WPTF Afternoon News

The Memorial Day Click It or Ticket campaign is officially underway in North Carolina. The statewide initiative from the Governor’s Highway Safety Program kicked off on May 19 and runs through June 1. The annual campaign focuses on public outreach and increased enforcement of the state's seat belt laws to keep drivers safe during the busy holiday season and upcoming summer months. Mark Ezell, the Director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s Click It or Ticket program.

It’s a full weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. For the second straight year, NASCAR has brought its All-Star Race back to North Wilkesboro. The origins of North Wilkesboro’s connection to NASCAR traces back to the 1940s. In 1996, NASCAR ran its last race at the Speedway, opting to go to Texas. For over 20 years, the track was left abandoned as major stock car racing was highlighted in bigger cities. Thomas Salley is the President of Visit Wilkes, NC. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how much it means to have NASCAR back in North Wilkesboro.

The Rialto Theater is keeping things salty as the Carolina Hurricanes series with the Washington Capitals continues. On the marquee of the venerable theater has been several messages aimed at Capitals players, namely Tom Wilson and Alexander Ovechkin. In fact, the marquee has posted several messages dating back to last winter, including one aimed at former Hurricane Mikko Rantanen, who was traded to the Dallas Stars after a brief stint in Raleigh. Hayes Permar, the owner of the Rialto who formerly worked as a producer at Curtis Media Group, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the feedback he has received.

In a stunning move, Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has removed Pete Rose, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and other deceased players from Major League Baseball's permanently ineligible list. Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader, and Jackson are now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Rose was banned for gambling in 1989 by Bart Giamatti. Jackson and seven of his teammates on the Chicago White Sox were banned for throwing the 1919 World Series by Kennesaw Mountain Landis, the first commissioner of Baseball. It’s a decision that’s been decades, and in several cases, over a century in the making. J.J. Cooper, Editor of Baseball America based out of Durham, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the decision.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellness and the reality of mental illness for 1 in 4 North Carolinians. Every May, NAMI North Carolina holds our annual NAMIWalks NC event. This year’s walk/community wellness fair will be held this Saturday. Nearly 1000 participants are expected for the rally. Amy Brundle, a spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this weekend’s event.

It’s set to be another record-breaking year for Memorial Day travel in the Carolinas. AAA predicts 1.3 million North Carolinians will travel at least 50 miles for Memorial Day this year, which marks an increase of nearly 50,000 compared to 2024. Nationwide, 45.1 million people are estimated to spend time away from home for the holiday weekend, and that’s 1.4 million more domestic travelers than last year, according to AAA. Tiffany Wright, a spokesperson for AAA Carolinas, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how to stay safe when going to your Memorial Day destination

Former University of North Carolina basketball star Larry Miller died Sunday, the university announced. Miller died in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at the age of 79. The Catasauqua, Pennsylvania-native was a forward on Dean Smith’s first two ACC championship and Final Four teams in 1967 and 1968, earning first-team All-American honors in both seasons. In 1968, Miller was a consensus first-team All-America on one of the greatest five-man squads ever honored. Adam Lucas, a writer for Tarheelblue.com, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Miller’s place in North Carolina’s rich basketball history.

A recently released report by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association drafts a picture of the state of beer in North Carolina. According to the biennial report, North Carolina generated a total economic output of $13.4 billion. By the numbers, the Beer Saves America report points out that North Carolina is responsible for 71,867 jobs within the beer industry. Lester Jones, an economist with the National Beer Wholesalers Association, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the report.

Hearts for Home Care, in conjunction with the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina and SembraCare, will hold an advocacy day at the NC General Assembly. The day will start with special remarks from home care leaders and supporting lawmakers, who will address the unprecedented demand for home-based care and the barriers to accessing that care, including underfunding, a critical workforce shortage, and regulatory obstacles. Lee Dobson, a spokesperson for Hearts for Home Care, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what they want from lawmakers.

A prominent anti-tax conservative has joined the fight against the North Carolina Senate’s proposal to double the tax rate paid by legal online sports betting operators. Sports betting operators have lined up against the proposed increase, urging their users to contact lawmakers and warning of worse odds and fewer promotions if the tax rate hike goes into effect. Brad Senkiw is a gaming industry reporter. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how this bill could impact North Carolina.

