WPTF Morning News

On Wednesday night, Governor Josh Stein delivered his first State of the State address hitting on some of his campaign talking points while also discussing the importance of relief for Hurricane Helene victims along with a number of other topics. With Chris Edwards to offer thoughts on the address and other topics around the General Assembly is Wake County Representative Erin Pare.

Governor Josh Stein will deliver his State of the State address tonight, the first time since he was sworn in as the 76th Governor of our State. With us now to preview the speech and to discuss other topics of note from the General Assembly is Catawba College Political Science Professor, Dr. Michael Bitzer.

Today is National Girl Scouts Day which is celebrated on March 12 in honor of the founding of the Girl Scouts which is part of Girl Scout Week which is celebrated all week long. But outside of selling those delicious cookies, what are the other things the organization does, with Chris Edwards to chat about that and the organization as a whole is Lisa Jones CEO of the Girls Counts of North Carolina Coastal Pines.

Today is National Plant a Flower Day, which is fitting given how beautiful the weather is, so if you are ready to spruce up your outdoor area with some fresh flowers but maybe don't know exactly what to plant, well you are in luck, we reached out to one of the best to get the answers. With Chris Edwards to give you all the answers is Phil Campbell with Campbell Road Nursery.

Governor Josh Stein will deliver his State of the State address tonight, the first time since he was sworn in as the 76th Governor of our State. With Chris Edwards to talk us through the process of writing and delivering the State of the State address is the 74th Governor of North Carolina Pat McCrory.

There is much to discuss when it comes to Capitol Hill from funding the government, to possible tariffs, DOGE and many other topics - Chris Edwards get into all of those this morning with North Carolina Senator Ted Budd who joins us for his monthly visit.

After a explosive meeting in the Oval Office a couple weeks ago, it now appears that the United States and Ukraine are back at the negotiation table to try and work out both a mineral day as well as peace between Ukraine and Russia in their war that has been going on for over three years. With Chris Edwards to give us the latest on all of this is CBS News Military Analyst, Jeff McCausland.

In the new book, "Family Treasures Lost And Founds" journalist, author, and documentarian Karen A. Frenkel shares her journey and discoveries of digging up the truth about her parents survival stories. By scouring the Internet, plumbing real world sources, and visiting cities across Europe, Frenkel was able to honor her relatives and solve mysteries that seemed opaque her entire life. But there are truths, and facts – and she found them. Karen is kind enough to join Chris Edwards to talk about her new book.

American Airline is saying that arriving on time isn't good enough, a Southwest flight delayed after a passenger undresses in the cabin, and more story's as Chris Edwards has his weekly conversation with Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff.

NC State Athletics Director Boo Corrigan made a big announcement on Sunday morning announcing he was relieving Kevin Keatts of his duties as the head men's basketball coach for the school. This coming one day after the Wolfpack finished the season 12-19 overall, 5-15 in the ACC and did not qualify for the ACC Tournament, just one year after reaching the Final Four. With Chris Edwards to discuss this and to preview the ACC Tournament in Charlotte this week is David Glenn with the North Carolina Sports Network.

There have been a number of lawsuits involving the Trump Administration with reports out on Friday that over 100 lawsuits have been filed against the Administration since the inauguration. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this is CBS News Legal Analyst, Thane Rosenbaum.

Last week's job report revealed that the economy added 151,000 new jobs, the unemployment rate stood at 4.1 percent, and annual wages rose by 4 percent—outpacing the 3 percent inflation rate by a full percentage point. CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger joins Chris Edwards to break it all down.

AI is increasingly being used to detect symptoms of various mental illnesses. Elliot Hill, the author of a study on how AI is aiding in mental illness detection, joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss the innovative ways AI is making a difference in mental health diagnosis and care.

Many people visited the Dorothea Dix Hospital Cemetery, despite the fact that little is known about those buried there. Amy Fix, Chair of the Historic Cemetery Advisory Board, joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss what we do know about the site and why it continues to draw visitors.

President Donald Trump has stated that he intends to abolish the Department of Education. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has clarified that this is not the case. Despite this, many people remain concerned about the potential impact if the department were to be eliminated. Jeff Hamlin speaks with Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership, to gain local perspective on the issue.

Many Children go hungry every day and for a lot of those the only meal they get is at school. This week is national school Breakfast week and it is encouraged for all students to get to school early in order to try the school breakfast for those who never have. Jeff Hamlin is joined by Abby Emanuelson the Executive Director for the NC Alliance for Health about what they are doing in order to keep school meals available and health for the kids across the state.

