WPTF Morning News

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Kasey Keller is a U.S. soccer legend, holding the record as the most-capped goalkeeper on the U.S. Men’s National Team. He shares with Lisa Price what fans may not know is that, for years, Kasey was in the public spotlight but privately facing cancer during his professional soccer career and later as a sports broadcaster.

September is National Preparedness Month and new survey reveals how prepared individuals are for the next disaster. Tony Riggsbee talks with Marcus Coleman of United Way Worldwide and Carrie Hughes of Verizon to share practical steps families can take now before disasters strike.

Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss changes to polling hours, ballots, and other issues regarding the upcoming election.

Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer is a 3,000-mile bicycle relay from the Oregon coast to the Jersey Shore. More than 100 Bristol Myers Squibb employees ride it in legs, handing off team to team until they hit the Atlantic. Now in year 13, it has raised more than $21 million. Tony Riggsbee talks with Drew Hess about the event.

A new citizen guide program enlists volunteers to help aspiring Americans complete the path to U.S. citizenship. Veterans join the nationwide effort to support green card holders, including non-citizen service members, as they prepare for the final steps. Tony Riggsbee joins Nazanin Ash, Chief Executive Officer at Welcome.US and Andy Sullivan, Executive Director of No One Left Behind about the new program

All the recent economic reports lead to a major decision on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve will review and weigh many factors including labor market data, wage growth, inflation reports, business investment, and more. Tony Riggsbee joins Stephen Kates, CFP® Principal, Clocktower Financial Consulting t0 talk about the decision.

Lee Rainie, Director, Imagining the Digital Future Center of Elon University joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss results of new poll - Most Americans Believe Human Purpose is in Peril in the Age of AI U.S. adults fear artificial intelligence will undermine people’s sense of meaning and weaken social bonds, even as daily users report some personal satisfaction and useful outcomes from the bots.

Dr. Ashish Saxena, Thoracic medical oncologist and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, Wendy Brooks SCLC patient and advocate joins Tony Riggsbee to answer the life-saving question lung cancer patients don’t know to ask, and what new research is bringing more treatment options, and more hope, to people with small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Alethea Varra, discusses with Lisa Price, how the first few weeks of school can bring a major shift in routine for kids and teens. New academic expectations, social dynamics and busier schedules can quickly become overwhelming, particularly for those already managing mental health challenges. Parents and caregivers may notice changes in mood, sleep or behavior, declining school performance or a growing reluctance to attend school. These changes deserve attention when they persist or occur alongside increasing hopelessness, isolation or withdrawal.

Michael Merzenich, PhD, Neuroscientist and cochlear implant pioneer shares with Lisa Price advances made in correcting the hearing of someone that has never heard anything. What if scientists could connect an electronic device directly to the nervous system and give someone access to sound? That breakthrough is the cochlear implant and more than 1 million people worldwide now use the technology to hear and engage in spoken communication. The five scientists who helped make that possible are being honored with the 2026 Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology at the ceremony being held at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Dr. Michael Gerhardt, UNC Constitutional Scholar, talks with Tony Riggsbee ahead of Constitution Day on Sept. 17. Dr. Michael Gerhardt is a featured panelist at UNC's Program for Public Discourse and School of Law on executive power featuring a September 14 event at UNC-Chapel Hill that ties directly into national debates over executive power — and gives local audiences a chance to hear directly from the experts shaping that conversation.

Benny Czarny, CEO and founder of OPSWAT and author of Cybersecurity Upside Down explains to Lisa Price why prevention, not just detection, has become the new standard in protecting America's most vital systems, and why our definition of critical infrastructure is rapidly expanding, from traditional sectors on Earth to the emerging role of space-based technology that powers communications, navigation, AI, and global commerce.

Scotty Hasting, country music recording artist, Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient and Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, Head of Corporate Impact, USAA shares with Lisa Price details about Scotty Hasting who was one of the headlining acts at the Grand Ole Opry's third annual "Face the Fight Night at the Opry" concert on September 9, as country music celebrates and honors Veterans while helping prevent Veteran suicide.

Marian Cabanillas, United Health Care Representative discusses the program "Caring for the Caregivers: The Health Benefits Millions of Grandparents Are Missing" with Lisa Price, and how nearly half of people eligible for a Dual Special Needs or D-SNP Plan aren’t enrolled. Nearly 8 million children in the U.S. are being raised in homes headed by grandparents or other relatives, and those caregivers give so much of their time and energy that their own health often ends up last on the list. This Grandparents Day – September 13 – is a moment to celebrate everything grandparents do for their families.

