WPTF Morning News

McDonald's has announced it is getting rid of the McFlurry spoon. Rob Connett took some time to share a few words about the iconic utensil.

The Carolina football team looks to bounce back from their first loss of the season last weekend. This Saturday night, the Tar Heels take on Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The radio voice of UNC football, Jones Angell, joined Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

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

Your weekend weather forecast with Laura Smith. Should be a beautiful weekend but you might want to bring an umbrella when you go trick or treating.

If you're planning on using your credit card to do some holiday shopping in the next couple of months, there are some things you need to look out for to make sure scammers don't steal your information. Richard Hunt from the Electronic Payment Coalition shared some tips on the WPTF Morning Show.

We brought it back, by popular demand! Today's edition of "dramatic readings" is a second version of Taylor Swift lyrics, just like we did back in June. Enjoy!

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is leading the effort in a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. He explained why when he made his monthly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

This week is "National Respiratory Care Week." Josh Gilchrist is a respiratory therapist at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh and joined Rob Connett this morning on WPTF to talk about what exactly RTs do and why they play a crucial role in taking care of patients, alongside doctors and nurses.

Arianna Lavallee of Frank DelPalazzo and Associates in North Carolina talks about the "retirement elevator" and how money can fluctuate.

Arianna Lavallee of Frank DelPalazzo and Associates in North Carolina explains why saving up for retirement is essential for your financial plan.

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

Remember when Rob once said on air "I'll try anything at least once"? We put him to the test this morning, as Harrison brought in ghost peppers. And the result... you'll want to listen to this!

CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith says we could hit record-high temperatures this weekend, as the warming trend continues the rest of the week here in the Triangle. She went through the details of her forecast this morning on the show.

The October 25th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

The North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation is an organization that honors firefighters that lost their lives in the line of duty, and helps support their families. Jeff Harkey is the Public Information Officer for the foundation. He joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

For a breakdown on the latest happening in Israel, and Washington DC, we turned to Hillsdale College political professor Adam Carrington.

CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith says this morning was the coldest of the week, as we will gradually warm up over the next few days. She -- and fellow meteorologist Dave Downey -- also discussed their favorite Halloween costumes.

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

The October 23th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

"National Estate Planning Awareness Week" just wrapped up. CBS News Business Analyst, and the host of the "Jill on Money" podcast, Jill Schlesinger says going over a will can be a difficult-but-necessary conversation to have with family and friends. She talked about it this morning with Rob Connett.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff made his weekly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show, to discuss some news stories regarding airports and airline companies, including why Spirit Airlines had to cancel a bunch of flights this past weekend.

The UNC football team is back in action Saturday night in Chapel Hill, hosting Virginia. Play-by-play broadcaster Jones Angell previewed the game between the 10th-ranked Tar Heels and the Cavaliers when he joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

Jack Crissey is a local comedian who has grown up in the Triangle, and is now performing at local comedy clubs, including one in Apex in a few weeks. He stopped by the WPTF studio to preview his next performance, and share his thoughts on the North Carolina State Fair.

Richard (Rick) McElroy of Glenwood Financial Partners talks about the importance of having a fiduciary and investing on National Get Smart about Credit Day.

the October 20th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Think about your morning routine. Did you use the toilet? Get a shower? Brush your teeth? Maybe drink a glass of water? Now imagine not being able to do ANY of that because you don't have running water. Today is "Imagine a Day Without Water" Day. Christy Harowski, the director at the Value of Water Campaign, explained the reasoning behind the holiday with Rob Connett.

Thursday looks to be a perfect day to go to the North Carolina State Fair, before the rain moves in to the Triangle on Friday. CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith gave us the details of her forecast, and also joined in on today's Roundtable topic about alarms.

What is something you find disgusting that most people seem to be perfectly fine with? The morning crew discussed their answers on the roundtable.

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

The October 18th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Future and current investors may be wondering what an "initial public offering" (IPO) is and how you can invest in them. Brian Walsh is with SoFi, a finance company that aims to help people investing and are focusing on helping the younger generation getting into IPOs and to educate investors with any experience what you have to worry about and how to get into them.

Mental health has been a big topic for the last few years, especially for our students in high school and college. And even here in the Triangle, we've been dealing with some situations and events regarding suicides at area schools. Jade Neptune is a UNC grad who wrote a powerful piece for "The Assembly" about college suicides, and her personal battle with mental health situations. She shared her story with Rob Connett.

The October 17th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Rob's parents joined the rest of the crew in studio to celebrate Momma Connett's birthday by eating her famous "Too Much Chocolate" Chocolate Cake and talk about what they should check out at the North Carolina State Fair.

Rob's parents made another visit from Indiana to the WPTF studios this morning, to celebrate Momma Connett's birthday!

The "COLA" numbers are out for 2024. That's not Pepsi or Coke. It stands for "Cost of Living Adjustment," and it has a big impact on social security. CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger explained it when she joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

We might see some changes in how we board airplanes. Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff joins the WPTF morning show to tell us about that and more of your aviation news.

The October 16th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

The 12th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heel football team is preparing for a big Top 25 matchup with Miami, which will be Saturday night in Chapel Hill. UNC radio broadcaster Jones Angell joined Rob Connett Friday morning to preview the game between the Heels and Canes.

Friday marks one year since the mass shooting in the Hedingham neighborhood of Raleigh. Five people lost their lives that day, and the teenage shooter is expected to be tried as an adult. Our very own Gayle Hurd lives near Hedingham, and shared her thoughts and memories with Rob Connett.

Thayer Coggin marketing executive Phil Miller talks about the 10th anniversary of American manufacture and the October 2023 opening of the High Point Furniture Market.

Tiffany Leon, M.S., R.D., is with FARE, Food Allergy Research Education, ad she discusses creative ways to handle food allergies during Halloween to include the use of teal pumpkins to indicate the availability of allergy-friendly treats.

Amanda Hoyle, Land Acquisition Director for Tri Pointe homes Raleigh, talks about the challenges of home ownership in North Carolina and promotes the final weekend of the Parade of Homes.

Tenille Fox with Orange County Animal Service in North Carolina talks about canine influenza, or dog flu, and the steps that can be taken to prevent this potentially fatal illness.

the October 10th episode of Random History with Sidekick Harrison

The October 11th edition of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

All throughout 2023, communities across North Carolina have been celebrating the "Year of the Trails." Whether you're walking, hiking, biking, or driving, there are a wide variety of trails to experience in our great state. Iona Thomas of the McAdams Group joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about new state legislature that would help create even more trails in several areas of North Carolina.

The October 10th edition of Random History with Sidekick Harrison.

Arianna Lavallee of Frank DelPalazzo and Associates in North Carolina talks about her "Smart Money" approach to the economy and the importance of retirement planning.Interviewer: Kristine Bellino

Psychotherapist Whitney Werner of Evolve Psychotherapy and Wellness in Raleigh, NC helps define gaslighting and narcissism, giving insight on what to do if someone finds himself or herself in a relationship with a narcissist.Interviewer: Kristine Bellino