Now that we are into March, there is a hint of madness in the air and many other sporting events are heading back to Raleigh which has become a hot bead for sporting events over the last number of years and later this month, the Capitol City will host the opening rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. With Chris Edwards to discuss all of this is the Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, Scott Dupree.

For more than four decades, Rob Christensen wrote about North Carolina Politics in his column for the News & Observer and is out with a new book this week entailed: Southern News, Southern Politics. How a newspaper defined a state for a century which profiles the paper and its impact on our state. With Chris Edwards to discuss his work is Rob Christensen.

Several North Carolina State Representatives have introduced a bill to codify a challenged election rule for military personal and other Americans who are overseas voters. This bill comes as the North Carolina State Supreme Court race remains the only ongoing race from the 2024 elections as the challenger in the race, Judge Jefferson Griffin is challenging some 65,000 including some who are overseas in the military. With Chris Edwards to discuss this bill is one of the co-sponsors of the legislation Guilford County Representative Pricey Harrison.

Later this week that annual tradition of flipping the clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time will occur as we all prepare to lose an hour of sleep on Sunday morning. But what are the impacts of that lost hour on our bodies and how can we deal with it? With Chris Edwards to discuss this and the importance of sleep as a whole is Dr. Aatif Husain, Division Chief of Epilepsy, Sleep and Neurophysiology at Duke University Hospital.

There is much to discuss as it relates to items and events going on in many of our communities across the Triangle and we wanted to talk with leaders of our cities to get the latest on the things that matter in their municipalities. In our Talk of the Town segment today we are heading to the Bull City where we talk all things Durham with the Mayor Leo Williams.

On Tuesday night, President Trump gave his first address to a joint session of congress since returning to the White House for a second term. The speech laid out the Presidents foreign and domestic agenda while touting the accomplishment of his administration in its first weeks. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the address and touch on a number of other issues is North Carolina 13th District Congressman Brad Knott.

Severe weather will impact our area this afternoon and could bring heavy winds and power outages, this as North Carolina holds its Severe Weather Preparedness Week. With Chris Edwards to break down all that we need to know about this storm and being prepared for any severe weather that comes our way is Nick Petro, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Two high school juniors at Ravenscroft School here in Raleigh are leading the "Ravens on the Run" team in order to help raise money for the American Cancer Society by organizing the running over cancer 5k. This Race starts this month and lands the team a spot in the world's largest relay race, where they will be running 199 miles from Mt Hood in organ to the pacific coast. With Chris Edwards to discuss are the co-captains of this year's Ravens on the Run team for Running Over Cancer 5K Dane Woelffer and Charlotte Stringer

On Tuesday night, President Trump gave his first address to a joint session of congress since returning to the White House for a second term. The speech laid out the Presidents foreign and domestic agenda while touting the accomplishment of his administration in its first weeks. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the speech is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennen.

Senate president Phil Berger (R) joins Chris Edwards to discuss Hurricane Helene relief and other key issues lawmakers will consider this session.

The ongoing legal saga between Clemson, Florida State and the Atlantic Coast Conference could be coming to an end in the near future as the parties are voting on a settlement to end these four lawsuits and further solidify the future of the league, we hope. With Chris Edwards to break all of this down is David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network.

There is much to discuss when it comes what is currently going on at the State Legislator where budgets talks are ongoing, a number of bills are working their way through both chambers and there is still several needs that need to be met for the folks in Western North Carolina. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is State Senate Minority Leader and Wake County Senator Sydney Batch.

A new story out in The Assembly profiles Head Coach Hubert Davis and the North Carolina Men's Basketball program which has been mired in a bit of a rough stretch this season as the Tar Heels fight to make the NCAA Tournament. With Chris Edwards in studio to discuss his story is John Drescher with the Assembly.

The Trump administration has imposed new tariffs on Canada and Mexico that went into effect today. What will be the biggest impacts on you and your family? Chris Edwards get the update on what you need know from NC State Economics Professor Emeritus Dr. Mike Walden.

Newsweek has announced their top hospitals and UNC Health makes more then one appearance on the list. Jeff Hamlin gets the chance to speak with Jeff Lindsay the president of UNC health hospitals about the list and what they are doing to ensure they stay some of the top hospitals in the state and the country.

Delta celebrated its 100th birthday, the yearly safety record has been released, and more aviation story's as Jeff Hamlin speaks with aviation analyst Jay Ratliff.

Gun Violence has been a persistent problem in Durham and many people are trying help better the issue and the causes. Jeff Hamlin talks with Dr. Malcolm DeBaun about ways he is helping try to prevent gun violence and how the community is tackle the issue as a whole.

