WPTF Morning News

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

Kevin McCarthy has been ousted as the speaker of the house. Professor Joseph Postell from Hillsdale College joined the show to discuss the historic move, the potential implications, and what happens next.

Rob took typical "fall season things" and matched them up, where the rest of the crew has to decide which one they would get rid of forever.

The number of football players, at the high school and college levels, who are DYING from conditioning is on the rise. Author and investigative reporter Irving Muchnick talks about this topic in his new book "Without Helmets or Shoulder Pads," and joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

the October 4th edition of Random History with Sidekick Harrison

We debuted a new segment this morning with Arianna Lavallee, an accomplished and licensed financial retirement specialist with Frank Del Palazzo & Associates, who is here to help explain the importance of saving money and preparing for retirement.

Part of the new state budget has a provision in it that strips the Department of Insurance commissioner from his role as State Fire Marshal. And that can affect how much you pay in insurance. Commissioner Mike Causey explained how, when he joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

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

With the government shutdown postponed for a short while some people still fear of an incoming economic recession, and some people may be wondering what happens to all the government workers, and government aid during a shutdown. Jill Schlesinger, from the "Jill on Money" podcast, joins the WPTF Morning show to inform everyone about what we should be expecting in the near future, and what all these recent events mean.

The October second edition of Random History with Sidekick Harrison

ESPN's Marty Smith has a new book out called, "Sideline CEO." In the book, he interviewed big-name coaches he has covered in his sports career -- including UNC's Mack Brown and Roy Williams -- about life lessons. Smith previewed the book, and also discussed some NASCAR news regarding North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, when he joined the WPTF Morning Show.

Random History with Sidekick Harrison for September Twenty-ninth

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein says the medicaid expansion for the state is crucial, but he doesn't agree with other parts of the new state budget. He shared his thoughts with Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show

Random History with Sidekick Harrison for September twenty-eight

This Saturday, ESPN's "College Gameday" is coming to Duke University -- for the first time ever for a football game. The undefeated Blue Devils host #11 Notre Dame this weekend, which is expected to have a sold-out crowd. That means tens of thousands of fans making a big economic impact for the city of Durham. Marcus Manning, executive director of the Durham Sports Commission, joined the show to talk about how the city is preparing for the big event.

Random History with Sidekick Harrison on September 27.

Former WPTF news director Mike Blackman has passed away. Tony Riggsbee and Mike Raley shared some memories of their former co-worker when they joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

The American Red Cross needs your help, as the national blood supply has decreased 25% since August. Dr. Baia Lasky of the Red Cross joined the WPTF Morning Show to discuss the importance of donating blood to help others.

British comedian Chris Turner is performing tonight at goodnights comedy club and gets a chance to speak with Jon Champion to preview the show.

Rob brought some famous (and spicy) St. Elmo's Shrimp Cocktail sauce from his old stomping grounds of Indianapolis, for the rest of the morning crew to taste.

Random History with Sidekick Harrison for September twenty-six

With an uptick of car jackings targeted at Hispanic women in Durham, the Durham Police are encouraging people to take caution and to report crimes they witness. Sgt. Jermaine Clark, Sgt. Karina Ramos, and Officer Rut Avila are joined by Rob Connett to let the public know what steps they can take to help prevent crimes like this happening to you.

This past Friday, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill that would extremely limit the authority of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Since then, many athletic directors across the state have voiced their concerns. Colin Fegeley with the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association joined Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh is doing a chili cook-off contest for their employees on Tuesday afternoon, as part of their team-bonding strategy (and Rob is going to be one of the judges). Kirsten Riggs with UNC Rex discusses why it's important to check on the mental health of their employees, and what the current biggest challenge is for all local hospitals in the Triangle and the state.

September is Leukemia Awareness Month, and one local high school has been supporting the cause through their volleyball team. Reese Roper is a student-athlete at Green Level High School, and is currently battling leukemia. She shared her story with the WPTF Morning Show.

North Carolina football looks to stay undefeated, as the Tar Heels travel up to Pitt for their ACC opener on Saturday night. Jones Angell, the radio voice of UNC, previewed the game with Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

It's going to be a rainy, windy and chilly Saturday. CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith walks through the timing and the details of this weekend's storms that are impacting the Carolinas.

It's time for another edition of "Dramatic Readings" on the WPTF Morning Show "Roundtable." Today, the crew reads classic cooking recipes.

