WPTF Morning News

President Trump implemented new tariffs this week during what he called Liberation Day and those tariffs have had impacts on many industries but some of the biggest impacts thus far have been on farmers. With Chris Edwards to talk about the impact these tariffs have had on those farmers across our state is Mike Davis with the Southern Farm Network.

There are a lot of things coming up at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh over the next several weeks and months and the fairgrounds have made some news this week with the announcement of a new structure that is hopefully in place in time for next year's State Fair. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this further is Kent Yelverton.

Three is much to discuss when it comes to things that are going on with the City of Raleigh. From a new music festival to high rise buildings, work around the Lenovo Center and more. With Chris Edwards for our Talk of the Town segment today is Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte.

Today is Opening Day for the Carolina Mudcats who begin their 35th season in Zebulon at Five County Stadium. This also marks the final year for the club in Zebulon before they move to Wilson next year. With Chris Edwards to talk about Opening Day and what to expect over this 35th Anniversary season is the General Manager of the Carolina Mudcats, David Lawrence.

We continue to monitor the impact of wildfires in Western North Carolina and in particular Haywood County where crews are still working to get this fire under control. With Chris Edwards to provide an update on where things stand with those wildfires is Allison Richmond, Public Information Officer for Haywood County.

The Durham Fire Department recently announced the hiring of several new firefighters and are still on the lookout for more. Also this week, the state lifted that state-wide burn ban after those wildfires that impacted western North Carolina. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of these topics are Timothy McKoy recruiter for the Durham Fire Department and the Robert Zoldis, Chief of the Durham Fire Department.

Lawmakers on Jones Street have advanced a bill this week that would put a ban on social media accounts for children 14 and under and would also require permission from parents for children who are 14 and 15 years old. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is one of the advocates of the bill, Forsyth County Representative Jeff Zenger.

From Cory Booker's record long speech on the senate floor to tariffs and other bills that have been introduced by the General Assembly there is much to talk about in politics this week. With Chris Edwards to discuss the latest is Meredith College Political Science Professor David McLennen.

Today is the so-called Liberation Day that was announced by President Donald Trump with new rounds of tariffs announced that revolve around reciprocal tariffs. With Chris Edwards to discuss these tariffs and what it means is NC State Economics Professor Emeritus Dr. Mike Walden.

There continues to be much to discuss when it comes to Capitol Hill and what is going on with congress with Chris Edwards to provide an update on a number of topics is North Carolina 5th District Congresswomen Dr. Virginia Foxx.

We continue to follow the ongoing state supreme court race - which remains the only outstanding race from the 2024 election as Judge Jefferson Griffin keeps challenging some 60,000 votes in his attempt to defeat Justice Allison Riggs. With Chris Edwards to discuss this and other topics of note is retired North Carolina State Supreme Court Justice, Bob Orr.

After being pushed back multiple times your time it ticking to get that RealID. This new star on your ID will allow you through TSA lines and into some government buildings. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the RealID and what you need to know is Daniel Velez TSA Spokesperson for the New England Region.

We are a little over a week away from the best week on the golf calendar, the Masters which returns to Augusta National Golf Course for that annual spring tradition. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the Tournament and to discuss his most recent book, The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National is Durham native Ward Clayton.

There continues to be more fallout after last weeks messaging issues surrounding war plans and potential tariffs this comes as President Trump made comments about wanting to run for a third term. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this is CBS News Correspondent Aaron Navarro.

With the possibility of more tariffs on the horizon later this week, many industries are feeling the impacts of those tariffs, in particular those in the technology industry. With Chris Edwards to discuss the impacts these tariffs are having on a number of tech and manufacturing industries is Ed Brzytwa the Vice President of International Trade at the Consumer Technology Association.

Talks of abolishing the TSA, a Delta flight having to divert due to a military aircraft and other aviation news as Tony Riggsbee talks with Jay Ratliff.

This Memorial Day the Murph Challenge is taking place in Louisburg. The Murph challenge is a difficult physicals challenge aimed to help raise money for the Veteran Life Center. Tony Riggsbee gets a moment to speak with Lisa Rider and Cory Thorton who is helping put the event together.

The DMV is not without its problems and inefficiencies. Dave Boliek, the North Carolina State Auditor has made it a mission of his to take audit the DMV with the goal of improving not only wait times but also customer service. Dave Boliek meets with Tony Riggsbee to talk about what the office of the state auditor is planning in their audit of the DMV and plans moving forward with other active and planned audit as well as the plans for the board of elections.

State Senate leader Phil Berger has proposed senate bill 474 known as "The Dave Act" which means Division of Accountability, Value and Efficiency. The aim of this bill mirrors what The Department of Government Efficiency is trying to do at the federal level. Dave Boliek, the North Carolina State Auditor, will be in charge of this should the ill be passes and Tony Riggsbee has the chance to speak him about the bill and what we should expect coming from it.

Diversity equity and inclusion has been a hot topic over the past few years and a long battle for many. With the changing political climate many have been left wondering what is going to happen with DEI in the government. Tony Riggsbee talks with Ren Larson with the Assembly about the article she has been about how DEI has affected people in the federal and state government and what it means to get rid of DEI in these spaces.