Jeff Hamlin joins Jill Schlesinger for her weekly spot of the morning show, they have a discussion about how former government workers are coping the loss of their jobs and how they can bounce back after the recent firings.

The North Carolina Red Cross is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Wes Haynes, Biomedical Regional Spokesperson for the Red Cross of the Greater Carolinas.

It is a busy time on Jones Street as the General Assembly continues their work and a number of members have introduced legislation, that includes legislation that has been brought fourth by in the House by Moore and Randolph County Representative Neal Jackson that restrict a students use of cell phones during school instructional hours. With Chris Edwards to discuss his bill and other topics is Representative Jackson.

We continue to keep our friends in Western North Carolina in mind as the recovery process continues from Hurricane Helene this as lawmakers on Jones Street dive into budget talks and more money for those impacted by the storm. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective is Buncombe County Senator Julie Mayfield.

It is a busy time on Jones Street as the General Assembly continues their work and a number of members have introduced legislation, that includes legalization that has been brought fourth by in the House by Wake County Rep. Erin Pare that would raise starting teacher pay to $50,000, restore master's degree pay and study dollar allotment system to increase district compensation flexibility. With Chris Edwards to discuss this measure is Representative Erin Pare.

Wednesday night at Southeast Raleigh High School, Wake County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor delivered his State of the Schools Address speaking about funding cuts to the school system and other issues that are important to those around the district. Dr. Taylor kind enough to join Chris Edwards to recap his speech and talk more in depth about some of the issues facing Wake County and other public schools.

Coming in April a battle on the ice at the Leonovo Center in Raleigh where bragging rights on the line but it also supports a good cause. We're talking about the Battle of the Badges as the Raleigh Police and Raleigh Fire departments will square off. With Chris Edwards in studio to talk more about this is Major Manukas with the Raleigh Police Department and Lt. Hauser with the Raleigh Fire Department.

The budget process is going on at the state level but on Capitol Hill the need for a budget is also a top priority as a government shutdown looms. On Wednesday we heard the news that House Republicans passed a budget resolution by a narrow margin of 218-215. But what goes on behind the scenes in these negations between lawmakers on the hill? With us now to give Chris Edwards a peak behind the curtain and to discuss other topics is former North Carolina 13th District Congressman, Wiley Nickel.

It is budget season on Jones Street and lawmakers continue to work through that process we wanted to get some perspective on what those negotiations are like plus federal cuts could impact North Carolina, what does that do for the state - Chris Edwards get thoughts on all of this from former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.

Big news out of Chapel Hill on Tuesday as it relates to the North Carolina Men's Basketball Program as it was announced that head coach Hubert Davis has hired agent Jim Tanner as the program's new General Manager and later in the day, UNC announced that Davis had signed a contract extension prior to this season which will keep him in Chapel Hill through 2030. With Chris Edwards to break this down and talk all things ACC basketball is David Glenn from the North Carolina Sports Network.

It is a busy time on Jones Street as the General Assembly continues their work and a number of members have introduced legislation that would impact our state. That includes legalization that has been cosponsored in both the House and the Senate called the Judge Joe John Non-Partisan Judicial Elections Act which calls for nonpartisan judicial elections. With Chris Edwards to discuss this and other topics is one of the cosponsors of this bill Wake County Senator Lisa Grafstein.

It is a busy time on Jones Street as the General Assembly continues their work and a number of members have introduced legislation that would impact our state. That includes House Bill 5 which is being referred to as the new conceal carry law that was co-sponsored by North Carolina State Representative Keith Kidwell joins Chris Edwards to discuss this bill and other topics as well.

We continue to monitor the condition of the Pope where reports say the Pontiff is showing 'slight improvement'. With Chris Edwards to talk about the latest is CBS News Correspondent Vicki Barker.

It was a busy day around the White House on Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron visiting President Trump this as Mr. Trump has a potential meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year. With Chris Edwards to discuss this and other topics is CBS News White House Reporter, Olivia Rinaldi.

News out over the weekend from the Vatican say that Pope Francis is in critical condition as the remains hospitalized as he battles double pneumonia. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the pontiff's condition and what we can expect moving forward is CBS News Foreign Correspondent Chris Livesay.

An American Airlines flight diverted by the military in Rome, a fight breaking out in an Atlanta airport Terminal, and the debate over regional jet vs. mainline flights resumes. These story's and more as Chris Edwards has his weekly conversation with Jay Ratliff

The North Carolina Senior Games are coming back to our state with 54 local games that serve all 100 counties across North Carolina each spring. What do you need to know and how can you be part of all the action, well you're in luck with Chris Edwards to give us all the details is Allie Crawford, Local Coordinator for the Senior Games.