WPTF Afternoon News

UNC Children's Hospital received a prestigious honor once again, ranking among the nation's top children's hospitals for the 16th consecutive year, as reported by US News and World Report. The hospital is nationally ranked in nine out of eleven pediatric specialties for 2024-2025. Dr. Stephanie Davis, Physician in Chief at UNC Children's Hospital, joined Jon Champion to discuss the significance of these rankings, the specialties recognized, and the impact on research funding. Dr. Davis also highlighted the hospital's new youth and behavioral health facility, recent strategic initiatives, and the hospital's ongoing efforts in response to Hurricane Helene.

Doug Roberts, founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, discussed the critical issues facing education superintendents across the nation. He highlighted the alarming turnover rates among school leaders and the challenges stemming from political pressures that distract from essential educational goals. Doug shared insights on how the Institute supports superintendents in problem-solving and fostering diversity within educational leadership. He emphasized the importance of building relationships and community engagement in improving student outcomes. Doug Roberts joined Jon Champion on the WPTF Afternoon News.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao, along with Sachin Joshi, President of Hum Sub, joined Anthony DeHart to highlight the cultural significance of the annual Hum Sub Diwali celebration. Joshi discussed Hum Sub’s 24-year mission of promoting Indian culture in the RTP area through events like Diwali, Holi, and Basant Bahaar. This year’s Hum Sub Diwali event will take place on October 12th at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, where 15,000 attendees are expected to enjoy cultural performances, exhibitions, and food. Joshi also emphasized this year’s theme, "Naadi Shakti: Pioneers of Progress," honoring Indian women leaders such as NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla. The event will conclude with a grand fireworks display.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao, along with Dr. Arvin Shah from the Heritage India Association, joined Anthony DeHart to discuss the upcoming unveiling of a new statue of Mohandas K. Gandhi in Morrisville. Dr. Shah explained that the idea for the statue was inspired by a 2005 Martin Luther King Jr. event in Raleigh. He also detailed the challenges faced in raising funds for the project. The conversation covered Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and its relevance today, with comparisons drawn to modern leaders like India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The unveiling will take place tomorrow at Church Street Park in Morrisville

Jason Kanawati-Stephany from the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the organization's efforts to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. With thousands of people still without power and no access to food or cell phone service, the Food Bank has launched a fundraiser aimed at providing critical relief to those in the hardest-hit communities. Jason shared insights into how the Food Bank is working on the ground to support these recovery efforts.

Manoj Pandya, president of the Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC), discussed the organization’s response to the recent disaster in Western North Carolina. Following the onset of the crisis, HSNC quickly mobilized its resources, appealing to the community for donations of essential supplies like water, diapers, and food. Within days, they had collected enough materials to fill two truckloads, which were dispatched to those in need. Manoj highlighted HSNC's longstanding commitment to community service, referencing past initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they managed vaccination clinics and food distribution programs. With a history dating back to 1976, HSNC remains a vital support system for the local population, continuing to provide meals and assistance to vulnerable communities. Manoj encouraged listeners to contribute supplies at their Morrisville location to aid ongoing relief efforts.

Ileana Rodriguez from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the exciting events of Downtown Raleigh's Restaurant Week. The week-long celebration highlights the exceptional offerings from over 25 participating restaurants across the city’s ever-expanding footprint. Ileana shared details on lunch and dinner specials, as well as specially priced three-course dinner options at select locations, including spots in the Fayetteville Street corridor, Warehouse District, and Glenwood South.

The Vice-Presidential debate between Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Senator J.D. Vance evoked a calmer era of American politics. During the debate, both candidates criticized their running mates and aimed to address vulnerabilities in their campaigns amid growing concerns over a potential regional war in the Middle East and the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Zach Hawkins, a representative from Durham County, joined Jeff Hamlin to share his insights on the debate and discuss how much of an impact it could have on the upcoming presidential race.

