WPTF Afternoon News

Shawn Taylor NC DEQ

Trevor Wagener Tech

Tom Green NWS

North Carolina men's basketball coach Hubert Davis has agreed to a two-year contract extension. WRAL reports that the deal was agreed to in July and officially signed in December. Davis is now under contract through the 2029-2030 season. News of the extension comes as Carolina is 18-11 and may miss the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. The Tar Heels have won four in a row after last night's win at Florida State. Andrew Jones, Publisher of Tar Heel Illustrated, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why it took over two months for Davis contract announcement to be announced.

A growing number of state and local elected officials around the country are pushing to eliminate fluoride from water systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25%. But despite the health benefits there’s growing opposition to adding the mineral that began being introduced to U.S. water systems in the 1940s. Dr. Tim Wright, a Professor at the UNC School of Dentistry, joined Jeff Hamlin to discus fluoride in water.

Members of North Carolina’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities community shared firsthand perspectives during a visit to the General Assembly on Wednesday. Despite recent legislative efforts, thousands of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities remain without critical services. More than 18,500 North Carolinians are stuck on what's known as the Innovations Waiver Waiting List—far outpacing those receiving care. Beth Field, Founder of the Leadership Alliance for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their concerns.

Orange County is celebrating the grand opening of its newest library. It's a three-level library complex located on South Greensboro Street and named after Carrboro's first Black Mayor, Dr. Robert Drakeford. The $42 million project will serve as Orange County library's southern branch and also house several town departments. The ceremony was supposed to happen last week, but was postponed by the weather. Caroline Clucas, Orange County Outreach and Community Engagement Coordinator, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new library.

Anderson Clayton will lead the North Carolina Democratic Party for another two years. Last weekend, the state party’s executive committee met Saturday in Wilson to elect a chair and several vice chairs, which direct state party operations and play a critical role in fundraising, messaging and campaigning. The committee elected Clayton 405-71 to its chair position over challenger Marlando Pridgen. While Democrats struggled last November in the national election, there were significant gains for Democrats in North Carolina. Clayton joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what her purpose is this term as Democratic Party chair

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality broke ground on its Reedy Creek Lab Campus renovation and expansion project today, a project that is expected to add new laboratory and public meeting space availability. The campus, located in Raleigh, is currently home to labs from DEQ’s divisions of Air Quality and Water Resources. The new campus is expected to be Green Globes certified, meaning it demonstrates significant achievement in resource efficiency, reduces environmental impacts and improves occupant wellness. Jeff Hamlin talked with Reid Wilson, the Secretary of the Department of Environmental

This month is American Heart Month. Wake County Emergency Management Services offers free CPR cases each month. Vikki Huffman of Wake County EMS joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the CPR cases, where they are held and how they help the public.

Hungry kids can’t learn and it’s a growing crisis in North Carolina. One in five children statewide faces hunger every day, and in some rural areas, it’s as high as one in three. Without access to no-cost school meals, students struggle in the classroom, face stigma in the lunch line, and working families are burdened with complicated paperwork just to qualify. Governor Josh Stein headlined the North Carolina Child Hunger Leaders Conference in Chapel Hill on Tuesday to address this urgent issue. Alecia Sanders with the North Carolina Alliance for Health joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the issue of child hunger in the Tar Heel state.

Microplastics are turning up in human brains, and new research suggests their presence is increasing at an alarming rate. A study led by Dr. Andrew West, a pharmacology professor at Duke University, is exploring the potential links between environmental factors and age-related brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. While the study found higher concentrations of plastic in individuals diagnosed with dementia, researchers caution that this does not necessarily indicate a direct cause. Dr. West joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the findings and what they could mean for public health.

As the war between Ukraine and Russia enters its third year, hundreds gathered in front of the state capitol to show their unwavering support for Ukraine. While many demonstrators praised leaders like U.S. Senator Thom Tillis for his strong stance against Vladimir Putin, others expressed growing concern over recent statements from both the White House and the Kremlin. Among them is Natalia Bondarenko, a Ukrainian native who moved to the United States after Russia’s invasion—she joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments and the shifting political landscape.

Last year, the North Carolina Tar Heels clinched their 23rd NCAA Division I women's soccer championship, marking their first national title since 2012. Now, that unforgettable season is the subject of Why Not Us, a new documentary capturing the team's journey to victory. The film, produced by UNC students, has been generating major buzz on campus, with screenings selling out fast. UNC Students and production associates Sophia Pedroso, a senior, and Corey Davis, a junior, joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News discuss how this documentary came to life.

