WPTF Morning News

Brooke Wilensky-Lanford, author and Chapel Hill resident, joins Tony Riggsbee to discuss her new book "A God-Shaped Nation: Five Hundred Years of Religion in America" and her recent article in The Assembly on Billy Graham. Wilensky-Lanford will hold a reading and signing at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill on June 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

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

Andy Esser, certified financial planner and financial advisor at Edward Jones in Durham, joins Tony on 529 Day to discuss new research showing families are feeling less confident about covering future education costs, how 529 plans work and what steps parents can take now to build a clearer education savings strategy.

Brooke Parkhurst, culinary instructor, cookbook author and operating partner at Harry Roy, joins Tony to discuss how updated dietary guidelines and growing interest in protein-rich foods are driving renewed attention to the dairy aisle, and shares practical ideas for quick summer meals and snacks. This interview is provided by the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association.

Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus at North Carolina State University and president of Walden Economic Consulting, joins Tony to discuss why municipalities across North Carolina are seeing budget deficits ranging from millions to billions of dollars and whether the trend is likely to spread to other communities.

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner joins Tony to discuss efforts to create high school financial literacy clubs across the state and why building money management skills early is critical for the next generation of North Carolinians.

Nick Petro, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service forecast office in Raleigh, joins Tony to discuss the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins June 1. Petro explains how a developing El Niño and warm Atlantic waters are competing forces this year, why early-season storms forming close to the Southeast coast concern him most, and why flooding poses a greater threat than wind for inland communities. He urges North Carolinians to prepare now rather than wait for a storm to approach.

Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician, founder of PedsDocTalk and Lingokids spokesperson, joins Tony to discuss a new study on how much time children ages 8 and under spend on screens and how parents can set healthy boundaries around screen time while still using technology as a tool for learning and development.

John Bard Manulis, producer of the documentary "Fortunate Sons," joins Lisa Price to discuss the film's exploration of masculinity and the mental health of boys and men, including the stigma surrounding mental health issues, gender role expectations and the pressure of parental expectations. The documentary is now streaming on demand.

North Carolina Musician Ben Folds talks with Lisa Price about his concert Saturday, May 30, at Meymandi Hall in Raleigh. Proceeds go to support his Keys for Kids charitable initiative and all proceeds support ongoing efforts to provide free piano lessons to young people across the state. Buy tickets or make a donation by going to KEYS-FOR-KIDS-NC-DOT-ORG

Producer John Bard Manulis talks with Lisa Price about the new documentary FORTUNATE SONS, a timely and deeply human film that sheds light on the national conversation about masculinity and the mental health of boys and men available on most streaming platforms.

Lindsay Silberman, founder of Hotel Lobby Candle, and Ami Vedak, managing vice president at Capital One, join Lisa Price to discuss how small business owners are stretching their work trips to make every journey count more, and what financial tools can help entrepreneurs manage the growing complexity of business travel. For more information, visit capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/venture-x-business.

Maria Intscher-Owrang, co-founder of Simplifyber, joins Tony to discuss how the Raleigh-based startup is developing bio-based materials molded directly from natural fibers, dramatically reducing production waste, carbon emissions and reliance on plastics while attracting major brand partnerships and new investment, and what it means for the Triangle's growing reputation as a hub for climate innovation.

Bob Passmore, department vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and Rebecca Weast, senior research scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, join Tony to discuss teen driver safety as the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day begins, a period when teen traffic fatalities spike by nearly 26%. The two share practical steps parents can take now, from setting driving agreements to choosing safer vehicles and managing insurance costs.

Greg Oates, director of AI advocacy at GuideGeek, joins Tony to discuss how artificial intelligence has transformed travel planning ahead of a major summer season featuring the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations. Oates explains how travelers can use AI tools to save money, customize itineraries and get the most out of their trips even with rising gas and flight prices.

Wendy Payne and Marie join Tony to discuss the inaugural Cary Garden Tour running May 30-31, 2026, featuring exclusive access to 13-14 private gardens, historic sites and classic car displays headquartered at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center in Cary. The event supports local nonprofits through ticket sales and is presented by the 90-year-old Cary Woman's Club. Tickets and information are available at carygardentour.org

Matthias Berninger, executive vice president of public affairs, sustainability and safety at Bayer, joins Tony to discuss findings from the new Science Under Siege survey, which found 80% of Americans blame social media for spreading health and science misinformation yet continue to use it as their primary source. Berninger discusses how the generational trust gap is growing and what Bayer's Science Delivers initiative is doing to help Americans spot misinformation and support evidence-based science.

Linda Rosa-Lugo, president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and Janice Trent, former ASHA board member and practicing audiologist, join Tony during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month to discuss a new national poll on the challenges caregivers face when communication breaks down and how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can improve quality of life for both patients and families. For more information visit helpingyoucommunicate.org.

Keith Poston, president of WakeEd Partnership, joins Tony to discuss the conclusion of another successful year of Partners Read, a community literacy program that connected more than 325 volunteers with approximately 650 Wake County elementary school students this year, putting 13,000 new books into students' hands. Volunteers are being recruited now for next school year at wakeed.org/partnersread.

Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA Carolinas, joins Tony to discuss what travelers can expect this Memorial Day weekend, including gas price trends, expected traffic volumes and safety tips for the road.

