WPTF Afternoon News

Tom Snyder, Executive Director of RIoT, sat down with Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss RIoT’s highly anticipated "State of the Region" event. This important event will tackle key issues affecting economic growth in our region, from the shifting economy to emerging employment trends and business growth.

2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. What started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University. The challenge is taking place this Saturday morning. Anna Doggett with the Krispy Kreme Challenge joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

There are plenty of issues on the agenda as the Morrisville Town Council prepares to hold a weekend retreat. Steve Rao of the Morrisville Town Council joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the issues that will be sorted out at the retreat. Steve also discussed the feedback he’s hearing from Morrisville residents about President Trump’s birthright citizenship plans. And there’s also the issues of AI Chatbots in Morrisville.

A midair collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight from Kansas killed all 67 people aboard the two aircraft. That was the word from authorities Thursday as they scrutinized the actions of the military pilot after the country’s worst aviation disaster in a generation. At least 28 bodies were pulled from the icy waters of the Potomac River after the helicopter apparently flew into the path of the jet late Wednesday while it was landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington. Josh McConkey, a Commander at Andrews Air Force Base and an Apex resident, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation.

William Leuchtenburg, a prize-winning historian widely admired for his authoritative writings on the U.S. presidency and as the reigning scholar on Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal, has died at 102. Leuchtenburg died Tuesday at his home in Chapel Hill. A professor emeritus at UNC and a published author for more than 70 years, He received some of the top awards given to historians, including the Parkman and Bancroft prizes, was a political analyst for CBS and NBC and consulted on several of Ken Burns’ PBS documentaries. Lloyd Kramer, UNC-Chapel Hill Professor Emeritus of History, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss William Leuchtenburg’s life and legacy.

Donald Trump has rescinded a proposed freeze on federal aid. Governor Josh Stein called the proposed spending freeze "confusing" and "concerning." On Wednesday morning, the governor took questions from the media following a wellness week program at an elementary school in Greenville. It's a program that could be impacted by the Trump Administration's freeze on federal grants and loans. If a spending freeze does take place, it could impact Meals on Wheels in Raleigh. Ashley McCumber is the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels in Raleigh. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss a potential freeze.

A long-awaited acquisition of over 200 acres of land that includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway to add to Eno River State Park has been finalized, according to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The acquisition process, which began in 2021, was facilitated by the Eno River Association, which worked with the previous landowner, the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation. The addition to the state park includes the four-mile walking trail that traverses the only surviving dirt speedway from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season, as well as the adjacent James M. Johnston Nature Preserve, a dedicated nature preserve with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program. Brian Strong, the North Carolina Parks Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the legacy of Historic Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough.

Irregardless opened as Raleigh’s first vegetarian restaurant when Arthur Gordon opened it with a bunch of college friends in 1975. Arthur eventually bought his friends out and ran the restaurant for decades. Arthur was often ahead of the curve. He banned smoking in 1985 and added solar panels to the roof and opened a farm in 2012. Arthur Gordon sold the building and the business in January 2020. David Meeker bought the building and Lee Robinson, a longtime front-of-the-house restaurant guy in town, bought the business. Robinson joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the history of Irregardless.

It has been over 80 days since the polls closed on Election night and there is still no official winner in the race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. The Republican challenge over the seat continues. On Monday afternoon, the 4th circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals listened to arguments in the ongoing race between Democrat Allison Riggs and Republican Jefferson Griffin. During a press conference on Monday afternoon, North Carolina Democratic Party chairwoman Anderson Clayton sounded off against the appeal. Last week, the state Supreme Court dismissed a request to issue an expedited decision on the issue. Bryan Anderson was on hand for the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing on Monday. He discussed what happened with Jeff Hamlin.

UNC Health and Duke Health are joining forces to create the Triangle's first standalone children's hospital. The goal is to provide state of the art pediatric care for families across the state. It's being made possible by a $320 million investment from the state. A site for the hospital hasn't been selected. Plans call to break ground in two years. Construction is expected to take six years. The project will be called North Carolina Children's. Dr. Stephanie Davis, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics of UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new facility.