A local youth center is rebranding and working to provide much needed resources for the community. The move comes after a week when a teenager was shot and killed, and another was charged with his murder. A teen also died after being gunned down in the McDougald Terrace community over the weekend. On Monday, the Salvation Army of Durham officially changed the name of its Boys & Girls Club to the Bull City Youth Center during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Joshua Dorsette, Bull City Youth Athletic Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new identity of the Durham Salvation Army youth center.

Wool E. Bull, the beloved mascot of the Durham Bulls, is a finalist for the Mascot Hall of Fame. He is among 28 nominees, including Big Al from the University of Alabama, Homer the Dragon from the Charlotte Knights, Hugo the Hornet from the Charlotte Hornets, and Mrs. Met from the New York Mets. According to the Mascot Hall of Fame, between two and four mascots are selected each year, requiring nominees to receive at least 60% of the ballots cast. Mike Birling, Vice President of Baseball Operations for Capitol Broadcasting Company, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Wool E. Bull’s history and legacy.

Steve Harmon, a historical theology professor at Gardner-Webb University, says Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, has already made history as the first American pope and the first pontiff with a higher education degree from a U.S. university. Harmon, who has followed Prevost’s journey closely, noted that the new pope’s background mirrors that of many of his students. Harmon joined Jeff Hamlin from Rome to discuss the significance of this historic papacy.

The Town of Morrisville is gearing up for its annual SpringFest celebration on Saturday, May 17, at the Indian Creek Trailhead. This year’s event will feature the inaugural Morrisville Chalk Walk, inviting local artists to transform the pavement into colorful works of art. The day will also include the Western Wake Farmers Market Craft Fair, live music, make-and-take native plant crafts, and a variety of food trucks. Arielle Chatha, with the Town of Morrisville, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what attendees can expect.

David Simon discusses with Anthony DeHart a Your Rights" is a collection of free apps developed to help everyday Americans understand and exercise their legal rights.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its creation in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been used to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives while erasing the stigma that is often attached to it. Dr. Macie Smith, a SYNERGY HomeCare gerontologist and social worker, believes that attention to self-care in the form of reducing emotional stress, being kind to oneself, and improving overall health is also important to address during Mental Health Awareness Month. Family caregivers, who often have to juggle many responsibilities, such as taking care of their children as well as taking care of their older loved ones, can also face mental health problems that tend to result in extreme stress and caregiver burnout.

Pope Leo XIV said “Peace be with you” in his first words as pope, offering a message of peace and dialogue “without fear.” From the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, history’s first pope from the United States recalled that he was an Augustinian priest but was above all a Christian and a bishop, “so we can all walk together.” He spoke in Italian and then switched to Spanish, recalling his many years spent as a missionary and then archbishop of Chiclayo, Peru. Father Michael Burbeck of the Raleigh Catholic Diocese was in the Vatican when the white smoke emanated from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon. He joined Jeff Hamlin live from Rome to discuss the atmosphere.

Robert Prevost was brought to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. On Thursday, he ascended to become Pope Leo XIV — the first American pontiff. Prevost, 69, had to overcome the taboo against a U.S. pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere. The Chicago native is also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop. Gayle Hurd talked to Duke University Divinity School professor Peter Casarella to discuss the historic appointment.

Frustrated residents filled a regulatory meeting Tuesday, calling out a draft PFAS plan they say protects polluters, not people. Instead of voting, members of the Environmental Management Commission’s Water Quality Committee postponed action, again, citing the need for further fiscal review. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in nonstick cookware, firefighting foam and water-resistant products. Hannah Nelson, Attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the chemicals and feedback from the meeting.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is timely as you may notice more motorcycles out on the roadways as the weather warms up. Advocates say while a safety course is not required for riders over 18 in North Carolina, the skills taught there can make a world of difference for both novice and veteran riders. Bob Wagner, Director of the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Program, joined Jon Champion to discuss motorcycle safety.

North Carolina lawmakers are scheduled to debate whether to officially call for a national convention to make changes to the U.S. Constitution. Supporters want to change rules around term limits for federal officials as well as members of Congress. Their efforts — if successful — could lead to changes in term limits for federal officials, including members of Congress and even the president. But supporters have a long way to go. David McLennan, Meredith College Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin about the lobbying for a third term for President Donald Trump.

