WPTF Afternoon News

Zack Moore State Epidemiologist

For the 18th time in program history, the Duke Blue Devils are heading to the Final Four. Their dominant 85-65 victory over Alabama in the East Regional championship showcased a relentless defense that held the Crimson Tide to under 70 points for just the second time all season.With Kon Knueppel leading the way with 21 points, Duke secured its 14th Final Four appearance since 1985—more than any other program in that span. David Shumate, the play-by-play voice of Duke men’s basketball, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what makes this Blue Devils team stand out.

The Durham Bulls are gearing up to kick off their 30th season at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday night, facing off against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Fresh off being named the 2024 Triple-A Minor League Baseball Organization of the Year, the Bulls are set for an exciting season filled with promotions and fan engagement.Morgan Ensberg returns for his second season as the team’s manager, aiming to build on last year’s success. Mike Birling, Vice President of Baseball Operations for the Bulls, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the upcoming season and what fans can expect.

Between the air quality alerts from ongoing wildfires and the thick clouds of pollen blanketing North Carolina, residents across the state are feeling the strain on their lungs. Scientists, meteorologists, and air quality experts are closely monitoring this combination of atmospheric irritants and its effects on public health.Chris Frey, an N.C. State researcher who specializes in human exposure to air pollution, notes that online tools allow the public to track the movement of wildfires and air quality levels. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how pollen is impacting the environment this spring.

Seven Chihuahua mixes—two of them expecting puppies—were recently rescued and brought to Pawfect Match Rescue and Rehabilitation in Raleigh. The dogs were part of a hoarding case, and while the Granville County Sheriff’s Office has not released details due to an ongoing investigation, rescuers like Debbie Sandlin are stepping in to help.Sandlin, who has worked on multiple hoarding cases, says her team will ensure the dogs receive proper medical care, including spaying and neutering, before they are placed in loving homes. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation.

The top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee are requesting an investigation into how Trump national security officials used the Signal app to discuss military strikes. Thursday's request ensures some bipartisan scrutiny on an episode President Donald Trump has dismissed as frivolous. Republican committee chair Sen. Roger Wicker and top Democrat Sen. Jack Reed signed onto a letter to the acting inspector general at the Defense Department for an inquiry into the potential use of unclassified networks to discuss classified information. Tim Nichols is a former Intelligence Officer in the Marine Corps who is now a professor at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Nichols joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the leak.

For the first time, North Carolina and Duke will meet in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Tar Heels and the Blue Devils will play in the Sweet 16 in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday afternoon. On top of that, N.C. State will face LSU in the regional semifinals in Spokane, Washington on Friday night. As a whole, it has been a strong time for women’s basketball around the Triangle following Duke’s run in the ACC Tournament and N.C. State taking the league’s regular season crown. Mitchell Northam, a college women’s basketball writer who is covering the NCAA Tournament, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s tournament.

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Town of Apex will hold a grand opening celebration for two new street hockey rinks at Apex Community Park on Saturday afternoon. The rinks are the result of a partnership between the team and the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund, through which $550,000 was provided to fund the project. The grand opening celebration is open to the public and will feature food trucks, the Hurricanes Storm Tour trailer, bounce houses and more. Shane Willis, a former member of the Hurricanes who is now a broadcast analyst, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new rinks.

For a decade, the vibrant mural at the corner of Smith Level Road and U.S. 15-501 in Chapel Hill has become a beloved symbol of UNC basketball and the legendary coach behind it, Dean Smith. Scott Nurkin painted the mural after Dean Smith died in 2015. But now, the mural's future hangs in the balance as the vacant building will be demolished to make way for a new Refuel convenience store. Although the Town of Chapel Hill said a demolition date hasn't been set just yet, some neighbors say they hope the mural is preserved. Scott Nurkin joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his hopes of keeping the mural alive.

At the corner of Capital Boulevard and Peace Street in Raleigh, there’s a planned 40-story tower as part of the Smoky Hollow development, with the rezoning approved in 2020. The Raleigh City Council approved the rezoning request for the 1.5-acre parcel, allowing for a 40-story building instead of the original 12 stories. One Raleigh group is against the new building while maintaining they aren’t anti-development. Roy Attride, Senior Director of Nonprofits at Vintage Church, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his opposition to the new building.

