WPTF Afternoon News

The North Carolina Nurses Association is celebrating the passage of legislation that includes protections for operating room nurses from toxic surgical smoke. The language from HB390: Alleviate the Dangers of Surgical Smoke was signed by Governor Josh Stein on July 1 as part of a larger healthcare package and will take effect January 1, 2026. This language, championed by NCNA nurse legislators Representative Carla Cunningham and Representative Donna White, makes operating rooms safer by requiring hospitals to install filtration systems to remove harmful surgical smoke. Amanda Heitman, President of the North Carolina Council of Operating Room Nurses, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the legislation.

Free agency is underway in the National Hockey League and the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to get bigger and meaner. On Tuesday, they acquired 6-foot-5 defenseman K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers and signed him to an 8-year contract. Carolina also signed left winger Logan Stankoven to an eight-year contract extension worth $6 million annually. Meanwhile, defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitri Orlov are leaving Raleigh for greener pastures. Adam Gold, the 2022 North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year, covers the Canes for the Canes Corner podcast and “The Adam Gold Show.” He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the Canes are restructuring its roster.

Holden Bierman started his own company at 12 years old out of Holly Springs. Now 17, he is founder and chief executive of Coastal Cool, a swimwear line that turns discarded plastic bottles into quick-dry board shorts and bikinis and pays to remove a pound of ocean trash for every item sold. The idea took shape on Carolina Beach, where his family spent long stretches of 2020. Bierman joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how quickly his business has grown.

September marks 24 years since the Sept. 11 attacks. The attacks not only took thousands of lives and changed the nation, fallout effects are still being seen two decades later. For years, the main resource of help for people exposed to the contaminated air is the World Trade Center Health Program, helping those showing conditions and diseases identified by Congress related to 9/11. However, recent funding cuts and budget shortfalls have left the program and those in need in limbo with no solid answers on the program's future. Michael Barasch, managing attorney with Barasch & McGarry, is representing a Wake County woman who lost her husband to the environmental impacts of 9/11. Barasch joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the case.

A University of North Carolina researcher is helping save tiger sharks hallway around the world with the help from former shark fishers. From an early age, Chelsea Black always wanted to work with sharks. It’s her love for sharks that took her to Indonesia. In 2022, Black led the first team to ever satellite tag and track tiger sharks in Indonesia. The data collected shows there’s a hotspot of tiger sharks in this very small area. Black discussed working in Indonesia with Jeff Hamlin.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are now split between the bank accounts of over a dozen organizations in Durham that are focused on empowering youth while preventing crime involving children. City leaders said the victims and the suspects in serious crimes across Durham are getting younger. Most recently, a 15-year-old girl is now recovering from injuries after a shooting over the weekend. Anjanette Miller is the CEO of echo, an entrepreneurial support organization that helps children starting at 13 years old. She believes nonprofits need to collaborate to make a greater impact on youth. Miller joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss echo.

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has agreed to a plan for his successor. Steve Newmark, president of Roush Fenway Keslowski Racing, will become Carolina's new athletic director. Bubba Cunningham, who has been in the role since 2011, has signed a two-year extension and will transition to the role as senior advisor to the chancellor. He will serve as AD for the upcoming academic year. Newmark is a Chapel Hill native. He will take over as athletic director next summer. Greg Barnes, writer for Inside Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the transition.

If you are looking to get your hands on some delicious food and listen to some great music for the Fourth of July, there is an event taking place at the State Farmers Market this Friday. The Fourth of July Food Truck Rodeo will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday. People will be able to enjoy music, face painting, inflatables, and line dancing at the farmers market. Monica Wood, Marketing Specialist for the N.C. Farmers Market, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this weekend’s event.

To beat the summer heat, The Salvation Army of Wake County is once again partnering with Westlake Ace Hardware to help families in need. On Wednesday, the Salvation Army will pick up 75 donated box fans from Westlake Ace Hardware in Cary. These fans—made possible through customer donations during a recent round-up campaign—will be distributed to individuals and families in need across Wake County. Major Joseph Crawford of the Raleigh Salvation Army joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the partnership.

