WPTF Morning News

Debbie Veney, founder and CEO of Agency Inc., joins Lisa Price to discuss a new national survey examining how Generation Z is navigating work, education and financial independence after high school, including findings that show charter school alumni report earning an average of $22,000 more per year than peers who attended district-run schools.

Julie Henderson, president of the North Carolina Bail Agents Association, joins Lisa Price to discuss a growing scheme in which scammers use artificial intelligence and impersonation tactics to convince families that a loved one has been arrested and needs immediate bail money, and what North Carolinians can do to protect themselves.

Dr. Alan Huddleston, acting U.S. chief veterinary officer at USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, joins Lisa Price to discuss the largest outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in U.S. history, how the spring migration season increases the risk of the virus spreading to backyard and commercial flocks, and what free biosecurity resources USDA is offering to help poultry owners pr...

Sarah Redpath, board chair of the Fine Arts League of Cary, joins Lisa Price to discuss the organization's first-ever artists catalog featuring more than 74 regional artists and a public book signing event set for March 27 at the FALC Gallery in downtown Cary.

Sheena Easton joins Lisa Price to discuss a career spanning nearly five decades, from her Grammy Award-winning recordings to Broadway and television, and what fans can expect when she performs at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts on March 20.

North Carolina singer-songwriter Ashley Virginia joins Lisa Price to discuss her partnership with NC by Train and what it is like to travel between North Carolina and New York by rail while on tour.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price for his weekly look at the latest news in the aviation industry.

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...

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 dis...

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...

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 childre...

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 mar...

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 als...