A federal judge has ruled in the election saga between Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin with a North Carolina Supreme Court seat on the line. U.S. District Judge Richard Myers has ordered that the State Board of Elections certify results that show Democrat Associate Justice Allison Riggs the winner over Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin — by just 734 votes. Myers, in a 68-page order, agreed with Riggs that carrying out recent decisions by state appeals courts that directed potentially thousands of ballots be removed from the tally would violate the U.S. Constitution. Bryan Anderson, an independent journalist, has followed the ongoing saga between Riggs and Griffin for six months. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ruling.

On Saturday, May 17, the Johnston County Museum will host a book-signing and one-day exhibition of pottery made near Smithfield from 1927 to 1942. Stephen Compton of Raleigh will bring a sampling of his vast collection of Herman Cole’s Smithfield Art Pottery. He will also sign copies of his book, North Carolina’s Hillside Pottery and Smithfield Art Pottery: The Pottery With Two Names, which is currently for sale in the museum’s gift shop. Located near the banks of the Neuse River on Highway 301. Cole’s roadside operation shipped out as many as 2,000 pieces each week and did a booming business with passing motorists in the days when 301 was a main traffic artery between New York and Miami.

Edgecombe County paramedics are on high alert about carfentanil, a new highly potent synthetic opioid recently found in local pressed pill samples. Detected in April, the presence of carfentanil—though only comprising two percent of the pills—poses a significant overdose risk. Only about two percent of the makeup of the pills were carfentanil, but Edgecombe County Community Paramedic Program Manager Dalton Barrett said even that amount could be deadly. Dalton Barrett, Edgecombe County Community Paramedic Program Manager, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss carfentanil.

Country superstar Luke Combs and Charlotte radio legend "Chatty Hatty" are among the six artists set to be inducted into the 2025 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The announcement came Monday, with a formal ceremony scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center. The event will feature live performances from the inductees and special guests. Ahead of the ceremony, a new exhibit featuring memorabilia from the 2025 class will debut at the Hall of Fame museum in Kannapolis. Veronica Cordle of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about the significance of this year’s honorees and what fans can expect this fall.

The Wake Forest Police Department is rallying community support for one of its own. Danielle Murray, wife of Sgt. Kevin Murray, has been diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. A longtime educator at East Wake Academy and mother of two, Danielle’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends, and local residents. Sgt. Murray, a 7-year veteran of the Wake Forest Police Department and former Garner officer, is now leaning on that same community as his family navigates this difficult time. Lieutenant David Zick joined Jeff Hamlin to highlight a fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday to assist the Murray family with medical and living expenses.

As summer approaches, bear sightings are on the rise across North Carolina, with reports coming in from both rural and urban areas. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission attributes the increase to seasonal movement patterns, as bears become more active in search of food. Commission biologist Greg Batts explained that a bear's age can be determined by examining its teeth—a key tool for understanding bear populations. Batts joined Jeff Hamlin to shed light on why encounters are becoming more frequent and how residents can stay safe.

The Alzheimer’s Association has released a new report marking a grim milestone: for the first time, more than seven million Americans are living with the disease—an increase of four percent over the previous year. The report also highlights a proactive public mindset, with 79 percent of Americans saying they would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear, and 92 percent expressing interest in medications to slow the disease’s progression. Christine John-Fuller, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the report’s findings and the implications for care and research.

The Down East Bird Dawgs are preparing to start its inaugural season. Next Friday, the Bird Dawgs will start its maiden campaign in the independent Frontier League against the Ottawa Titans. They will play a venerable Grainger Stadium. It marks a new chapter for professional baseball in Kinston, which had played in the Carolina League for decades. The Bird Dawks will be the first team from North Carolina in the 32-year history of the Frontier League, the largest independent league in professional baseball. Kris Dumschat, the Director of Marketing for the Bird Dawgs, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss opening day.

Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital, have again received top scores for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group, an independent nonprofit organization led by the nation’s leading employers and private health care experts. The “A” scores for Leapfrog’s spring 2025 survey are part of the group’s Hospital Safety Grades Assessment, issued to hospitals every six months. This is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. Hospitals earn the elite “Straight A” distinction after achieving an “A” safety grade in at least five consecutive cycles. Dr. Ted Boyse, Chief Medical Officer of Duke Raleigh Hospital, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the assessment.