In 1996, the New World Order took professional wrestling by storm. It led to World Championship Wrestling overtaking the World Wrestling Federation in popularity and led to mainstream attention in the sports world. But it didn’t last. Less than five years after the group’s introduction, WCW went from unprecedented popularity to being defunct amid heavy financial losses. The legacy of the N.W.O is the subject of a new book from ESPN writer Marc Raimondi called “Say Hello to the Bad Guys: How Pro Wrestling’s New World Order Changed America.” Raimondi joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss a unique and exciting period in professional wrestling.

It’s a Fourth of July tradition across Durham. The Festival for the Eno starts on Friday and continues Saturday in northern Durham. The 46th annual Festival for the Eno features live music, a juried craft show, food, and fun on the river. Each year since 1980 the Eno River Association has presented the Festival for the Eno to draw thousands of folks to the shaded banks on the Eno River to sing dance and make merry with great food and crafts all while learning about natural resource conservation and raising funds for land protection in the Eno River basin. Bryan Iler, Director for Festival for the Eno, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis’ announcement that he will not seek re-election opens up plenty of speculation about who will run for his seat. His decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections, creating a wide-open Senate race in a state that has long been a contested battleground. It could also make Tillis a wild card in a party where few lawmakers are willing to risk Trump’s wrath by opposing his agenda or actions. Trump had already been threatening him with a primary challenge, and posted Sunday that Tillis’ announcement was “Great News!” David McLennan is a Meredith College Political Science Professor. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss where things go from here.

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he won't seek reelection. That news Sunday comes one day after he announced his opposition to President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts package because of its reductions to health care programs. The announcement from the two-term senator surprised senior Republicans with its timing, but not necessarily the substance. Tillis had planned to announce his reelection plans later this year, likely September at the latest, but had been heavily leaning in favor of retiring. Reuben Jones is a reporter for Spectrum News based in Washington, D.C. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the timing of Tillis’ decision.

The 4th of July is known to be one of the most dangerous holidays for pets. Dr. Marta LaColla joined Jon Champion to discuss how we can protect our pets during this holiday, as well as throughout the hot summer months.

Are you dreading traveling for the July 4th weekend? Waiting in line at airport security, tossing out liquids you forgot you had? A Duke University spinout called Quadridox is developing new airport scanners that could make security faster and safer – all while allowing you to keep your water bottle. With contracts from the Department of Homeland Security, this startup is aiming to trial their cutting-edge X-ray scanners in some East Coast airports this year. Joel Greenburg, the President of Quadridox, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new technology.

A controversial ban has been blocked. The House Republican Caucus has decided not to move forward with a vote on House Bill 442 which would ban shrimp trawling in North Carolina. Members of the Southern Shrimp Alliance say the bill would have gone against a recent executive order from President Trump aimed to revitalize the country’s seafood industry. Bill supporters say inshore trawling has harmful effects on the environment. Monica Smith is the co-owner of Miss Gina’s Fresh Shrimp. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the bill’s death will save her family’s business.

The stretch of sweltering temps has emergency doctors keeping a close eye out for heat-related injuries. So far this month, WakeMed has treated at least 45 patients for heat-related illnesses. Dr. Ryan Lamb says seeing temps like these for multiple days in a row can be dangerous. He says there are some signs you should look out for. Lamb joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss safety tips.

It never fails when it's hot; that's when you have a problem with your air conditioner. HVAC technicians work long hours in this heat to get systems back up and running. HVAC repairs can be costly, so it's key to do your research before you hire anyone. Chris Distel, with Newcomb and Company, says his technicians are working long hours to keep up with the high demand of service calls, and that they're prioritizing calls to those most in need, such as the elderly, sick, and those homes with only one AC unit. Distel joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how busy they’ve been since summer started.