There were lines outside of the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh Monday following a surge of immigration arrests nationwide. People say the consulate is usually busy, but with President Trump's recent executive orders, there's a push by some here to make sure all of their documents are in order. 34 percent of students in the Durham Public Schools are Latino and the district say it's consulting with in-house counsel. Siembra NC formed during the first Trump Administration. Nikki Marin Baena Co-Director of Siembra NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what she has heard from local Latino residents.

More than 300,000 people in North Carolina are blind or visually impaired, according to state leaders. The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services plays a critical role in supporting residents who are visually impaired or blind by providing access to books, magazines, and other resources tailored to their needs. Joshua Berkov, assistant director for the library, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the wide range of services offered and the impact they have on the lives of North Carolinians.

North Carolina Central University will participate in FICO’s Educational Analytics Challenge, an initiative aimed at preparing the next generation of data scientists. Now in its second year, the program has expanded to include NCCU and three additional universities. This effort comes at a time when financial fraud is a growing concern among college students. Siobahn Day Grady, an NCCU professor, and Scott Zoldi, FICO’s Chief Analytics Officer, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the program equips students with valuable analytics skills and prepares them to address real-world challenges like financial fraud.

Winter weather swept through North Carolina last week, leaving roads coated in snow and ice. To improve driving conditions, North Carolina Department of Transportation crews applied thousands of gallons of salt brine. While effective for road safety, salt brine can have unintended effects on vehicles. Automotive experts emphasize the importance of cleaning brine off cars to prevent potential damage like corrosion. Rick Sapienza, Dean of Transportation Technologies at Wake Tech Community College, joined Jeff Hamlin to explain how salt brine impacts vehicles and why thorough cleaning is essential.

A shocking new report from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reveals that the nation’s three largest pharmacy benefit managers have significantly inflated the prices of critical medicines, including those for heart disease, cancer, and HIV. Between 2017 and 2022, these markups at their affiliated pharmacies generated over $7.3 billion in revenue. Antonio Ciaccia, President of 3 Axis Advisors, joined Jeff Hamlin to break down the findings of the FTC report.

Mike Walden N.C. State economics professor emeritus joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the evolving landscape of manufacturing in North Carolina. From the decline of traditional industries like textiles and furniture to the rise of sectors such as technology and pharmaceuticals.

Bethany Pryor from UNC MediaHub on Western NC

Kerissa Armstead and Caitlin Avinger from Durham Parks & Recreation joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to give tips on winter outdoor recreation and safety, and to talk about the exciting programs Durham Parks will be hosting this year.

We are just days away from the 24th Annual African American Cultural Celebration at the NC Museum of History! It is the statewide kickoff to Black History Month. Joining us to talk more about the event and some changes is Kaya Littleturtle, Community Programs and Festivals Coordinator for the NC Museum of History

Climate change was a major topic of a recent Environmental Justice and Healthcare Summit. With the Trump administration resetting the agenda..many people are paying attention. The event was hosted by the North Carolina Black Alliance. Joining us to talk more about the summit is Brayndon Stafford, the environmental justice coordinator for North Carolina Black Alliance.

An arctic blast bringing extreme cold and coastal snow inland has Duke Energy gearing up for potential scattered power outages. The Raleigh area is expected to see lows of 14 degrees Wednesday night, with mountain temperatures dropping to around 6 degrees. Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss preparations for the frigid weather and potential outages.

North Carolina Central University has earned a prestigious spot in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings for best online programs. The university placed No. 2 nationally among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for its online bachelor’s degree programs and No. 9 overall in North Carolina. Kimberly Phifer-McGhee, NCCU’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Studies and Student Support, joined Jeff Hamlin to highlight the success of the university’s online programs.

Losing weight isn't just beneficial for health—it can also lead to significant financial savings. A new study reveals that even modest weight loss in obese adults can result in lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, and an improved quality of life. Dr. Kenneth Thorpe, Chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the value of making meaningful lifestyle changes.

Raleigh’s Figulina has been named a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. Opened in March 2024 by Chef David Ellis in the Warehouse District, Figulina’s menu showcases handmade pasta infused with Italian techniques, seasonal Southern ingredients, and global influences. Chef Ellis joined Jeff Hamlin to share what makes Figulina stand out in Raleigh’s vibrant dining scene.

