WPTF Morning News

Scott Dupree, the executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, spoke with Rob Connett about the Stadium Series NHL game at Carter-Finley Stadium in February. The discussed the financial impact of hosting a large event in Raleigh.

Kesha Dozier from The Chocolate Boutique in Raleigh spoke with Rob Connett about chocolate and what to purchase people for Valentine's Day.

Former Arizona Representative J.D. Hayworth talked with Rob Connett about the handling of classified documents by public officials.

Retired Police Lieutenant Steve Hauck spoke with Rob Connett about policing and the killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee. Hauck said it was obvious that the officers did not properly follow instruction and body camera footage played a role in keeping the police accountable.

Patrick McGuinness, store manager of the Wegman's in Wake Forest, spoke with Rob Connett about supermarket worker appreciation day. Wegman's has won awards about being a great employer, and McGuinness said the company takes care of its workers.

Cregg "The Floor Guy" Henson from American Dream Flooring And Tile spoke with Rob Connett about flooring on National Tile Day. Henson discussed the benefits of owning tile in their home.

Emmanuel Daniel, finance expert and author of The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance is Here talked with Rob Connett about spy balloons and the state of the economy.

AJ Albert of Lotto N Crowd spoke with Rob Connett about the future of lotteries and hosting them online. He said his organization wants to help people be responsible when gaming.

Toni Collis coaches women in the tech industry. She spoke with Rob Connett about executive coaching and why it is necessary for companies that want to thrive.

Lisa Hobbs with the North Carolina Outdoor Living Show spoke with Rob Connett about man caves. She said the Outdoor Living Show will have plenty of ideas and vendors to help you build the ultimate man cave.

Rob Connett spoke with Mike Russell, a College Funding Coach based in Charlotte, who travels all across North Carolina to help high schoolers be prepared. He has some tips and advice on how to help yourself financially if you and your college-bound child are preparing for the next step.

Rob Connett spoke with Kent Walton of Providence Presbyterian Church to discuss a fundraiser chicken pastry dinner. The funds go towards local food banks and organizations to help those in need in the community.

Donald Thomas of the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club spoke with Rob Connett about the local farming community and preserving history in Harnett County.

Online Fitness Consultant Chris Ruden and Rob Connett discuss diabetes. As a diabetic and amputee, Ruden was inspired to help others fight the condition. He said diabetes is a minute-by-minute condition.

Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Gentry Smith spoke with Rob Connett about protecting personnel, information, and facilities around the world.

Rob Connett spoke with Pam Springs of The Consumer Products Safety Commission to discuss furniture and TV safety. People get injured, and even die, when furniture falls in the home.

Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council, spoke with Rob Connett about BBQ and the Whole Hog BBQ State Championship in Kinston.

Rob Connett spoke with Kalia'Shaw Menendez of the Durham Sport's Commission to discuss their Emerging Women In Sports Leadership Summit at the Durham Convention Center.

Rob Connett spoke with Liz Morgan Of The Raleigh Home Show to discuss the event. She said there are lots of options to update your home and the Home Show is a great place to build ideas and find vendors.

Russ Pierce of Housing For New Hope joined Rob Connett to discuss serving the most vulnerable in Durham. He said his organization reaches out to the homeless and helps give them shelter.

James Flanagan of Tri Pointe Homes spoke with Rob Connett about the current housing market in the Triangle. Flanagan said COVID set back the housing industry and interest rate hikes are also causing prices to increase.

For Triangle Restaurant Week, Rob Connett spoke with Damon Butler, Triangle Restaurant Week's founder, to discuss deals and local restaurants.

Mark Youngworth of Zips Car Wash spoke with Rob Connett about a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Armando Bacot of UNC Basketball.

Ryan Holden of Housing Solutions, Inc. in Hillsborough was named to the 40 under 40 in the housing industry. He spoke to Rob Connett about his rise in the remodeling industry and what it means to be named to the prestigious list.

Professional wrestlers AC Devine and Dynamite Jackson speak with Rob Connett about the local professional wrestling industry and why they got into the profession.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined Rob Connett and they discussed robocallers and scammers.

Last week, three UNC Health hospitals were named to Newsweek's list for World's Best Hospitals. Dr. Matt Ewend with UNC Health talked with Rob Connett about the hospital system and why they were ranked so well.

Bracketologist Dave Ommen joined Rob Connett to discuss this year's NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament. They discussed Duke and NC State's chances, as well as what it means to be a bracketologist.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein spoke with Rob Connett about why he is running for governor.