Durham and Raleigh, NC area Business owner Glenna Gonzalez of JB Tyler Marketing and Consulting talks about being a single parent, making the career transition from working for a corporation to founding her own business, and the challenges of marketing in the current business climate.

Scammers keep getting more and more creative and in the modern world artificial intelligence has started to be used in scams. Jennifer Jolly with USA today joins the WPTF morning show to speak with Rob Connett to discuss what these AI scams look like and how we are now using AI software to be able to fight against these scammers.

Jennifer Martin, Director of the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association and Shop Local Raleigh discusses the Raleigh Christmas Parade in the aftermath of the tragic death of the 11 year old Hailey Brooks.

Elizabeth Laird with the Equity in Civic Technology project with the Center for Democracy and Technology discusses privacy concerns in education.

What if you took famous movie quotes, and recited them like a pirate? That's exactly what the morning crew did to celebrate "Talk Like a Pirate Day."

The Brentwood Boys & Girls Club in north Raleigh is hosting a 5K run next month. The club's director, Pepe Caudillo, talks about the details of the "Day of the Dead" event.

Matt Shoemaker is running for North Carolina's 13th congressional district, which represents all of Johnston County, along with parts of Wake, Harnett and Wayne counties. He joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett to talk about his stance on various topics as he prepares for the 2024 election.

Aviation analyst Jay Ratliff has some stories you may have missed over the weekend, including a viral video of a man who thought he was a genius trying to beat everyone off a plane as soon as it landed.

How will the strike by United Auto Workers impact the U.S. economy? Or will it have an affect at all? CBS News Business Expert Jill Schlesinger discusses that, and if a long-lasting strike could impact local auto parts stores in North Carolina.

CBS 17 Meteorologist Laura Smith has the forecast for today, and this week, in the Triangle. She also talks about a possible tropical development that might bring some rain to the Carolinas this weekend. And she reveals her "guilty pleasure" artist that she enjoys listening to.

Carolina football is back in action this Saturday afternoon, when they host Minnesota at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Play-by-Play broadcaster Jones Angell talked to Rob Connett about what Tar Heel fans can expect against the Golden Gophers.

Rosh Hashanah starts this weekend. Bruce Feniger works with us, as the vice president of Curtis Media Network Group, but he's also an associate rabbi! He joined the show to talk about what the Jewish holiday is all about.

Max Trujillo, with the NC Food & Beverage Podcast, stops by the studio and has the morning crew try some local "orange" wine.

The NC Food and Beverage Podcast recently had an outing with ESPN's Jess Sims when she came to visit North Carolina, giving her a quick tour of some of the best restaurants in the Charlotte area. Max Trujillo tells Rob Connett how exactly they were able to set up this meeting, and where they went.

The Wake County Animal Center is, once again, close to reaching full capacity. Megan Thomas with the animal shelter expresses her concerns, discusses the reason why this has been happening in the Triangle as of late, and how you can adopt a dog.

The V foundation held recently held an event at UNC Chapel hill to help raise awareness for children with cancer. Jessica Gaspar's nephew was honored at this event over the weekend and she joins Rob Connett to tell us all about the event.

Continuing the trend from yesterday it will be in the upper 80s with some scattered showers. There will be a cool down later this week with weekend lows expected in the 50s. Laura Smith from CBS17 brings you your full forecast, and discusses with Rob Connett each others sleeping habits.

Doug Sprecher of First Citizens Bank discusses the results of their survey, which shows small business owners in North Carolina and across the country are feeling confident in uncertain economic times,

If you're currently working on a home project, or have recently thought about starting one, you might want to check out the Southern Ideal Home Show this weekend, Sept. 15-17, at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh. PR Director Liz Johnson joined us to cover all the details, including the special guests who are scheduled to make an appearance.

This week is Green Career Week, which focuses on getting students interested in agricultural jobs. Jazmin Albaran, Executive Director of "Seed Your Future," joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about the focus of the event, and the importance of agriculture in North Carolina.

Officers with the Zebulon Police Department recently completed crisis intervention training, a big focus for them, and other area departments. Kaleb Harmon, communications director for the town of Zebulon, discussed that and other things they've been working on, when he joined the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett.

Our sister station, La Ley, just celebrated 20 years on the air, by hosting a party in Greensboro over the weekend. They had over 11,000 people in attendance! Julie Garza from La Ley joined the show to talk about the event and what the last two decades have meant for the Spanish-speaking radio station.