WPTF Afternoon News

STAYIN’ ALIVE: One Night of the Bee Gees is the ultimate tribute to the brothers Gibbs that offers to their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin’,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Nights on Broadway,” and “Stayin’ Alive.” In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as “I Started a Joke,” “Massachusetts,” “Fanny Be Tender,” “Words,” and “To Love Somebody” among other great hits. Todd Sharman who portrays Robin Gibb joined Gayle Hurd to talk about the show.

Raleigh magazine is out with its annual list of the best 25 restaurants .. Bruce Ferrell gets the delicious details from editor Gina Stephens.

Earlier this week, Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Michael Whatley told a group of pastors that "we don't need a separation of church and state." Bruce Ferrell talked about that and other political topics with David McLennan, political science professor David McLennan.

After months of pushback from neighborhoods, the Raleigh Greenway Committee has reached a recommendation to bring to the Parks Board regarding the Big Branch Greenway project. This route would run straight through the backyards in the Anderson Forest neighborhood, including Andrew Bennington. On Tuesday, Bennington joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his frustration with the process.

The FBI is among the federal agencies looking into the deadly Aug. 22 knife attack on a Charlotte light rail. In a Sept. 8 social media post, director Kash Patel said the FBI had been investigating the case “from day one.” In the same post, he also told the public to “stay tuned.” State Auditor Dave Boliek has also announced an investigation. Lee Turner, a former Raleigh police officer who is now an attorney, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss security on public transportation.

After a sweltering start, it’s been a strange finish to summer. Across central North Carolina, there was only one 90-degree day in the month of August. Yet in the opening week of September, there were two days over 90-degrees. It comes after the warmest June and July on record. What can people expect until September 22, when fall officially starts? Wes Hohenstein, meteorologist for CBS17, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the unusual weather.

Alex Glover has spent 35 years studying rocks and minerals around the world, and in retirement he chose to live among some of the oldest formations in the U.S. in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. But when Tropical Storm Helene struck last September, the Little Switzerland resident was stunned by the damage it left behind. Now, he’s turning that experience into education—hosting forums to help mountain residents better understand the geology around them. Jeff Hamlin spoke with Glover about his work.

The U.S. economy showed more signs of weakness in August, adding just 22,000 jobs. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics report also revised earlier numbers, cutting 279,000 jobs from May through July, including a rare payroll decline of 13,000 in June—the first since the pandemic. Mike Walden, N.C. State University Economics Professor Emeritus, joined Jeff Hamlin to break down what the report says about the labor market.

A dangerous parasite is threatening bee colonies worldwide, putting a vital pollinator at risk. Since honey bees are essential to North Carolina’s largest industry—agriculture—researchers are working urgently to protect them. At UNC Greensboro, Kaira Wagoner and her team are studying ways to defend bees, from the honeycomb to the laboratory. Wagoner joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss efforts to safeguard one of the planet’s most prolific pollinators.

North Carolina Central University and Durham Technical Community College are launching a new partnership designed to create smoother pathways into the life sciences industry. The agreement aligns Durham Tech’s Applied Science associate programs with bachelor’s degrees in NCCU’s College of Health and Sciences, allowing students to transfer credits seamlessly and avoid extra coursework. Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the initiative.

A new study reveals that about one in 12 patients who are diagnosed with two or more different types of cancer were born with a mutation in a known cancer risk gene. This discovery could reshape how genetic testing is offered to cancer patients. People with multiple cancer diagnoses are not routinely tested for inherited cancer risk genes. The study’s authors suggest that the elevated frequency of inherited cancer risk genes in this group warrants broader access to genetic screening. Dr. Jeffrey Shevach, a co-author of the study, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what they discovered.

Nearly one year since Hurricane Helene, the rebuilding from Hurricane Helene continues. A program called “Ready, Set, Resilience” focuses on ecological, personal and community resilience. It originated in eastern North Carolina, growing out of the need to support Carteret County students and teachers in the wake of two hurricanes following the pandemic. In the wake of Hurricane Helene last fall, teachers in western North Carolina reached out to the program. It is designed for middle school students but can be modified for different learners and educational settings. Kathryn Stevenson, an Associate Professor at N.C. State University, has greatly shaped the program. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how things are progressing in western North Carolina.

State officials say they want Florida to be the first state to end all vaccine mandates for children, including for polio. Health experts warn this goes against science - that decades of data show that vaccines are safe and effective. A new CBS News Poll shows that 74 percent of Americans think government should make vaccines more available, not less. Dr. David Wohl, a clinical scientist at UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the plan by Florida officials.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. Mental illnesses are brain disorders that are biologically based medical problems. Untreated, they can cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating. This results in substantially diminished capacity for dealing with the ordinary demands of life. Amy Brundle with the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ North Carolina chapter joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Suicide Prevention Month.