The Greater Raleigh area has become a powerhouse for hosting national sports events, and its reputation continues to grow. Since 2000, the area has hosted 77 National Championship events, with the Town of Cary playing a major role by hosting 38 NCAA National Championships since 2003. This trend will continue, as the NCAA announced that Cary will host six National Championships in men’s and women’s soccer. Additionally, the Lenovo Center will host the 2028 Eastern Regional championship game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, marking the first time Raleigh has hosted this event since 1982. Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Commission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss these exciting developments.

Hurricane Helene has devastated communities and colleges across western North Carolina, but the region's community colleges are stepping up to lead the recovery efforts. In response, the North Carolina Community College System has launched the Hurricane Helene Community College Response and Recovery Fund, designed to help colleges and their surrounding communities rebuild from the storm’s damage. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss how these colleges are coping with the storm’s aftermath and the critical role they play in regional recovery efforts.

As U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road reopens in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina's state parks continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. While many high-use areas and trails in the Smokies are now accessible, visitors are urged to exercise caution due to remaining hazards. Brian Strong, Director of North Carolina State Parks, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to provide an update on the current status of the parks, recovery efforts, and what visitors should know before heading out to explore the trails.

Western North Carolina is grappling with widespread devastation following Hurricane Helene, with flooded roads, disrupted services, and forced evacuations in Boone. Appalachian State University canceled classes, and emergency personnel are struggling to assess damage in Watauga County due to poor road conditions. David Jackson, President of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, who has lived in Boone for nearly 30 years, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the catastrophic damage and the ongoing recovery efforts in the High Country.

State climatologist Corey Davis joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to explain the staggering rainfall brought by Hurricane Helene, which, along with an accompanying storm, drenched the Southeast with over 40 trillion gallons of water. North Carolina alone could have been covered by 3.5 feet of water from the storm’s deluge. Davis highlighted the record-breaking nature of this rainfall and its devastating effects on the state’s mountain regions.

Wake County Commissioner Matthew Calabria joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Wake County's deployment of over 100 responders to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Helene's destruction in Western North Carolina. Local agencies from Wake Forest, Knightdale, Cary, and Raleigh have contributed swift water rescue teams to assist with urgent rescue operations. Calabria highlighted the growing efforts to support residents in need and the county’s commitment to providing critical resources during this time of crisis.

Rabbi Mendy Wilschanski, Executive Director of the Chabad of Raleigh, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the importance of Rosh Hashanah, one of the most sacred days in the Jewish calendar. Celebrated on October 2, this day marks the birthday of the universe and the start of the Hebrew new year. Rabbi Wilschanski explained the religious customs of the day, including prayers for humanity, the blowing of the shofar, and the significance of gathering with loved ones for festive meals.

With the Vice-Presidential debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance just around the corner, Sloan Duvall of the UNC Young Democrats joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the key issues likely to dominate the debate stage. Duvall highlighted potential talking points, including the economy, national security, and healthcare, and offered insights into how the outcomes could shape the election landscape.

As rescue and relief efforts continue in Western North Carolina, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is reminding North Carolinians to do their research and give wisely to make sure their generosity is getting to those in need. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is asking people to be wary of high pressure solicitations on social media or via emails or texts, give to established charities with resources on the ground to help the affected regions, and watch out for groups mimicking the names of established, respected charities. Marshall joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss giving to charities during the recovery from Helene.

Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao and Rachel Newberry, Program Manager for Riot, joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to explore how technology is driving economic development and transforming smart cities. Rachel detailed Riot’s role in connecting innovators with opportunities in the tech sector, supporting startups through accelerator programs and events. They discussed how smart city technologies, like stormwater and traffic management systems, enhance quality of life and shared information on upcoming events like the Riot Demo Night and the Connected Triangle Plus Summit, offering innovators a chance to present cutting-edge solutions for urban challenges.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao, along with former U.S. Comptroller General David M. Walker, joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the rising national debt and the urgent need for fiscal reform. Walker, author of America in 2040: Still a Superpower?, emphasized the dramatic increase in national liabilities and interest costs affecting the federal budget. They explored potential solutions, including a constitutional amendment to limit debt, AI’s role in reducing government waste, and improving government efficiency to secure America's financial future.