She was one of the original Daytime divas. Kim Zimmer portrayed Reva Shayne on the Guiding Light for over 25 years and won four Daytime Emmy Awards. She has also starred on television shows “Designing Women” “MacGyver” and “Models, Inc.” as well as the William Hurt film “Body Heat.” This week, Zimmer stars in “The Trip to Bountiful” at Theatre Raleigh. It will appear nightly until April 6. Zimmer joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss her new role and her career.

Hundreds of nurses and nursing students are converging on the North Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday, as part of Nurses Day at the Legislature. The biennial event from the North Carolina Nurses Association is designed to showcase the importance of advocacy for policies that increase access to quality, affordable healthcare. Attendees will gather at the Raleigh Convention Center for an exciting agenda before walking up to the General Assembly for a rally on the Halifax Mall. Trish Richardson, with the North Carolina Nurses Association, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the rally.

Bat pupping season starts soon, and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission is asking people to check their home attics now for bats. The season starts on May 1 and ends July 31. Bat pupping season is when newborn bats are typically born. Since bats are a protected species because of their significance in the ecosystem, it’s illegal to remove a bat or its pups from a structure during this time of the year. Kendrick Weeks, with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the proper precautions to take to guard against a bat invasion.

Top national security officials for President Donald Trump, including his defense secretary, texted war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app that included the editor-in-chief for The Atlantic. This was reported by the magazine in a story posted online Monday. The National Security Council said the text chain “appears to be authentic.” Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg said the material in the text chain “contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing." Scott Peoples is a former U.S. Army Captain based in Raleigh. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the leaks.

North Carolina native Neil Frye, who perished aboard the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor, will finally be laid to rest with full military honors on April 3, 2025. His burial at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery comes after a long and difficult journey to identify his remains—a process that spanned decades and required extensive effort from his family.Denise McCrimmon, a relative of Frye, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the work her family undertook to bring him home.

Uncertainty looms as college students shuffle from one class to the next, following President Donald Trump’s executive order to scale back the U.S. Department of Education. At North Carolina State University, students are particularly concerned about the continuity of their federal aid packages and the potential impact on research programs. Many worry about how these changes could shape their academic future.Rachel Cavenaugh, with the North Carolina Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss her concerns.

The Wake Forest Police Department’s first-ever victim advocate is using a unique platform to support those in need. Through her podcast, Victims Vibe, Carly Reavis explores critical topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and other family-related issues. Her most recent episodes focus on human trafficking, aiming to raise awareness and provide resources for victims and their families.Carly Reavis, host of Victims Vibe, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the podcast and its impact on the community.

Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh is set to undergo the largest expansion in its history. The project will introduce a new immersive exhibit and a multipurpose classroom on the first floor, connecting to the popular Around Town and Splash exhibits. On the second floor, a rooftop exhibit will be added next to Moneypalooza, along with upgraded restrooms and refreshed multipurpose spaces throughout the museum.Jonathan Frederick, CEO of Marbles Kids Museum, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the exciting expansion and what it means for families in the Raleigh area.

The National Head Start Association reported that many grant recipients have seen delays in accessing approved grant funding since the funding freeze was announced in the second week of the Trump administration. Wanda's Little Hands serves 85 children, offering affordable early childcare to families. McCargo said she relies on state and federal funding to make her programs possible. She's taken advantage of many options. McCargo joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the cuts could impact her center.

The deadline to get your NC REAL ID is fast approaching. On May 7, a Real ID or a passport will be required to board a plane or enter certain federal buildings or sites. Officials with the State Department of Motor Vehicles say many people already have the Real ID. The Real ID Act was passed by congress in 2005 in response to the 9-11 attacks, but the implementation deadline has been pushed back multiple times. Marty Homan, N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles Communications Manager, discussed the importance of the Real ID with Jeff Hamlin.