The political fallout of Donald Trump’s decision to bomb Iran remains to be seen. Trump is insisting that U.S. strikes delivered a crushing blow to Iran’s nuclear program. That's despite a preliminary American intelligence assessment suggesting that the assault inflicted only a marginal setback. The leaked intelligence assessment said Iran suffered a delay of only a few months. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University political science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the political implications of Trump’s move.

It’s summertime. There continues to be lots of movement in regards to college sports conference realignment. Last week, a report surfaced that higher-up with the Sun Belt Conference have reached out to East Carolina to gauge their interest in leaving the American Athletic Conference. The Pirates have played in the American since 2014. For virtually its entire modern history, East Carolina has never had a conference rival from North Carolina. That could change if the Pirates join the Sun Belt, which Appalachian State is a member of in most sports. Stephen Igoe, an East Carolina correspondent from Hoistthecolours.net, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Pirates’ options.

A Wake County agency is helping seniors stay cool and making sure they’re fed through the extreme heat. The agency is supporting the elderly through their Meals on Wheels program--and through checking in on those who may be socially isolated. The council says it reaches almost 400 seniors each weekday through its nutrition program alone. But it also provides safety checks for seniors who are socially isolated, gives out fans, and connects seniors with workers who can help them around their home. Ashley McCumber, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Wake County, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they’re helping seniors during the oppressive heat.

A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding. The deal initially faltered, and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration Tuesday with both sides, saying they have fought “for so long and so hard” that they do not know what they are doing. Israel had earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect. Mac McCorkle, a Duke University Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ceasefire.

Lindsey Golden, Director, State Affairs Alzheimer’s Association

As North Carolina continues to see a growth in population, housing, especially affordable housing, is becoming more scarce. Some people just can’t keep up with the growing rent in the state, and some experts call it a crisis for working-class and lower-income households. Kings-Ridge is an affordable housing complex in Raleigh, housing 106 people, including 33 children. CASA, a nonprofit working on affordable housing, opened Kings-Ridge in January 2025. Everett McElveen, who opened CASA, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his mission to alleviate affordable housing in Wake County.

Duke Regional Hospital is ranked #1 in social responsibility by the Lown Institute in a 2025-2026 national ranking of acute care hospitals. This is the third consecutive year Duke Regional Hospital has received the top honor. Duke University Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital and Duke University Health System also made the ranking’s honor roll and received an “A” grade for social responsibility. The institute examines publicly available data from a variety of sources to assess for factors across three categories identified by their team - equity, value, and patient outcomes. The scores are then combined into a final grade and social responsibility ranking. Jason Carter, the President of Duke Regional, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ranking.

The State Senate has approved a plan to pay the commercial fishermen impacted by a proposed inland shrimp trawling ban. Supporters argue that a ban would allow other fish species to thrive in the Pamlico Sound, which would be a boon to recreational fishermen from across the state. Opponents say the trawling ban would destroy the shrimp business in the state. Monica Smith, co-owner of Miss Gina’s Fresh Shrimp in Beaufort, says the legislation could lead to the end of her family’s business. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the measure.

Chris Amenechi of SeatCash joined Anthony Dehart to discuss the summer travel season, SeatCash was formed by airline, banking, and fintech (financial technology) professionals with the purpose of dispelling travel myths and informing consumers about -actual- travel costs, the best times to buy tickets, travel route strategies, and more. Their goal is to provide an innovative travel shopping and management experience.

This Saturday marks a big step in the fight against food insecurity in southern Wake County. The Fuquay-Varina Growers Market will launch its role as a Summer Meals site, offering no-cost meals to children through USDA funding. It's also one of just nine markets nationwide participating in a program that doubles SNAP/EBT dollars, helping low-income families stretch their grocery budgets.Marge Moreton, Market Manager for the Fuquay-Varina Growers Market, joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about how this effort is making fresh food more accessible for the community.

