WPTF Afternoon News

For the first time since John Edwards was the vice-presidential nominee in 2004, North Carolina is back in the national spotlight during the Democratic National Convention. A new poll from High Point University shows Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump 44-43 in the presidential race, while Josh Stein holds a significant lead over Mark Robinson in the gubernatorial race. Senator Jay Chaudhuri, a Democrat from Wake County, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the importance of North Carolina in the upcoming elections and the increased focus on the state in the final weeks of the campaign.

Steve Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP Services, joined Jon Champion to explore the many advantages of off-season travel, including fewer crowds, lower prices, and more authentic experiences. Guilday shared his expert tips on maximizing savings and getting the most out of your travel during the off-season.

Thorne Daubenspeck, Executive Director of Band Together, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the potential relocation of Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh. As Raleigh City Council engaged in high-stakes discussions about the venue's future, Daubenspeck shared his concerns, especially since Band Together holds its annual fundraising concert at Red Hat Amphitheater, with an upcoming performance featuring Terminator X of Public Enemy. Daubenspeck also explored the impact of the possible move on local businesses and the community.

Nate French, a communication professor at Wake Forest University, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Governor Roy Cooper's decision to withdraw from Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate search. Cooper's withdrawal, partly driven by concerns over his Republican lieutenant governor taking control during out-of-state travels, occurred before Harris formally began vetting candidates. French offered insights into Cooper's political calculations and what this means for Harris' selection process moving forward.

Crystal Lorbacher, Vice President of Communications at RDU Airport, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about RDU's record-setting summer. The airport welcomed nearly 1.5 million passengers in July, breaking the previous monthly record. The July 4th holiday also saw a significant increase in traffic, with a 9.5 percent jump compared to 2023. Lorbacher discussed the factors driving this surge and how the airport is managing the busy season.

Congressman Wiley Nickel joined Steve Rao and Jon Champion live from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Nickel shared his thoughts on President Biden’s historic speech, the electric energy at the convention, and the strategic message needed to win swing states like North Carolina. He also discussed Vice President Harris's vision for the future and how she can address critical issues such as border security.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams (D) joins Jon Champion and Morrisville Town Council member Steve Rao from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. They discuss the atmosphere and what to expect on night two at the DNC.

North Carolina higher education leaders have unveiled new transfer guides designed to make it easier than ever to transition to one of the state’s 16 public universities. The guides, which include information on admissions, course equivalencies, and academic programs, help students align their community college credits with the requirements for four-year degrees in specific majors at universities within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System.

Western Carolina University political science professor Chris Cooper joined Jon Champion to share his insights on the Democratic National Convention. Cooper provided an analysis of the key moments, discussed the political strategies on display, and highlighted the potential impact of the convention on the upcoming elections.

Bryan Anderson, freelance journalist, joined Jon Champion to discuss the growing concerns within the Republican Party regarding Mark Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign in North Carolina. Anderson sheds light on the internal debates, challenges, and the broader implications for the GOP as the race for governor continues to captivate the state’s attention.

Marti Hampton, a real estate professional, joined Jon Champion to discuss the new regulations affecting real estate in North Carolina that went into effect on Friday. Hampton provides insights on how these changes will impact buyers, sellers, and agents across the state, offering valuable advice on navigating the evolving real estate landscape

Patrick Newton from the Forward party joins Anthony DeHart and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News

Wit Tuttell, the Executive Director of Visit NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the record-breaking visitor spending in North Carolina for 2023. The N.C. Department of Commerce reported that travel spending statewide rose by 6.9 percent, reaching an impressive $35.6 billion, following a 15 percent increase in 2022. Tuttell shared insights into the factors driving this growth, the rise in direct tourism employment to 227,000, and the promising outlook for North Carolina’s tourism industry.

Randolph Voller, the former Chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joined Steve Rao and Jeff Hamlin to discuss Kamala Harris' $90 million advertising campaign, which aims to introduce her to voters and contrast her vision with that of Donald Trump. Voller shared insights on Harris' personal narrative, her career as a prosecutor in California, and the implications of this media push as Election Day approaches. With Harris scheduled to speak in Raleigh this week, the conversation also touched on the significance of her visit and the campaign's broader strategy.

Doug Spero, a former news anchor for WCBS, joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on his time at the station and the significance of WCBS NewsRadio's final sign-off. As WCBS prepares to retire its all-news format and transition to sports radio, Spero shared his thoughts on what the end of nearly 60 years of broadcasting means for New York City and the radio industry as a whole.

Steven Greene, a political science professor at N.C. State, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments in the presidential race. The conversation focused on how modern campaigning has evolved, particularly in the context of attacks on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s military service, which echoed the charges faced by Sen. John Kerry two decades earlier. Greene explained how the changing media environment has affected the effectiveness of such tactics, contrasting today's landscape with that of the early 2000s.

