WPTF Morning News

Bryan Anderson joins WPTF Morning News for an update on the high-profile North Carolina Senate race between Senate President Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page. He breaks down the latest developments in the Berger–Page contest and what the race could mean for the political landscape in North Carolina.

WPTF anchor Tony Riggsbee joins Josh Ellis to reflect on the life and legacy of legendary football coach Lou Holtz following news of his passing. They discuss Holtz’s impact on the game, his larger-than-life personality and why his voice resonated far beyond the football field.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reacts after President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to protect domestic supplies of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. Troxler discusses what the move could mean for farmers, fertilizer production and the reliability of key agricultural inputs.

Chase Pellegrini de Paur, staff writer for Indy Week and The Assembly, joins Lisa Price to break down the results of the primary election with a focus on the 4th Congressional District.

Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services, joins Lisa Price to discuss the multiple tax law changes now in effect and how they could impact everyday filers, particularly those with tips, overtime pay, multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Steber breaks down common filing errors to avoid, new deduction updates, and why getting ahead of the April deadline could save you money.

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff explains how the Iran situation is forcing airlines to suspend or reroute flights through key Middle East airports, leaving large numbers of travelers stranded and uncertain about when service will resume. He also breaks down what the government shutdown could mean for TSA staffing and security line wait times as agents miss paychecks, and shares what travelers should w...

Donaji (Donnahee) Alba, Consul General of Mexico in Raleigh, discusses recent violence in Mexico and signs it may be easing, addresses the evolving relationship between Mexico and the United States in light of recent political comments, and outlines the services offered by the Mexican Consulate for citizens in North Carolina.

Jill Schlesinger of JillOnMoney.com discusses mortgage rates falling below 6% for the first time in more than three years and what that means for spring homebuyers and sellers. She explains how affordability is measured, why rising home prices and insurance costs still strain budgets, how much to put down in today’s market, and provides a simple formula to decide whether refinancing makes financia...

Andres Lares, CEO of Shapiro Negotiations Institute, explains how consumers are using artificial intelligence to gain an advantage in everyday negotiations, from salary discussions to rent and major purchases, offering strategies for researching fair prices, drafting confident messages, practicing pushback, recognizing delay tactics and negotiating for added value beyond price reductions.

Margie Bucheit discusses her new historical novel We Chose Resistance marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighting the courage and risks taken by members of the French Resistance, the role of spies and key battles that helped France align with Allied forces and defeat German occupation, and the pivotal contributions many women made in intelligence and resistance efforts.

Dr. Marylise Boutros, a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, explains why colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults under 50, which symptoms should never be ignored, how current screening guidelines apply to younger adults and how a new American College of Surgeons patient checklist can help people recognize warning signs and prepare for conversations with their doctor...

Veteran journalist Bill Conroy discusses recent violence in Mexico following the killing of a cartel kingpin and explains the differences between drug cartels and the mafia, along with how organized crime groups operate and impact communities on both sides of the border.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger discusses his race against Sam Page in the upcoming March 3 primary and shares why he believes North Carolinians should support his candidacy in the election.

Matt Schulz of LendingTree reviews new research showing Fayetteville and Durham rank among the top cities for Black-owned businesses, explains factors driving growth in minority entrepreneurship, and outlines ongoing challenges Black entrepreneurs face in accessing capital and building sustainable businesses.

Dr. Michael Bitzer of Catawba College breaks down key points from the State of the Union address, what the president’s remarks signal about policy priorities, and what the speech may mean for Americans and the political landscape moving forward.

John Wood, broker and owner of RE/MAX United in Raleigh, discusses how winter storms slowed home sales in the Triangle in January, what recent market data shows about buyer activity, and what homeowners should update or fix before putting a house on the market to improve its appeal and resale value.

Alex Granados of the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority explains the FAFSA February campaign, why completing the FAFSA is essential for students seeking state and federal financial aid, and how College for North Carolina is helping counselors, students and families navigate the college funding process.

Duke clinical research associate Tyler Cope explains the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack, why CPR training can save lives, what to expect from the statewide CPR Training World Record Day event, and how ongoing research aims to improve survival outcomes across North Carolina.

N.C. Department of Transportation DMV Communications Director Marty R. Homan explains new operating hours at DMV offices, how appointment timing is changing across the state, and what drivers should know to reduce wait times and avoid common scheduling frustrations.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams discusses the creation of a new task force focused on addressing recent teen shootings in the city, outlining its goals, who will be involved, how the city plans to prevent youth violence, and what families and the community can expect in the weeks ahead.

John R. Miles, award-winning podcaster and author of You Matter, Luma , talks about why helping children feel valued and worthy matters more than ever, how kindness can shape confidence and resilience, and how his own childhood experiences of feeling invisible helped inspire his message for kids and families.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger explains why the latest jobs report shows an economy that is still growing but not generating widespread hiring, with many companies holding steady as they wait to see how policy changes and artificial intelligence will reshape their workforce needs.

Josh Ellis, vice president of news, explains how the fictional WSQK radio station featured in Stranger Things was inspired by the real-world WPTF transmitter site in North Carolina, detailing how the show’s art department used the layout and appearance of the historic broadcast facility to inform its on-screen design and why that connection matters to fans and local history. Read More: https://www...

Dr. Joanna Parga Belinkie of the American Academy of Pediatrics explains what parents should know about childhood vaccines, addresses common questions and concerns, and offers practical guidance on keeping kids on schedule and protected as families navigate routine immunizations and seasonal illness.

Indy Week and The Assembly staff writer Chase Pellegrini de Paur walks through the reporting process behind uncovering outside political spending tied to an anonymous PAC, discusses how this election cycle compares with 2022, what candidates are saying about the money involved and whether big spending actually changes the outcome of local races.