Coming soon...Durham will have a new place for film aficionados, art enthusiasts and everyone in between to watch movies and live events. Owners of Shadowbox Studio, Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp, plan to open 'Skin and Bones Theater' on Parrish Street in Summer 2026. 'Skin and Bones' will be a place where you can view independent films and documentaries and where filmmakers can showcase their work. Alex Maness and Jim Haverkamp, the owners of Shadowbox Studio, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Durham’s newest movie theater.

In the year since Hurricane Helene battered western North Carolina, an educational program has taken root there that teaches resilience to school children. Developed by experts at Duke and NC State along with North Carolina public school teachers, Ready, Set, Resilience focuses on ecological, personal and community resilience. It originated in eastern North Carolina, growing out of the need to support Carteret County students and teachers in the wake of two hurricanes following the pandemic. Liz Demattia is one of the people who developed Ready, Set, Resilience. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how it is helping Helene victims.

As if it could afford any more adversity, St. Augustine’s University is dealing with the departure of its top executive. Dr. Marcus Burgess submitted his resignation July 16, which went into effect on Sunday. The Board of Trustees said Burgess cited personal reasons for his departure. Williams came aboard in December 2023. Steven Williams is a member of the group Save St. Augustine’s University. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest development.

Bill Belichick’s arrival in Chapel Hill has meant big business along Franklin Street. North Carolina sold out its season ticket allotment in the middle of summer. There’s lots of Belichick-related merchandise sold by various merchandise shops across downtown Chapel Hill. And then there’s Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery, the home of the UNC football and men’s basketball coach’s shows. Scott Maitland, the owner of Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what Belichick’s arrival has meant to his business.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and treatments that restore functionality after a heart attack are limited. But a new study from biomedical researchers at Duke University shows how a gene therapy they designed restores heart functionality in nonhuman primate models after a heart attack. This is the first demonstration of a gene therapy improving function in post heart attack nonhuman primate models. Dr. Nenad Bursac, Professor of Cell Biology at Duke University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

The American Cancer Society estimates that this year there will be 314-thousand new cases of prostate cancer, and 36-thousand deaths. A new study shows the disease is increasing in men of every age, including by about 3 percent per year in those younger than 55 and 6 percent per year in men over 55. Dr. Ray Tan, Associate Professor of Urology at the UNC Department of Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss ways to circumvent prostate cancer.

It was a start to the Bill Belichick era that no North Carolina fan will ever forget—no matter how hard they try. TCU rolled into Chapel Hill and handed the Tar Heels a 48-14 loss on Monday night. It was Carolina’s worst home loss in 21 years. Now, there are questions regarding Belichick’s long-term future as a head coach since he’s only eight months younger than the man he replaced last winter, Mack Brown. Sportswriter Conor O’Neill of On3Sports joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the fallout from Belichick’s first game at Kenan Stadium.

New Numbers are in on Tourism in North Carolina.. Bruce Ferrell finds out more from Witt Tuttle with Visit NC

The 16th Annual African American Cultural Festival returns to downtown Raleigh this Labor Day weekend. Festival board member Dia Harris joins Jon Champion to share what makes this free, family-friendly event special — and why it’s a celebration the whole community should be part of.

The final chapter of an influential piece of North Carolina baseball history is going on this week. It’s the final homestand for the Carolina Mudcats at Five County Stadium in Zebulon against the Delmarva Shorebirds. After 35 years in Zebulon, the Mudcats will move to Wilson at the conclusion of the season. The Mudcats find themselves in a pennant chase in the Carolina League's Northern Division. They are one-half game behind the Fredericksburg Nationals. The original voice of the Mudcats, Bob Licht, was with the franchise for its start in Zebulon in 1991. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss memories of the Mudcats.

A procedure which uses living heart valves may have expanded application as a treatment for various types of pediatric heart valve conditions. The research was led by pediatric heart specialists at Duke Health. It looked at 19 children with various heart conditions who received a partial heart transplant, a procedure which uses living valves from donor hearts. Dr. Douglas Overbey, one of the authors of the study, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the results.

President Donald Trump 50% tariffs on India has officially taken effect. Trump started the tariff rate at 25% but doubled it earlier this month as punishment for India buying Russian oil, making it one of the highest of the many tariffs imposed during Trump's ongoing global trade war. Steve Rao, a member of the Morrisville Town Council, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact the tariffs have on India and the United States.

