WPTF Morning News

Meredith College political science professor Dr. David McLennan reflects on the life and impact of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, tracing his rise from the civil rights movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his own national political influence, including his presidential runs, his strengths as a charismatic communicator, the controversies that followed him, and the lasting role he played in advancing civil rights and shaping modern American politics.Read More On WPTF Here: https://www.wptf.com/2026/02/17/the-rev-jesse-jackson-who-led-the-civil-rights-movement-for-decades-after-king-has-died-at-84/

Seniors Helping Seniors owner Kathy Uveges discusses National Caregivers Appreciation Day, the vital role of trained caregivers in supporting older adults, and how in-home care can improve the quality of life for seniors and their families, especially in the later stages of life.

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff discusses airlines rolling out trading cards to connect with passengers, what Spirit Airlines is doing to recover financially, how Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner uses technology to reduce the impact of turbulence, why seatbelts matter even during light chop, and what travelers can expect with weather-related delays and TSA operations during the holiday slowdown.

Peter Zalzal, distinguished counsel and associate vice president for clean air strategies at the Environmental Defense Fund, discusses the consequences of rolling back the EPA’s Endangerment Finding, what the policy shift could mean for climate protections, and how changes to federal regulation may affect the economy and public health.

Bruce McClary, senior vice president of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, explains why new data suggest the consumer safety valve has broken despite Federal Reserve reports that delinquencies are “normalizing,” what the trends reveal about household financial stress, and what warning signs consumers should watch for as debt pressures grow.

James Flanagan, vice president of community experience with Tri Pointe Homes Raleigh, explains why the median age of first-time homebuyers has reached a record high, how buyer priorities are shifting toward flexible and long-term living, and how homebuilders are adapting designs, pricing, and financing to meet changing needs in the Triangle.

North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette talks about the launch of the Unlock the Veteran and Milspouse Advantage roadshow, how the statewide initiative connects employers with veterans and military spouses, and why strengthening workforce pipelines is critical for military families across North Carolina.

Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission Kaila Shea Menendez discusses the fourth annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit returning to Durham in April, what the event offers women pursuing careers in sports, and how the partnership with Women Leaders in Sports is helping build pathways and mentorship opportunities in the industry.

US Mint Director Paul Hollis discusses the new semi-quincentennial circulating coins, potential changes to the penny, how images are selected for US coins, and how collectors and the public can purchase uncirculated coins and proof sets.

Camelia Kuhnen, institute research director at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and Boyd White Harris Jr. Distinguished Professor of Finance at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, breaks down what the January jobs report reveals about the economy, labor market trends, and a troubling pattern she is seeing among people who have been searching for work for extended periods of time.

Patti Harris, senior director for student access initiatives for the UNC System, explains how the NC College Connect program is expanding college access for North Carolina students, why the initiative goes beyond just helping students apply to college, and how it supports first-generation and underrepresented students in navigating the path to higher education.

Garner City Council member Phil Matthews, liaison to the town’s Veterans Advisory Committee, discusses the committee’s work to honor local veterans, support ceremonies and observances, and preserve the Garner Veterans Memorial, along with a preview of the upcoming Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina and a reminder about early voting for the 2026 primary election at the Avery Street Recreation Center.

WakeEd Partnership President Keith Poston discusses the Tools4Schools program surpassing $2 million in free classroom supplies distributed to Wake County teachers, how the store helps reduce out of pocket spending by educators, and how the community can support teachers through donations, supply drives and volunteering.

NC A&T students Olu Rouse and Shia Rozier, leaders of Protect Ours NC, talk about their effort to mobilize students to advocate for early polling sites on campus, why access to voting locations matters for student participation, and how young voters can get involved through their organizing campaign.

Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, director of housing policy at the North Carolina Housing Coalition, explains why rents continue to rise across the Triangle and the state, how affordability challenges are reshaping where and how people live, and the policy solutions recommended to make housing more accessible for renters.

Ansley Wegner, director of research and publications for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and head of the America 250 in NC team, outlines events happening across the state to mark America’s 250th anniversary and explains how communities can take part in the statewide semi-quincentennial celebrations.

Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews reflects on key accomplishments during her tenure, discusses her plans following retirement, and shares her hopes for the future of policing and public safety in Durham as the department prepares for new leadership.

Joshua Philipp, senior investigative reporter for The Epoch Times and host of the Crossroads podcast, explains why he believes the current tensions involving Iran are part of a broader global power struggle centered on China, how Iran and Russia factor into Beijing’s strategic alliances, and what this geopolitical maneuvering means for U.S. foreign policy and global stability.

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff breaks down the latest impacts to air travel, what passengers should expect in the days ahead, how weather and operational challenges are affecting flights nationwide, and what travelers can do to better prepare for delays, cancellations, and crowded airports.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger explains what recent market volatility can teach investors, warns against chasing popular trends like cryptocurrency and precious metals, and offers practical advice on staying disciplined, avoiding emotional reactions to headlines, and keeping speculative investing in check during uncertain economic conditions.

Moderna Vice President and oncology portfolio lead Michelle Brown explains the newly announced experimental melanoma vaccine developed with Merck, how it works alongside the immunotherapy Keytruda, what the latest data show about lowering the risk of cancer returning, and what this could mean for patients moving forward.