There's no need for further speculation. McNeese State head men's basketball coach Will Wade will reportedly become the new head coach of N.C. State soon. Wade confirmed the news during a press conference in Providence, Rhode Island this afternoon as McNeese prepares to face Clemson tomorrow. Wade has taken the Cowboys to the NCAA Tournament each of his two years at McNeese. It's the first time they've been to the Big Dance in consecutive years. Cory Smith, Editor of PackPride.com, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what Wade’s hiring means for the Wolfpack.

Local doctors are warning this spring allergy season could be worse than last year. Many experts feel the culprit is pollen from juniper, maple and cypress trees and not so much yet the infamous Bradford pear trees that are blooming all over the Triangle. So what can you do for relief? Aside from the usual prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications, doctors also say there are holistic options that can help. Dr. Edwin Kim, an immunologist for UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how tough allergy season is this year.

David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance, discusses how consumers and businesses can lower their electricity costs. The organization's mission is to advance nonpartisan energy policy by advocating for affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy solutions for all Americans.

Downtown crime was an agenda item for the Raleigh City Council during its meeting on Tuesday afternoon. New Raleigh Police Cheif Rico Boyce laid out a plan to slow crime. He also discussed safety measures and strategies that are working. RPD has increased patrols over the past two years. Bill King, the President of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, says there has been a benefit to a new camera access program. King joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the camera program has helped downtown

It’s a rich time for women’s basketball across the Triangle. North Carolina, Duke and N.C. State will all host games this weekend in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. There’s also the potential for Duke and North Carolina to play in the Sweet 16. The Blue Devils are coming off its first ACC Tournament championship under head coach Kara Lawson. N.C. State won the ACC regular season title. Mitchell Northam, a women’s college basketball reporter, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what to expect this weekend.

The new UNC Down Syndrome Clinic opening in Chapel Hill this week is expanding care options for North Carolinians. Services will include physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech therapy, nutrition, family medicine and more. Dr. Kate Westmoreland, a UNC pediatrician and director of the new clinic, said the mission is a personal one, driven by her own experiences as a mother of a child with Down syndrome.

Governor Josh Stein is offering a $33.6 billion budget plan, that highlights priorities including education, safety and health. In a briefing for reporters, Stein said offered targeted tax cuts and said general tax cuts for businesses should be frozen at current levels. Lawmakers are developing their own plan for spending and taxes. The budget is scheduled to be approved by late June with implementation in July. The Executive Director of School Meals for All Coalition NC was pleased by the governor’s recommendation. Abby Emanuelson joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the budget.

The Democratic Party was fracturing Friday as a torrent of frustration and anger was unleashed at Senate Democrats, led by Senator Chuck Schumer, who was faced with the choice of shutting down the government or consent to a Republican funding bill that allows President Donald Trump to continue slashing the federal government. After Schumer announced that he would reluctantly support the bill, he bore the brunt of that anger, including a protest at his office, calls from progressives that he be primaried in 2028 and suggestions that the Democratic Party would soon be looking for new leaders. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina Political Science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the current state of the Democratic Party.

Longtime sportswriter Brett Friedlander is the 2025 recipient of the Skeeter Francis Award. Friedlander has been a longtime writer on ACC sports for various media outlets, covering everyone from Tyler Hansbrough to Cooper Flagg. Friedlander has watched an eventful years in local college basketball, which has included Duke winning the ACC Tournament and the outright regular season championship in the same year for the first time since 2006. Also, UNC’s controversial inclusion into the NCAA Tournament. Friedlander joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this basketball season and what’s ahead in March.

Morrisville will celebrate Holi, the ancient Hindu festival marking the end of winter and welcoming the spring season, on Saturday. The free event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Cedar Fork Community Center. Typically celebrated in the month of March, the Holi festival is inclusive of all faiths and cultures, as one of the main themes of the festival is unity. So, while the Holi festival is rooted in Hindu tradition, it is a celebration that happens all over the world. The Holi festival is celebrated to welcome in spring and give people the chance to release their inhibitions and enjoy a new beginning.