Mecklenburg County State Representative Wesley Harris joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris’s cautious approach to unveiling her policy vision as she begins her presidential campaign. Harris is working to outmaneuver former President Donald Trump and address previous vulnerabilities in her policy positions. The conversation covered key issues such as Medicare and Social Security, which are expected to play a major role in the upcoming election.

Kris Anne Bonifacio, spokesperson for North Carolina State Parks, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the significant impact of Tropical Storm Debby on parks across the state. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County remains closed due to severe flooding, with trails and docks submerged. Falls Lake and Kerr Lake are also closed due to high water levels. Bonifacio shared that lake levels are expected to continue rising, extending the park closures through the weekend. The discussion also covered the broader effects of the storm on other state parks.

After 45 years and 21 national championships, the most successful women's college soccer coach in history, Anson Dorrance, announced his retirement. Dorrance, who has led the University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer team since 1979, leaves behind an unmatched legacy, with 934 wins and a record of developing legends like Mia Hamm, Cindy Parlow, Kristine Lilly, Crystal Dunn, and Cat Reddick. He also guided the U.S. Women’s National Team to its first World Cup victory in 1991. Tim Crothers, a former writer for Sports Illustrated and author of “The Man Watching: A Biography of Anson Dorrance,” joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Dorrance’s remarkable career and lasting impact on women’s soccer.

Several organizations and downtown businesses are urging the public to "join the conversation" about a proposed plan to relocate Red Hat Amphitheatre, which would involve permanently closing a block of South Street to traffic. Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin has emphasized the importance of the amphitheatre for the city's future, stating that losing Red Hat could mean losing the future of downtown. Carey and Lelia Kidd, who opened Element Gastropub near City Plaza during the pandemic as a show of confidence in Raleigh’s downtown, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their concerns and the need for greater input from business owners about the amphitheatre’s future.

A new poll from YouGov reveals that Kamala Harris is tied with Donald Trump in North Carolina, reflecting the momentum Harris has gained since becoming the top Democratic candidate. Cynthia Wallace, executive director of the New Rural Project, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the shifting dynamics and the perspectives of young and marginalized voters in rural areas. Wallace shared insights into how Harris’s campaign is resonating with these voters, who were crucial in Obama’s 2008 win but have been less engaged in recent elections.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao, along with Zach Thorne, Senior National Conference Director of GovTech Magazine, joined the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the upcoming North Carolina Digital Summit. Thorne highlighted the event's significance, noting that it will cover essential topics like cybersecurity, AI, and broadband expansion. He emphasized North Carolina's leadership in digital transformation, mentioning the state's high ranking in digital governance. The summit, set to be held at the Raleigh Convention Center, aims to bring together public and private sector leaders to discuss IT challenges and best practices.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao and community leader Naresh Giri from the Hindu Society of North Carolina joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the significance of Indian Independence Day. They highlighted the importance of preserving cultural roots, fostering community integration, and supporting local causes. Naresh shared insights on how the Hindu Society educates younger generations about Indian culture and history. He also provided details about an upcoming celebration in Morrisville, featuring flag hoisting, a parade, cultural performances, and speeches by community leaders. The event underscores the vibrant Indian-American community's contributions to the area.

As Tropical Storm Debbie approaches North Carolina, FEMA Media Branch Chief Michael Hart joined Jon Champion to discuss crucial storm preparedness strategies. Hart provided insights into the necessary steps residents should take to stay safe, the importance of having an emergency plan, and how FEMA is coordinating with local authorities to respond effectively. He also emphasized the significance of staying informed and ready as the storm nears.

As Tropical Storm Debby approaches the Triangle, residents are preparing for the heavy rain and potential flooding expected over the coming days. The storm could make roadways particularly hazardous. Lumberton, North Carolina, experienced devastating floods from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018, underscoring the risks even far inland. Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to offer advice on navigating the roads—or avoiding them entirely—during Tropical Storm Debby.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spent their first full day as running mates in Wisconsin and Michigan on Wednesday. The Harris campaign announced that it had raised $36 million in the first 24 hours after the vice presidential announcement. Wednesday's trip focused on galvanizing support among younger, diverse, labor-friendly voters who were crucial in President Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. Raleigh mayor pro-tem Jonathan Melton joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the critical choice that younger voters face in this election.

Kamala Harris has introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to the nation as “the vice president America deserves” at a raucous rally in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania. Harris selected Walz as her No. 2 against the Republican ticket of Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance just hours earlier Tuesday. Terry Mahaffey is an Apex Town Council member and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao to discuss the addition of Walz to the Democratic National ticket.