Snake activity is on the rise across central North Carolina — and hospitals are feeling the bite. Emergency departments at WakeMed have reported a noticeable uptick in snake bite cases this month, including nine patients since June 1 and six in just a recent three-day span. If the trend holds, July could mirror last year’s spike in cases.Talena Chavis of Cary, the owner of NC Snake Catcher and a snake expert with nearly 30 years of experience, joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about what’s driving the increase in snake encounters and how to stay safe.

North Carolina’s scorching summers send thousands of Wake County residents to pools, lakes, and rivers in search of relief. But with the fun comes risk — last summer alone, emergency crews responded to 45 water-related incidents across the county. To help reduce those numbers, Wake County has launched a new safety initiative called the Swim Smart campaign.Autumn Miller with Wake County Emergency Management joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about the campaign and how residents can enjoy the water safely this summer.

Homelessness is on the rise in North Carolina, with a 19% increase reported statewide from 2023 to 2024, according to a new federal assessment. In response, the Raleigh Rescue Mission has launched a bold initiative: The Garden — a new $25 million campus designed to serve women and children experiencing homelessness. The facility is expected to increase the organization’s capacity five-fold, offering not just shelter but a pathway to stability.John Luckett, President of the Raleigh Rescue Mission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the mission behind The Garden and why the project hits close to home for him.

Travel across the Carolinas is expected to reach new heights this Independence Day. AAA projects that approximately 2.3 million North Carolinians will travel for the holiday — a jump of 79,000 from last year. Most will hit the road, with over two million people expected to drive, while others will take to the skies or use alternative transportation like buses, trains, or cruises.Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about what’s behind this surge and what travelers should know before heading out.

Economic experts are warning that Americans may soon feel the financial strain from Saturday night’s military strikes on Iran. With oil markets already reacting, economists expect prices at the pump to rise in the coming weeks. But the ripple effects could extend much further—especially if vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted.John Coleman, Economics Professor at Duke University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential economic consequences of the strikes and what consumers should be prepared for.

Dasan Ahanu is the 2023 Piedmont Laureate for Poetry in NC and a playwright , educator and so much more. He joins us today to talk about Juneteenth and more.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates at their current levels as the central bank continued to assess the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on the U.S. economy. NC State economist emeritus Dr. Mike Walden spoke with Jon Champion

Juneteenth marks more than 150 years after the last enslaved people were freed. Adrienne Nirdé, Director of the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission, discusses Juneteenth, the annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

With the heat index expected to rise above 100 degrees, Wake County will open temporary cooling stations to help residents stay cool. More about what you need to know about the heat as Bruce Ferrell talks with Autumn Miller, : Emergency Management Outreach, Training and Exercise Manager with Wake County Emergency Management.

New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about his latest book, Taking Midway: Naval Warfare, Secret Codes, and the Battle That Turned the Tide of WWII. Dugard shares how the Battle of Midway became a defining moment in American military history, revealing the behind-the-scenes codebreaking that helped shift the course of the war. As Memorial Day and the anniversary of Midway approach, the conversation reflects on legacy, identity, and how to think about military remembrance.

Bestselling author and youth career expert Jennifer Kushell joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about "Exploring Your Potential". Kushell discusses why preparing students for the future of work can’t wait until college, and how purpose, mental health, and career direction are deeply connected. As schools face growing pressure to equip students with real-world skills, this conversation explores how early exposure to career pathways can reshape outcomes and unlock human potential.

Award-winning strategist and entrepreneur LaWanna Bradford joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about her R3 System—Refocus, Reframe, Reconnect—and how it’s helping people set healthy financial boundaries, even under pressure from family and friends. Bradford shares practical tools for navigating emotional triggers, building resilience, and creating a path forward for individuals and small businesses alike.

This year's Soccer Tournament set attendance records. The five-day event drew 51,730 fans to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The 3rd annual Soccer Tournament wound up with Bumpy Pitch FC winning the men's championship at the United States National Team repeating the women's tournament. This year’s event had the largest field in women’s history as well as notable owners like Pat McAfee and Hope Solo. Jonathan Mugar, the co-founder of the Soccer Tournament, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s Soccer Tournament.

