WPTF Morning News

Primary elections are coming up here in North Carolina, the state Board of Elections has been getting ready for the big day. A lot of new and old voters may have some questions about changes that have happened since the last time they've had to vote. To discuss these issues is Karen Brinson Bell the NC State Board of Elections Executive Director

An aid package vote for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan amounting to $95 million dollars was signed yesterday. One of the Senators to vote on it was North Carolina Senior Senator Thom Tillis. He joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to discus why we need to support Ukraine, and other hot topics on Capitol Hill.

Dale Folwell, the current state treasure, who is running for Governor as a republican candidate. Talks with Chris Edwards and Tony Rigsby about his plans for what he plans on doing, should he win the the Governor race.

A lot of people may be wondering what is going on in the Durham public school systems. Catherine Truitt, the NC State Superintendent of Public Instruction talks to Chris Edwards and Jon Champion about this and other issues are school systems all around the state are facing right now.

Everyone couple needs to discuses money at times, and people may often wonder what should you do if your partner makes significantly more or less then money then you. These issues can be tough to talk about. Thankfully, Jill Schlesinger has some tips about how to have these conversations and what are some options you have to deal with this issue.

Jay Ratliff talks to Chris Edwards and Jon Champion about everything that happened last week in the aviation world.

Over the next 12 months, Wake County's health equity initiative will host quarterly, in-person town hall events aimed at addressing the burning health topics in our community and joining Jon Champion and Chris Edwards to talk more about the program is Henna Patel.

College golf season is on the horizon this spring and at Duke University, their golf program has once again teamed up with Duke Children's Hospital for the Birdies for Babies Program. This past fall, that program raised over $3,200 for Duke Children's Hospital and has raised over $110,000 since its inception seven years ago. Joining Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk more about the program is Phoebe Brinker from the Duke Women's Golf Team.

The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage as severe winter weather has further impacted the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. Angela Powley, from the American Red Cross, joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion with more details on these issues.

A big game coming up in women's basketball, rivals Duke and Carolina face off this Sunday. Matt Krause joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to preview the game.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Tuesday to celebrate the completion of repairs and renovations at Morrisville's Shiloh Park. Chris Edwards and Jon Champion are joined by Mark Spanioli from the Town of Morrisville to preview the event.

The Durham Sports Commission has done a lot of good the local economy and the city of Durham. They have recently announced some big plans for 2024 involving some ACC championships and the Durham bulls. Marcus Manning, the executive director of the Durham Sports Commission joins Jon Champion and Chris Edwards to discuses all the big plans they have coming up this year.

It is national school counseling week, Chris Edwards and Jon Champion are joined by Dr. Amanda Allen and Kim Lewter from Johnston county schools, about school counselors.

NCFC Youth is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing each player's soccer experience at every level and age of play. NCFC Youth started in 1974 and has given thousands of aspiring soccer players the opportunity to lean and improve their skills in the game. From the NCFC Youth organization to talk about what they have planned and what they need is Katharine Eberhardt.

Libertarian Candidate for Governor, Shannon Bray, joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk about his campaign trail and what he plans do if he is elected Governor.

A lot of people wondering if former President Donald Trump will be be on the ballot during this election. To tell us what determines how a candidate becomes eligible for election is Bob Orr, former State Supreme Count Justice.

February is celebration of chocolate month and who better to talk about it then a chocolate maker. Kesha Dozier is the owner of the Chocolate Boutique and has traveled the world to hone her craft. Chris Edwards and Jon Champion speak to Kesha all about the Chocolate Boutique and what it takes to properly make chocolate.

the insurance industry requested an increase in insurance rates, that would add up to 42%, which was denied yesterday. to discuss why this interest rate hike was denied is the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.

The Town of Selma will be hosting some amazing events in the near future, including their wine walk and All-American festival, hosting the largest fire works show in the area. They will also be celebrating the centennial calibration of their train station. Nikki Wall from the Town of Selma joins Chis Edwards and Jon Champion to preview these events and more coming up in Selma.

