WPTF Afternoon News

President Trump’s dispute with the World’s Richest Man, Elon Musk, has taken various turns over the past week. Musk has threatened to release details about the Epstein files to the public, claiming that Trump is included in them. He has also talked of spending to start a third political party. Trump has made various threats towards Musk, as well. What will be the end result of the dispute between two of the most influential people in the world? David McLennan, Meredith College Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the dispute.

Grazing on greens and soaking up the sun, it’s all in a day’s work for green gobbling goats at Dorothea Dix Park. Goats on the Go is teaming with the City of Raleigh Parks Department to clear invasive plants at Dix Park. The hard-working crew of 32 goats is never late to work and can do the job that people and machinery often can’t. Stephen Paul, director of Goats on the Go Raleigh-Durham, moved from Australia to central North Carolina two years ago to run the company’s Triangle location. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the program.

Feeding America recently released its 2025 “Map the Meal Gap” study on food insecurity across the nation and at a local level. It shows North Carolina had a higher food insecurity rate than the national average, a continuing trend over the past few years. While the study was released in 2025, the data highlighted is from 2023. Food pantries through organizations like Celebration Church in Wake County, are helping those battling food insecurity. Ted Scheve, Mission Pastor at Celebration Church, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the church’s plan to help the less fortunate.

A new bipartisan poll released by the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease shows strong support among American voters for FDA-approved vaccines, regardless of political affiliation. The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and Lake Research Partners, highlights growing concern over declining childhood vaccination rates and emphasizes the public’s belief in the importance of vaccines to protect public health.Candace DeMatteis, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Partnership, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the findings. She noted that most voters also support continued U.S. leadership in vaccine development and rely on medical professionals as trusted sources of vaccine information. The results point to a rare area of bipartisan consensus: that vaccines remain a critical tool in preventing disease and ensuring public safety.

Duke University is bracing for more voluntary layoffs and possibly involuntary separations throughout the summer, as it faces major financial pressures tied to changes in federal funding. In a recent message to the campus, Duke President Vincent Price described the funding cuts as having “dire implications” for the university’s operations and workforce.Michael Hardt, a professor at Duke and a representative of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), joined Jeff Hamlin to express concern over the process. He emphasized that many faculty and staff feel left in the dark about how decisions are being made. Hardt pointed to similarities between Duke’s handling of layoffs and those conducted in certain federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOGE), which have also drawn criticism for lacking transparency.Hardt is calling on Duke leadership to provide clearer communication, release data justifying the layoffs, and involve faculty in decision-making. He warned that the university’s reputation for shared governance and academic integrity could be damaged if cuts continue without more openness and accountability.

Mitch Kokai, spokesperson for the John Locke Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to analyze the re-election of Jason Simmons as Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party. Simmons, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, secured 53% of the vote against challenger Brooke McGowan at the GOP convention in Greensboro, where roughly 1,600 delegates cast ballots.Kokai explained that Simmons' victory reflects the party's continued alignment with Trump and a desire for consistency in leadership as the GOP prepares for key 2026 and 2028 races. However, he noted that despite recent Republican strength in the General Assembly, the party faces a critical test following losses in the 2024 elections, where Democrats won the governor’s office, lieutenant governor’s race, and flipped control of the State Supreme Court.Kokai emphasized that Simmons' challenge will be unifying the party’s factions—especially establishment conservatives and grassroots activists—while ramping up fundraising, refining messaging, and increasing voter outreach. Whether Simmons can recalibrate the party’s strategy to reverse Democratic gains will help define the GOP's standing in North Carolina moving forward.

Dave Glenn, veteran college sportswriter from the North Carolina Sports Network, joined Jeff Hamlin to break down the sweeping changes in college athletics following Judge Claudia Wilken’s landmark ruling. The approved settlement allows NCAA Division I schools to directly compensate athletes—something long debated but never before legally permitted.Glenn emphasized that this marks a turning point in the structure of college sports, as the NCAA and its most influential conferences agreed to end restrictions on direct payments. Schools will now be able to share revenue with athletes up to a defined cap, fundamentally altering the amateurism model that has long governed college athletics.Despite this shift, Glenn noted unresolved issues remain—particularly whether student-athletes will eventually be classified as employees, which would carry broader implications like unionization and benefits. Additionally, questions about eligibility limits and the governance structure of college sports are still in flux. Glenn characterized the ruling as both historic and the beginning of a new, uncertain era for collegiate athletics.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are back in the Super Regional of the NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels will face Arizona in a best-of-three series at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill starting on Friday at noon. North Carolina is going for ninth appearance in the College World Series in the last 20 years. Head coach Scott Forbes, in his fifth season, has quickly established the Tar Heels as among the premiere programs in college baseball. In the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament, three of the top seven seeds were eliminated, including #1 Vanderbilt. Dave Nathan, the play-by-play man for UNC baseball, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Tar Heels season.