Kim Deaner from the NC DOT provides updates on worsening road conditions during a winter storm. She highlights heavy snowfall in northern areas, DOT preparations and urges residents to stay off the roads. Deaner also recommends using the NC Drive website for real-time updates.

Duke Health, WakeMed and Lifepoint Health are celebrating the opening of Peak Rehabilitation Hospital in Apex. The 52-bed rehabilitation hospital is a joint venture between Duke Health, WakeMed and Lifepoint Rehabilitation, a business unit of Lifepoint Health, that was announced in 2021. The two-story rehabilitation hospital spans more than 60,000 square feet and includes all private rooms, large interdisciplinary therapy gyms, therapeutic courtyards with gardens, walking paths and pickleball, specially designed rooms to treat dialysis patients and a scaled transitional living apartment to help prepare patients for their return to activities of daily living.

With the threat of extreme winter weather looming over North Carolina, meteorologist Nick Petro of the National Weather Service joined Jon Champion to discuss the potential impacts, what residents should expect in the coming days, and how to prepare for hazardous conditions.

Durham City Manager Bo Ferguson joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the results of a recent survey given to residents of Durham

A special delivery is in the works this Valentine's Day for hundreds of unsuspecting recipients in the Triangle. More than 150 volunteers are gathering at the Cary Senior Center to assemble nearly 800 flower arrangements ahead of Valentine's Day. The nonprofit MOM Wishing Widows Well is leading the effort to spread love and kindness. Martin Martin, the President of MOM Wishing Widows Well, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what they’re doing for Valentine’s Day.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Governor Josh Stein today announced a settlement with Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the town of Canton, and Haywood County. Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in financial restitution. The settlement also provides millions in additional value to Canton and Haywood County because Pactiv also agreed to stop its legal efforts to get a refund of its 2023 and 2024 property tax payments and agreed to not bill the town of Canton for operating costs for the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Zeb Smathers, the mayor of Canton, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the settlement.

President Donald Trump has rolled out his plan to increase U.S. tariffs to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports. The Republican is possibly triggering a broader economic confrontation with allies and rivals alike as he hopes to eliminate any trade imbalances. Trump said Thursday: “I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff.' The prospect of a dramatic hike on tariffs could send shockwaves through the world economy, possibly depressing growth while also causing inflation to intensify. Jeff Hamlin talked with UNC-Charlotte Economics professor Dr. Matthew Metzgar about the reciprocal tariffs.

After seven years of dedicated service to the Town of Morrisville and 31 years in law enforcement, Chief of Police Pete Acosta has decided to retire, effective July 4. Chief Acosta began his Morrisville tenure in 2018 and has served as chief since 2022, leading numerous initiatives to enhance public safety, build community relationships and modernize policing strategies. Under Chief Acosta’s leadership, the department has implemented an enhanced chaplain program designed to promote spiritual diversity, officer wellness and enhanced community support during times of crisis. Additionally, he established an impact team to take aim at prevailing crime trends that adversely affect the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Steve Rao, a member of the Morrisville Town Council, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the departure.

Career and technical education took center stage on Wednesday morning as North Carolina Governor Josh Stein visited the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence at the Scott Northern Wake Campus. Governor Stein and Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt toured the state-of-the-art facility and signed a proclamation designating February as Career and Technical Education month. Dr. Scott Ralls, Wake Tech Community College President, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Career and Technical Education Month.

Last week, the N.C. State Student Senate passed “The Campus Environmental Health and Safety Act.” It’s a resolution that, among other things, calls on the university to test all campus buildings built before 1990 for PCBs. The resolution comes a little more than a year after N.C. State University closed Poe Hall due to PCB contamination. Before Poe Hall was closed, numerous former N.C. State faculty members who worked inside the facility said they were diagnosed with cancer. Taquan Newberry, N.C. State Student President Pro-Tem, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the student senate’s vote and what they want from university leadership.

U.S. inflation accelerated last month as the cost of groceries and gasoline rose, a trend that will likely underscore the Federal Reserve’s resolve to delay any further interest rate cuts. The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago, Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed, up from 2.9% the previous month. It has increased from a 3 1/2 year low of 2.4% in September. The figures underscore the stickiness of inflation, which created a major political problem for former President Joe Biden. N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus Mike Walden joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact increased inflation will have on the American consumer.

President Donald Trump’s decision late Monday to impose tariffs on imported aluminum and steel makes it more expensive for American companies buying the materials from other countries. Some economists think the tariffs will make things more difficult for all involved. UNC Charlotte Economics Professor Dr. Matthew Metzgar sad the tariffs are doing more harm than help. Steel imports will have 25% tariffs and aluminum tariffs will also have 25% tariffs, a hike from the original 10% Trump ordered in 2018. Dr. Metzgar joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact that steel tariffs will have.

