briner discuss major initiatives of the year and what his office is proud of accomplishing in 2025 and a look ahead at 2026.

Bill Ellis and Carolyn Manno, show hosts for the 25th Annual American Kennel Club National Championship will discuss the championship and more.

Gary Pearce, Political Consultant joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about Jim Hunt’s legacy

Jesse Garcia Spokesperson for Amazon joins Tony Riggsbee to discus porch piracy and ways the company has to and what the buyer can do to protect their purchases from theft.

Blake Huff with Meadow Christmas Lights joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about the largest and oldest Christmas light show in Eastern North Carolina, featuring over 30 acres of Christmas lights, a train ride, and an old fashioned candy store.

State Auditor Dave Boliek joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about this year in review for 2025 and what the office hopes to accomplish in 2026.

Viki Baker the Director of Community Engagement with Urban Ministries of Durham joins Tony Riggsbee to discus the “Help Make This Season Brighter One Wish at a Time” initiative which aims to children staying at the UMD shelter. Each child has shared their wish list of heartfelt requests that bring comfort and joy. When you purchase an item from this list, you are doing more than giving a gift. You are ensuring every child experiences the joy of the season. Gifts are needed by Dec. 22 and should be delivered to UMD at 410 Liberty Street, Durham, NC 27701.

Dr. David McLennon Political Science Professor for Meredith College discuss with Tony Riggsbee the President’s address to the nation on accomplishments in 2025 and thoughts on his statement.

Commissioner Luke Farley with the Department of Labor discuss with Tony Riggsbee the year in review and new elevator ratings.

Dr. Michael Walden , William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and Extension Economist at North Carolina State University and a member of the Graduate Economics faculty with The Poole College of Management joins Tony Riggsbee to discus the economy for 2025 and his predictions for 2026 and how he thinks the Red will do next year.

Dr. Patrice Covington Owner & Lead Veterinarian of Mitchell Mill Animal Hospital discuss with Tony Riggsbee pet safety at the holidays.

Tony Riggsbee speaks with Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler to discus this year in agriculture.

Mitch Kokai the Director of Communications for the John Locke Foundation and the Carolina Journal joins Tony Riggsbee to take a look at the past year in politics and the state’s economy.

President Trump is seeing some backlash for comments made about Rob Reiner after his death, Tony Riggsbee joins Natalie Brand to talk about the President's comments.

Lonnie Jordan (lead vocalist, keyboardist, original member) of the legendary group WAR and Jerry Goldstein who conceived the group and has been its longtime manager and producer talked with Lisa Price about their new holiday single, "(Yes, it's Christmas)".

Rumors persist that Spirit Airlines could be on the brink of collapse, and a JetBlue flight dodges midair collision with a US military refueling tanker, These story's and more as Lisa Price has her weekly talk with Jay Ratliff.

As the labor market slows down some of the largest groups impacted are those just getting out of college. Lisa Price Joins Jill Schlesinger With Jill on Money to talk about this issue as well as the November jobs report.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams joins Lisa Price to discuss his second term in office, how the first has gone, what’s happening around Durham over the holidays, and what his goals are for his time as Mayor of the Bull City.

Chris Amenechi, Co-founder of SeatCash Inc. discusses with Lisa Price AI and its influence on travel. www.seatcash.com

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall speaks with Tony Rigg bee to discus charitable giving, business registration, 3rd quarter business development (which was biggest for 3rd quarter on record), and potentially Campbell University (her alma mater) providing free tuition for Harnett County residents starting next year and year in review.

Liz Pancotti, Managing Director of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative discuss with Tony Riggebee holiday shopping is feeling the Grinch this year: a new Groundwork Collaborative report finds prices up 26%, with tariffs driving higher costs for clothing, toys, décor, and groceries. Families are cutting back, holiday spending is projected to drop 7%, and tariffs are adding $130 per shopper.

Matthew Brown, Board Member of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Oakwood and Candlelight Tour Committee Member shares information about this year's Oakwood Historic Candlelight Tour with Lisa Price. The 54th Annual Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour takes place this Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th from 1:00-7:00 PM each day

Chris DeRienzo, M.D., Chief Physician Executive at the American Hospital Association talks with Tony Riggsbee about the new data analysis of key safety and quality metrics from Q1 2019 to Q2 2025 released today by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Vizient®. The analysis finds that hospitalized patients in Q2 2025 were nearly 30% more likely to survive than expected given the severity of their illnesses compared to Q4 2019.

Rebecca Freeman, Section Chief of Service Operations within the Division of Aging with the Department of Health and Human Services discusses with Lisa Price the Caregiver resources available at DHHS for family, friends, and anyone who cares for the senior community in our state.

Garner Mayor Buddy Gupton joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about all the ways that individuals, local nonprofits and businesses, and the Town are giving back to the community during this holiday season as well as the upcoming events at the Garner Preforming Arts Center.

Bob Phillips the Executive Director of Common Cause to discuss the year in review in politics from a non-conservative perspective with Tony Riggsbee.

Tony Rigsbee talks with chief economist, Gerald Cohen on "Dealing with Data Uncertainty," the latest press briefing from the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) have been going up all across the country, and here in North Carolina. These cameras us AI to track vehicles using license plates and other identifying features to help aid law enforcement but there has been a lot push back from the public due to privacy and safety concerns. Deflock is a project aimed to help inform the public about the uses and potential risk of ALPRs, Lisa Price Joins Will the creator Deflock and Ed from Sassi (Southerners Against Surveillance Systems & Infrastructure) to talk about this issue.

Back to back weekends of flight delays, The U.S. government gives Southwest Airlines a break cutting $11 million off fine for Christmas 2023 meltdown, and a near emergency with a Qantas flight. Lisa Prices covers these story's with Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff

Lisa Price talks with Shaun Cassidy about his upcoming performance at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center in Pinehurst,

There is an upcoming Fed meeting, where the central bank is expected to cut interest rates by another 0.25 percent. That will bring the fed funds target down to a 3.5% to 3.75% range, its lowest level in nearly three years. The vote to cut will likely be accompanied by dissents in both directions. The Fed is weighing a low hire/low fire employment landscape against a still-high inflation rate. On the latter, consumers should feel relief in one part of their spending: gas prices. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dipped below $3 a gallon for the first time in 4 years. Lisa Price takes some time to talk will Jill Schlesinger about these story's and more.

Jennifer Greene, Executive Director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association discusses with Lisa Price the Trees for Troops program, the Western North Carolina Christmas Tree industry and sales, Helene's aftermath and where to buy real Fraser Firs.