Valentines day is just a week away and a lot of people are planning on getting flowers for that special someone. Chris Edwards and Jon Champion are joined by Pam Classey, of Fallon's Flowers, and she is here to bring us all some tips about how we should care for those flowers.

Wiley Nickel is currently serving his first term in Congress as the U.S. Representative of the 13th District of North Carolina which includes Wake, Wayne, Johnston and Harnett Counties. Prior to being elected to Congress, Wiley served as a North Carolina State Senator, attorney, small business owner and worked for two White House administrations. He currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, and is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, the Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition. He spoke to Chris Edwards and Jon Champion about the state of things happening on capitol hill and the Gerrymandering going on with redistricting.

As Governor Roy Cooper enters his final year as Governor of North Carolina he reflects on all the work he has done over his past two terms in office, and how is still planning on doing everything he possibly can in this last year to help bolster the public school system and as sports betting has taken root. Governor Cooper also comments on the recent Medicaid expansion package that went into affect this past December.

Wake Ed launched the Tools4School program two years ago and on Tuesday they will open a long-term space for Tools4Schools and WakeEd Partnership that is centralized in Wake County to be more accessible to teachers and partners. The new location is located on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, just down from the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Joining Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk more about the opening opening is the President of WakeEd, Keith Poston

Rear Admiral (RET) Mark Montgomery with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies talks about US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's February 2024 visits to the middle East with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards.

Meredith College unveiled a new poll on Monday that provides an in-depth examination of North Carolina voter attitudes on important current issues. Joining Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk more about the poll and its findings is Meredith College Political Science Professor, David McLennen.

Grandparents who are becoming the main caregivers for their grandkids need support and information in many areas. Genita Spencer of Being Grandparents Support, talk with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards about their organization and an upcoming event that you can support.

Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Nick Petro talks about National Weatherperson's Day with Chris Edwards and Jon Champion.

Having your seat belt on during your next flight may actually be unsafe. A Chinese airline using a tailwind to break the sound barrier. and Layoffs at America Airlines. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff tells Jon and Chris all about this weeks aviation news.

Some people believe that state and local government is not focusing on the interest of the common man and focusing too much on their own special interest. Libertarian Candidate for Governor, Mike Ross, wants to tackle this issue, as well as an education plan that allots money to each student for schooling. Mike Ross talks to Jon Champion and Chris Edwards about these issues and what else he has in store if he were elected Governor.

Valentines day is a great time to get a gift for that special someone in your life, but it is also a good opportunity for scammers to get a hold of your financial information. Attorney General Josh Stein joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion, to talk about "Sweetheart scams", the blocked merger between Sprit Airlines and JetBlue, and a seminar that is being hosted on youth mental health.

There has been a rise on people using weight loss drugs recently and as a result, the State of North Carolina will no longer offer those drugs to state employees on the insurance plan, Dr. Susan Spratt of Duke University is with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards to talk more about the impact of these drugs.

It has been over 5 months since the shooting on the UNC Campus where a graduate student fatally shot his adviser, after the events on campus unfolded, Evan Rogers, a junior at UNC joined Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk about the emotions on campus and what he witnessed.

Professional wrestlers Johnny Shore, and Sean Cruise talk about the DCW Reborn event taking place on February 3, 2024 at the parks and Recreation Center located at 601 West Noble Street in Selma, North Carolina.

A new study finds a link between e-commerce and the and the resurgence of small and medium businesses. these findings contradict the idea that e-commerce was harm small businesses. To talk about it is Trevor Wagner.

Jokes make events fun and that is no different at a golf tournament and charity fundraisers. Terry Tuff, owner of the Par Bogey N Jokes, talks with Jon Champion about what that all means and gives advice to young and upcoming comedians. Par Bogey N Jokes are hosting tournaments and other charitable fundraisers that impact the local community.