Sgt. Chris Knox with the North Carolina Highway Patrol joined Rob Connett to discuss safety during St. Patrick's Day. Knox said if you do decide to drink, get a ride home. They also discussed the move over law in the state.

Christian Life Homes in Raleigh helps young pregnant women who might be needing support in multiple ways. Rory McDade and Sheri McIntire shared their experience working for the organization with Rob Connett.

Nate Saunders from the WPTF News Center spoke with Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Dr. Keri Shaver to talk about pets and tick bites. She said it is always tick season in North Carolina, and pet owners need to check over their pets periodically to make sure no ticks are stuck on them. She also warned about the potential impacts of Lyme disease, and that it is important to get pets treated. Lastly, Dr. Shaver said as the summer approaches, heatstroke is a real threat for dogs who go on walks. She said you need to recognize the symptoms and take action to make sure they recover.

Max Trujillo, the owner of Craften in Knightdale and Co-host of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, joined Rob Connett and the WPTF roundtable to try some purple Conniption Kinship Gin. Mike Wheless from WQDR, Nate Saunders, and Sidekick Harrison give it a try!

Max Trujillo, the owner of Craften in Knightdale and Co-host of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, joined Rob Connett to discuss the food industry and his restaurant. He said Craften is a multi-concept restaurant with 4 independent kitchens that offer a wide range of food.

Aviation Expert Jay Ratliff spoke with Rob Connett about a passenger who urinated on another passenger on an American Airlines flight... the passenger was drunk. They also spoke on someone who died on a flight due to severe turbulence.

On the 1 year anniversary of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Rob Connett interviewed CBS News Correspondent Jeff McCausland about the current status of the war and they talked about what they remembered from the beginning.

Rob Connett spoke with North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein about drugs in the state. He said laws are needed to be made to stop the flow and distribution of illegal drugs. They also discussed DNA technology being used in sexual assault kits to find criminals years after the crime occurred.

Mike Davis spoke with Rob Connett from the Southern Farm Show. He said it is the largest event that happens each year at the NC State Fairgrounds outside of the State Fair itself. Mike said he has enjoyed looking at the exhibits of new tractors and combines.

Estelle Tracy from 37 Chocolates joins Rob Connett to talk about options for Valentines day. She discussed why she dedicated her life to chocolate and how it can bring people together.

Rob Connett and CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger discuss tax season. Jill said you should not be surprised if you receive less of a tax return this year.

Rob Connett and Nate Saunders discuss the morning poll question: How do you pronounce pecan?

Rob Connett spoke with Angela Queenland from the North Carolina Department of Transportation to discuss a transition for NC Quick Pass. She said the official website will have a new look, it will be easier to pay invoices, and everything will be in one website.

Rob Connett interviewed aviation expert Jay Ratliff about the incident with the Chinese Spy Balloon. He said it was a difficult situation to deal with, and he feels the officials dealt with it well. They also discussed close calls at US airports.

After an athletic career as one of the best college field hockey players of all time at UNC Chapel-Hill, Erin Matson was announced as the new head coach of the women's field hockey team. Rob Connett asked her about the process and how it feels to now coach the team she just played on.

Kristine Bellino asked Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson about her goals. Patterson said she wants to stop violent crime, engage the community, and hire and retain more high quality police officers. She also discussed the mass shooting in the Hedingham Community in Raleigh and what people can do to help stop more mass shootings in the future.

Betsy Brown with Friends of the Mountains To Sea Trail and Iona Thomas with McAdams join Rob Connett to discuss the Year of the Trail with Great Trails NC. They talk trails across North Carolina and how to spend your day enjoying nature.

WPTF reporter Jason Rogers discusses the latest progress setting up Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the NHL Stadium Series game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitols. Final touches are being made as the stadium gets set to host the sold out hockey game. Jason Rogers discusses ticket prices and excitement in the community before the game.

WPTF reporter Jason Rogers discusses the latest progress setting up Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the NHL Stadium Series game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitols. The hockey weekend is beginning with Fan Fest being set up in Raleigh. Jason Rogers discusses the events and festivities before the game as Raleigh gets ready for its first ever outdoor NHL game.

WPTF reporter Jason Rogers discusses the latest progress setting up Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the NHL Stadium Series game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitols. The rink is looking good! Paint and advertisements are down and the rink is starting to take shape within the football stadium.

WPTF reporter Jason Rogers discusses the latest progress setting up Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the NHL Stadium Series game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitols. Crews are continuing to set up the rink and make sure that the football field underneath is protected.