The lineup for the Dreamville has been announced. The headliners for Saturday night, April 5, will be Lil' Wayne. Fayetteville-native J'Cole will headline the second and final night for the fifth and last Dreamville event. Among the other acts will be 21 Savage, Party Next Door, Ludacris, Erica Badu and Gorilla. Last year, over 104,000 people were on hand for the event at Dorthea Dix Park. The economic impact for Dreamville has been huge, according to Loren Gold of the Greater Raleigh Visitor's Bureau. Gold joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s lineup.

John Feinstein, one of the most influential sportswriters of his generation, has passed away at the age of 69. A best-selling author of over 40 books, Feinstein is best known for A Season on the Brink, his groundbreaking account of Bobby Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers during the 1985-86 season. His career began at The Chronicle at Duke University, and he continued to cover college basketball with unmatched depth, including a recent book on Mike Krzyzewski’s five national championships.John Roth, who knew Feinstein long before he became a household name, joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on Feinstein’s legacy and his impact on the world of sports journalism.

Dementia currently affects around six million people in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide, with projections indicating that cases could double in the next 30 years. As the baby boomer generation—now numbering over 70 million in the United States—continues to age, many assume that dementia rates will rise accordingly. However, new research is challenging some of these assumptions, suggesting that trends in cognitive decline may not be as straightforward as they seem.Professor Eric Stallard, a Duke University researcher, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the findings of the study and what the data actually reveals about the future of dementia cases in the U.S.

Demonstrations against the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency have been growing, with one of the latest protests taking place in Raleigh last week. The outcry comes after Department of Education leaders announced plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees as part of a broader effort to cut the organization’s staff in half—a move seen as a prelude to President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the agency entirely.In response to the protests, the North Carolina Republican Party issued a statement, criticizing Democrats for what they described as misplaced priorities, claiming that “fraud and abuse is what drives them to action.”Sandy Joiner, Chairwoman of the Wake County GOP, joined Jeff Hamlin on Monday to discuss the party’s stance on the layoffs and the future of the Department of Education.

Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Raleigh last week for a “Down with DOGE” rally, voicing their frustration with recent actions from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency. The department has overseen mass layoffs of federal workers and significant funding cuts to various programs, sparking concerns among both government employees and the public. Among the speakers at the rally was Scott Peoples, a former captain in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, who has been outspoken about his objections to DOGE and its impact on federal operations. Peoples joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his concerns and why he believes the department’s policies are doing more harm than good.

Warmer weather is coming soon and multigenerational families are preparing for spring and summer travel. Award-winning travel expert Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon also known as Jetset Sarah discusses avoiding last-minute travel chaos, finding discounts on spring and summer travel, and planning travel for those who require mobility assistance.She’s an award-winning travel writer and editor who has appeared as a travel expert on PBS, in National Geographic, and The Washington Post.Her @JetSetSarah Instagram was named one of the best travel accounts to follow by New York Magazine.

Later this week, stargazers will witness a breathtaking celestial event—a "blood red" total lunar eclipse. The eclipse will take place on the night of March 13 and continue into the early hours of March 14, offering a striking display in the night sky. Unlike penumbral lunar eclipses, which are subtle and often go unnoticed, this total lunar eclipse will cast the moon in a deep red hue as it passes through Earth’s shadow. NASA explains that this phenomenon occurs when sunlight is refracted through the Earth's atmosphere, filtering out blue light and leaving behind a reddish glow.Amy Sayle, a scientist with the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the significance of the blood moon and what viewers can expect.

Brenda Stephens, former Hyconeechee Library Director, has been honored with one of North Carolina’s highest civilian awards—the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Bestowed by Gov. Roy Cooper before the end of his term, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the state.Stephens has spent decades serving her community, not only through her work in libraries but also as a dedicated member and officer of the Orange County Schools Board of Education for more than 20 years. Her leadership extended statewide when she was elected president of the N.C. School Boards Association. She joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on her career and the honor of receiving this prestigious award.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending the refugee resettlement program and cutting funding for organizations that assist refugees. The move left many nonprofits scrambling for resources as they worked to support individuals seeking safety in the United States. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that more than 60,000 refugees entered the country in 2023—more than double the number from the previous year.Adam Clark, Executive Director of World Relief Durham, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the executive order has impacted his organization and the challenges facing refugee resettlement efforts.