A new North Carolina bill would facilitate Bitcoin investments in the state’s public funds for transportation, education, retirement, general spending, and more — potentially creating a strategic reserve of the valuable cryptocurrency. Sponsored by Republican House Speaker Destin Hall, the NC Digital Assets Investments Act would authorize the state treasurer to purchase certain virtual currencies, primarily Bitcoin. Legislators pointed to a variety of reasons to invest in digital assets, such as the U.S. dollar facing periods of inflation and devaluation, as well as enhance the potential returns of our portfolio. Duke University economics professor Connel Fullenkamp joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the basics of cryptocurrency.

Inflation is still on the minds of North Carolinians interviewed for the latest High Point University Poll. North Carolinians were asked to consider how the prices they are currently paying for products compared to last year. It was found that North Carolina has its highest consumer Sentiment Index rating since 2019. But there are still concerns about the inflation. Dr. Martin Kifer, Chair of the Political Science Department at High Point University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the results of their latest poll.

Residents in eastern Wake County now have a new option for transportation. Go Wake is expanding its service in Wendell. The new opportunities have been created because of a new bus stop at Wake Tech's East campus, which will now service the area on weekdays. It will help people like Wake Tech East biology student Valentina Pascoe, who moved to North Carolina last year. Pascoe has had to walk over two hours to the Wake Tech campus. Route 33L will run hourly, traveling from the New Hope Commons Shopping Center on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh through Knightdale before ending at Wake Tech East in Wendell. David Walker, Transportation Manager for GoRaleigh, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new service to Wendell.

When you find yourself behind on a rent payment; when you’re seeking caregiving assistance; when your home has been destroyed by a natural disaster -- Helps starts here with NC 211. Since 1999, NC 211 has been serving the state as an information referral center for health and human services. Operated by United Way of North Carolina and powered by 47 local United Ways across the state, the valuable NC 211 service connects North Carolinians with resources that can help them get back on their feet in the most challenging of times. Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, the President of the United Way of North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the importance of February 11th to NC 211.

The new interim director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has effectively issued a stop work order to staff at the federal government’s only agency designed specifically to look out for American borrowers’ best interests. In an email, staff were instructed to cease all ongoing work on rule-making, investigations, enforcement, supervision and other activities that they are tasked by Congress with carrying out. Mallory SoRelle, an Assistant Professor at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the consequences of the move on the American public.

Emergency rooms in North Carolina are facing long wait times as a surge in patients and a worsening flu season put strain on health systems. As of Saturday night, more than half of WakeMed’s emergency departments, including both adult and children’s campuses, had estimated wait times exceeding an hour, with some patients waiting overnight. Dr. Christine Knettel, an emergency physician with UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the severity of the situation and what hospitals are doing to manage the influx of patients.

It has been ten years since the tragic deaths of 23-year-old Deah Barakat, his wife, 21-year-old Yusor Abu-Salha, and her 19-year-old sister, Razan Abu-Salha, who were killed in their Chapel Hill home on February 10, 2015. While their killer claimed the attack stemmed from a parking dispute, many believe it was a hate crime targeting the three young Muslims. Ali Hida, a friend of the victims and founder of the Light House Project, joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on their legacy and discuss how he continues to honor their memories.

Peter Hans, president of North Carolina’s public university system, has temporarily suspended the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees' authority over athletics, citing concerns that board members overstepped their designated duties. In a January 16 memo to trustees chairman John Preyer, Hans noted instances where members acted independently of campus administration in areas that fall under the chancellor’s responsibility. Dave Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the short-term impact of this decision on UNC athletics.

Gretchen Engel from the Center for Death Penalty Litigation joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about a groundbreaking ruling that reveals racial bias in Johnston County’s death penalty cases.

Super Bowl party safety is very important. Making sure televisions are mounted correctly is a growing concern. Jon Champion talks with Karla Crosswhite with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Emily Nabors with the National Council on Aging.

Faith leaders gathered for a breakfast at Duke United Methodist Church just days after President Trump announced a freeze on federal funding to various organizations. Church World Services, a partner of Duke Memorial UMC, organizes the annual Durham CROP Walk. This event, aimed at raising funds and awareness to support those in need, will take place on March 23. Jeff Hamlin spoke with Rev. Heather Rodrigues and Rev. Mick Raynor to discuss how her office is navigating this new reality and the potential impact of the freeze on the Durham CROP Walk.

If you’ve ever wanted to walk from Durham to Roxboro, you may be in luck. A new proposed Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail would connect Durham County to Person County, following an abandoned railroad. Several agencies, including Durham County, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization, City of Durham Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Transportation and East Coast Greenway Alliance are organizing the project. Andrew Meeker of the East Coast Greenway Alliance joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the project.