The latest forecast says Tropical Storm Debby will restrengthen over the ocean and then move inland again in South Carolina by Thursday. Will Ray, the North Carolina’s Director of Emergency Management, says there's still time for people to prepare, including keeping documents in a safe place away from flooding and checking smoke alarms, as well as getting supplies like water and batteries ready, but as for an insurance policy. Ray joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss preparations for Debby

North Carolina’s Democratic representation is reacting to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the choice by presumptive presidential nominee Kamala Harris to be her running mate. Harris says Walz has “delivered for working families” in his Midwestern state. It was her biggest decision yet as the Democratic nominee and she went with a broadly palatable choice. State Representative Zach Hawkins, from Durham County, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what he likes about Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick as her running mate, will need to introduce himself to the vast majority of Americans, according to recent polling. But while Walz is a virtual unknown, AP VoteCast data from his gubernatorial win in 2022 shows that he won with key demographics that Harris will hope to capture in the Midwest and outperformed Democrats nationally among white voters without a college degree. Jon Green, Duke University assistant professor of political science, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the positives and negatives of Walz being on the Democratic ticket.

The iconic and majestic Dorton Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, hosted Jim Crockett Promotions professional wrestling on a weekly basis for almost 30 years. Pro wrestling giants like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A., and many more excited fans and became legends, inspiring future pro wrestling stars from the area. On August 8th, PBS North Carolina will premiere ‘When Giants Walked Here,’ chronicling the rise and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions and professional wrestling at Dorton Arena. One of the directors of “When Giants Walked Here,” Cliff Bumgardner, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the project.

According to Laurie Hughes from the Triangle chapter of the American Red Cross, there’s an urgent need for blood donors. The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage with the blood supply dropping more than 25 percent since July 1. Extreme heat advisories across the country have hampered donation efforts by impacting almost 100 drives in July in nearly every state. This has led to a shortfall of more than 17,000 blood donations. Hughes discussed the need for more donors with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

Parents and guardians are gearing up for kids to head back to school, but with the return to class comes the exposure to more people, which often results in a rise in respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19. To set kids up for success, Dr. Kitty O’Hare, the senior medical director for Duke Primary Care Pediatrics, shared advice for parents and guardians. O’Hare says the seasonal flu vaccine and the most up-to-date COVID vaccines should be available shortly, and it’s best to talk with a health care provider about the best vaccine regimen for children. Dr. O’Hare joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss other recommendations.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris recently held dueling rallies four days apart in the same Georgia location. The competing events last week were staged in an Atlanta basketball arena and came three months before Election Day in the state that produced the closest margin of the 2020 race for the White House. There were distinct differences at each event on policy, tone, the types of voters in attendance, and even the music playlists. N.C. State political science professor Andrew Taylor joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the change that Kamala Harris has brought to the presidential race.

N.C. State Economics professor emeritus Mike Walden joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the historic tumble on Wall Street. Nearly everything on Wall Street tumbled as fears about a slowing U.S. economy worsened, triggering another sell-off for financial markets around the world. The S&P 500 sank 2.4% in midday trading Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 864 points, and the Nasdaq composite slid 2.8%. This episode explores the implications of the 12.4% plunge for Japan's Nikkei 225, its worst day since 1987, and what it means for the global economy.

Jon Champion talks with Zach Vander Veen OF Abre Inc. about effective ways to use data to solve challenges in the classroom.

Congressman Wiley Nickel of North Carolina's 13th Congressional District joined Anthony DeHart and Steve Rao to share his insights on Vice President Kamala Harris's recent nomination and its implications for the upcoming presidential race. The discussion covered Harris's vision for the future, including her stance on democracy, reproductive freedoms, and economic opportunities. Congressman Nickel also highlighted the contrasting policies of former President Trump. Additionally, he delved into his recent bipartisan efforts in Congress regarding cryptocurrency regulation and the significance of digital assets for the unbanked population.

Nihal Dwan, the national director for South Asians for Harris, joined Anthony DeHart and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the electrifying engagement and excitement within the Indian American community for Kamala Harris's campaign. They talked about the shift from South Asians for Biden to South Asians for Harris, the unprecedented levels of engagement, and the impact of Harris’s candidacy on political engagement in the South Asian community. Dwan also addressed the former President Trump's recent statements and emphasized the importance of staying positive and focused on policy.

John Walter was supposed to start at UNC-Chapel Hill next month. Instead, the 18-year-old Wake Forest teenager has been in the intensive care unit at WakeMed after he fell off the back of a pickup in mid-June. On Tuesday, his family gathered for a fundraiser at Rudino's in Wake Forest to raise money for John's medical bills. They also shaved people's heads in solidarity with John, who had his head shaved in the hospital. Rob Walter, the father of John, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the family’s ongoing efforts to help their son.

