WPTF Morning News

For 25 years Rise Against Hunger has been fighting to end world hunger around the globe. Their home is here in North Carolina and they are looking for volunteers to help donate and package meals used to feed the hungry.

An unfortunate event lead to the start of a wonderful program starting in Butner, NC. After the passing of her father Nicole Blanton-Clark started her own dog rescue in honor of her father and his dog.

The December 27th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

The December 26th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

The December 22th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

The Joel Lane Museum House is an amazing way experience what life was like in 1800s with a north Carolina touch. Lanie Hubbard is the director of the Joel Lane Museum House, and has a strong drive to educate people about the history of North Carolina and to teach anyone what it was like living in the 1800s.

Turning point motorcycle club is doing an amazing job trying to fill up a tractor trailer with gifts to donate to children who are unfortunate and can't receive gifts this year. Earl Warren is the president of the club and talks all about it.

Outliers Muay Thai has recently opened here in the triangle. Muay Thai is currently the fastest gowning martial arts and has a lot of benefits from learning it. Tristan Holcomb has 14 years of experience in the art and encourages adults as well as kids to learn.

The December 21th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Jason Forehand started TrueCraft with his father in 2023. They have a mission to build the highest quality metal and wood sheds with a priority in customer satisfaction. Jason talks about what the company stands for and what their mission is.

Kent Hughes, a North Carolina author with 4 novels under his belts, He excited to talk about his story, the story's he rights and what inspires him to create his art.

The December 20th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

A true rags to riches story. Brandon Ramirez started from the very bottom of his local Texas Roadhouse and now he is the proud owner of one and is here to tell his story.

Eric Monstross, an legend in UNC Basketball, passed away this weekend. Mike Wheeless from WQDR was a good friend of his and he shares some memories of their friendship.

The December 19th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

A lot has changed over the past couple years with the economy and a lot of things we can learn about the talk of a rescission early this. CBS business analyst Jill Schlesinger tells us what we can learn from all these things and how we can better prepared for 2024.

A lot of first times in the world of aviation, Ryanair is breaking records, and a student has invented a new device to remove ice off of planes. all this and more with Jay Ratliff.

The boys from TapYard Raleigh were in studio this morning! Zack and Mega Mike shared a holiday drink with WPTF's Mike Raley, as he previewed Saturday morning's "Weekend Gardner."

The boys from TapYard Raleigh were in studio this morning! Zack and Mega Mike shared a holiday drink, and talked about their upcoming events.

Paws For Life is an animal rescue in the Triangle, helping dogs and cats find forever homes. President Carla Roshitshi and fundraising director Anna Russell joined Rob Connett to talk about their mission.

The December 15th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Rob, Harrison, Champ, Madison, and our in-studio guests -- comedians Andy Forrester and Jack Crissey -- discuss the worst Christmas gifts they've ever received.

Local comedians Andy Forrester and Jack Crissey were in-studio this morning with us to promote their upcoming show in Apex -- and other fun conversations.

Local comedians Andy Forrester and Jack Crissey were in-studio this morning with us to promote their upcoming show in Apex -- and other fun conversations.

Ivet Pruner and Benaisha Doctor, of the local organization "Happiness Productions," have created a new project called "Just Two Questions." They joined us to explain the mission of their project, and how you can help participate.

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

There have always been some myths revolving around all kinds of insurance. Jason Bass from Lawson Insurance Group joins the WPTF morning show to shed some light of these stigmas. They are also supporting Zach's toy chest, a non profit that helps get toys to kids every time of year, and how Lawson Insurance group is helping them.

ASL has been an issue for many over the past decades. Thankfully for those here in North Carolina, ALS United NC, is excited to unveil its new support program to aid those living in NC suffering from the condition.

Hope Reins has been helping children dealing with trauma in a very unique way. Kim Tschirret, founder and CEO, started Hope Reins over 10 years about talks about her mission to help children using horses.

On Monday night, the Mebane Planning Board voted 6-3 to recommend denying the proposal to bring Buc-ee's to the area. Mayor Ed Hooks explained to Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show that doesn't necessarily mean all plans to bring the "part-gas station-part-megastore" to Mebane are dead.

You might have big plans, or resolutions, for the new year. Before you make those goals, there are five steps to go through, according to life coach and author Yvonne Victor.

The December 12th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Our top story today: Residents in Garner continue to clean up from Sunday's EF-1 tornado. Nick Petro with the National Weather Service in Raleigh talked with us about what goes into determining the category of a tornado, and how rare it is to have a tornado in December.

CBS17 Meteorologist Lance Blocker was on TV all day Sunday with live coverage of the severe weather that rolled through the Triangle, and the tornado that touched down in Garner. He recapped the event with Rob Connett.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff made his weekly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett to go over the top aviation headlines from over the weekend -- including Southwest Airline flight attendances rejecting the newest contract offer.

Rick McElroy from Glenwood Financial Partners talks about financial resolutions for the new year, and the reminder to "keep your peace of mind."

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

There are some big sporting events happening in Durham in the next few weeks, including the NAIA Football National Championship. Marcus Manning with the Durham Sports Commission sat down with WPTF's Tony Riggsbee.

Mike Raley, co-host of the WPTF Weekend Gardner, previews tomorrow morning's show...and gets a surprise visit from Santa!

CBS17 Meteorologist Dave Downey details this weekend's forecast for the Triangle, which includes some possible thunderstorms on Sunday!

Jones Angell, the play-by-play sports broadcaster for the University of North Carolina, joins the show to recap the Tar Heels' men's basketball loss to UConn earlier this week, preview next weekend's game against Kentucky, and dive into the idea of pouring mayonnaise over your head.

Courtney Cordaro, the owner of the Falls River location of Flour Power Cooking Studio, joined the show early this morning to talk about how they run cooking camps for children in the Triangle.

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!