A new study from the website CouponBirds shows North Carolina teachers can spend around $1,600 a year on school supplies for their classroom. That’s a 22% increase from last year, when teachers spent on average around $1,300 during the school year. The North Carolina Association of Educators believes some of this could be alleviated with help from legislators instead of heavily relying on the community to pitch in. Tamika Kelly, the President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the need for the General Assembly to help teachers.

Authorities say a shooter opened fire with a rifle through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church and struck children celebrating Mass during the first week of school. It’s something that sparks concern throughout North Carolina schools. Just two years ago, UNC-Chapel Hill had a shooting on campus, leaving a faculty member dead. Karen Fairley is the Executive Director for the NC Center for Safer Schools. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how leaders react after the tragedy in Minnesota.

It’s one of the most anticipated college football season-openers ever. North Carolina will open the Bill Belichick era against TCU on Monday night. The eyes of the nation will be on Kenan Stadium as Belichick coaches his first college game. In addition, North Carolina State will face East Carolina in Raleigh. It’s the last scheduled trip to Raleigh for the Pirates for the foreseeable future. Dave Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss football on Labor Day weekend.

The University of Arkansas has become the latest target of active shooter hoaxes, echoing similar threats nationwide. As North Carolina recalls past tragedies, UNC has bolstered its emergency protocols, emphasizing preparedness against swatting threats. Former FBI Director Chris Swecker said, real danger or not, the response is the same. Chris Swecker, a former FBI Director who is now based in Charlotte, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the on-campus response to school shootings.

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have turned negative in North Carolina, according to a new Catawba-YouGov Survey. While 45 percent of North Carolinians approve of the president, 54 percent disapprove — the highest negative rating across three Catawba-YouGov surveys conducted so far in his second term. Michael Bitzer, Catawba College Political Science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest findings.

According to police, a driver is dead after a cargo train collided with his car in Clayton on Monday morning. According to the Clayton Police Department, the incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. at the intersection of Central Street and Main Street. North Carolina Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. Margaret Cannell, Executive Director for N.C. Operation Lifesaver, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss train collisions and fatalities.

With Labor Day weekend marking the unofficial end of summer, families and friends across the country are gearing up for road trips to celebrate the holiday. While the long weekend promises adventure, preparation and safety remain essential to ensuring travelers reach their destinations without incident. Last Labor Day holiday weekend, AAA responded to more than 383,000 calls from stranded motorists, highlighting the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and road safety practices. Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss travel on Labor Day.

The Hussman School of Journalism’s latest documentary highlights the North Carolina women’s lacrosse team’s remarkable journey from an injury-plagued 2024 season to an undefeated 2025 run that secured the program’s fourth national championship under head coach Jenny Levy. Professor Charlie Tuggle joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the production.

It’s back-to-school day for Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and several other districts. In Wake County alone, more than 161,000 students are beginning classes across 203 schools. This year also marks the opening of four brand-new schools, including Felton Grove High School in Apex. Keith Poston, Chairman of the WakeEd Partnership, joined Jeff Hamlin to share what’s new and different for the academic year ahead.

June was the hottest on record, July topped it as the warmest ever, yet August has taken a surprising turn. As many central North Carolina schools welcomed students back on Monday, the weather felt unusually mild. And heading into Labor Day weekend, cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected to stick around. Wes Hohenstein, Chief Meteorologist for CBS17, joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about what has made this summer so unique from a weather perspective.

Hurricane Erin has moved on, but its impact on the Outer Banks remains. Dare County officials have launched a staged reentry process for residents after mandatory evacuations were ordered ahead of the storm. The region is no stranger to weather disruptions — last year alone, NC-12 was shut down at least three times due to winter storms, with each overwash bringing both challenges and costs. Photographer Jenni Koontz spent last week along the coast capturing images of Erin’s aftermath. She joined Jeff Hamlin to share what she saw and what the storm left behind.Jenni Koontz's Instagram, where you can see their work: https://www.instagram.com/epicshutterphotography/?hl=en

Dr. Elizabeth Kagan Arleo, physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, joins Gayle Hurd to discuss her new book Bye-Bye, Mama's Milk. She shares insights on the many benefits of breastfeeding, from supporting physical health to strengthening emotional bonds.

Humpy Wheeler has passed away. A native of Belmont, Wheeler was the President of Charlotte Motor Speedway for 33 years and cemented the Queen City as a racing Mecca. Working closely with Bruton Smith, Wheeler transformed CMS into a world class facility that attracted a wide range of fans and corporate sponsors. Wheeler garnered the nickname "The P.T. Barnum of Motorsports" with three-ring circuses in the infield and hosting boxing matches. Wheeler died of natural causes. He was 86. Michael Hembree, a longtime NASCAR writer, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Wheeler’s legendary career.

