WPTF Morning News

Robert Kennedy will be on the ballot for the upcoming presidential election, this should have some impact on the campaign from both sides of the isle. Also with the second primary coming up we have some things to look forward to with the runoff elections. This and more in todays conversation with Chris Edwards and David McLennan, Meredith College Political Science Professor.

The last day to do file your taxes coming up, and Jill Schlesinger has some tips and ticks for those putting it off.

A near miss over Africa, Oakland airport seeking new airlines, and an update on the Boeing situation. All this with Jay Ratliff.

Raleigh has been invaded by prehistoric reptiles and by the looks of it, they are here to stay. Dinos Alive Immersive Experience has come to Raleigh and is fit for dino lovers of all ages. Kerri Davis, the manager of the Dinos Alive Immersive Experience in Raleigh, came into the studio to talk about the dinosaurs in her building with Jon Champion, host of the WPTF Morning Show.

Kenny Krause, Committee Chair for the Easter Sunday Service at the North Carolina State Capitol, talks about the service, its history, and what is means to the community.

Jon Champion talks with Leah Hebert, a Navy veteran who has worked with Remote Operated Vehicles about the Baltimore Bridge disaster recovery process.

Comedian and actor Donnell Rawlings speaks with Jon Champion about his new Netflix special and his roles in movies and on TV.

MY Meat Farm is a family farm in Franklin County that is focused of producing high quality, sustainable food for the community. They use regenerative agriculture practices to heal the land that they are farming. They produce woodland raised pork, pastured beef, and have just started offering raw cow milk that is beyond organic, joining Jon Champion is the owner, Yvette Rothgery.

Senator Thom Tillis joins Chris Edwards in studio to talk about the TIktok ban, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and more.

Law Enforcement imposter scams, Fentanyl, and the 14th anniversary of the affordable care act. All this in Attorney General Josh Steins month visit on the WPTF Morning Show.

The Boys & Girl Clubs mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. In studio to talk to the Morning Show hosts, Chris Edwards and Jon Champion, is Vice President of Operations, Hugh McLean.

On Tuesday morning a cargo ship lost power and crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and crippled the bridge to the point where it collapsed. It is reported that six people are presumed dead and one of America's busiest ports is disrupted. Joining The WPTF Morning Show is Chuck LaVerdiere, Founding Partner at Stonewall Engineering in Raleigh to give us some perspective on yesterday's tragic events.

An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a new tool that improves the accuracy of electronic devices that measure the color of a plant’s leaves to assess health. The new technology works by improving a sensor’s ability to account for variations in light that can influence how the sensor perceives color. Joining The WPTF Morning Show to talk more about this new study is Danny Krafft, who helped author this work.

New research is shedding light on the significant growth in the music, film, gaming, and other entertainment industries – and it’s all largely thanks to the internet. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic limiting in-person entertainment like movie theaters and live musical performances in 2020-2021, consumers and creators alike are shown to be thriving within the entertainment economy, with tech-fueled growth expected to continue into 2024 and beyond. To talk more about this is Trevor Wagener of the Research Center at the Computer and Communications Industry.

Spring is in the air and financial spring cleaning is underway. Many people wonder how long they should keep important financial documents, and Jill Schlesinger has all the answers to that.

Alaska Airlines passengers getting mail from the FBI, and United Airlines getting some flack from the FAA. These story's and more from Jay Ratliff.

The NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament continues today as we finalize the field for the Sweet 16 which begins later this week in Albany, New York and Portland, Oregon. Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about the field and how the ACC has faired so far is former William and Mary head coach and current basketball television analyst, Debbie Taylor.

Former President Trump has been ordered to pay upwards of 400 thousand dollars. Today is the last day he has to pay before his assets will start to get taken away as form of payment. To discuss the matter more Chris Edwards is joined by Thane Rosenbaum.

Brian Floyd, R.N., M.B.A., the Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health and a board member of the North Carolina Healthcare Association, discusses Medicaid Expansion in the Tar Heel State with Kristine Bellino, Vice President of News and Information Programming for the North Carolina News Network (NCNN). The conversation is part of a partnership between Curtis Media Group and the North Carolina Healthcare Association, designed to increase awareness about healthcare in the state and enhance the well being of North Carolinians. This episode focuses particularly on the state of healthcare in rural North Carolina, and how the health of those areas affects the entire state.

Brian Floyd, R.N., M.B.A., the Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health and a board member of the North Carolina Healthcare Association, discusses Medicaid Expansion in the Tar Heel State with Kristine Bellino, Vice President of News and Information Programming for the North Carolina News Network (NCNN). The conversation is part of a partnership between Curtis Media Group and the North Carolina Healthcare Association, designed to increase awareness about healthcare in the state and enhance the well being of North Carolinians. This episode focuses particularly on the state of healthcare in rural North Carolina, and how the health of those areas affects the entire state.

You may not realize it, but alcohol poisoning is more common then you think if cats and dogs. Dr. Selena Lane joins Jon Champion to discuss how this became an issue.

With financial and accreditation issues facing St. Augustine's University, Jon Champion speaks with Devaron Benjamin about the resolution to remove the current board of trustees and move past this incident.

Michael Easley once again joins the WPTF Morning Show, to talk about what he is focusing on in the eastern district of North Carolina.

Wake County has experienced rapid urban growth over the last decade resulting in the loss of nearly 23,000 acres of farm and forest land. Faced with ongoing challenges, farmers need help to keep their business going as a result, Wake County's Soil and Water Conservation District is organizing its 19th Annual Keeping the Farm Workshop. Joining The WPTF Morning Show to talk more about this workshop and the work they are doing is Teresa Furr, Director of the Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Marie Bethea with the help of her husband, her right hand man, bring a fusion of Haitian and American cuisine in a Caribbean food truck. They both join Chris Edwards to tell their story.

