WPTF Morning News

Bill Furjanic, interim executive director of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association, joins Tony in studio to discuss how families can get their children involved in youth soccer through the 74,000-player statewide organization and how parents can follow the World Cup with their kids, including players and storylines to watch.

Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University and president of Walden Economic Consulting, joins Tony to discuss the life and legacy of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who died Monday at age 100 from complications of Parkinson's disease. Greenspan served nearly 19 years as Fed chair under four presidents, from Ronald Reag...

Lisa Price talks with Grammy Award Winning Singer Kenny Wayne Shepherd about his upcoming concert at Carolina Theatre in October.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to discuss a close call at Boston Logan International Airport where an American Airlines jet cleared for takeoff and an arriving Delta flight cleared to land were nearly directed into the same airspace simultaneously. Ratliff explains how the Delta crew caught the conflict on final approach and executed a go-around, and discusses the FAA and NTSB inves...

Chuck Still, executive director of The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama, joins Lisa Price to discuss the economic impact of outdoor dramas in North Carolina and whether rising travel costs are driving more visitors to locally produced performances this season.

Dr. Robert Cain, president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, joins Lisa Price to discuss how osteopathic medicine is helping address the critical shortage of primary care doctors in rural and underserved communities across the country and why the need for physicians continues to grow.

Dr. David McLennan, professor of political science and director of the Meredith Poll at Meredith College, joins Lisa Price to discuss the opening of the Obama Presidential Library and what it means for the former president's legacy and public engagement.

Mark Lach, creative producer of Titanic: The Exhibition, joins Lisa Price to reflect on the third anniversary of the Titan submersible implosion and share what it was like to personally dive to the Titanic wreck site. Lach also previews what visitors will see at the exhibition, now running at the Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte through Labor Day, including a gallery highlighting Nor...

Alexandra Sirota, executive director of the NC Budget & Tax Center, joins Lisa Price to break down the newly released state budget and what it means for North Carolina families, communities and the state's long-term fiscal outlook.

Kevin Long, co-founder and CEO of The Dyrt, joins Lisa Price to discuss how campers can use the app to find and book campgrounds, RV parks and glamping sites across the country, and shares the benefits of planning a camping trip ahead of time using The Dyrt's tools.

National Weather Service meteorologist Gail Hartfield joins Tony to discuss a heat advisory in effect with temperatures expected to reach near 100 degrees and heat index values up to 108. Hartfield explains how the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur combined with a cold front could bring isolated damaging winds south of the Triangle overnight, why high winds and heat are raising the risk of wildfir...

Mayor Pro Tem Demian Dellinger of the town of Garner joins Lisa Price to discuss the town's lineup of summer celebrations, including this weekend's annual Juneteenth Celebration, a performance by the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band and Chorus on June 26, and Garner's July 3 Independence Day Celebration at Lake Benson Park.

John Fitzpatrick, head of GM's CarBravo program, joins Lisa Price to discuss the hidden costs beyond a vehicle's sticker price, why more shoppers are turning to certified used vehicles as budgets tighten, and how warranties and service coverage can make or break a good deal as more used EVs enter the market in 2026.

Comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes joins Lisa Price to discuss her latest stand-up special, "Ugly Baby," now available to watch for free on YouTube

Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the Association for Clinical Oncology, joins Lisa Price to discuss new federal Medicaid work requirements set to take effect in January 2027 and the risk they pose to cancer patients who may struggle to meet reporting requirements while undergoing treatment. Gralow explains why even brief gaps in coverage can jeopardize care a...

Jahmyra Austin of Apple's worldwide retail team joins Tony to discuss Apple Camp's free in-store summer sessions for kids ages 6 to 10, including this year's "Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad" program. Austin explains how the camps help children turn screen time into creative time while building digital skills, and shares what parents should know about built-in safety tools and parental c...

Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate and certified financial planner, joins Tony for his weekly segment to discuss the latest economic trends and practical personal finance guidance for listeners.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to discuss why Delta and other airlines are suspending marginally profitable routes due to rising fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict, the unusual decision to rename West Palm Beach Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport and change its three-letter code from PBI to DJT, and a JetBlue flight where passengers spotted a rat running through the...

Sally Kornbluth, president of MIT, joins Lisa Price to discuss the vital role university-based basic research plays in driving breakthroughs in medicine, computing and technology, and what could be lost if federal investment continues to decline. Kornbluth also explains the Curiosity on a Mission initiative and why sustained support for curiosity-driven science matters for patients, industries and...

Angie Hicks, co-founder and chief customer officer of Angi, joins Lisa Price during National Homeowners Month to discuss a new global survey finding that 49% of U.S. homeowners say they handle maintenance before problems arise. Hicks shares how American habits around home upkeep, renovation priorities, and smart home adoption compares to those of homeowners worldwide and offers advice for those wh...

National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Green joins Lisa Price to discuss a dangerous heat wave gripping central North Carolina, with temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s to low 100s and heat index values climbing to 102 to 106 degrees through Friday. Green advises outdoor event goers, including fans attending Carolina Hurricanes viewing parties, to stay hydrated, seek shade, wear sunsc...

Angie Minett, national vice chair of program development at Scouting America and former Scouts BSA program chair, joins Lisa Price to discuss new research showing that up to 21% of young people feel lonely and that adults who participated in Scouting report stronger relationships, greater community involvement, and lower feelings of loneliness later in life. Minett shares what families can look fo...

National Weather Service meteorologist Chrissy Anderson joins Tony to break down an intense heat event expected to peak Thursday and Friday, with temperatures near 100 degrees and heat index values reaching 102 to 106 degrees across the Triangle. Anderson advises residents to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, apply sunscreen, and keep pets and young children cool, with a slight cooldown expected...

Jonathan Connors, director of communications at Team Rubicon, joins Tony to discuss the veteran-led humanitarian organization's annual hurricane response training exercise, known as HERX, a five-day simulation designed to test disaster response teams before hurricane season begins. Connors reflects on the unprecedented devastation of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and explains how Team...

Denny Lindemann, regional vice president of Craft Body Scan, joins Tony during Men's Health Month to discuss the company's low-dose CT scanning technology, which can detect heart blockages and early-stage lung cancer before symptoms appear. Lindemann shares a personal story about his own experience with the scans and highlights a special offer of $99 for two people to receive a heart and lung scan...