WPTF Morning News

Aviation expert Jay Ratliff breaks down the latest impacts to air travel, what passengers should expect in the days ahead, how weather and operational challenges are affecting flights nationwide, and what travelers can do to better prepare for delays, cancellations, and crowded airports.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger explains what recent market volatility can teach investors, warns against chasing popular trends like cryptocurrency and precious metals, and offers practical advice on staying disciplined, avoiding emotional reactions to headlines, and keeping speculative investing in check during uncertain economic conditions.

Moderna Vice President and oncology portfolio lead Michelle Brown explains the newly announced experimental melanoma vaccine developed with Merck, how it works alongside the immunotherapy Keytruda, what the latest data show about lowering the risk of cancer returning, and what this could mean for patients moving forward.

Covista Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Megan Noel breaks down new research showing how staffing shortages across health care are becoming a care capacity crisis, what’s driving the workforce gap, how it’s affecting patient access and quality of care, and what employers, educators and policymakers can do to build stronger pipelines for nurses, doctors and other critical health professionals.

Jason Orthner with NC By Train talks about the potential economic impact of reopening passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville. He outlines how restoring the western corridor could support tourism, expand travel options, and strengthen long-term regional growth across western North Carolina.

National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Lucchetti explains what parts of central North Carolina saw light snow versus freezing rain overnight, why most roads avoided major problems, and what to expect as temperatures stay cold before a potential warmup next week.

Dr. Jurgen Buchenau, Dowd Term Chair of Capitalism Studies in the Department of History at UNC Charlotte, joins Lisa Price to discuss his upcoming America 250 presentation at the President James K. Polk State Historic Site Saturday, February 7. He explains Polk’s legacy, the historical impact of the U.S.-Mexican War, and how the lecture places the former president’s actions into a broader internat...

UNC-Chapel Hill journalism professor Dr. Charlie Tuggle discusses students from the Hussman School traveling to Italy to cover the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. He discusses how the program works, what students will produce for NBC and local stations, and the real-world experience they’ll gain.

Author Jan Cress Dondi discusses her book The Navigator’s Letter and the true story of Operation Tidal Wave, one of World War II’s most dangerous B-24 bombing missions. She explains the history behind the raid on Ploesti, Romania and the personal stories of her father and uncle, both captured as POWs.

National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Petro breaks down what to expect from today’s winter weather, including timing, possible impacts and how conditions could change across central North Carolina. He explains what residents should watch for as colder air moves into the region.

CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum explains the legal fight over whether retired military officers serving in Congress can criticize military actions without facing penalties. He discusses First Amendment rights, separation of powers, the Speech and Debate Clause, and why the dispute could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long talks about the need for more skilled electricians, how the trade has evolved and why electrical work remains a stable career path. Listen for insight into workforce shortages and opportunities in the skilled trades.

Senior economist Andrew Berger-Gross discusses North Carolina’s population growth and what it means for employers, workers and the state’s economic outlook. Hear how changing demographics could shape hiring trends and workforce demand across NC.

National Weather Service meteorologist Chrissy Anderson explains the latest forecast for central North Carolina, including rain transitioning to light snow, expected impacts and why temperatures are likely to stay near or below average into early February. Tune in for what to expect over the next several days.

Kim Deaner outlines how NCDOT is preparing roads for winter weather, including brining operations, clearing priorities and what drivers should know before heading out.

Stephanie Hawco, media relations director for Raleigh-Durham International Airport, discusses how RDU kept runways open through the winter storm, handled cancellations and delays, and offers advice for travelers checking flight status and preparing for ongoing weather impacts.

Jay Ratliff discusses how winter weather affects air travel, potential delays and cancellations, and what passengers should expect heading into the week.

Chief Robert Zoldos shares critical winter weather safety tips, including fire prevention, heating hazards and how to stay safe during cold conditions.

Jeff Brooks explains how Duke Energy crews respond during severe weather, how customers can report outages, and what to do safely when power is restored.

Dr. Michael Walden breaks down what a new Federal Reserve chair could mean for interest rates, inflation and the broader economy, and what listeners should watch next.

CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger discusses the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, the politics and process around his confirmation, and what to expect in the jobs report and broader economy.

Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines CEO Lisa M.K. Jones shares details on the weekend cookie drive and where families can order their favorite Girl Scout cookies.

Teach For America North Carolina executive director Robyn Fehrman discusses why Gen Z is turning toward teaching, career concerns in an AI-shaped economy, and how new pathways are drawing young educators into classrooms.

NC Weather Authority founder Ethan Clark breaks down the weekend forecast, expected impacts, and why his weather analysis has built a reputation for accuracy across the state.

Former state Supreme Court Justice Bob F. Orr outlines the allegations in the Poe Hall PCB contamination lawsuit, who may be eligible to participate, and whether the case could become a class action.