Covista Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Megan Noel breaks down new research showing how staffing shortages across health care are becoming a care capacity crisis, what’s driving the workforce gap, how it’s affecting patient access and quality of care, and what employers, educators and policymakers can do to build stronger pipelines for nurses, doctors and other critical health professionals.

Jason Orthner with NC By Train talks about the potential economic impact of reopening passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville. He outlines how restoring the western corridor could support tourism, expand travel options, and strengthen long-term regional growth across western North Carolina.

National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Lucchetti explains what parts of central North Carolina saw light snow versus freezing rain overnight, why most roads avoided major problems, and what to expect as temperatures stay cold before a potential warmup next week.

Dr. Jurgen Buchenau, Dowd Term Chair of Capitalism Studies in the Department of History at UNC Charlotte, joins Lisa Price to discuss his upcoming America 250 presentation at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site Saturday, February 7. He explains Polk’s legacy, the historical impact of the U.S.-Mexican War, and how the lecture places the former president’s actions into a broader international context.

UNC-Chapel Hill journalism professor Dr. Charlie Tuggle discusses students from the Hussman School traveling to Italy to cover the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He discusses how the program works, what students will produce for NBC and local stations, and the real-world experience they’ll gain.

Author Jan Cress Dondi discusses her book The Navigator’s Letter and the true story of Operation Tidal Wave, one of World War II’s most dangerous B-24 bombing missions. She explains the history behind the raid on Ploesti, Romania and the personal stories of her father and uncle, both captured as POWs.

National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Petro breaks down what to expect from today’s winter weather, including timing, possible impacts and how conditions could change across central North Carolina. He explains what residents should watch for as colder air moves into the region.

CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum explains the legal fight over whether retired military officers serving in Congress can criticize military actions without facing penalties. He discusses First Amendment rights, separation of powers, the Speech and Debate Clause, and why the dispute could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long talks about the need for more skilled electricians, how the trade has evolved and why electrical work remains a stable career path. Listen for insight into workforce shortages and opportunities in the skilled trades.

Senior economist Andrew Berger-Gross discusses North Carolina’s population growth and what it means for employers, workers and the state’s economic outlook. Hear how changing demographics could shape hiring trends and workforce demand across NC.

National Weather Service meteorologist Chrissy Anderson explains the latest forecast for central North Carolina, including rain transitioning to light snow, expected impacts and why temperatures are likely to stay near or below average into early February. Tune in for what to expect over the next several days.

Kim Deaner outlines how NCDOT is preparing roads for winter weather, including brining operations, clearing priorities and what drivers should know before heading out.

Stephanie Hawco, media relations director for Raleigh-Durham International Airport, discusses how RDU kept runways open through the winter storm, handled cancellations and delays, and offers advice for travelers checking flight status and preparing for ongoing weather impacts.

Jay Ratliff discusses how winter weather affects air travel, potential delays and cancellations, and what passengers should expect heading into the week.

Chief Robert Zoldos shares critical winter weather safety tips, including fire prevention, heating hazards and how to stay safe during cold conditions.

Jeff Brooks explains how Duke Energy crews respond during severe weather, how customers can report outages, and what to do safely when power is restored.

Dr. Michael Walden breaks down what a new Federal Reserve chair could mean for interest rates, inflation and the broader economy, and what listeners should watch next.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger discusses the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, the politics and process around his confirmation, and what to expect in the jobs report and broader economy.

Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines CEO Lisa M.K. Jones shares details on the weekend cookie drive and where families can order their favorite Girl Scout cookies.

Teach For America North Carolina executive director Robyn Fehrman discusses why Gen Z is turning toward teaching, career concerns in an AI-shaped economy, and how new pathways are drawing young educators into classrooms.

NC Weather Authority founder Ethan Clark breaks down the weekend forecast, expected impacts, and why his weather analysis has built a reputation for accuracy across the state.

Former state Supreme Court Justice Bob F. Orr outlines the allegations in the Poe Hall PCB contamination lawsuit, who may be eligible to participate, and whether the case could become a class action.

Vidrio executive chef Roberto Barth discusses Triangle Restaurant Week, menu highlights, and why the annual event showcases the region’s dining scene.

NCDOT spokesperson Kim Deaner details how crews are preparing for winter weather in central North Carolina, including brining operations, road priorities, and what drivers should expect.

SYNERGY HomeCare gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith explains why depression in older adults is often overlooked, the warning signs families should watch for, and practical ways to support seniors’ mental health and quality of life.

National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Green outlines timing, snowfall expectations, and cold temperatures as another winter storm targets North Carolina, with snow possible statewide through the weekend.

Assistant State Climatologist Corey Davis looks back at three historic Wednesday snows from March 1960 and compares them to the string of wintry weekends now facing North Carolina.

Indy Week and The Assembly staff writer Chase Pellegrini de Paur discusses his article “A House District Divided,” the candidates, key issues, and what to watch as the 4th District race takes shape.

NC Central law professor Irving Joyner explains the felony indictments involving Durham school administrators, what the charges mean, and how the legal process is likely to unfold.