Thousands of Duke Health clinicians now have access to new technology the health system says is helping enhance patient care. The tech uses a cell phone and protected AI software developed by Abridge to help physicians transcribe clinical notes faster. Dr. Eric Poon said he used to think he did a good job with transcribing his clinical notes in real time on a computer during the appointment, until he started using the software. Dr. Poon joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how AI software has benefitted him professionally.

President Donald Trump’s second inauguration seemed normal, but there were concerns about U.S. democracy lingering just beneath the surface. Trump himself made those apparent when he followed his speech that urged unity and optimism with one to supporters vowing to pardon Jan. 6 rioters and then later he did just that. Trump also has promised to seek revenge against his political opponents. That pledge led to a blitz of last-minute preemptive pardons issued by outgoing President Joe Biden. Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the inauguration.

The coldest air so far this winter season has arrived in North Carolina and will stick around for much of this week. Residents across the Triangle are making plans for keeping their pipes warm around their homes. Chris Massey, a plumber with C. Massey Plumbing, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how to keep your pipes warm in the midst of the coldest weather in North Carolina in years.

Immigration is the signature issue for President Trump, who based his winning 2016 campaign on building a wall along the southern U.S. border and emphasized economic and national security themes to immigration during campaign visits to North Carolina last year. Ilana Dubester, whose group the Hispanic Liaison helps immigrant families in Lee and Chatham counties, said some immigrants fear the new state law because it would allow people to be deported simply for being accused of committing crimes. Dubester joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what some residents she works with are concerned about.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader who championed equality and fought racial segregation during the 1950s and 60s. While his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech is widely recognized for its role in the 1963 March on Washington, few know it was first delivered in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. James Miller, a Distinguished English professor at N.C. State University, joined Jeff Hamlin to explore Dr. King's connection to the Tar Heel State.

TikTok’s brief ban in the United States left Raleigh business owners scrambling for alternatives before the app was restored on Sunday. Among them was Ceazer Stylz, a local hair stylist specializing in locks, who has gained over 400 clients in the past three years—60% of them through TikTok. Stylz joined Jeff Hamlin to share how essential the platform is to his business.

Steve Rao joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss and give commentary on the political news of the day

Gautam Aggarwal joins Steve Rao and Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell joins Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy joins Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News

Colonel Josh McConkey has spent more than two decades serving our country, in both the Army and Air Force Reserve. He's now a Commander at Andrews Air Force Base of the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron. On Monday though, he'll get to do something that will mark a first for the decorated servicemember, leading the Air Force Reserve delegation at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration. Colonel McConkey joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the honor during President-Elect Trump’s inauguration.

Scientists at Duke University's Human Vaccine Institute have made a significant advance in the quest for an HIV vaccine, successfully developing a vaccine candidate that could help the immune system produce antibodies needed to fight the virus. Dr. Mihai Azoitei, assistant professor at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, has created an immunogen -- a substance that provokes an immune response -- that effectively guides immune cells to develop into broadly neutralizing antibodies, a critical component for HIV protection. Dr. Azoitei joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their progress.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that a last-minute dispute with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited ceasefire that would pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages. Netanyahu signaled complications with the deal shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced it was complete. Dr. Rachel Posner, Interim Sabbatical Rabbi with Beth El Synagogue in Durham, is watching the developments very closely Dr. Posner joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what she would like to see from the negotiations.

The Nature Conservancy is gearing up for its controlled burn season, which runs January through August. People who live in and near longleaf pine forests from the Sandhills to the Coast may soon see smoke in the air as TNC and its conservation partners conduct controlled burns to restore the forest. Longleaf pine forests are adapted to frequent, low-intensity fires. These fires knock back shrubs and other vegetation—allowing plants such as Venus flytraps to thrive on the forest floor. Some plants need fire for their very existence; wiregrass won’t reseed unless it is exposed to fire. Deb Maurer, Southeastern North Carolina Program Director for the Nature Conservancy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why people should use caution.