Bill Briggs, deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, joins Lisa Price to discuss the SBA's announcement doubling the cumulative loan limit for its 7(a) and 504 loan programs to $10 million, his visit to North Carolina small businesses and remarks at the FedTex conference, and the agency's ongoing focus on veteran entrepreneurship and manufacturing.

Bruce McClary, senior vice president of membership and communications at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, joins Tony to discuss the organization's first quarter 2026 Financial Stress Forecast, which shows consumer financial stress has plateaued near record-high levels and that more Americans are proactively seeking nonprofit credit counseling as their capacity to manage debt is pushed to the limit.

Joy Berry, known as the inventor of self-help books for children and author of more than 200 titles with over 85 million copies sold, joins Lisa Price to discuss a new Brookings Institution report showing that 6 in 10 parents say their toddlers interact with voice assistants daily. Berry explains why she believes AI is becoming a surrogate parent and what families can do to ensure children develop the independence, resilience and real-world coping skills they need.

Kelly Ransdell, director of public education at the National Fire Protection Association, joins Lisa Price to discuss grill safety ahead of Memorial Day weekend, when outdoor grilling fires surge across the country. Ransdell shares key data showing gas grills account for 76% of home grilling fires and that one in five fires involves a grill that had not been cleaned, along with practical tips to prevent fires this summer.

Legendary singer and songwriter Dionne Warwick joins Lisa Price to discuss her new song "Ocean in the Desert," a duet with Cynthia Erivo from her upcoming album "DWuets," due out in August. The album marks the final release of Warwick's 65-year recording career.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins Lisa Price to discuss Southwest Airlines laying off 75 employees despite reporting $7.2 billion in quarterly revenue, a disruptive passenger who bit a flight attendant on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Dallas forcing an emergency stop in Tahiti, and why Ratliff disagrees with the Delta and United CEOs who say low-cost carriers are on their way out.

Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, joins Lisa Price to discuss new survey data showing 86% of Americans who drink plan to do so this summer, how moderation has edged out taste as the top consideration for the first time, and emerging trends like zebra striping and nonna maxing that reflect a quieter shift in how people think about drinking.

Jill Schlesinger of JillOnMoney.com joins Lisa Price to walk the class of 2026 through six essential financial steps as they enter the workforce, covering how to track spending, manage student loans, build an emergency fund, start saving for retirement, compare health insurance options and protect against identity theft by freezing their credit.

Emily Dickens, chief administrative officer at the Society for Human Resource Management, joins Tony to discuss a recent meeting of more than 50 North Carolina HR leaders with state lawmakers to address a workforce gap requiring 5,000 to 10,000 more graduates annually, and what policymakers can do to better align education and workforce training with employer needs.

Ariel Clay, chief operating officer of Woodhouse Spa, joins Tony to discuss the growing trend of skinvestment, a shift away from trial-and-error product routines toward more personalized, professional skincare treatments, and how people can build a long-term skincare plan heading into summer.

Valerie Bauerlein, reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins Tony to discuss the latest developments in the Alex Murdaugh case.

Dr. Eric Houck, associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Education and treasurer of the National Education Finance Academy, joins Tony to break down the education policy implications of the newly reached North Carolina Senate and House budget deal and what it means for schools across the state.

Dr. William Link, Richard J. Milbauer Professor of History at the University of Florida, joins Tony to discuss his book "Jesse Helms: Modern Conservatism and the Politics of Opposition" and the parallels he draws between the late North Carolina senator's brand of conservative politics and the approach of President Trump.

Carol Hymes, event director at RecruitMilitary and U.S. Army veteran, joins Tony to discuss a free virtual veteran and military spouse hiring event on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central, hosted in partnership with the Disabled American Veterans and connecting transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses with employers actively hiring. Registration is available at recruitmilitary.com.

Dr. Mike Walden, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus and extension economist at North Carolina State University, joins Tony to break down the details of the General Assembly's proposed budget, including what it gets right and where it falls short for North Carolina residents.

Paul Padgett, inspections director for the town of Garner, joins Tony during Building Safety Month to explain the role local inspections departments play in public safety and share practical steps homeowners can take to improve safety, build resilience against disasters and ensure their homes are accessible for all.

Dr. Gabriella Dauer, pediatrician and founder of Dauer Pediatrics and OnCall Peds, joins Tony to discuss iron deficiency, the most common nutritional shortfall globally, and why it is particularly serious in children including premature babies and picky eaters. Dauer explains the warning signs parents should watch for and when a supplement may be needed beyond dietary changes. For more information visit novaferrum.com.

Dr. W. Craig Noblett, president of the American Association of Endodontists, joins Tony to discuss Save Your Tooth Month and new survey data showing nearly 7 in 10 Americans say saving a natural tooth is usually the best option. Noblett explains the role endodontists play in preserving natural teeth and how treating tooth infections can have a broader impact on overall health. For more information visit aae.org.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes join Tony Riggsbee ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season to share five essential steps families can take to prepare for natural disasters, from building an emergency kit to reviewing insurance coverage for flood and wind damage.

Dr. Ryan Potter, vice president of audiology at HearingLife, joins Lisa Price during National Police Week to discuss the alarming rates of job-related hearing loss among first responders, including up to 80% of long-term law enforcement officers, and what police, firefighters and EMS workers can do to protect their hearing on the job.