North Wilkesboro is officially back on the NASCAR Cup schedule. NASCAR has released its Cup Series schedule for 2026, which includes a return to Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19. The Window World 400 will be the first time that Wilkesboro has hosted a Cup Series points race since 1996. The past two years, North Wilkesboro has hosted NASCAR’s All-Star Race. Thomas Salley, the President of Visit Wilkes, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how much the return of NASCAR to Wilkesboro means.

Wake Tech President Scott Rawls welcome the largest class in school history with golden tickets. It was the first day of classes at Wake Tech on Monday. Five lucky students received the golden tickets, worth $250 courtesy of the Wake Tech Foundation. Gabriella Morero got one of the tickets. Wake Tech started the fall semester with the largest enrollment in school history. They're student body is up 11% from last year. Rawls joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the opening of school.

Hurricane Erin is moving northeast, away from North Carolina's coast, on Thursday morning, but flooding impacts will linger in the Outer Banks. In Buxton, floodwaters covered the streets in a Hatteras Village oceanfront neighborhood, and video near the Hatteras Inn in Buxton shows driveways covered in sand and damage to the lower level of a beach home. N.C. Highway 12 is closed. Sam Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Sam Walker OBX, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest regarding Erin.

There’s potential for big changes in Major League Baseball. Commissioner Rob Manfred has not only discussed expansion, but radial divisional realignment. There’s potential for eight division with four teams each. And lots of discussion about Nashville being the first Major League expansion franchise since Tampa Bay and Arizona in 1999. Ryan Freese has been a vocal proponent of bringing a Major League Baseball team to Raleigh. Freese joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

Mandatory evacuations are underway for parts of the Outer Banks, including Dare and Hyde counties and various islands, as Hurricane Erin draws closer. Storm surge flooding and tropical storm conditions are expected, and the Outer Banks could see waves between 15 and 20 feet. Jenni Koontz, a photographer shooting around Hatteras Island for nearly 17 years, capture Erin's opening blows, including at one of the islands most vulnerable places: Bruxton. Koontz, the owner of Epic Shutter Photography, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the storm.

While the eye of Hurricane Erin is expected to stay in the Atlantic, it is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the North Carolina coast. On Tuesday, crews with the North Carolina Department of Transportation worked to stack sand at least 10 feet high in spots along the ocean in Nags Head due to the expected storm surge. Corey Davis, State Climatologist, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential impact of the storm and what else may be churning for the Atlantic Hurricane season.

Hurricane Erin is forecast to stay hundreds of miles offshore but is still sending waves 20 feet or greater crashing over vulnerable sand dunes on the islands. Officials have ordered evacuations of Hatteras and Ocracoke islands even without a hurricane warning because that tiny ribbon of highway called N.C. 12 will likely be torn up and washed out in several places, isolating villages for days or weeks. Reide Corbell, Executive Director of the Coastal Studies Institute, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how severe Erin could be.

Jonas Pope has worked as a sportswriter for the Raleigh News and Observer. He has also organized the Dads Stroll Club in Knightdale. They meet on the third Saturday of each month for about an hour. Jonas emphasizes that the group not only bonds and has fun with the kids, but it’s also about forming partnerships beyond the park. Pope joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how he started the local chapter of the Dads Stroll Club.

The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and Pacific Elm Properties are hosting three upcoming public workshops for people to learn more about a new recreation and wellness destination. Potential features of the recreation and wellness destination include water sports, land sports, family-focused activities, retail, food and beverage establishments, and lodging. Michael Landguth, the President and CEO of RDU Airport, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what he’s hearing about the new destination.

The North Carolina Department of Human Services Kindergarten Immunization Dashboard reports 93% of kindergarteners statewide are up to date on required vaccines. However, the vaccination numbers in Durham County are lower compared to neighboring areas. Dr. Tony Moody, a pediatric infectious disease specialist who sees patients with Duke Health, said Durham County’s low numbers are surprising. Dr. Moody joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the importance of vaccinations when school begins.

Hurricane Erin has strengthened back into a Category 4 storm and is now just under a thousand miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. Pitt County Emergency Planner Merredith Lovely warns that in past storms, pet owners have put themselves at risk trying to rescue animals, stressing the importance of including pets in evacuation plans.Laura Helock of the National Weather Service joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what impacts Erin could bring to central North Carolina.