On 9/11, first responders and survivors at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville carried a weight none of us can fully imagine. The Salvation Army stood beside them from that very first day and for years after, trying to be whatever helped them keep going. When they asked their own responders what actually helped, they all said the same thing: it was the small acts of kindness that carried people through. The Salvation Army is asking people across the country to “Be That Something” for someone in their life. Tony Riggsbee joins Commissioner Merle Heatwole, the National Commander, for The Salvation Army about all the things they have done to support the country after 9/11.

The 2026 Tunnel to Towers Raleigh 9/11 Tower Climb takes place Sept. 12 at in downtown Raleigh. On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories in honor of the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives that day. The community is invited to climb, volunteer, donate or cheer everyone on. Tony Riggsbee joins Ian Butler, Founder of Tunnels to Towers to talk about the event.

Activate Good is hosting a 9/11 Day of Service & 25th Anniversary Remembrance Event at John Chavis Memorial Park in Raleigh. Volunteers will turn remembrance into meaningful action through hands-on projects supporting local nonprofits, schools, and community needs. Projects include food distribution, park beautification, school projects, hygiene kits, and more. Tony Riggsbee talks with Rose Thompson, the Executive Director at Activate Good and how you can participate in the event.

Shelby Wood, the events coordinator for Garner's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss the upcoming festivals and other events planned to take place in Garner.

Dr. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science Professor, joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss mid-term Republican convention and other political news

The August Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, out Friday, is the last major inflation release before the Federal Reserve’s September 15–16 meeting. This may heavily influence whether the Fed delivers its first rate hike of this cycle. Markets are already pricing in roughly a 60% chance of a 25‑basis‑point hike after the much‑stronger‑than‑expected August jobs report, so the CPI report could tip the decision either way. In the case of either a hold or a hike, there are likely to be numerous dissenting votes. Tony Riggsbee joins Stephen Kates, CFP® Principal at Clocktower Financial Consulting about these reports and more.

Dr. Michael Maher, Chief Accountability Officer for the NC Department of Public Instruction, joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss the latest numbers on graduation rates and end-of-grade testing showing great improvement

"AI" companions are becoming more popular and some people are turning to find comfort these bots, some even considering these bots friends that understand them better than people. Lee Rainie, Director of the Imagining the Digital Future Center for Elon University joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss new poll on “The Rise of AI Companions.” the results of this study, and how these bots are designed to flatter you as a way of keeping you talking to them.

Rachael Riley, Staff Writer of The Fayetteville Observer joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss her article on Fort Bragg tapped for next-generation nuclear power program and what it means to the region.

Staff Sargent Kenneth Garcia with U.S. Army, joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss “Field Tested,” a new marketing campaign that centers on the Army’s unique training environments where Soldiers build the hands-on experience and proven skills needed to take on any challenge that lies ahead.

Bryan Anderson, politics reporter for The Assembly, covering state government and anchoring our twice-weekly politics newsletter, The Caucus, joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss his article in The Assembly “Three Races to Watch in Roy Cooper’s Backyard” and how Nash County has often voted for the winners of statewide contests. This year, the area is home to three legislative races that could make or break a GOP supermajority.

Dr. David McLennan, Retired Professor of Political Science and Political Analyst at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Director of the Meredith Poll joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss the Chuck Edwards censure vote, and how Republican candidate for U.S. House Laurie Buckhout has been suspended by online prediction market Kalshi for three years for wagering on her own campaign. She’s also agreed to pay a fine.

Scott Embry – Director and CEO of the United Way of Cumberland County joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and what it has meant to the children of Cumberland County.

Data shows childhood vaccination rates continue to decline in the Tar Heel state. With students packing classrooms again, doctors are expecting more than just homework to start spreading. Dr. Zachary Willis, a UNC-Chapel Hill associate professor of Pediatric Infectious Diseases joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss the article he is quoted in “State Data Shows Fewer NC Kindergarteners Getting Vaccinated” ad how doctors in North Carolina are preparing for more than just the usual back-to-school germs.

The 988 lifeline It is free and available 24/7 for anyone facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug problems. Hannah Wesolowski, the Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness joins Tony Riggsbee to talk about the hotline.

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey released today, showing a consistency weak hiring environment. This Friday the nonfarm payrolls and unemployment reports will be out, following July's disappointing report. Tony Riggsbee joins with Stephen Kates, CFP® Principal of Clocktower Financial Consulting about these reports and more.

Dr. Robert Bardon, Associate Dean for Extension, Professor at the NC State Forestry and Environmental Resources joins to discuss with Lisa Price the fall colors forecast.