The number of antisemitic acts in North Carolina increased for the second straight year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The organization recorded 175 incidents of antisemitism in the state in 2024, including 140 incidents of harassment, 33 incidents of vandalism and two incidents of assault. The findings show the number of incidents increased compared with 2023 when 151 acts of antisemitism were recorded. Rabbi Mendy Wilschanski, Executive Director of the Chabad of Raleigh, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the increase of violence.

Heavier rainfall from tropical systems affecting North Carolina can have many dangerous impacts around the state. Just last year, Helene set the new flood of record for Asheville and other communities around the mountains. That was not the only historic rainfall event from a tropical system in North Carolina in 2024. Scientists, who study the impacts of storms, say the trend of heavier rain is not surprising. Hans Paerl, Professor at the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how climate change is impacting water quality concerns along the coast.

As summer approaches, U.S. tariffs on imported goods are set to hit American wallets hard. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates tariffs could cost the average American household around $4,000 a year, and that’s because so many products come from outside of the U.S., especially many summertime staples. Grills and grill utensils, sunscreen, swimming and wading pools, and fishing gear is expected to cost 30% more. Same with fireworks, beach toys, beach towels and camping equipment. Alex Jacquez, Chief of Policy & Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the increase of tariffs will impact North Carolinians this summer.

Even the most optimistic Duke fan would have had a hard time imaging the Blue Devils host a game in the Super Regional of the NCAA Baseball Tournament this year. But that’s what will happen, for the first time ever, this weekend at Jack Coombs Field in Durham. A season that started with a three-game sweep against Stanford could lead to the Blue Devils going to the College World Series for the first time since 1961. It continues the upward trajectory of the program under head coach Chris Pollard. Elliott Jarnot is a sportswriter for the Duke Chronicle that followed the Blue Devils this season. Jarnot joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the upcoming Super Regional that starts on Saturday.

A house legislative committee approved a bill allowing most citizens over the age of 18 to carry concealed weapons. The Senate generated bill removes permitting requirements along with lowering the age. Opponents say that lowering the age -- and removing permitting requirements -- would lead to more gun incidents. The bill was approved by a party line 6-5 vote and heads now to the house rules committee. Clay Ausley is the former owner of Gold and Guns in Raleigh and has concern about the legislation. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the bill.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is warning anglers about an invasive fish that is being found across the state. The commission announced in April the Alabama bass are “now in more rivers and lakes than ever before.” Alabama bass were first found in Lake Norman and Lake Chatuge in the 1980s. They slowly started spreading to the Piedmont and were found in the coastal areas earlier this year. Kin Hodges, Fisheries Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Alabama bass.

The Trump Administration has ended a prominent HIV vaccine development program led by Duke University researchers, a move that school said “represents an enormous setback” for creating a vaccine to fight the cause of AIDS. Researchers were notified on Friday that the Department of Health and Human Services would not renew two National Institutes of Health grant, totaling $258 million, for the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and the Scripps Research Institute to operate the Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development. Matt Martin, the Associated Director of the North Carolina Aids Action Network, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the fallout of the Trump Administration’s move.

The arrival of June brings a wide array of sports events. Thousands of people from around the world will gather at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary for the Soccer Tournament. This year’s event will be the biggest in the event’s three-year history. There will be an expanded women’s tournament, along with the men’s tournament. Each competition will lead to a $1 million prize for the winners. Meanwhile at the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, the Division II College World Series continues with a North Carolina flavor. Lenoir-Rhyne, based out of Hickory, is making a possible run to the national championship. Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, discussed the financial impact of the events for Wake County

From its coast to its mountains, North Carolina has much to offer, including a spot for retirees to settle down. With the Tar Heel State consistently ranks in the top states to retire, special care will be needed to accommodate this age group like geriatricians, but a national shortage in this field may not keep up with the demand. Everyone has a reason to pursue a future career, including Tamara Damjanac, a fellow in the UNC Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Partnership. Damjanac joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the program.

