WPTF Morning News

We wanted to take a few minutes to highlight some of the great things going on with our local communities as we look ahead to the spring months and in our Talk of the Town segment this morning, we visit with our friends at the Town of Knightdale and with Chris Edwards to talk about all the great things going on in their community is the Mayor of Knightdale Jessica Day.

There is a lot of buzz around downtown Garner and the ongoing effort to revitalize that area with mixed-use development planned along with other efforts. In today's Talk of the Town Segment Chris Edwards breaks down the latest on the downtown project with the Assistant Town Manager in Garner John Hodges.

It was announced over the weekend that President Trump will impose new tariffs on Mexico and Canada, what does this mean for you and your family, Chris Edwards get the latest from CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger.

Over the weekend, President Trump announced new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. In response to that, Canada has already announced a tariff on US items with Mexico and China expected to announce similar measures in the coming days. What does all this mean for you and when might you feel the impacts, we get the latest from NC State University Economics Professor Emeritus Dr. Mike Walden.

A crash in Philadelphia, updates on the crash in DC, and a United Airlines fire. These story's and more as Chris Edwards has his weekly visit with Jay Ratliff.

In a new story for the Assembly, John Drescher writes about two mothers, who became great friends and allies after their sons died of AIDS in the 1990s and within their friendship came a couple of books and even challenges to North Carolina's longest serving Senator Jesse Helms. With Chris Edwards in studio to talk about these women is the author of the story, is John Drescher Senior Editor for the Assembly.

Western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene but in those storm ravaged areas they are dealing with another challenge as wildfires spread across portions of the region. With Chris Edwards to break down the latest on the fires and the recovery process from the fires and the storm is Retired New York Police Lt. Steve Hauck who is in Western North Carolina helping with storm recovery.

Recovery efforts continue today in our Nations Capitol following that crash on Wednesday night involving an American Airlines regional jet and a military Blackhawk helicopter. What goes into these recovery efforts and the response from the first responders, Chris Edwards gets perspective now from Robert Zoldos, City of Durham Fire Chief who previously served in Fairfax County, Virginia among others. Fairfax County is just outside of Washington DC.

The Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease (PFID) has released results of a public opinion poll that reveals most American voters, regardless of political affiliation, support the continued availability of FDA-approved vaccines and express concern over declining childhood vaccination rates. This bipartisan poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners, examined registered voters’ perspectives on vaccination trends, access to vaccines, U.S. leadership in vaccine development, and trust in information sources. The results underscore widespread public agreement that vaccines are essential for safeguarding public health. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this poll is Candace DeMatties, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease.

There are a lot of questions about the housing market as we get into 2025, and we are here to get some of those answers as Chris Edwards visits with James Flanagan, the Vice President of Community Experiences at Tri Pointe Homes.

Get ready for liftoff as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science where you can explore the wonders of the universe through technology, telescopes while talking with scientists and special guests. With Chris Edwards to talk more about Astronomy Days is Chris Smith, Coordinator of Current Science Programs at the Museum.

We wanted to take a few minutes to highlight some of the great things going on with our local communities as we look ahead to the spring months and in our Talk of the Town segment this morning, we visit with our friends at the Town of Zebulon and joining Chris Edwards is Gilbert Todd the Zebulon Town Manager and Kaleb Harmon, Communications Director for the town.

We learned on Wednesday that the Carolina Beach Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of nine parcels of land for $15 million. All nine parcels are located near the town’s boardwalk. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the purchase, what it means for the Town and to look ahead to the upcoming busy season for Carolina Beach is the mayor of the town Lynn Barbee.

On Wednesday night an American Airlines regional fight collided with a Blackhawk helicopter as the plane was making its final decent into Ronald Reagan Airport, with Chris Edwards to break down what led to this collision, what we know and how we move forward is Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff.

There is a story out from The Assembly that points out some of the ongoing recovery efforts with Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. In particular, the reporting by Daniel Walton chronicles the work of those in the hospitality industry and owners of short term rental properties and how their lives and livelihoods have been uprooted and some are hanging on by a threat. With Chris Edwards to discuss is the author of this story Daniel Walton from the Assembly.

Two of the largest healthcare systems in the state - UNC and Duke-- are joining forces to create a flagship pediatric hospital -- the the state’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to child healthcare. A project that will have lasting impacts on the state for years to come, with Chris Edwards to talk more about the partnership, how this came together and a timeline for getting the hospital moving is Debbie Taylor with Duke Children's Hospital.

There are a lot of changes on Capitol Hill as the 119th Congress continues their work on the hill. Many of the changes come from those members of the last congress who did not seek reelection which brought in a number of new members of North Carolina's congressional delegation thanks in part to newly drawn congressional maps. With Chris Edwards to talk about his time in congress, what is next and to offer perspective on some of the recent news on the Hill is former 13th District Congressman Wiley Nickle.