Mayor Pro Tem of Raleigh, Jonathan Melton, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to analyze the latest political developments in North Carolina. Melton shared his perspective on the governor’s race, the potential ramifications of Mark Robinson’s candidacy, and its impact on the upcoming presidential election. He also discussed Kamala Harris’s economic plan, focusing on manufacturing and technological growth, and addressed the issue of voter roll removals, stressing their importance for future elections.

Chris Towner, Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss a recent roundtable in Raleigh focused on controlling the federal budget deficit. Towner analyzed how the economic plans proposed by Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could impact the country’s financial future. He broke down Trump’s proposal to lower the corporate tax rate and Harris’s plan to tax capital income, examining how both candidates intend to pay for their campaign promises.

Tai Wong, spokesperson for the American Red Cross North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to address the critical shortage in the state’s blood supply. With all blood types, especially type O, and platelets urgently needed, the Red Cross is offering e-gift cards to incentivize donations. Wong explained the reasons behind the current shortage and stressed the importance of stabilizing the blood supply to meet ongoing demand.

Patrick Olsen, Editor-in-Chief of CARFAX, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss CARFAX’s latest report on water-damaged vehicles. North Carolina ranks in the top ten states for the most water-damaged cars, with over 14,300 affected vehicles. After a particularly active hurricane season, CARFAX estimates an additional 89,000 cars have sustained water damage, compounding the 454,000 already on the road. Olsen urged caution for buyers and highlighted key ways to identify flood-damaged cars.

Michael Olender, State Director of AARP North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the findings from AARP North Carolina's statewide election survey. The survey highlights the significant influence of voters aged 50 and older, who made up 54% of North Carolina voters in the 2020 elections and 64% in the 2022 midterms. With 91% of these voters expressing extreme motivation to cast their ballots in November, Olender emphasized the importance of candidates addressing issues relevant to this key demographic.

Tom Campbell, the longtime host of NC Spin, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the current tumultuous state of North Carolina politics. With a particularly eventful week behind them, the conversation centered on speculation about Mark Robinson's viability as the Republican candidate for governor amid ongoing controversies. Campbell drew historical parallels to past political vetting processes, expressing concern over how these issues might affect the GOP's overall success, including down-ballot races, in the upcoming elections.

Elon University Poll Director Jason Husser joined Jeff Hamlin on WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest poll results in North Carolina's gubernatorial race. The survey shows Attorney General Josh Stein leading Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson by a significant margin, with Stein at 49% and Robinson at 34%. Husser explained how Robinson’s unpopularity is a key factor in the widening gap. The conversation also touched on the tight presidential race, with Kamala Harris holding a slight lead over Donald Trump, showing the contrasting dynamics at play in the state’s political landscape.

Pastor Mark Rowden of the Savannah Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville joined Jeff Hamlin on WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the growing controversy surrounding North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Senator Thom Tillis recently stated that if Robinson doesn’t present facts in a lawsuit to discredit the CNN report detailing inflammatory statements attributed to him, then the Republican Party “needs to move on.” Tillis, who didn't endorse Robinson during the primary, expressed doubts about Robinson's ability to win the race, especially given the new information. Pastor Rowden offered his perspective on the potential impact of this controversy on Robinson’s campaign and the broader implications for the GOP as the election approaches.

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Graham joined Jeff Hamlin on WPTF Afternoon News to discuss his concerns about Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson’s nomination. Graham, who competed in the primary, voiced his worries about Robinson being an “unelectable nominee,” potentially jeopardizing the conservative movement from local to national levels. With Robinson now embroiled in controversy following a CNN report, Graham reflected on the shifting dynamics within the GOP, noting Robinson's exclusion from Donald Trump’s North Carolina campaign rallies. The conversation delved into the potential long-term impact on the Republican Party.

The streets of Downtown Raleigh are soon to be filled with the sounds of Americana as the IBMA World of Bluegrass is back at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event kicks off Tuesday with the World of Bluegrass Conference. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to Downtown Raleigh to celebrate the rich history and tune of bluegrass music. Jess Holt with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau says over the last 12 years the event has brought over a million people to Raleigh, creating 95 million dollars in economic impact. David Brower, the Executive Director of Pinecone, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s festival.

