WPTF Afternoon News

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.

Hill Carrow, CEO of the World University Games joined Steve Rao and Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to provided an in-depth look into the upcoming World University Games, slated to be held in Wake county, scheduled for 2029. He elaborated on the significance of the Games, the extensive logistics involved, and the anticipated economic impact on Wake County. Carrow highlighted the variety of sports and venues planned, including key locations such as Wake Tech, WREL Soccer Center, and NC State. He also discussed the community's role in supporting the event and encouraged listeners to visit the official website for more information and volunteer opportunities.

Tyler Swanson from the Wake County School Board joined Steve Rao and Anthony DeHArton the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the state of Wake County Schools. The discussion covered the size and funding of the district, strategies for recruiting and retaining teachers, addressing growth challenges, and the role of technology and AI in education. Swanson highlighted efforts to restore master's pay, develop future teacher cohorts, and manage the reassignment of students due to growth and legislation. The conversation also touched on the potential for banning cell phones in classrooms and the need for an AI strategy in schools.

Vice President Kamala Harris has told reporters that she’s “ready to debate Donald Trump.” She accused Trump of “backpedaling” away from a previous agreement for a debate hosted by ABC News on September 10. Harris' sudden rise to the top of the Democratic ticket has led to improved poll numbers in a short amount of time. Chavi Koneru, co-founder and Executive Director of North Carolina Asian Americans Together, and a North Carolina resident for 35 years, joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what the addition of Kamala Harris means for the campaign and the upcoming debate.

Vice President Kamala Harris has told members of the historically Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta that “we are not playing around,” and asked for their support in November. Voters in North Carolina have only gone for a Democrat for president just once in the last 44 years. Harris has become the likely nominee for the Democratic nomination. Will that inspire younger voters to get to the polls? Vinod Thomas, an Indian American Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what Harris' ascendance means for the party and the election.

Nuno Fernandes, president of the American Public University System (APUS), joins Jon Champion on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education and the increasingly diverse student population.

Emily Foster didn't have the conventional path to becoming a small business owner. What started as a side hobby while working towards her meteorology degree at North Carolina State University has now become a business she takes to countless conventions. At GalaxyCon in Raleigh, Foster will show off over 10,000 plushies, many of which she sewed herself. Her business, Alpacasews, has grown so fast that she can no longer keep all of her plushies inside her apartment and now requires a warehouse. Foster joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss how her hobby grew into a business.

On June 29th, Carrie Everett was crowned the 86th Miss North Carolina. In an interview with Jon Champion, she shares her journey from representing Johnston County to winning the state title and looks at the path to following more dreams.

Volunteers with the Salvation Army in Wake County passed out 150 box fans to people in the community at their Raleigh location off Capitol Boulevard. Drivers lined up in the parking lot of the building an hour ahead of Wednesday's giveaway. Most people in line waiting were seniors. This initiative came during a summer where temperatures at Raleigh-Durham International Airport recorded the highest temperature ever. Major Chuck Whiten of the Wake County Salvation Army joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the fan giveaway and its impact on the community.

St. Augustine’s University has triumphantly regained its accreditation status. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges unanimously reversed its 2023 decision, restoring the university's membership. However, financial uncertainties still loom, with accusations that St. Augustine’s has struggled to pay its staff on time. Barry Saunders, a respected local newspaper columnist joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the implications of this accreditation reversal. Saunders also shares his perspective on the potential benefits of a merger between St. Augustine’s and Shaw University, exploring how such a move could secure a brighter future for both institutions.

Days after President Joe Biden withdrew his name from the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, Black female Republicans are voicing their opinions on this unexpected move. Felice Pete, President of Wake County Republican Women, expresses her surprise at the lack of a traditional primary for Democrat voters to choose their nominee. As a 'God-first Republican,' Pete discusses her differing views from Harris, particularly on issues like same-sex marriage. Felice Pete joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about the implications of Harris as a potential Democratic presidential nominee and the broader reactions within the Republican community.

Millions of dollars are now available for North Carolina farmers and other small business owners in the agriculture industry. The state department of agriculture and the USDA are offering a total of $6.2 million in grants, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $2 million. Robert Hosford, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the importance and urgency of these grants in the midst of a severe drought affecting the region. Tune in to learn how these funds can support the agricultural community during this challenging time.

Governor Roy Cooper's potential as Kamala Harris' running mate has become a hot topic since President Biden announced he would not seek a second term. Cooper's political stature continues to rise, and he recently addressed questions about his national prospects, emphasizing Harris' role in uniting the Democratic party. Mitch Kokai from the John Locke Foundation joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about Governor Cooper's vice presidential prospects and the implications for the upcoming election.

President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, significantly altering the dynamics of the upcoming election against Republican nominee Donald Trump. This decision follows a lackluster debate performance, prompting many Democrats to urge Biden to step down from his bid for a second term. Biden has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who is now committed to securing the party's nomination. What does this mean for the Democratic National Convention next month? Michael Gerhardt, UNC Professor of Constitutional Law, joins Jeff Hamlin to explore the next steps for the Democratic Party and the broader implications for the election.

Jason Moody, the creative mind behind the captivating fantasy series "Gabriel and the Guardians," joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss his journey and inspiration. As GalaxyCon descends upon Raleigh, Moody shares how ancient Hebrew texts influenced his work, drawing parallels to how "Lord of the Rings" was inspired by Northern European legends. Dive into the rich tapestry of "Gabriel and the Guardians" and discover the powerful themes and imaginative narrative that make this series a must-watch.

In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race following a challenging debate with Donald Trump. This unexpected decision, announced just months before the election, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Join us as we delve into this historic moment with Steven Greene, a distinguished Political Science professor from N.C. State. Professor Greene provides expert analysis on the implications of Biden's exit, the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, and the future of the Democratic campaign. Tune in to understand what this means for the upcoming election and the broader political climate in America.