Vice President Kamala Harris says former President Donald Trump’s false assertions about her race were the “same old show” as she emphasizes the need for Black women to organize for his defeat this November. Harris addressed the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority — one of the “Divine Nine” historically Black fraternities and sororities — in Houston. State Senator Jay Chaudhuri, who represents Wake County, joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest developments with Vice President Harris, who will visit the Research Triangle Park area next week.

Donald Trump falsely suggested Kamala Harris had misled voters about her race as the former president appeared before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago Wednesday in an interview that quickly turned hostile. The Republican former president wrongly claimed that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, had in the past only promoted her Indian heritage. WPTF’s Gayle Hurd, an NABJ member, was on hand Wednesday during the interview in Chicago. Gayle Hurd joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the events and reactions from the conference.

Vice President Kamala Harris told a cheering, boisterous, packed Atlanta arena on Tuesday that the next 98 days will be a fight, but they’ll win come November. She taunted Donald Trump for wavering on whether he’d show up for their upcoming debate. In the state that delivered Biden his narrowest victory margin in 2020, Harris pulled off what has been a signature Trump event: a big, loud rally full of supporters cheering her name. The rally comes as polls show that Harris has erased Donald Trump’s lead in battleground states. Meanwhile, Donald Trump made headlines at the NABJ Conference, further escalating the campaign's intensity. Longtime North Carolina political correspondent Tom Campbell joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest in the presidential race.

North Carolina Department of Transportation and N.C. State University have partnered to map unmarked burial sites belonging to historically marginalized groups. Unmarked burial sites have been at risk as the state's population keeps growing, leading to commercial and residential development. Experts are also concerned that more frequent storms could make it more difficult to identify and preserve these burial sites. The research project will focus on identifying and mapping Indigenous burial sites, graves of formerly enslaved individuals, and historic African American cemeteries. Tunya Smith, the Director of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Office of Civil Rights, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss this project.

Temperatures are forecast to rise again this week in North Carolina and remain high across much of the United States as high school football and other fall sports practices get underway. It’s a time for football, soccer, and tennis players to return to the practice fields after summer break. Duke University heat health expert Jordan Clark talked with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to offer tips to keep students safe while participating in outdoor athletics or extracurricular activities.

In September, hundreds of bike riders will gather in New Bern and travel across the scenic roads of eastern North Carolina. Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world. The historic New Bern ride will include over 1,000 bicyclists with a goal to raise $1.6 million. It will benefit the fight against multiple sclerosis. People with MS can better manage their disease when they have the support and understanding of the people around them—from doctors to employers to family members. Casey Svanda, director of Bike MS of the Greater Carolinas, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the September bike ride.

Amid the twists and turns of this year’s presidential campaign season, the political divide continues to grow in the United States. According to a study published in Statista, the current level of polarization has reached unprecedented levels in the U.S., especially between Democrats and Republicans. It’s a big reason why two professors at North Carolina State University created an event called Dining with Democracy to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together. One the professors, Paula McAvoy, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Dining with Democracy event.

As young graduates embark on their post-college journey, one critical decision is where to work. Higher salaries in bustling metro areas might seem irresistible. But the actual value of a paycheck is more complex than it appears. And to get that paycheck in the first place, you need to get hired. Kristin Heimstra is the founder of alightsuccess.com and helped high school students find their path as a counselor at East Chapel Hill High School. Kristin Heimstra joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss new data about college graduates getting hired.

The cost of rent in Wake County is up more than 50 percent in the last five years, and when the cost of living goes up, it can add another barrier for people who are trying to leave a domestic violence situation. When we talk about domestic violence, we rarely talk about the financial abuse component of the problem. But InterAct's Sheryl Cromedy says it's present in almost every domestic violence situation, often as a means of control. Sheryl Cromedy joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the purpose of InterAct.

Nate French, a Wake Forest communication professor, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Governor Roy Cooper's decision to withdraw from consideration as a running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. Cooper, concerned about his Republican lieutenant governor assuming control during his out-of-state travels, withdrew before Harris began soliciting vetting material. French and Hamlin explored the implications of Cooper's decision and speculated on Harris' next steps in her search for a vice presidential candidate.

Ashley Humphrey, a reporter from the Husband School of Media and Journalism at UNC Chapel Hill is currently en route to Paris to serve as one of WPTF's correspondents at the Olympics. Ashley joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss her excitement about covering such a major event, her journey to get this opportunity, and the diverse group of 20 students from various majors heading to the games. Ashley shared her plans for covering the events, including interviewing notable athletes such as Israeli swimmer Adam Marana. They also touched on the logistical aspects of her coverage, the potential technology challenges, and her anticipation for new events like breakdancing. The conversation concluded with Ashley's excitement about her upcoming reports and the historical significance of the Olympics returning to Paris after 100 years.