Two of the largest healthcare systems in the state - UNC and Duke-- are joining forces to create a flagship pediatric hospital -- the the state’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to child healthcare. A project that will have lasting impacts on the state for years to come, with Chris Edwards to talk more about the partnership, how this came together and a timeline for getting the hospital moving is Morgan Jones, Chief Strategy Officer for Duke Health

The WakeEd Partnership works with schools, teachers and students around Wake County to address a number of educational needs. The Partnership offers several programs and other initiatives that are vital to so many in our community - with Chris Edwards to discuss the work they are doing is Dr. Douglas Price, Director of Programs at WakeEd.

The General Assembly returns to Jones Street this afternoon with the session getting underway at noon in both the House and Senate. This as the North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus announced its leadership positions for this season that includes the Caucus Chair, Wake County Senator Lisa Grafstein, who joins Chris Edwards to discuss all of this.

Last week President Donald Trump signed a number of executive orders including one that order the release of declassified documents surrounding the murders of President John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the release of the documents surrounding President Kennedy is John Shaw, Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University and the author of two books on President Kennedy.

Going to the doctor can be a real pain. Long waits to get an appointment that ends up rushed and impersonal is not only frustrating patients – but stressing doctors, too. A new study from MDVIP and Ipsos found 9 in 10 doctors wish they could spend more time with their patients and get to know them. As a result of time constraints, most doctors admit they end up writing more prescriptions or referring patients to a specialist. Chris Edwards discusses the findings and what you can do to get the most out of your time with the doctor is Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer of MDVIP.

On Friday of last week President Donald Trump visited Western North Carolina to tour the damage and the ongoing recovery efforts in the region following Hurricane Helene which hit that part of our state nearly four months ago. During his visit, Mr. Trump visited with impacted residents, toured towns that were impacted by the storm and met with state and other government officials. With Chris Edwards to talk more about the Presidents visit to the community is Buncombe County State Senator Julie Mayfield.

On Monday the North Carolina 4th Circuit heard arguments in the ongoing battle for a seat on the North Carolina State Supreme Court, the challenger in the race, Judge Jefferson Griffin is asking that around 60,000 votes be thrown out. Earlier this month, the State Supreme Court blocked certification of the race in which the incumbent, Justice Allison Riggs holds a lead of over 700 votes. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on the race is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennen.

The 119th congress is wrapping up their first month on Capitol Hill. This first month has proved to be a busy one, especially for the Senate which continues to work through the confirmation process of President Trump's cabinet picks. With Chris Edwards to break down this first month on the Hill and to look ahead at what is to come over the next couple of months is CBS News Correspondent, Taurean Small.

Over the weekend Pete Hegseth was narrowly confirmed as the new Secretary of Defense as Vice President JD Vance went to the Senate floor to issue the tiebreaking vote. That along with the continued release of hostages in Gaza after that ceasefire have dominated some of the news of the weekend and with Chris Edwards now to talk more about this is CBS News Military Analyst Jeff McCausland.

A Delta flight canceled due to accidently deploying the emergency chute, a passenger on Fiji airlines duct taped by the crew, and Delta named Top Airline for the 4th year in a row. All these stories and more as Chris Edwards chats with Jay Ratliff.

President Trump is taking aim at birthright citizenship in an attempt to end it. 22 states have sued over this executive order claiming that it is unconstitutional and goes against the 14th amendment. Jeff Hamlin joins CBS Legal Analyst Thane Rosenbaum to discuses birthright citizenship and the implications of these court cases.

A Raleigh police officer was gravely injured earlier this week in a shooting. Jeff Hamlin joins Rick Armstrong with the Raleigh Police Protective Association to discuses how the police department handles a situation like this and how they help the officers deal with this traumatic event.

On Tuesday in south Raleigh 2 men were shot in an incident that started out as a domestic violence call in regards to a restraining order. Jeff Hamlin talks to Larry Smith, Retired Durham Police Officer about the incident.

Donald Trump was sworn in this week as the 47th President of the United States, becoming the first President since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. Mr. Trump went to work imminently signing a number of executive orders and issuing pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 incident at the US Capitol. With Chris Edwards to talk more about some of these executive orders and some of the items going on with the General Assembly is Bob Phillips with Common Cause North Carolina.

We continue to follow the story of an officer involved shooting in Raleigh last night where police say that a police officer was shot and is in critical condition and two other people, including the suspect are dead. This after a shootout in a residential neighborhood. With Chris Edwards to talk more about what law enforcement does in situations like this is retired New York Police Lt. Steve Hauck.