North Carolina is dealing with a significant rise in flu cases. As of February 5, respiratory illness visits make up 19.6% of all emergency room visits, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. It’s the third week of continuous increases. Influenza accounts for 60% of all respiratory virus emergency room visits. Dr. Cameron Wolfe, Professor of Medicine at the Duke Department of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why the rise in flu cases is taking place amid a decrease in COVID-19 cases.

Just announced by the new passenger flight company, Breeze Airways said there are more flights en route from the RDU. Passengers can book nonstop Breeze flights from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Memphis, Orlando, Pensacola, Florida, Rochester, New York and Albany, New York. Stephanie Hawco of RDU Airport joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the additions and other new happenings at RDU Airport.

The Southern Farm Show is underway at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. It's the largest agricultural expo in the Carolinas. Farmers have plenty of concerns right now, including the bird flu outbreak and tariffs. The Tar Heel state is a large exporter of tobacco, soybeans, sweet potatoes and pork, among other products. The threat of tariffs on other countries could limit their overseas markets. Shawn Harding, the Chairman of the North Carolina Farm Bureau, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the challenges farmers face and this year’s farm show.

A new year can be a good time to introduce a healthier diet, as doctors are seeing a direct correlation between high sodium diets and kidney stones, specifically in kids. The National institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases said there is an uptick in the number of children developing kidney stones. North Carolina is sometimes referred to in the medical world as a member of the “stone belt," a section of southeastern states where kidney stones are often prevalent. Dr. John Weiner, Chief of Pediatric Neurology at Duke University Hospital, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the concerning trend.

You have a chance to be in a Revolutionary War film series by the North Carolina Museum of History. The museum is seeking actors for It's Revolutionary!, an original 20-part series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. According to a news release, it will combine documentary storytelling with engaging narrative elements. Sally Causey Blook, curator of the North Carolina Museum of History, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the series.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing $3 million to expand access to Child First, an evidence-based, early childhood intervention program proven to reduce the risk of child maltreatment and prevent young children and families from entering the foster care system. This investment, awarded to Alliance Health, Trillium Health Resources and Vaya Health, will expand Child First services to additional counties across the state, providing critical, community-based access to behavioral health care and family support services. Hanaleah Hoberman, Director of Child and Family Strategy with the Department of Health and Human Services, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Child First.

China has announced retaliatory tariffs on select American imports and an antitrust investigation into Google, just minutes after a sweeping levy on Chinese products imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect. This isn’t the first round of tit-for-tat actions between the two countries. China and the U.S. engaged in a trade war in 2018 when Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods and China responded in kind. It could impact the cost of prescriptions in North Carolina. Andrew Greenland, Assistant Professor of Economics at N.C. State, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential impact of the tariffs.

Chapel Hill-native Keith Siegel is finally back with his family after being held in captivity by Hamas for 484 days. He was one of three hostages released on Saturday morning in Gaza and the first Israeli-American to be freed as part of the cease fire deal. His wife, Aviva, was kidnapped with Keith by Hamas in October 2023 from their home in southern Israel with only the clothes on their backs. Aviva was released after 51 days. She waited over a year to see her husband again. On Saturday night, there was a celebration at Beth El Synagogue in Durham after Siegel was released. Rabbi Rachel Posner of Beth El Synagogue joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Siegel’s freedom.

Former Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson has officially withdrawn his lawsuit against CNN. The lawsuit stemmed from an exposé the network aired in September, which detailed dozens of alleged disturbing comments Robinson made on a porn forum. The report was a major blow to Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign. Once a prominent figure at the Republican National Convention and a regular at Donald Trump’s campaign stops in North Carolina, Robinson has not been seen with Trump since the report aired. Steven Greene, a political science professor at N.C. State, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what this means for Robinson’s political future.

New tariffs on goods from Canada and China are set to take effect tomorrow, with a 25% tariff imposed on Canadian products and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Meanwhile, tariffs on goods from Mexico are on hold for now. President Trump has also suggested that tariffs on European Union countries could be next. Gerald Cohen, an economist at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential economic impact of these tariffs.

Dry January has come to an end, but a new survey from Suffolk University and USA Today shows that while 86% of people don’t plan to change their drinking habits, awareness of alcohol’s dangers is growing. Outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently highlighted alcohol’s links to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year. Despite these concerning numbers, only 13% of people say they intend to drink less. Paul Nagy, Assistant Professor in the Duke University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss strategies for cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Tom Snyder Executive Director of "RIoT" joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News