WPTF Morning News

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Andy Esser discusses optimism and the financial habits of GenNexters, young people between the ages of 18 and 34, in the aftermath of the Great Resignation, high inflation, and the COVID 19 pendemic.

The December 8th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

This time of the year -- with Thanksgiving and now Christmas -- can have a big focus on food, by having delicious meals and treats with family and friends. But this time of the year can also be stressful. And for some of us, that leads to stress eating. Dr. Angie Golden, a family nurse practitioner at the NP Obesity Treatment Clinic, talk to Rob Connett about how you can stay on track during the holidays and manage that holiday stress.

A new neighborhood has been built near Falls Lake. Chris Rumbley with Shinleaf Estates explains to us that nature is the big focus for this new community of luxury homes.

Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) discusses incentives, net metering, and legislative changed in North Carolina that serve as incentives for homeowners to convert to solar energy.

The December 7th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Rob was caught off guard this morning by Santa's precise knowledge of former Christmas gifts he received during his childhood, and that one year he was on the naughty list.

The one and only Santa was in studio this morning to help us pick a winner for Day 1 of our "WPTF 12 Days of Christmas" giveaway! Remember to register to win our prizes -- including the trip to the Bahamas -- on the contest page of WPTF.com!

The "Art of the Brick" LEGO exhibit in Raleigh has extended its stay for another month, now on display until January 6. John Zaller with "Art of the Brick" was on the WPTF Morning Show to talk about what you can expect if you take the family this holiday season.

You've probably heard or seen the ads about enrolling in Medicaid, and about Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. Director Abby Emmanuelson with Care4Carolina joined the show to discuss the details, and explain why this is important for many North Carolinians.

The December 6th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Pam James with Charlie's Kabob Grill in Wake Forest, North Carolina discusses the restaurant's history and authentic Mediterranean cuisine influenced by the recipes of the mother of Charlie Hamatry's who owns Charlie's with his wife Teresa.

Ed Strickland of Deep River Sporting Clays in Sanford, North Carolina, discusses the port as well as pistol and shotgun safety.

There is a concert event happening in Raleigh tonight that is raising awareness for affordable housing in the Triangle. We talked to the man organizing the event, Terrance Ruth.

The December 5th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Gary Ushino worked in Hollywood for more than 30 years as a cameraman and stuntman, and worked with some big-name actors on big-name movies, like Will Ferrell in "Talladega Nights." That's actually how and when he fell in love with North Carolina, where he now lives and works on his own company.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff made his weekly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show, to discuss some big news in the airline industry, including the future plans of facial recognition use in airports.

Attorney Natalya Rice with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) gives consumers advice about avoiding and reporting holiday scams, gift card scams, and job scams in 2023.

CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger shares some tips and reminders on how to be prepared financially at the end of the year, heading into the start of 2024.

The December 4th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Jones Angell, the radio voice of the Tar Heels, joins the show to recap this week's UNC men's and basketball games, preview Saturday's men's game against Florida State, and share his thoughts on what went down this week with Duke Football, with the departure of Coach Mike Elko and quarterback Riley Leonard.

The December 1st edition of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Rob, Harrison, Champ and Mike Davis are joined by JB from KIX102, and Thursday's in-studio guests, Max Trujillo and George Hage, to reveal their personal "top five Christmas movies" lists.

Local musicians from all over North Carolina will be at The Rialto Theater in Raleigh this Saturday night for a special event. One of the performers is George Hage from the band "Jack The Radio." He was in-studio with Rob Connett this morning to talk details, and share a little taste of what you can hear this weekend.

Max Trujillo, co-host of the North Carolina Food & Beverage Podcast, reveals their nominees for 2023 Person of the Year, ranging from local chefs to restaurant owners.

Max Trujillo, co-host of the "North Carolina Food & Beverage Podcast" and former owner of Craften, stops by the studio to discuss what the current state of the local restaurant industry is in the Triangle, and what the biggest challenges are for restaurant owners as 2023 comes to a close.

WBBB Radio's own Madison from Roxboro, North Carolina discusses the Wrapping Hopes and Dreams annual event to benefit children through the Methodist Home for Children during the 2023 Christmas holiday season.

The November 30th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Franklin County's newest shooting range is Youngsville Gun Club & Range, owned by Kurt and Ivy Lieberman. They stopped by the WPTF studio to talk about their operation, and the focus on the "digital" side.

The November 29th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? Is a hot dog considered a sandwich? Does a straw have one hole or two? These are some of the divisive questions Rob asked the crew during today's roundtable.

We could hit a record low temperature on Tuesday night, according to CBS 17 Meteorologist Dave Downey. He joined the show to detail a cold forecast for the Triangle.

The November 28th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Time to play our new favorite game, "Guess the Cost." Rob found some Cyber Monday deals online. Does the rest of the crew know how much these items cost?

Colder air is on the way! CBS17 Meteorologist Laura Smith tells us when we can expect colder temperatures, and how frigid it will actually get in the Triangle.

The United States has seen more billion-dollar disasters in 2023 than any other year, from tornadoes and hurricanes, to wildfires. Jennifer Pipa, the vice president of American Red Cross disaster programs, was a guest on the WPTF Morning Show, and told Rob Connett now is a good time to help Americans who continue to recover from those disasters.

A new study says Americans were not as willing to donate to charities in 2022, compared to during the COVID pandemic. But what about this year? If you are wanting to help others this holiday season, Jill Schlesinger has some reminders and tips for you. The CBS News business analyst also told us her thoughts on Cyber Monday.

How has the holiday weekend been for airports across the country? Rob Connett got the answer from aviation analyst Jay Ratliff.

Jones Angell, the radio play-by-play voice of the Tar Heels, previews Friday afternoon's UNC men's basketball game against Arkansas and Saturday night's football game at NC State.

The November 24th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

"Smiling While Sending Hope" is a non-profit organization that raises funds and donations for children in the Triangle with chronic illnesses, to give them a happy holiday season. The creator, Katie Haynes, and her vice president Tammy Cancilla, joined Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the shooting death of President John F. Kennedy. Our very own Tony Riggsbee and Mike Raley were in elementary school that day. They shared their memories with Rob Connett.

Our sister station, 94.7 WQDR, is hosting its annual "Hope for the Holidays" event. Producer Gray from the QDR Morning Crew shared details with Rob Connett.

The November 11th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

It's a rainy Tuesday, and it will stay that way tonight. CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith says there is a small risk for severe weather when you head to bed. She went through the details of the forecast this morning with Rob Connett.

On Monday, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein won a court order against a student lender, which requires the company to shut down. Stein talked about that, and other topics, when he was a guest today on the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

JB love from KIX 102 tells listeners how the community can help those less fortunate by donating holiday gifts at the Angel tree at Crabtree though KIX Cares to benefit the Salvation Army of Wake County.

The November 21st episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Today's weather will be pleasant around the Triangle, but CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith says we can expect rainy and stormy condition on Tuesday.

Will this year be a big one for holiday shopping and spending in the U.S.? CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger shares her thoughts, and the latest trends over the past few years.