It has been one year since professional golfer and Raleigh native Grayson Murray died by suicide at the age of 30. Last weekend, during the UNC Health Championship at Raleigh Country Club, Murray's parents, Terry and Eric Murray, gathered with supporters to honor their son with a ceremonial tee time. Grayson had been open about his struggles with addiction and depression. Since his death in May 2024, his parents are determined to share his story, hoping it might save others facing similar challenges. Jeff Maness, the President of the Grayson Murray Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ceremony last weekend.

Finding a place to live can be hard enough, but for those going through a tragedy or struggling financially it's even harder. And furnishing that home can sometimes seem downright impossible. For the last 15 years, a nonprofit in North Carolina, The Green Chair Project, has helped vulnerable families fill their empty homes, giving them a new start. Rae Marie Czuhai, CEO of the Green Chair Project, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their program, how it got started and how they’ve helped people.

Wildfires burning across several Canadian provinces, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, are producing vast amounts of smoke that are traveling far beyond their points of origin. Due to the intense heat generated by these fires, smoke and ash are lifted high into the atmosphere, where upper-level winds carry them across long distances. In recent days, some of that smoke has reached North Carolina, prompting air quality concerns and hazy skies.Nicholas Luchetti from the National Weather Service in Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to explain how weather patterns are carrying the smoke southward and what impact it may have on air quality and visibility in the state.

Amy Beros joined Jeff Hamlin to raise concern about looming federal funding cuts that could drastically impact hunger relief efforts across the state. These cuts are part of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," recently passed by the House and now under consideration in the Senate.Beros explained that approximately 1.6 million North Carolinians currently face food insecurity, and 1.4 million depend on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. The proposed legislation could lead to reductions in SNAP funding and slashes to food bank support, putting even more strain on already overwhelmed services. Beros emphasized that if the cuts go through, many families, children, and seniors may be left without access to consistent, nutritious meals.

HB 430 and Senate Bill 318, collectively known as Solly’s Law, were introduced in March to curb the growing youth vaping epidemic in North Carolina. These bills aim to protect minors from the harmful health effects of nicotine by tightening regulations around e-cigarette sales and access. Despite North Carolina ranking 6th nationally for youth vaping rates, both bills remain stalled in their respective Rules Committees, with no hearings scheduled yet.Peg O’Connell, Senior Advisor for Government and Public Affairs at Fuquay Solutions, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the urgent need for legislative action and how Solly’s Law could help reduce youth access to addictive vaping products, which are most often obtained from retail sources or peers under the age of 21.

Duke Health researchers have discovered that many of the most popular disposable e-cigarettes contain neotame, a highly potent and unregulated artificial sweetener. Neotame is up to 13,000 times sweeter than table sugar and is commonly found in e-cigarettes featuring fruity, candy, and mint flavors—products often marketed toward young or first-time users. Clinical studies have shown that such sweeteners significantly increase the appeal, preference, and potential for abuse of tobacco products. Dr. Sairam Jabba, a research scientist at the Duke University School of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the findings and the implications of neotame use in e-cigarettes.

The White House is planning to send a $9.4 billion rescissions package to Congress next Tuesday, giving lawmakers the opportunity to codify some of the potential cuts identified by DOGE, according to an administration official. The proposed cuts would trim $1.1 billion from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion in foreign assistance, from both USAID and the African Development Foundation. Congresswoman Deborah Ross, 2nd District Congresswoman, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss her objections to the bill.

A required yearly or seasonal COVID-19 vaccine is now a thing of the past for most Americans. The Food and Drug Administration is shifting from the one-size-fits-all model to making it available to seniors and those most at risk for illnesses. This new strategy allows people 65 years and older access to seasonal novel coronavirus vaccines. What does this new guidance mean for the general population? Dr. David Wohl, Professor of Global Health at UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what the new mandate from the FDA means.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina chapter is encouraging North Carolinians to take charge of their brain health. Today, there are more than 7 million people age 65 and older in the United States living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 210,000 in North Carolina. Two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia. Lindsay Golden of the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Alzheimer’s & Brian Awareness Month.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and 2024. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. The announcement comes as farmers in western North Carolina continue to rebuild after the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene last year. Lynn Gibbard is the President of the North Carolina Farmer Veteran Coalition who has seen the devastation that farmers have had to deal with firsthand. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the USDA’s payments.

When Raleigh city council members meet Monday to begin mulling over the FY26 proposed budget, one group of first responders will be closely watching what's included. The Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association is calling on leaders to include separation allowance for firefighters. It's a financial benefit for eligible people leaving the department until they reach the age of 62 and become eligible for Social Security. Andrew Davis, President of the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association, discussed their requests with Jeff Hamlin.