It is one of the largest single job announcements in state history. With local and regional leaders -- including Gov. Josh Stein and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger - on hand, aircraft maker Jet Zero announced plans for a $4.7 billion project that could bring more than 14,500 high-paying jobs near the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Stein says this is yet another chapter in the state's aviation history. Lee Lilley, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the announcement.

Thousands of Wake County kids are heading into summer break without a guaranteed hot breakfast and lunch, but Dillard Drive Magnet Elementary School is hoping to change that with the solution of hundreds of cereal boxes. Global Studies teacher Kristen Terry encouraged her students to start a school-wide effort to collect cereal boxes. They then lined up the collection for a toppling domino chain. Terry joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the domino box display.

As the nation’s capital cleans up from the culmination of World Pride this past weekend, focus now shifts to a very different massive event — Saturday’s military parade to honor the 250th birthday of the Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump. Army officials have estimated around 200,000 attendees for the evening military parade, and Matt McCool, of the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, said he was prepared for “hundreds of thousands” of people. Scott Peoples is a former U.S. Captain in the 82nd Airbourne. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this weekend’s parade.

June’s full moon, often referred to as the “strawberry moon,” was visible in North Carolina on Tuesday night. But you had to stay up late to see it. In fact, this year’s strawberry moon will sit the lowest in the sky in decades due to a phenomenon that causes the moon’s tilted orbit to be dragged around by the sun’s gravitational influence, according to EarthSky.org. Though the moon does appear a reddish color when it’s close to the horizon, the name “strawberry moon” has nothing to do with its color. Amy Sayle, Science Education Specialist at the Morehead Planetarium, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Strawberry Moon.

The Army will celebrate its 250th birthday in the Nation’s Capital this Saturday. Morhia Mote is the founder of Keep Being Resilient. As a Military Spouse, Gold Star Mother, and the proud granddaughter, daughter, sister, and mother of U.S. Army Soldiers, the milestone holds deep, generational meaning for Mote. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this weekend’s celebration.

Protests are slated in downtown Raleigh in a demonstration against legislation that, according to the organizers, "unfairly target North Carolina's immigrant communities." Downtown protests have become a way for people to make their voices heard on a wide-range of issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict. Speaking to the Raleigh City Council on Tuesday, Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said he and his officers would protect the first Amendment rights of citizens. Ira Mehlman, with the Federation for American Immigration Reform, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the General Assembly legislation.

As 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms, CA, were dispersed to Los Angeles to respond to the growing unrest amid recent ICE raids and protests, local immigration attorneys in North Carolina are speaking up about the situation and educating others on their rights and how to navigate the judicial system. Their comments come as social media and other websites can be a hotbed for misinformation that can lead to fear, panic, and confusion. Ana Nunez, a Raleigh Immigration Attorney, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what she is telling her clients.

Hours after having its dream of reaching the College World Series shattered, the Duke baseball team is losing its coach. Chris Pollard is leaving to become the new head coach at Virginia. Pollard took Duke to unprecedented success over 13 years, winning a school record 420 games. After missing the NCAA Tournament 55 straight years, he took Duke to four Super Regional appearances and two ACC Tournament titles. Pollard, a native of Virginia, previously coached at Appalachian State. Monty Taylor, writer for College Baseball Central, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Pollard’s departure.

Although there is always a rotation of fantastic eats at the North Carolina State Fair, a fan favorite got recognition from the Food Network for its rich and tasty infusion. The cooking channel recently curated its list of the best fair food in each state, and it selected the Cheerwine Funnel Cake from Beaver Concessions. The NC-infused dessert by the NC-based vendor uses Cheerwine in both the cake batter and buttercream icing. Beth Tapp, co-owner of the Busy Beaver, which created the Cheerwine Funnel Cake, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the honor.