WPTF Morning News

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.

1600 soccer teams from 30 states and even from Canada will be visiting North Carolina over the course of 4 weekends for a high level soccer tournament. Tony Riggsbee joins Catherine Eberhart the NCFC Youth Chief Marketing and Developing Officer about this event and what it is doing for the teams and the triangle.

Deputy Secretary Steve Bradbury, with the Department of Transportation talks about changes to cars to make them more affordable for the average person with more diesel and fossil fuel options instead of hybrid and all-electric.

Election season has already started for some, Don Davis has announced that he is going to run again, as well as some shake-ups happening after a special election in Tennessee. Tony Riggsbee speaks with Dr. David McLennan about these stories and more.

It is Giving Tuesday, a day that where many people spend giving to charity. Ellen Gorham, the Executive Director of the Red Cross of the Greater Triangle Area Chapter speaks with Tony Riggsbee about ways you can help your local branch of the Red Cross this holiday season.

Thanksgiving holiday weekend turned into a holiday nightmare for travelers, and a passenger was refused after gate agents were concerned over "seizure like" movements, These story's and more as Lisa Price has her weekly talk with Jay Ratliff.

The Tar Heels are looking to end this season with a win against NC state, Hopefully they will be able to clean things up for this final game of the season. Tony Riggsbee previews the game with Jones Angell, the voice of the Tar Heels.

Tony Riggsbee joins CBS News's Scott MacFarlane to discuses the recent video some members of congress and the senate released telling solders not to follow illegal orders.

The start of metrological winter is soon and we might see some unusual weather this year. Tony Riggsbee talks with Nick Petro about the previous storm seasons and what we might expect coming up for the holidays.

A new Duke Health study published in Pediatric Obesity sheds light on how parents perceive childhood obesity and how those beliefs shape the way families seek support. The research, led by, reveals that many parents feel they should manage childhood obesity on their own, relying solely on willpower and lifestyle changes. But the science tells a different story.

Lisa Price talks with Dr. Sam Asgarian about a new game changing blood test that could eliminate the need for a colonoscopy.

The sculpture, created by North Carolina artist Anne (Annie) Lemanski is located at Dix Park and entitled, Sophia Fortuna, which means "wise luck". The sculpture is 26' feet tall with eight arms covered with 44 gloss finished spheres. The sphere canopy is 21-23 foot wide and has a ground clearance of 12 feet. Sitting on top of the canopy is a nine-foot great horned owl. The sculpture is fabricated entirely of stainless steel and powder coated.

Eden Greenstein, Prime Savings Expert, Amazon Prime Worldwide - This season, Amazon Prime is helping travelers stretch their budgets with its Fuel Up Friday program, offering exclusive weekly fuel discounts for Prime members

Take a stroll beneath a colorful, whimsical 25-foot triangular canopy, floating over Smoky Hollow. Nearly 600 crocheted mandalas were created for this community art project of the Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative. They are also on display in windows throughout downtown Raleigh.

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee discuss her statement condemning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s deployment of agents in North Carolina.

The most hectic travel week of the year is upon us, he FAA warns travelers against flying to Venezuela over security concerns, and Air Traffic Controllers believe the $10,000 proposed bonus. Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to talk about all these story's and more.

Congresswoman Valerie Foushee discuss her statement condemning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s deployment of agents in North Carolina.

The Tar Heels face off against the Duke Blue Devils tomorrow. Tony Riggsbee joins Jones Angell to talk about this game and last weeks game against wake forest.

Dr. Chris Cooper Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Haire Institute for Public Policy at Western Carolina University – discuss ICE raids, potential of another government shutdown, the Epstein files and anything you’d like.

Kendra Blocker discuss how Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel — and also one of the deadliest on U.S. roads. Last year, AAA projected a record 71.7 million Americans would travel by car over the long weekend, and even more drivers are expected this year as travelers opt for the open road amid air travel unpredictability.

Can you imagine a hurricane damaging your house and then waiting four years for repairs to start? Those were just some of the findings in a recent state audit. Josh Ellis has the details.

Emily Sutton, shares the results of a new Waterkeeper Alliance report finding toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in 98% of tested U.S. waters — including rivers and creeks right here in North Carolina. Lisa Price discusses with Ms. Sutton what this means for North Carolinians as the EPA weakens national drinking water standards, a move experts warn could put local water and public health at risk.

Emily Sutton, shares the results of a new Waterkeeper Alliance report finding toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in 98% of tested U.S. waters — including rivers and creeks right here in North Carolina. Lisa Price discusses with Ms. Sutton what this means for North Carolinians as the EPA weakens national drinking water standards, a move experts warn could put local water and public health at risk.

Wrap a Dream with Madison! This holiday season, 96.1 BBB and the Methodist Home for Children are once again Wrapping Hopes & Dreams, making sure every kid in our community has a gift to unwrap and a reason to smile on Christmas morning. Friday, November 21st from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. It’s not about how much you give… it’s about how many of us do it together. Join the movement. Wrap a dream. Be part of something local and real for our 8th annual Radiothon. One gift. One kid. One dream… wrapped in hope. To a child in foster care, it’s a moment that says, “You belong.” Every donation wraps another dream — and every dream makes our community stronger

Jason Orthner the Rail Division director for the NC DOT joins Tony Riggebee to discus the highest ridership month in 35 years of service in October, 2025.