In early June half of WakeMed Soccer park in Cary will be filled with fans from all over the globe and players competing to win $1 million. Over the past two summers, The Soccer Tournament has drawn more than 70,000 fans for the competition and it is expected to welcome its largest crowds yet in 2025. This year the women's has doubled now there are 16 teams which doubles the amount of games to be played. Jon Mugar, the Founder of the Soccer Tournament, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

As the U.S. government raises tariffs on imported goods, a troubling consequence looms large: an increase in tariff fraud by importers intentionally deceiving U.S. Customs to evade paying the higher tariffs. North Carolina promises to be a major battleground in the fight against tariff fraud, with ports like Wilmington and Morehead City on the front lines. This rise in fraudulent activities not only undermines government revenue but also threatens the integrity of domestic industries. Gary Jackson, Attorney of Counsel at Carolina Whistleblowers Attorneys, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact that tariffs will have.

Wildlife agencies in all 11 southeastern states where American alligators live, including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, have launched GatorWise, an outreach initiative that provides information to the public on avoiding human-alligator conflicts and living responsibly with alligators. North Carolina is the northern-most region of the American alligator’s range in the U.S. Alligators are native to many southeastern United States wetlands and are critical to the health and balance of these ecosystems. Alicia Wassmer, Alligator biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss GatorWise.

The 2025 hurricane season begins on June 1, serving as a timely reminder for North Carolina residents to remain vigilant when making home repairs due to storm damage. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors urges homeowners to verify contractor credentials and be aware of unlicensed individuals offering repair services in the aftermath of severe weather events. Ryan Cody, the Executive Director of the NCLBGC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss steps people should take to avoid scammers.

With students graduating this time of year many of them will buy a class ring, rings that resemble hard work and determination. Values one woman possessed after she found a class ring from 1938. Her goal in mind was to return the ring to its owner. Lori Rhew, a native of Bahama, North Carolina, was at a Starbucks in Wilmington earlier this month. It was a trip she would never forget. In the parking lot, she found a high school class ring—from 1938. Lori’s story has garnered national attention. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what happened.

Last week, researchers armed with GPS-enabled plastic bottles took aim at Marsh Creek in Raleigh, hoping to illuminate how everyday litter in the capital city winds up polluting North Carolina’s rivers, sounds and, eventually, the Atlantic Ocean. Twenty bottles, each fitted with a tracker and a scannable QR code, were dropped into the water off Stony Brook Drive. The high-tech launch is part of a NOAA-funded study led by North Carolina Sea Grant, NC State University and a coalition of local nonprofits and agencies. Barbara Doll, an N.C. State Engineering Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

CBS journalist Scott Pelley launched into a fierce condemnation of President Donald Trump during a university commencement speech. The news anchor rebuked the Trump administration for attempting to root out diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies from federal agencies, while speaking at Wake Forest University .. Jeff Hamlin talked with Wake Forest University communications professor Nate French.

North Carolina Highway Patrol said the two troopers investigated for mishandling their response in a fatal crash will remain on desk duty. Last week, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman announced she wouldn’t charge the troopers criminally, saying the evidence would not support a successful prosecution after Trooper Garrett Macario gave false statements about his involvement in the chase. The announcement has garnered criticism from civil rights activists. Carl Fox, a former judge based out of Orange County, said he was confident in Freeman's decision. Fox joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Freeman’s decision.

A suspect in a homicide was shot and killed in the Durham Police Department headquarters. 19-year-old Joshua Farmer grabbed an officer's gun and fired the fatal shot himself. Investigators were wrapping up an interview with Farmer when he went for the gun, according to a Durham Police news release. There are precautions that police must follow when interviewing a suspect with their guns within reach of a suspect. Lee Turner is a Raleigh attorney who was once a police officer. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the proper protocol.

The NOAA’s 2025 hurricane prediction is above-normal activity in the Atlantic this year. The outlook for 2025 goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms. Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes, including 3-5 major hurricanes.Gail Hartfieldt with the National Weather Service in Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the forecast.

Most North Carolinians want utilities to stop billing them for power plants that do not yet exist, a new statewide survey shows. A poll by Conservatives for Clean Energy, a Raleigh nonprofit that promotes clean power and utility competition, found that 85% of likely North Carolina voters oppose “construction work in progress” or CWIP. The practice lets Duke Energy add financing costs for new plants to monthly bills long before the units generate electricity. Dee Stewart of Conservatives for Clean Energy joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the survey.