Today is the beginning of Black History Month, Reverend Dr. Jonathan Augustine has been a strong advocate for racial reconciliation and determined to bring all kinds of people together. His church is hosting a number of events and guest speakers this month in celebration of black history. He tells Jon Champion and Tony Rigsby all about them.

Now that we are into the second semester for high school students a lot of them are really starting to get serious about college, the application process and all that comes with it, here to provide some help to those students and their families is Kathy Hastings, Director for Outreach and Communication at the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.

In celebration of National Children's Dental Health Month, Wake County Public Health is teaming up with Wake County Public Libraries to launch a new program that gives kids something to smile about. Books & Smiles promotes the importance of the three B's before bedtime: brush, book and bed. Join Chris Edwards and Jon Champion to talk about it is Ann Burlingame the Wake County Deputy Library Director.

Recently three US soldiers were killed on the boarder between Syria and Jordan and many have been wondering what will the US's response to this be. These events happening all the Houthi rebel's have been attacking ships in the Red Sea. This has been raising concerns about if the US will get deeper into the conflict and if other country's, such as Iran, are involved. To talk about it more is CBS Mallary Analyst Jeff McCausland.

The North Carolina state parks system welcomed more than 20.1 million visitors in 2023 and acquired over 2,890 acres of new land, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Visitation at state parks increased by 4% — more than 755,000 — from 2022 and Here to talk more about our state parks is Brian Strong, Director of North Carolina State Parks.

It is Garners turn to be on "Talk of the Town" Buddy Gupton talks with Jon Champion about new businesses, their expanding downtown, and the amenities that garner has to offer.

Miracle League has been giving special needs kids and adults the opportunity to enjoy a baseball. The league has been around for many years and has done everything they can in order to support those for face adversity when it comes to sports. Benjy Capps, the Executive Director of Miracle League, joins Jon Champion and Chris Edwards.

Irene Brooks has been helping to people with dementia, and training families to help loved ones care for those in their family in need under the origination, No Place Like Home Senior Services. Her and her team strive to find the beast care team for their clients that suite the patient needs. She talks more with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards.

Dale Folwell, republican candidate for Governor, is saying that "counterfeit conservative" are causing issues for the state and that the republican party needs to get back to their roots and their beliefs in order to sway independent voters. He also criticizes his fellow candidates for refusing to participate in a debate. A big issue he is planning on taking on is health care across the state and modifying state health plans as well as taking on the drug companies he is calling "Cartels". He talks all about this and more with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards.

Tax season opens today, there have been some changes going on that could potentially change how much some people in some tax brackets may get back. Jill Schlesinger discusses this and the advantages to paperless filing.

Hillsborough Police Department’s new social worker is finding innovative ways to positively impact the community’s most vulnerable residents. Savannah Gilliland became the town’s first social worker in October 2023, with the goal of helping to build a stronger connection between the Police Department and the larger community. She Joins Chris Edwards and Jon Champion on the WPTF Morning Show.

Our top aviation story's, bees took over an aircraft, and a rise in illegal immigration though airports. Jay Ratliff has more.

Craig Losurdo has been helping disabled veterans in need of different amanitas around their house for over 20 years. They are currently looking for donors and and possibly starting a non-profit to help assist local disabled veterans. Craig speaks with Jon Champion and Chris Edwards about his company and all the work they've done and what their plans are to continue helping out local veterans.

Republican governor candidate Bill Graham has a long conversation with Chris Edwards and Jon Champion about what his goals are in running for office and what he would like to see happen in North Carolina if he were governor.

Most of Wake County is experiencing growth and Morrisville is no exception. They are in the process of improving roads and other infrastructure to accommodate for through traffic going into the town from neighboring cities. Lacking some amidites as their neighboring cities they are in the planning stages of making a proper main street. Mayor TJ Cawley tells us more.