WPTF Morning News

CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger was joined us to break down last week's jobs report, and to discuss the latest interest rate hike.

Aviation Analyst Jay Ratliff joined the WPTF Morning Show to discuss some of the unique stories from U.S. flights from over the weekend.

What's your favorite fast food restaurant? Rob Connett and the WPTF Morning crew selected theirs -- "NFL Draft" style.

Since it was created by NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano 30 years ago, The V Foundation has done some incredible work for cancer patients and their families. Rob Connett talked with Rebecca Erquitt with the foundation about their upcoming fundraiser -- Ride to Cure Cancer in Knightdale.

How is the housing market doing in the Triangle, and how does it compare to what's happening in the rest of the country? Rob Connett talked with James Flanagan of Tri Pointe Homes to get the latest.

Mother's Day is less than two weeks away. Still looking for something to get your mom, wife, or special lady in you life? Jennifer Jolly, a national Consumer-Tech columnist who has appeared on programs like NBC's Today Show, was on the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett to give us some tech gift ideas.

Saturday is Wildfire Preparedness Day. Michele Steinberg is the Wildfire Division Director of the NFPA, and joined Rob Connett to go over some tips and advice to make sure you and your family and neighbors are ready in case a wildfire impacts your area.

Saturday is "Open That Bottle of NC Wine Night" -- a virtual event that invites all North Carolinians to support local wineries and share their photos and videos. Rob Connett spoke with "The North Carolina Wine Guys," Joe Brock and Matt Kemberling about how the event works.

What's up with all the bank failures here in the U.S.? Is this something you should really be worried about? Rob Connett asked those questions to Jill Schlesinger, business analyst for CBS News, and the host of the "Jill on Money" podcast.

This week, our very own Mike Raley -- a news anchor and host of the Weekend Gardner -- celebrated 48 years at WPTF. He, along with some other on-air talent here at Curtis Media, celebrated his accomplishments and his career by sharing some stories and talking about what he has meant to radio in Raleigh.

Students at UNC's Hussman School of Journalism in Chapel Hill just completed a documentary about the Tar Heel women's field hockey team that won the 2022 national championship. Rob Connett got a chance to talk with Jay, Riley and Kaitlyn about their work.

Students at UNC's Hussman School of Journalism in Chapel Hill just completed a documentary about the Tar Heel women's field hockey team that won the national championship this school year. Rob Connett got a chance to talk with Jay, Riley and Kaitlyn about their work...

Kesha Dozier is the owner of The Chocolate Boutique in North Raleigh. She stopped by the WPTF Morning Show today to promote their upcoming "Wine, Cheese and Chocolate" event that they'll be hosting this Saturday afternoon.

Kesha Dozier, the owner of The Chocolate Boutique in North Raleigh, not only joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about her "Wine, Cheese and Chocolate" Festival that is coming up this Saturday, but she also brought the crew some of her delicious chocolate!

This Wednesday night is the first WPTF Comedy Night at Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh. The headliner is Andy Forrester, who stopped by the show on Tuesday to talk what he's been up to lately.

This Saturday is the PanCan PurpleStride 5K Walk/Run on NC State's campus -- a fundraiser to help raise money for pancreatic cancer patients and support the families of those who lost someone from the disease. Chris Hooks, who works at WPTF, lost his mom to pancreatic cancer, and since then, has been teaming up with Liz Johnson of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to raise awareness. The duo stopped by the show to discuss the event and what it means to them.

What is a store that you loved going to when you were a kid? That was the topic for today's "roundtable" on the WPTF Morning Show.

It's no secret -- affordable housing is hard to come by right now. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joined the show to give her tips and advice for anyone wanting to buy a house in 2023.

What are some of the most popular mispronounced cities and counties in North Carolina? We put Rob -- who moved to North Carolina only a year ago -- to the test.

Have you been to Cary's newest bars? Sports and Social, and the PBR Cowboy Bar, opened in the Fenton neighborhood a couple of months ago. Now, a third bar called Ava Rooftop has opened on top of the building. Emily Almond from Ava joined us to walk us through what you can expect when you visit.

USDA State Director Reginald Speight joined the WPTF Morning Show for their "Roundtable" discussion. Today's topic? The advice you were given on your wedding day.

The USDA's Rural Partners Network is adding staff to help rural residents of North Carolina access resources. What exactly does that mean? Reginald Speight, the Department of Agriculture's state director for North Carolina, joined the WPTF Morning Show to explain how they're helping North Carolinians.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein made his monthly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show. He and Rob Connett talked about the potential abortion pill ban, his office suing Google, and the ongoing fentanyl problem in North Carolina.

Starting Friday, the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties will be hosting a 2-week fundraiser that focuses on shopping local. Eva Ward from the Junior League joined the WPTF Morning Show to discuss the details of how the fundraiser aims to help local businesses and communities.

With the very warm temperatures today, some parts of the Triangle are under an Air Quality Alert Day. What does that mean? Nick Petro with the National Weather Service in Raleigh explained it to Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

Have you heard about the newest "trail" in North Carolina? Secretary Reid Wilson of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail.

Our very own Mike Davis has been in Washington D.C. this week, covering the new Farm Bill. He joined the show to discuss the biggest focuses of this year's bill, and how it will impact farmers in North Carolina.