After the departure of nearly his entire staff, Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is back on the campaign trial. He delivered a fiery retort following a CNN report that detailed inflammatory comments made on a pornographic website over a decade ago where, among other things, he called himself a "Black Nazi." Speaking in Wilkesboro, Robinson specifically targeted CNN. Following the CNN report, Donald Trump did not mention Robinson during a campaign event in Wilmington on Saturday. While Trump was in Wilmington, Robinson was campaigning in Fayetteville. Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Chris Cooper joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the fallout from the CNN report.

One presidential candidate is talking up gun ownership and promising tough new border security measures. The other vows to cap credit card interest rates and force insurance companies to cover in vitro fertilization. Which one is the Democrat and the Republican? The lines that have traditionally defined each party’s policy priorities are blurring as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump fight to expand their political coalitions in the final days of the 2024 presidential contest. In both cases, the candidates are embracing positions and rhetoric that would have once been anathema to their political bases. Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris economic vision.

Nataliia Bondarenko, who immigrated from Ukraine to Chapel Hill after the start of the war, joined Jeff Hamlin on WPTF Afternoon News to discuss an extraordinary event this Thursday. "Cultural Forces of Ukraine: Live Concert and Stories from the Trenches" will feature world-class Ukrainian musicians who are now active-duty soldiers, offering a powerful blend of live performances and personal stories from the front lines of the war with Russia. Bondarenko highlighted the evening’s performances, including the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian string instrument, which symbolizes the enduring spirit of Ukraine.

WCR Ramesh Vora

WCR Chip Kennedy

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to respond to the recent CNN report linking North Carolina Lieutenant Governor and gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson to inflammatory comments made on an online forum. Kelly criticized Robinson as being too extreme for North Carolina and compared him with former President Donald Trump, whom Kelly also opposed for promoting what he called a harmful agenda. The discussion touched on how these dynamics could influence voter turnout, especially around reproductive rights and healthcare. Kelly emphasized his support for veterans and criticized Trump for neglecting their needs, urging voters to support Kamala Harris.

Bryan Anderson, who reported on the bombshell CNN story before it was released, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the future of North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson's gubernatorial campaign. The report details disturbing comments made by Robinson on a pornographic website, casting a shadow over his political prospects. Despite calls for Robinson to drop out of the race, including from former President Donald Trump's campaign, Robinson has vowed to stay in the running. Anderson analyzed how this scandal affects Robinson's already tough race against Democratic candidate Josh Stein, who held a significant lead prior to the report.

Wake County Representative Maria Cervania joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao to discuss the fallout from a recent CNN report revealing disturbing comments made by North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson on a pornographic website. Robinson, who listed his full name and email on a forum called "Nude Africa," has denied the allegations but vowed to remain in the gubernatorial race. Cervania offered her perspective on the potential impact of the scandal on Robinson's campaign, the response from North Carolina's political landscape, and the implications for voters in the upcoming election.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts in Carolina Beach and Brunswick County after severe flooding. Over 20 inches of rain fell in less than five hours, causing widespread damage to roads, homes, and local landmarks like the entrance to Battleship North Carolina. Floodwaters have left many areas impassable, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working to assess the damage and clear hazardous routes. Causey provided insights on the state's response and the challenges residents are facing as cleanup efforts continue.

Duke University Political Science Professor Mac McCorkle joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss a major controversy in North Carolina's gubernatorial race. CNN released a report revealing that Republican nominee Mark Robinson made disturbing comments on a pornographic website, “Nude Africa,” between 2008 and 2012. Robinson allegedly referred to himself as a “Black Nazi” and a “perv.” Despite denying the claims, Robinson released a video vowing to remain in the race. McCorkle shared insights on how this scandal could impact Robinson's campaign and the broader political landscape.