Homeowners in North Carolina will see an increase in premiums of an average of 15% over the next two years, that is according to a settlement announced by North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and the North Carolina Rate Bureau last week. This settlement comes after the rate bureau had requested an increase of an average of 42% that would have started this month and would have doubled in some coastal areas. With Chris Edwards to discuss this in depth is North Carolina Insurance Commissioner, Mike Causey.

Donald Trump was sworn in this week as the 47th President of the United States, becoming the first President since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. Mr. Trump went to work imminently signing a number of executive orders and issuing pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 incident at the US Capitol. With Chris Edwards to recap the Inauguration and recap the first couple days of the Trump term is North Carolina 13th District Congressman Brad Knott.

Several inches of snow has fallen across the Triangle and as folks start to make their way out and about this morning, we wanted to get the latest on the roads, tips on staying safe and even how preparations went ahead of this storm. With Chris Edwards chat about all of these topics is Kim Deaner with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday as the 47th President of the United States and went to work imminently signing a number of executive orders that rolled back some of the Biden Administration's polices and included pardons for those that were part of the riot on the US Capitol in 2020. With Chris Edwards to discuss day one of the Trump term and to look ahead to the upcoming session of the General Assembly is Wake Forest Political Science Professor Dr. John Dinan.

Snow is in the forecast for parts of our listening area tonight but the highest amounts could be in a place that doesn't normally see winter weather. Chris Edwards gets the latest on the storm from Nick Petro, Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service.

Donald Trump was sworn in yesterday as the 47th President of the United States and went to work imminently signing a number of executive orders that rolled back some of the Biden Administration's polices and included pardons for those that were part of the riot on the US Capitol in 2020. With Chris Edwards to discuss day one of the Trump term and to look ahead to the upcoming session of the General Assembly is former North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed a number of executive orders including orders that impact immigration, pardons, TikTok and more. With Chris Edwards to discuss these executive orders and what comes next is CBS News Legal Analyst, Thane Rosenbaum.

It is Inaugurations Day in our Nation's Capitol and Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as our nations 47th President, becoming the first man since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. With Chris Edwards to talk about this historic day is Linda Kenyon, CBS News Correspondent.

It is Inaugurations Day in our Nation's Capitol and Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as our nations 47th President, becoming the first man since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on Inaugurations Day from the nation's capitol is Michele Woodhouse.

United, Delta and Boeing donated to Trumps inauguration fund, a plane landing on the wrong runway, and more. As Chris Edwards has his weekly converation with Jay Ratliff

On this day we take time to pause and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on our country and the ongoing efforts for equality for all. With Chris Edwards now to discuss Dr. King and his legacy is a man who had a front row seat for Dr. King's impact on our society, Floyd McKissick Jr

On the eve of the Presidential inauguration, the U.S Conference of Mayors’ (USCM) is set to hold its 93rd Annual Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. from January 17 through January 19. One of the mayors in attendance is Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams who is kind enough to join Chris Edwards this morning from our Nation's Capitol.

Despite the cold weather we are currently experiencing, their are so many events coming up later this year in communities across the triangle. With that thought it mind we want to check back in with leaders of our towns to see what is going on in their neighborhood. In our Talk of the Town segment Chris Edwards visits with Smithfield Mayor, Andy Moore.

The General Assembly is set to return to Jones Street later this week and there are a number of items that the legislature will tackle as they get back to work. With Chris Edwards to discuss some of the items that will be addressed with Wake County Representative Erin Pare.

The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles continue to burn as crews battle those blazes that have killed at least 27 people with more than 170,000 people still under evacuation notices. With Chris Edwards to talk more about these wildfires and their origins is James Urban, Assistant Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

President Biden said his farewell to the nation from the oval office last night as he wraps up more than a half-century in Washington. This address comes just days before President-Elect Trump is set to take the oath of office for a second time and many of the President-Elects cabinet picks are in the process of going through their confirmation hearings. With Chris Edwards to offer perspective on all of this is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennen.

Medicaid plays a larger role in providing health coverage to people living in small towns and rural communities than it does in metropolitan areas, a trend that is particularly striking among children, according to an extensive analysis by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families (CCF) and the University of North Carolina NC Rural Health Research Program. The report found that non-elderly adults and children in rural areas and small towns are more likely than those living in metro areas to rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. With Chris Edwards to discuss this further is Adam Searing, Associate Professor at the Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy's Center for Children and Families.

It was announced yesterday that Israel and Hamas have reached a Gaza ceasefire agreement, this comes more than 15 months after many of the hostages have been held in captivity and many of those hostages are expected to be freed, including North Carolina's Keith Siegel. With Chris Edwards to talk more about this ceasefire is CBS News Military Analyst, Jeff McCausland.