As warmer months bring more outdoor activity across North Carolina, experts are warning residents to watch out for a lesser-known but potentially dangerous insect: the Asian needle ant. The insect is often overshadowed by the more familiar red imported fire ant, but experts are raising awareness of the growing impact of the Asian needle ant and its serious sting risk—particularly for those with allergies. Christopher Hayes, N.C. State Extension Associate Professor for Structural Pest Management, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how harmful the Asian needle ant can be.

Graduating college is an exciting time, finally getting to close the textbook. Although, if you have student loans, you’ll soon have to open a different book — your checkbook. Wake Technical Community College offers various resources for their students, including their Care Center. There they can find aid like wellness services, laptop help, a food pantry and coaches to help them with their study skills and more. Melody Wiggins, Wake Tech’s Director of Student Support Programs, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the programs that Wake Tech offers to make student life easier.

The reaction to Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred lifting the suspension of Pete Rose and Joe Jackson continues to come in. Rose and Jackson were banned from baseball for decades. Rose, who died last year, is now eligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame after being banned from the sport since 1988. Jackson was banned, along with seven of his teammates, after conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series. John Manuel is currently a scout with the Minnesota Twins after working as a writer for Baseball America, based in Durham. Manuel joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Manfred’s decision.

A new facility in Durham is giving kids an option to experience fun with other children and taken them away from screens. Hyper Kidz officially opened in Durham last week. They’re offering a 13,000 square foot facility for kids of all ages. When you pay admission, it covers play for the entire day. They also have birthday party rooms. There's also a room tucked away in the back. Matthew and Mekayla, who work with HyperKidz Durham, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new facility.

One of Raleigh's most iconic cultural events returns this fall with the new 2025 Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival. It will take place October 3rd and 4th. The free two-day festival builds on the city's success as a destination for bluegrass, Americana, gospel and folk music to downtown. The revived "Raleigh Wide Open" name is a nod to the city's past while embracing its future, signaling an era of growth, creativity and connection. David Brower, Executive Director of PineCone, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new event.

The wealth of information provided by our senses that allows our brain to navigate the world around us is remarkable. Touch, smell, hearing, and a strong sense of balance are crucial to making it through what to us seem like easy environments such as a relaxing hike on a weekend morning. Robots, in contrast, have long relied solely on visual information such as cameras or lidar to move through the world. Outside of Hollywood, multisensory navigation has long remained challenging for machines. A new wrinkle called WildFusion is looking to change that. Boyuan Chen joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how robots benefit from WildFusion.

A discussion about veterans and their care was held in Fayetteville on Tuesday. Panelists discussed the evolving role of veterans as defenders of democracy and a last line of defense against authoritarianism. Veterans on the panel discussed how recent changes under the Trump Administration are impacting benefits and care. Scott Peoples, a retired 82nd Airbourne Captain, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the panel and what veterans are experiencing.

A state reentry program started last year is helping people who used to be incarcerated secure jobs on transportation work crews and get identification cards to access housing and healthcare more easily. The N.C. Department of Transportation Transitional Work Pilot program seeks to make reentry easier for the people who are released from North Carolina prisons each year. The program also expanded the agency’s work release efforts so people will be better prepared for life after incarceration. Rhonda Royster, the NCOOT’s On-The-Job Training Program Manager, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the program.

Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson has been named the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction presented the award to the 27-year educator during a luncheon in Cary, where he was joined by other regional finalists and several Orange County Schools leaders. During his acceptance speech, Johnson became emotional as he thanked his students and staff, emphasizing that the honor belongs to the entire Orange County community. Johnson joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his tenure at Orange High and what the award means to him.

Former President Joe Biden's office has announced that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The diagnosis came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate. On Friday, it was confirmed that the cancer had spread to the bone, indicating a more aggressive form of the disease. However, his office noted that the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for more effective management. Dr. Andrew Armstrong, a Professor of Medicine at Duke University’s School of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the diagnosis.

The excitement of pregnancy turned to shock and fear for a Lumberton couple after doctors diagnosed their unborn twin sons with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a potentially deadly condition. A laser surgery at UNC-Chapel Hill before the boys’ birth saved their lives. Irene and Kevin Howell call their twin sons their miracle babies. TTTS occurs in about 10-15% of identical twins who share a placenta, resulting in an uneven distribution of blood flow between the twins. Dr. William Goodnight of UNC Health joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the life-saving treatment.