A pre-game South African flyover almost ended in tragedy, Two air traffic controllers are facing possible termination after leaving the tower early & falsifying their timecards and more as Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to talk about last weeks aviation news.

Peter Gartrell, Founder and President Gartrell Public Affairs & author of book and documentary on Sugar Hill Records joins Lisa Price to discuss his article in The Assembly on “The Durham Record Label Where Dolly Parton Found a Little Spot of Heaven.”

David Hakanson, President and CEO of Government Employees Health Association in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, and Stephen Holley, former Navy SEAL and President and Co-Founder of Carry The Load join Lisa Price to discuss how volunteers nationwide can mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 doing Cemetery Clean-Up Events at More than 140 Locations Nationwide to Honor the Nation’s Heroes and the Lives Lost.

The Raleigh Convention Center has a new name after nearly two decades, the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center. The change comes as part of a 15-year naming rights agreement that places the bank's name on the downtown Raleigh venue. Tony Riggsbee talked with Kerry Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex

Cassie Hack, Communications and Marketing Director for the Town of Holly Springs shares information about the 150th anniversary of Holly Springs with Lisa Price including the exciting events spread out over the next year

Justin Brock, Marine Corps veteran and Medicare industry leader, founder of MedicareCon and creator of Brock Bootcamps and Behind the Agency - discusses with Lisa Price how with 11,000 Americans turning 65 each day, for many decisions about Medicare are being made for the first time.

Dr. Selena Lane, the Medical Director of Cary (Veterinary Emergency Group) VEG ER for Pets, talks with Lisa Price about National Dog Day, how to keep your pets safe and healthy, and when to seek treatment – especially if it’s an emergency.

Rose Hoban, Founder and Editor of NC Health News joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss the WakeMed-Atrium Merger and the latest article on the merger “As Atrium pursues WakeMed, a look inside its last big North Carolina deal” Atrium points to its partnership with Wake Forest Baptist in 2020 as evidence of the benefits for WakeMed of joining a larger system.

Robyn Fehrman, Executive Director of Teach For America North Carolina joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss how new and returning teachers are preparing for the school year, how educators will be using AI responsibly to deepen student learning and expand their capacity, and tips for parents and students in North Carolina as they head back to school.

Jim Morrill, Retired Political and Government Report for The Charlotte Observer joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss his article “What the Duke Lacrosse Case Says About Roy Cooper” from The Assembly.

The national debt has been growing rapidly due to interest rates, reaching 40 trillion dollars. Stephen Kates, CFP® Principal, Clocktower Financial Consulting speaks with Tony Riggsbee about the national debt, the current housing market, federal interest rates and more.

AI is becoming a new tool in the back-to-school toolkit, helping teens study, solve problems and learn in new ways. now, parents can learn how to make chatgpt for teens a smarter learning partner, with tools designed to build critical thinking and safeguards designed to help teens use it more safely. here to break it down is Meaghan B. Murphy, chatgpt power user and mom.

North Carolina’s wine, cider and mead producers are raising the bar for locally crafted beverages, with producers from across the state earning top honors in the 2026 N.C. Wine Competition. Tony Riggsbee talks with Nicole Chesney, Marketing Specialist and Executive Director for the NC Wine & Grape Council about the indstrury in North Carolina.

A laptop catches fire aboard an American Airlines flight injuring 5 passengers, Air France is offering a big premium service on the flight from San Francisco to Paris. Lisa Price talks with Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff about tease stories and more.

Tony Riggsbee joins with Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams about the upcoming plans with the Durham Freeway since the original location decimated the local Hayti community. The new plans aim to avoid any potential harm for local communities.

Dr. Peter Kowey William Wikoff Smith Chair in Cardiovascular Research, and Professor of Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, cardiologist joins Tony Riggebee to explore the human and social consequences of healthcare deserts in his new book, Failure to Treat. Dr. Kowey uncovers the hidden consequences of America’s broken healthcare system and what it means for ordinary families.

Hurricane season has been uneventful but is not over yet. There is a chance that some late season storms will still come. Tony Riggsbee with Sarah Clapa, Senior Meteorologist with the IBHS about what we could see and risk that are still posed this hurricane season and how we can prepare.

Andrew Dunn as recently released a biography of former Governor Pat McCrory. Both of them join Tony Riggsbee to discuses this book and how different North Carolina politics are today compared to when McCrory was in office.

Stephen Kates CFP Principal of Clocktower Financial Consulting joins Tony Riggsbee, to talk about the ever changing home market and how builders and mortgage rates are impacting that market here in North Carolina.