Steve Rao joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss and give commentary on the political news of the day including Joe Biden's farewell address and the Trump inauguration.

Officials announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies. The deal, coming after weeks of painstaking negotiations in the Qatari capital, promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in phases, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and would allow hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes. Duke University Political Science professor Bruce Jentleson joined Jeff Hamlin and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao to discuss the implications of the agreement.

With MLK Day coming up, many celebrations and commemorations are planned. It’s something that former Durham City Councilman and North Carolina State Senator Floyd McKissick has a personal connection with. His father was a North Carolina native, attorney, and civil rights leader, sought to create a thriving, self-sustaining community that would provide equal opportunity for Black Americans during the 1970s. Floyd McKissick joined Jeff Hamlin and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao to discuss this year’s MLK Day.

A home heating program in Wake County is in desperate need of support from the community. Warmth for Wake provides fuel to people who need help keeping their homes warm, but their resources are running low. The program runs solely on donations and volunteers. While needs are increasing, donations and volunteers are not. Gunter says Warmth for Wake is in dire need of help to warm homes. Brian Gunter, customer experience manager for Wake County Health and Human Services, talked with Jeff Hamlin about Warmth for Wake.

With a possible TikTok ban just days away, many U.S. users are looking for alternative social media platforms to help them keep up with pop culture or provide the type of entertaining videos that popularized the short-form video app. TikTok, which has been a cultural phenomenon, could be banned on Jan. 19 under a law that forces the platform to cut ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or shut down its U.S. operation. Rose Li, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC-Chapel Hill, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential ban.

The North Carolina Forest Service expects high fire danger this week, despite parts of North Carolina picking up precipitation after the winter storm Friday. It seems counterintuitive: snow and ice melting will give our ground moisture which should decrease our risk of fires, but the Forest Service says that’s not the entire story. Not everyone across the state picked up decent precipitation from the winter storm, so if the snow or ice has already melted away that top layer of ground is now exposed to cold, dry air. Phillip Jackson of the North Carolina Forest Service joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss tips that everyone should follow to stay safe.

The Rotary District 7710’s MLK Day of Service Meal Packing Program, one of the District's largest initiatives, returns for its 18th year on January 20. Started by the Durham Rotary Club in 2007, the program has provided over 1.8 million meals to individuals and families experiencing hunger. This year, with generous sponsorships from Duke University, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and Wegmans, volunteers will gather in Durham, Raleigh, and Clayton to pack 150,000 meals for distribution to communities in need. Kathleen Cody, a spokesperson for the Rotary District, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

A group of Wake Tech students received the Wake Tech Lifesaver Award on Monday for their quick actions that saved an employee's life. In October, facilities technician Byron Gray suffered a stroke while on his way to the Perry Health Sciences Campus, but four students stepped in to assist him. Sam Rouse, a Dental Hygiene student and one of the honorees, joined Jeff Hamlin to share her account of the life-saving moment.

Chabad of Cary held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday for the new Bais Mendel Jewish Center in Morrisville. The 11,000-square-foot facility will serve the Jewish community of Western Wake County and beyond, marking a significant milestone for the area. Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar, co-Director of Chabad of Cary, joined Jeff Hamlin to share details about the center’s vision and what the community can expect from the new space.

As powerful winds threatened to spark new wildfires in Los Angeles, firefighters and equipment mobilized to protect the area and contain existing blazes that have already destroyed thousands of homes and claimed at least 24 lives. Crews and firefighting planes were stationed across the city and the dry, brush-filled hillsides to tackle any flare-ups. Fred Maske, a Hillsborough native and actor living in Los Angeles for over two decades, joined Jeff Hamlin to share his experiences and observations amid the ongoing wildfire crisis.

Wildfires are no longer confined to a specific season—experts now describe it as a "fire year." Toddi Steelman, has been observing the unusual January fires in Southern California, which she attributes to a dry winter following an arid summer, exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds. Steelman joined Jeff Hamlin to explore why wildfire risks have become a year-round phenomenon and the climate factors driving this alarming trend.

Chip Kennedy joins Anthony DeHart and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News