On Monday, Grace Federal Solutions and the Enterprising Women Foundation will be hosting an event for teenage girls at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School interested in the technology and engineering industry. Lorna Miller-Jones, from Grace Federal Solutions, was on the show to talk about details of the event, and the scholarship they'll be awarding to one student.

You've probably heard of the "Impossible Burger" or "Beyond Burger" -- the meatless sandwiches served at some fast food restaurants. Lisa Keefe, with a company called "Alt Meat," joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about what some vegetarians have been turning to, and if it's starting to become more popular.

The Duke University football team will be hosting its annual Blue-and-White Spring Game this coming Saturday afternoon on campus in Durham. Head Coach Mike Elko stopped by the WPTF Morning Show to preview the 2023 season and the team.

Tuesday is Tax Day. If you haven't filed your taxes, CBS Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger has some last-minute tips and advice.

Imagine this... you're at work, and something terrible happens to a co-worker. You call 911, but you also need to administer CPR. Do you know exactly what to do? Most people don't. Melissa Overton with MedicalTraining.me, who teaches CPR classes here in the Triangle, showed Rob Connett on the WPTF Morning Show.

You've probably seen his videos and song parodies on social media. "Redneck" comedian Ginger Billy will be performing at Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh this Friday and Saturday night. He stopped by the WPTF Morning Show to talk about growing up in the "sticks," and how one video about Dale Earnhardt Jr. led to his current career in comedy.

Max Trujillo is the owner of Craften in Knightdale, and the host of the "NC Food & Beverage Podcast." He made his monthly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show today to have the crew try a Bloody Mary with a special twist.

Max Trujillo is the owner of Craften in Knightdale, and the host of the "NC Food & Beverage Podcast." He made his monthly appearance on the WPTF Morning Show today to talk about some of the events his restaurant is hosting, and some of the other local businesses he's featured on his podcast.

Coming up in May, professional wrestling will take over Selma, North Carolina. AC Devine, Dynamite Jackson and Zuka King, with the Dominant Championship Wrestling League, joined Rob Connett today on the WPTF Morning Show.

Coming up in May, professional wrestling will take over Selma, North Carolina! AC Devine, Dynamite Jackson and Zuka King, with the Dominant Championship Wrestling League, joined Rob Connett today on the WPTF Morning Show.

Coming up next Wednesday afternoon at the Durham Convention Center is the 2023 "Emerging Women in Sports Leadership" Summit. Kaila'Shea Menendez, the deputy director of the Durham Sports Commission, joined the WPTF Morning Show to discuss the large list of guests who will be speaking at this event.

It's the "Year of the Trails" in North Carolina, which promotes the love for all of the trail systems around the state, and encourages you to get out and enjoy them in 2023! Iona Thomas (McAdams Group), Betsy Brown (Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail) and Sam Trogdon (Wake County Parks) joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about some of the upcoming events and some of the popular trails in our area.

It's the "Year of the Trails" in North Carolina, which promotes the love for all of the trail systems around the state, and encourages you to get out and enjoy them in 2023! Iona Thomas (McAdams Group), Betsy Brown (Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail) and Sam Trogdon (Wake County Parks) joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about some of the upcoming events and some of the popular trails in our area.

Cary's newest sports bar -- Sports & Social -- is now open in the Fenton neighborhood. Emily Almond with S&S joined the WPTF Morning Show to talk about all the details of the two-story building, including the massive TV screen that you won't miss, and the delicious food and drinks they have to offer.

It's a hard topic to discuss, but North Carolina does not have enough emergency housing for victims of domestic violence. Christian Adams from the Compass Center in Orange County spoke with Nate Saunders on WPTF's Afternoon News about what they do to help survivors and what needs to be done to increase the assistance for those in need.

Earlier this month, a few Republican state lawmakers introduced a bill, and part of it focuses on stripping the North Carolina High School Athletic Association of its powers to govern high school sports. Over the last week-and-a-half, numerous athletic directors and coaches across the state have voiced their strong opposition to the bill, including Colin Fegeley of Green Level High School in Cary.

More and more people are starting to plant and garden, as the weather gets nicer here in North Carolina. Phil Campbell of Campbell Road Nursery in Raleigh -- a frequent guest on the WPTF Weekend Gardener -- was on the WPTF Morning Show today to talk with Rob Connett about some of the most popular flowers and plants for this spring.

We are less than two months away from an event that WPTF loves to sponsor -- The NC Outdoor Living Show, featuring the state's largest man cave! It's June 3-4 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Lisa Hobbs, GM of Digital Marketing at Curtis Media, joined the Morning Show to go over the details of the event.

April is "Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month." Kathryn Bronsky, a National Policy Manager with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, joined the WPTF Morning Show to break down what that all means, and why it truly is a big deal here in North Carolina, and across the country.

Showcasing the beauty of older women. That's the goal for Paige Burris, a local photographer, who will be hosting a photography gala next week in the Triangle. She stopped by the WPTF studio this morning to talk to Rob Connett about the details of this event.

Are you currently working on a home project, or thinking about starting one this spring or summer? You might want to stop by the Ideal Home Show at the Fairgrounds in Raleigh this coming weekend. Tina Robinson was on the WPTF Morning Show with Rob Connett today to talk what you can expect at the event.

April is National Financial Capability Month. CBS Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger joined the WPTF Morning Show to explain what that means, and give her tips and advice on how to avoid big financial red flags.

Have you ever been singing a song loud and confident...only to find out you've been saying the WRONG words? The WPTF Morning Crew talked about some of the most popular "misheard lyrics."