Three months into President Donald Trump’s second administration, Americans across the political spectrum say they’re concerned about a constitutional crisis, according to a new Elon University poll. The poll, released last week, showed two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) are very or somewhat concerned that the executive and judicial branches may reach a point where neither side will back down, creating a crisis over who has the final say on an issue. Jason Husser, Elon University’s poll director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the poll.

The U.S. and Ukraine have signed an agreement that will give the U.S. access to Ukraine's vast critical mineral resources. The deal on reconstruction and investment comes after a weekslong press by President Donald Trump on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions of dollars in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion. The deal comes as Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Nataliia Bondarenko is a native of Ukraine who works at an Outreach Coordinator at UNC-Chapel Hill. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments in her homeland.

David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance discusses where energy prices are headed.

UNC football coach Bill Belichick has released a statement regarding his appearance on CBS Sunday Morning. During the interview, Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, was seen on camera interrupting reporter Tony Dokoupil when he asked where he met Hudson. TMZ reported that Hudson repeatedly interfered in the interview and stormed off the set at one point. In the statement, Belichick denies that Hudson was trying to control the conversation. The controversy comes four months before Belichick is scheduled to coach his first game for the Tar Heels against TCU in Chapel Hill. Brett Friedlander, a writer for Saturdaydownsouth.com joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association is providing a clearer picture of what the new era of prep sports will look like when it begins next August. This week, the NCHSAA held meetings to sort out how the playoffs will be determined for the new eight classification system. Since 1960, sports in public schools across the state have had four classifications. There’s also changes about how much customers will pay to get into high school games and the RPI formula used for the playoffs. Joel Bryant of HighSchoolOT.com joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the changes.

President Donald Trump has gotten worrisome news about how the U.S. economy is battening down for potential fallout from his tariffs. And the Republican president is trying to blame Democrat Joe Biden, who left office months ago. The government reported Wednesday the U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% during the first three months of the year. Behind the decline was a surge in imports as companies tried to front-run Trump's sweeping tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum and almost every country. After stocks sold off Wednesday morning, Trump said it's not his stock market, it's Biden's. Duke University Professor Dr. Ellen Meade joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the economy.

A Charlotte-based environmental nonprofit is suing the Trump administration after it canceled a funding grant to test air quality in northern Mecklenburg County. CleanAIRE NC was alerted in March that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Government Efficiency terminated its $500,000 grant as part of an effort to curb federal spending. The nonprofit was awarded the grant in 2023 to test air quality in lower income communities in Huntington Green, Pottstown, Smithville and West Davidson. Jeffrey Robbins, the Executive Director of CleanAIRE NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why they’re taking legal action.

Discovery Place is proud to announce the next chapter in its more than 77-year legacy with the unveiling of a new name for its reimagined nature museum: Charlotte Museum of Nature. Currently under construction on the site of the original Discovery Place Nature in the heart of Freedom Park, the new Charlotte Museum of Nature will join the Discovery Place nonprofit family of museums. Expected to open in 2026, the new Museum will be a world-class destination that redefines nature exploration and education for the Carolinas while serving as a dynamic space for community connection and learning for all ages. Catherine Wilson Horne, the President and CEO of Discovery Place, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the re-branding.

North Carolina lawmakers are discussing a bill that would give death row inmates the option to choose between three execution methods: lethal injection, electrocution, or firing squad. Under the state's current law, death row inmates can only be executed via lethal injection. House Bill 270, if passed, would also make death by electrocution and firing squad available choices. The inmate would need to decide between these three options, in writing, two weeks before their execution date. If a choice has not been made by this deadline, then the execution will be carried out via electrocution. Noel Nickle is with the North Carolina Coalition for an Alternative to the Death Penalty. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discus HB 270.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won Canada’s federal election, capping a stunning turnaround in fortunes fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty. The Liberals are projected to win more of Parliament’s 343 seats than the Conservatives in Monday's contest. It isn’t clear yet if they will win an outright majority or will need to rely on one or more smaller parties to form a government and pass legislation. Trump’s threats of tariffs and suggestions that Canada should become the 51st state upended the race. Steven Greene, an N.C. State Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Carney’s election and what it says about Trump.

According to NHTSA, distracted driving contributes to approximately 9% of fatal crashes, although researchers believe that number is higher. Despite texting bans in almost all 50 states, distraction remains a prevalent problem among drivers, especially younger generations. And yet smartphones themselves – a common form of distraction – may hold the key to curbing this risky behavior. There’s a new app that can greatly help reduce distracted driving. Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss distracted driving.