As families get ready to carve the turkey, one thing is clear this year: dinner costs more than it used to, and shrinkflation has even hit classic holiday side dishes. Overall, food prices are up 3.1% over the past year, with grocery prices rising 2.7%. That’s where farmers and scientists come in. They work to grow more with less, use cutting-edge ag tech, and continually boost yields. Their efforts help to keep family meals affordable all year long. Jess can break down how modern science and technology are helping to ensure holiday meals and everyday meals stay within reach for American Households.

President Trump has announced Sadia Arabia to be a major non-NATO ally after having a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince. The house and senate has also passed a bill to release the Epstein files. Tony Riggsbee talks with Natalie Brand about these story's and more.

President Tim Lash of West Health discusses with Lisa Price a state-level survey Gallup conducted with partner West Health. The survey is one of the largest independent healthcare surveys ever conducted in the U.S., capturing the lived experience from nearly 20,000 adults across all 50 states and D.C. on perceptions of cost, quality and access to care. The study breaks down North Carolinians thoughts on healthcare.

Jessie Quick, Head of Marketing with HealthSpring, discuss December 7 deadline for choosing Medicare plan– The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is open now through Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries a limited time to review their coverage and make changes for 2026. Premiums, deductibles and prescriptions can change, so taking time now helps avoid costly surprises later.

Trump administration has decided to withdraw the cash-compensation rule that would have required airlines to pay cash for delays, United flight diverted after passenger makes a bomb threat , and more. Lisa Price talks with Jay Ratliff about all your aviation story's.

It is that time of year, people are out shopping for the holidays and that means scammers are out as well. Lisa Price speaks with Jill Schlesinger about ways that you can look out for scams and avoid them.

Robonetta Jones with the Law Offices of Robonetta B. Jones, LLC discuss her case and the ruling in Ms. Akira Montague’s favor under the Alienation of Affection law.

Robonetta Jones with the Law Offices of Robonetta B. Jones, LLC discuss her case and the ruling in Ms. Akira Montague’s favor under the Alienation of Affection law.

Small business owners in eastern Wake County are redefining a day typically associated with heavy shopping. Patrice and Vince Bayyan, owners of The Ace Center in Knightdale, join host Jon Champion to explain how they’re turning it into an event with purpose—one that brings together vendors, consumers, and nonprofits. Hear how their mission is strengthening the community and inspiring a more intentional way to shop.

NC Technology Association shares the latest update on the state's IT job landscape through its comprehensive IT Job Trends Dashboard. This resource provides a detailed breakdown of IT positions across North Carolina, highlighting key insights such as top postings by Metropolitan Statistical Area, job titles, required skills and certifications, experience levels, wage trends, and top hiring companies.

A busy weekend again for the tar heels as they face off against NC Central today, and a football game tomorrow against Fairfield. Jon Champion previews these games with the Voice of the Tar Heels Jones Angell.

NC Technology Association shares the latest update on the state's IT job landscape through its comprehensive IT Job Trends Dashboard. This resource provides a detailed breakdown of IT positions across North Carolina, highlighting key insights such as top postings by Metropolitan Statistical Area, job titles, required skills and certifications, experience levels, wage trends, and top hiring companies.

T.J. Miller discusses his Crowd Sorcerer Tour at the Raleigh Improv this Friday and Saturday night.

T.J. Miller discusses his Crowd Sorcerer Tour at the Raleigh Improv this Friday and Saturday night.

Trash Panda is a food scanner app that identifies potential concerns on food labels by flagging potentially harmful additives, allergens, and ultra-processed ingredients. She's eager to discuss the connection between food transparency, ingredient awareness, and overall health and well-being.

Trash Panda is a food scanner app that identifies potential concerns on food labels by flagging potentially harmful additives, allergens, and ultra-processed ingredients. She's eager to discuss the connection between food transparency, ingredient awareness, and overall health and well-being.

Lisa Price takes some time to talk with April Wood, the Downtown and Economic Development Administrator for Garner, about their upcoming holiday events.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler talks with Josh Ellis about deadlines for North Carolina's Soil Testing Service.

Stephanie Briggs, Chatham County Veteran Services Officer shares how they're honoring Veterans this Veterans Day through Operation Green Light. The Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro is illuminated with green lights to honor veterans and raise awareness about the challenges they face.

Elaine Whitford, Executive Director, Center for Volunteer Caregiving shares with host Lisa Price what they are doing for National Caregivers Month, what the Center for Volunteer Caregiving does for individuals in Wake County that are taking care of an aging parent, friend or relative, and the need for volunteers to help with caregiver requests.

Tracey Pennywell, CEO and Co-founder of HBCU Heroes discusses National Career Development Month; what HBCU Heroes does in the Southeast; HBCU Heroes mentorship program, and more with host Lisa Price.

November is national family caregivers month and AARP of North Carolina has recently released a report addressing the over 2 million caregivers in North Carolina and the issues they face. Lisa Price speaks with Mike Olender the State Director of AARP North Carolina about this new report.