There are several community events coming up in the Town of Selma and joining Chris Edwards to chat more about those events in today's Talk of the Town segment is Nikki Wall the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Town of Selma

For the first time in nearly 75 years, Fuquay-Varina will celebrate the opening of a new fire station. On Thursday the town will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Fire Station 4, a facility of over 18,000 square feet that will house both the town's Fire Department and Wake County Emergency Medical Services. Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about this facility is Jim Jones, Fuquay-Varina Fire Chief and Jon Studnek, Wake County EMS Director.

Thanks to an ongoing effort in achieving equitable access thousands more Americans in underserved communities have received benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) however, many more can receive financial assistance from Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Abigail Zapote, Senior Advisor for the Social Security Administration.

We are just a few months away from the return of the US Open to Pinehurst - marking the 4th time the tournament will be held in our state. Joining Chris Edwards to preview the Tournament and talk about his experience in Pinehurst is Scott Langley, Senior Director of Player Relations for the United States Golf Association.

Potential changes coming in the housing industry, sellers may not be required to pay a commission to the buyers agent. This change may be coming in July and many agents are worried and may end up leaving the profession. Jill Schlesinger talks with Chris Edwards about this and more.

A Chinese man tossing a coin into an engine for good luck causing a major delay, and even more Boeing issues. These story's and more with aviation analyst Jay Ratliff.

Panama Disease has devastated banana crops for centuries and it threatens the modern cavendish. These are not the only issues the banana is facing, as it is been affected by other diseases as well as climate change, causing price increases for many, and harming the industry. Distinguished Professor James Dale, from the Queensland University of Technology, has spent the past 30 years. developing technology to help crops resist diseases. He joins the WPTF Morning Show to discuss latest advancements in genetic modification and what issues crops are facing.

Springtime is the peak time when people start raising chickens and owners add to their backyard flocks. It’s also the height of migration season for birds, a time when our nation’s poultry are at higher risk from the threat of dangerous diseases, like avian influenza and currently, the U.S. is experiencing the largest Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in history. Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about this is the USDA's Dr. Katy Burden.

Earlier this week the US House passed a bill with bipartisan support that calls for TikTok's parent company to sell or it would be banned in the United States. Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about this bill and its potential impacts is Sam Green, NIL Content Advisor at META.

The TikTok ban has gotten past the house and is on its way to the senate. This bipartisan bill has been moved very fast though the house, which has been raising concerns for many users of the app. Scott MacFarlane with CBS joins Chris Edwards to talk about the bill and what could potently happen if it does end in a ban.

A lot of people are building new homes in Wake County, and many wonder if it is a feasible option in the current housing market. Amanda Hoyle from Tri Pointe Homes, joins the WPTF Morning Show to talk about the market and what is expected to change in 2024.

On Tuesday the Haitian Prime Minister resigned after gangs managed to take control over many parts of the county. Many countries are calling for a new election in Haiti in order to restore some order in the country. Russia has also stated again that they are prepared to consider the nuclear option . Jeff McCausland, CBS News Military Analyst, joins Chris Edwards to talk about the situation in Haiti and in Ukraine.

A new study of how high school students respond to a program designed to increase the frequency and quality of conversations about race in school finds that the anti-racist intervention did not cause stress or feelings of alienation among study participants. The finding rebuts concerns that anti-racist programs are harmful to children and teens. Joining Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk more about this survey is Jackie Cerda-Smith

The ACC Men's Basketball Tournament tips off today in our Nation's Capitol with three games today including one of our local teams, NC State in action as the Wolfpack takes Louisville at 4:30. Here to talk more about this years Tournament is David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network.

The National League of Cities (NLC), a nonpartisan organization that works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions, is bringing more than 2,800 local leaders from across the country to Washington D.C. for a three-day conference. Joining Chris Edwards to talk more about this is Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams in today's Talk of the Town Segment.

Ella's Race is coming soon! The race takes place every year to raise money to fund the fight against pediatric brain cancer. It claimed the life of Ella several years ago. Chris and Jon talk to Ranae Newmiller about losing her daughter and starting this race.

A man calling in a bomb threat to delay a flight, Boeing being investigated by the Department of Justice. Jay Ratliff talks about this and more with Chris Edwards.

The unemployment rate has raised slightly but thankfully that isn't exactly a bad thing, "Quit rates' have also seen a lot of improvement lately. This has had some affects on the federal reserve, whish has been trying to slow down the labor market. Jill Schlesinger tells Chris Edwards all the details on the WPTF Morning Show.

Arianna Lavallee of Frank Del Palazzo and Associates in North Carolina talks about retirement strategies and planning in 2024.

Comedian Joe Perrow joins Jon Champion to talk about an upcoming show and more.

The weather is changing and a little unpredictable this time food year.  Earlier we spoke with Josh Radford, the owner of A&M Heating and Cooling about preventive maintenance of heating and cooling systems, and how that will save money in the long run.

The weather is changing and a little unpredictable this time food year.  Earlier we spoke with Josh Radford, the owner of A&M Heating and Cooling about preventive maintenance of heating and cooling systems, and how that will save money in the long run.

This is Severe Weather Preparedness Week! Nick Pietro of the National Weather Service office in Raleigh joins Jon Champion to talk about what you need to be ready for bad weather in the spring.

Spring Breaks travel time is here and consumers are concerned about safety and spending. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon joins Jon Champion to discuss travel safety and ways to get the most for your money.

Tony Riggsbee Talks to Chris Edwards and goes over his thoughts on the Tuesday election.