The opening 100 days of President Donald Trump's second term have proven to be among the most consequential and sweeping starts to a presidency since Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the White House. Trump’s actions have challenged the foundations of the New Deal, the Great Society, and even the Reagan-era Republican principles of free trade and strong international alliances. His administration has aggressively targeted law, media, public health, and cultural institutions in an effort to reshape them. Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Trump’s latest approval ratings and what they reveal about the political climate.

A university professor is reflecting on Pope Francis' bold efforts to bridge divides among Christians of different denominations. Steven Harmon, a professor of historical theology at Gardner-Webb University and a member of the Baptist World Alliance, had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis through his ecumenical work.Harmon recently published a column for Baptist News Global titled "Remembering the People’s Pope," highlighting Francis’ commitment to Christian unity and his broader legacy. Harmon joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the late pontiff’s enduring impact.

A unique rescue operation in the Triangle is giving newborn, orphaned, and abandoned puppies a second chance at life. Blazin’ Trails Bottle Babies, in just its first year and a half, has saved nearly 200 fragile puppies with the help of specialized equipment and round-the-clock care. Many of these puppies arrive at the nursery with their eyes still closed and are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.One special success story is Blaze, a puppy who faced serious setbacks early on but ultimately made a full recovery. Shana Sommer, the Founder of Blazin’ Trails Bottle Babies, joined Jeff Hamlin to share Blaze’s inspiring journey and discuss the vital work her organization is doing for the tiniest lives in need.

North Carolina strawberry farmers are saying crops this year turned out better than expected. Leading up to the season, farmers were worried about a spread of a fungal disease known as Neo-P. The North Carolina Strawberry Association first identified it in the state in 2022. This year, farmers told CBS 17 that they had to change plant suppliers in an effort to avoid the disease. David Pope, a strawberry farmer out of Knightdale, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his prospects for this spring.

As Arbor Day approaches on Friday, April 25, a new HPU Poll of North Carolina residents shows strong support for the environmental benefits of trees, even as awareness of Arbor Day itself and participation in related events remain limited. A majority of respondents value the environmental and aesthetic benefits trees provide. Seven in 10 North Carolinians said they value improved air quality “very much,” while two-thirds said the same about shade and cooling and wildlife habitat. Dr. Martin Kifer is the Director of High Point University Poll for the Survey Research Center. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the survey.

A federal investigation of the contaminated building on North Carolina State's campus has been shut down. An update from Chancellor Randy Woodson posted Wednesday says the Health Hazard Evaluation of Poe Hall has been closed due to federal cuts. The building was closed when toxic chemicals called PCBs were discovered in the fall of 2023. Stephen Porter taught inside Poe Hall for years as a Professor of Higher Education at N.C. State. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

There is a new chapter in the still-undecided race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. A federal judge has blocked the start of a massive ballot review period. The federal appeals court stopped the state elections board from contacting thousands of military and overseas voters who ballots were called in to question. Democrat Allison Riggs leads the race by 734 votes, but Republican Jefferson Griffin challenged 65,000 ballots. Earlier this month, the state supreme court ruled that most of the challenged ballots must remain in the election count. Anderson Clayton, the Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and Cat Lawson, the North Carolina Democratic Voter Protection Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

North Carolina’s largest craft beer festival kicks off this Friday in downtown Raleigh. Brewgaloo 2025 is a two-day festival featuring over 110 craft breweries from around North Carolina. The event was recently voted #1 Best Beer Festival two years in a row by USA Today’s 10 Best. At least 27 local food trucks will participate on Friday. Saturday will feature more than 30 local food trucks. You can also shop with local vendors and makers. Jennifer Martin with Shop Local Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Brewgaloo 2025.

A hiker’s recent death along the Blue Ridge Parkway is raising new concerns about staffing shortfalls and public safety on one of the country’s most visited national park units. 40-year-old Jie Huang of Plymouth died last Friday. His death is renewing concerns about trail safety and staffing as visitation climbs and the National Park Service faces budget and personnel cuts. Brian Bonville formerly worked as a seasonal interpretive ranger in the Blue Ridge Parkway. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how a lack of workers in the area could put hikers in danger.