Less than a year after leading N.C. State on an improbable run to the Final Four, Kevin Keatts is out as head coach. After eight seasons at the helm, Keatts was dismissed following a disappointing end to the season, with the Wolfpack failing to qualify for the ACC Tournament and closing with a loss to Miami. In his final press conference, Keatts acknowledged how much college basketball has changed, but it wasn’t enough to save his job. Adding to the irony, his firing comes just one day before the ACC Network is set to premiere Why Not Both?, a documentary about N.C. State’s dual Final Four runs last year. Chip Alexander, longtime sportswriter for The News & Observer, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Keatts’ departure and what’s next for the Wolfpack.

NC State Professor Emeritus and Economist Dr. Mike Walden joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about economic headlines including what DOGE is trying to do for the national debt and what affect tariffs will have on the economy.

Kari Wouk, Head of Public Science Events at NC Museum of Natural Sciences, joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about all of the upcoming events at the museum. The museum offers events for all ages including movie nights, adult nights and a wide range of activities for kids.

Benjamin Johnson Save SAU Coalition

March is Women's History Month. Roberta Scoblick is Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Sunstates Security—a security company based in Raleigh. With over 35 years of experience in a male-dominated industry, Roberta shares her journey from starting in support roles to leading national expansion efforts and mentoring the next generation of security professionals. She discusses the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture, the rise of women in leadership roles within security, and the industry's growing role in public safety. Roberta also offers valuable advice for women considering a career in security, highlighting the exciting and diverse opportunities available.

There were 1.8 million NC households unable to afford the state’s $78,576 average cost of living in 2022, according to the ALICE Report released by United Way of North Carolina. The Report was released in partnership with United For ALICE, a U.S. research organization driving innovation, research and action to improve life across the country for people in financial hardship. Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, United Way of North Carolina President, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the report.

President Donald Trump’s trade war against America’s three biggest trading partners drew immediate retaliation from Mexico, Canada and China. The president’s latest tariffs also sent financial markets into a tailspin Tuesday as the U.S. faced the threat of rekindled inflation and paralyzing uncertainty for business. Just after midnight, Trump imposed 25% taxes on Mexican and Canadian imports, though he limited the levy to 10% on Canadian energy. Trump also doubled the tariff he slapped last month on Chinese products to 20%. Beijing retaliated with tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports. Robert Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management at N.C. State University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact of the tariffs.

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s Board of Directors has approved a proposed settlement that would end the legal fights with Clemson and Florida State as well as change the league’s revenue-distribution model. The ACC office, based out of Charlotte, will vote on the proposal today. ESPN reports the proposed exit fee for Clemson and Florida State would drop $18 million per year through 2029-2030. In 2031, teams can leave the conference for as little as $75 million. Raleigh News and Observer sports columnist Andrew Carter joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the settlement.

As wildfires continue to spread across North and South Carolina, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. Dry and windy conditions have exacerbated the situation, with over 175 separate wildfires reported, consuming more than 4,200 acres. In response, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency. In North Carolina, Polk County was hit particularly hard, as a brush fire near the state border quickly spread to 400 acres, endangering the communities of Saluda, Melrose, and Tryon. Evacuations were ordered, and multiple fire departments, along with the North Carolina Forest Service, worked to contain the blaze.Philip Jackson from the Department of Agriculture joined Jon Champion to discuss the status of those wildfires and the efforts made to protect affected communities.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has placed central North Carolina under a Level 3 risk out of 5 for severe thunderstorms Wednesday, but everyone in the state should feel the effects of this storm. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center indicates that scattered gusts of 75 mph will be possible throughout the Carolinas. It’s just another weather situation for a busy winter for power crews and public works employees, who have dealt with three snowstorms since January. Jeff Brooks of Duke Energy talked with Jeff Hamlin to discuss the preparations that the company is making for possible storm outages

CBS News White House Reporter Linda Kenyon joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about President Trumps contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House and what that meeting means for the relationship between the two countries.