Catawba College Political Science Professor Michael Bitzer joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the controversy surrounding North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson's gubernatorial campaign. Robinson announced his decision to stay in the race despite a damning CNN report revealing inflammatory comments he made on a pornography website over a decade ago, including a reference to himself as a "black Nazi." Bitzer analyzed the potential impact of this scandal on Robinson’s campaign, its effect on North Carolina’s Republican ticket, and the broader political landscape, especially for independent voters.

Raleigh City Councilman Jonathan Melton joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Senate's recent vote blocking legislation to establish a nationwide right to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Republicans have rejected the measure for a second time this year, calling it an election-year ploy by Democrats. Melton shared his perspective on how this vote could influence the ongoing presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, especially as Trump has positioned himself as a leader on IVF issues.

Bill King, President of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Raleigh City Council's recent vote to close a portion of South Street, allowing for the relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater. This decision, celebrated by supporters in council chambers, is set to have a lasting impact on downtown businesses. King provided insight into how the move will affect the local economy, with many anticipating both challenges and opportunities as the popular venue shifts its location in the heart of Raleigh.

David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations between Florida State, Clemson, and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Leaders from the ACC are exploring new ways to divide media rights revenue, potentially resolving legal disputes with Florida State and Clemson. These talks stem from a court-ordered mediation session between the ACC and Florida State last month. FSU’s board of trustees sued the ACC in December in search of a more affordable way to exit the conference.

State Climatologist Corey Davis joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the surprising flooding from Potential Tropical Storm Cyclone Eight, which led to Governor Roy Cooper declaring a state of emergency in four counties. Some areas received over 18 inches of rain, causing massive flooding, even though the slow-moving tropical system never received a name. Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee expressed shock at the storm's impact. Governor Cooper toured the area, stating that future infrastructure spending will focus on preparing for more damaging storms in the years ahead.

With less than 50 days until the election, North Carolina’s gubernatorial candidates have yet to face off in a debate. Attorney General Josh Stein, the Democratic nominee, and Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson have avoided direct confrontation on the campaign trail. Despite Stein's expectation to debate Robinson, no date has been set. Independent journalist Bryan Anderson joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Stein’s commanding lead in the polls and the broader dynamics of the race.

Wake County Public Libraries has partnered with Tutor.com to offer free, on-demand online tutoring for all library cardholders. Theresa Theall, the library’s senior manager, joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about the new service, which provides one-on-one assistance in subjects like math, science, and English. The tutoring service supports learners of all ages, offering help with homework, test prep, and writing improvement through two-way text chat. Spanish-speaking users can also access many subjects in their language.

Steven Greene, a political science professor at N.C. State, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments in the 2024 presidential race. As Donald Trump heads to Michigan for a town hall and Kamala Harris answers questions at a Black journalists' forum in Pennsylvania, their campaign activities ramp up amidst investigations into a second assassination attempt against Trump. Greene provided insights on how these events might impact the race as both candidates continue to make appearances across key states.

Sloan Duvall, a student at North Carolina Central University and a delegate to the DNC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the efforts surrounding National Voter Registration Day. With local colleges setting up registration tables and events, Duvall shared the enthusiasm and response she has observed since Kamala Harris officially became the Democratic nominee for president. He also highlighted the importance of registering before the October 11 deadline for those planning to vote in person.

Andrew Crenn from the National Weather Service joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss an approaching coastal storm expected to impact central North Carolina. Crenn explained that although the storm is not tropical, it will bring significant rain and gusty winds, with rainfall totals reaching up to three inches and wind gusts peaking at 40 mph. He noted that the strongest winds will occur between 8 p.m. and midnight, with a low risk of tornadoes. Flash flood warnings are in effect for several counties, and Crenn emphasized the importance of staying weather-aware, as rain is expected to continue throughout the week.

Jeff Brooks from Duke Energy joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss preparations for a storm expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and strong wind gusts to central North Carolina. Brooks detailed how Duke Energy is closely monitoring the storm and deploying linemen to address potential power outages. He highlighted the importance of staying informed, preparing for outages, and driving cautiously around work crews. With wet ground and strong winds expected, Brooks emphasized Duke Energy’s readiness to handle downed trees and power disruptions throughout the region.