WPTF Morning News

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...

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 fami...

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.

Meredith College political science professor Dr. David McLennan reflects on the life and impact of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, tracing his rise from the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his own national political influence, including his presidential runs, his strengths as a charismatic communicator, the controversies that followed him, and the lasting role he played...

Seniors Helping Seniors owner Kathy Uveges discusses National Caregivers Appreciation Day, the vital role of trained caregivers in supporting older adults, and how in-home care can improve the quality of life for seniors and their families, especially in the later stages of life.

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff discusses airlines rolling out trading cards to connect with passengers, what Spirit Airlines is doing to recover financially, how Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner uses technology to reduce the impact of turbulence, why seatbelts matter even during light chop, and what travelers can expect with weather-related delays and TSA operations during the holiday slowdown.

Peter Zalzal, distinguished counsel and associate vice president for clean air strategies at the Environmental Defense Fund, discusses the consequences of rolling back the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, what the policy shift could mean for climate protections, and how changes to federal regulation may affect the economy and public health.

Bruce McClary, senior vice president of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, explains why new data suggest the consumer safety valve has broken despite Federal Reserve reports that delinquencies are “normalizing,” what the trends reveal about household financial stress, and what warning signs consumers should watch for as debt pressures grow.

James Flanagan, vice president of community experience with Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh, explains why the median age of first-time homebuyers has reached a record high, how buyer priorities are shifting toward flexible and long-term living, and how homebuilders are adapting designs, pricing, and financing to meet changing needs in the Triangle.

North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette talks about the launch of the Unlock the Veteran and Milspouse Advantage roadshow, how the statewide initiative connects employers with veterans and military spouses, and why strengthening workforce pipelines is critical for military families across North Carolina.

Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission Kaila Shea Menendez discusses the fourth annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit returning to Durham in April, what the event offers women pursuing careers in sports, and how the partnership with Women Leaders in Sports is helping build pathways and mentorship opportunities in the industry.

US Mint Director Paul Hollis discusses the new semi-quincentennial circulating coins, potential changes to the penny, how images are selected for US coins, and how collectors and the public can purchase uncirculated coins and proof sets.

Camelia Kuhnen, institute research director at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Boyd White Harris Jr. Distinguished Professor of Finance at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, breaks down what the January jobs report reveals about the economy, labor market trends, and a troubling pattern she is seeing among people who have been searching for work for extended periods of time.

Patti Harris, senior director for student access initiatives for the UNC System, explains how the NC College Connect program is expanding college access for North Carolina students, why the initiative goes beyond just helping students apply to college, and how it supports first-generation and underrepresented students in navigating the path to higher education.

Garner City Council member Phil Matthews, liaison to the town’s Veterans Advisory Committee, discusses the committee’s work to honor local veterans, support ceremonies and observances, and preserve the Garner Veterans Memorial, along with a preview of the upcoming Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina and a reminder about early voting for the 2026 primary election at the Avery St...

WakeEd Partnership President Keith Poston discusses the Tools4Schools program surpassing $2 million in free classroom supplies distributed to Wake County teachers, how the store helps reduce out of pocket spending by educators, and how the community can support teachers through donations, supply drives and volunteering.

NC A&T students Olu Rouse and Shia Rozier, leaders of Protect Ours NC, talk about their effort to mobilize students to advocate for early polling sites on campus, why access to voting locations matters for student participation, and how young voters can get involved through their organizing campaign.

Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, director of housing policy at the North Carolina Housing Coalition, explains why rents continue to rise across the Triangle and the state, how affordability challenges are reshaping where and how people live, and the policy solutions recommended to make housing more accessible for renters.

Ansley Wegner, director of research and publications for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and head of the America 250 in NC team, outlines events happening across the state to mark America’s 250th anniversary and explains how communities can take part in the statewide semi-quincentennial celebrations.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews reflects on key accomplishments during her tenure, discusses her plans following retirement, and shares her hopes for the future of policing and public safety in Durham as the department prepares for new leadership.

Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter for The Epoch Times and host of the Crossroads podcast, explains why he believes the current tensions involving Iran are part of a broader global power struggle centered on China, how Iran and Russia factor into Beijing’s strategic alliances, and what this geopolitical maneuvering means for U.S. foreign policy and global stability.