Jim Weaver, North Carolina's Secretary of Technology and Chief Information Officer, joins Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator, Steve Rao, and also WPTF's Anthony DeHart on this edition of Wake County Roundup. Secretary Weaver sheds light on a recent tech outage impacting state services, explaining the nature of the disruption and the state's swift response to restore operations. He further discusses North Carolina's robust cybersecurity measures, the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with third-party providers, and the ongoing efforts to enhance the state's digital infrastructure. Tune in to understand how North Carolina is navigating the complexities of modern technology and safeguarding its services against future threats.

Steve Rao from the Morrisville Town Council joined Jeff Hamlin on WPTF to discuss JD Vance’s speech and Usha Vance’s historic appearance as a potential second lady. Rao also shared insights on the Democratic Party's concerns over Joe Biden's 2024 candidacy, predicting significant developments within the next ten days. He suggested that Governor Roy Cooper might be a strategic vice-presidential pick if Vice President Harris runs for president. Rao emphasized the critical role North Carolina could play in the upcoming election.

Former North Carolina Supreme Court Associate Justice Judge Bob Orr joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the significant push from top Democrats urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his 2024 election bid. With private concerns from former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi about Biden’s ability to win against Donald Trump and retain control of the House, the Democratic Party faces a critical decision ahead of the election.

North Carolina is experiencing its worst summer drought since 2008, with nearly 90% of the state in moderate drought or worse. The latest drought monitor report reveals a significant decline in crop conditions, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture rating almost three-quarters of the state's crops as poor or worse. Billy Augustine, founder of All-American Produce Company, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the severe impact of the drought on farms across eastern North Carolina.

In a few months, the Raleigh City Council will vote on permanently closing a portion of South Street, relocating the Red Hat Amphitheater, and expanding the convention center into that space. Kerry Painter, director and GM of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Center, joins Jon Champion on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the exciting developments for downtown Raleigh, the economic impact, and details of this weekend's Saturday on South event.

Indian Americans are a growing population in North Carolina and across the United States, and they will significantly impact the upcoming presidential election. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance was nominated as Donald Trump’s running mate at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Usha Vance, the senator’s wife, is an accomplished Indian-American with impressive academic credentials and legal experience. Saikiran Kolavennu of the North Carolina Indian American Association joins Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the importance of Indian-Americans in the upcoming election.

California Congressman Adam Schiff has become the highest-profile Democrat to call for President Biden to step down. With the Republican party presenting a united front around Donald Trump during its convention in Milwaukee, uncertainty looms within Democratic circles. Poll numbers show Trump leading in battleground states he lost in 2020, which cost him the White House. Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest developments in the presidential race.

Former President Donald Trump made a triumphant appearance at the Republican National Convention's opening night, sporting a bandage over his right ear following the recent assassination attempt. Delegates cheered wildly as Trump announced Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate. Mac McCorkle, a Duke University political science professor from the Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments in the presidential race and the impact of recent events on the election.

Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, many questions remain. The shooter, Matthew Crooks, was alarmingly close, only 150 yards away. Clay Ausley, long-time owner of Gold and Guns, expressed his concerns over the breach in security. Ausley joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the incident and the implications for future security measures.

Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, North Carolinians can expect heightened security measures during political visits and rallies in the 2024 elections. As a key battleground state, North Carolina often sees numerous visits from sitting presidents and their challengers. Wesley Fricks, who worked with the White House advance team during the George W. Bush administration, joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the implications of this incident and the increased security efforts to protect political figures.

With just over 100 days until a historic presidential election, University of North Carolina rising senior Sloan Duvall is dedicated to mobilizing college voters for November. Amidst intense debates surrounding President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, and questions about Biden’s candidacy at 81 years old, young voters hold the potential to significantly influence the outcome. Sloan Duvall joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss her efforts and the latest developments in the presidential race.

As the Republican National Convention kicks off in Wisconsin, the political landscape is charged with tension following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. With Trump poised to become the GOP’s official nominee and Democrats grappling with President Joe Biden’s viability, this quadrennial event is pivotal. Dr. Nate French, Communications Director at Wake Forest University, joins Jeff Hamlin to provide an in-depth analysis of the convention's implications for both parties and the broader political climate.

In this episode, we talk with Jess Rogers, a trailblazing female firefighter, about her efforts to inspire the next generation of girls in this male-dominated industry. Less than 10% of firefighters in the United States are female, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Jess Rogers and her female colleagues are working to change that. Recently, Rogers held a camp in Apex to educate and motivate future female firefighters. She joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss the camp, her career, and the importance of increasing female representation in firefighting.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Federico, Director of Wake County Animal Services, joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss the rising cases of pets suffering from heat exhaustion after being left in hot cars. Dr. Federico explains how certain breeds, like bulldogs, pugs, and huskies, are more susceptible to heat. She offers essential tips on keeping your pets safe during hot weather and emphasizes the dangers of leaving pets in cars even when the temperature is just above 70 degrees outside.

Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rau and Wake County Commissioner Vicki Adamson. Commissioner Adamson, Chair of the Affordable Housing and Health and Human Services Committees joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discusses the recently approved budget for Wake County. She highlights key initiatives including the addition of ambulances and patrol deputies, improvements to the foster care system, mental health services, and affordable housing development. Commissioner Adamson also shares insights on transportation's role in addressing housing issues and the exciting new county park, Beach Bluff Park.

Mark Stolman, former mayor of Morrisville, and Steve Rao, Morrisville Town Councilman, join us to discuss Major League Cricket's impact in the United States and specifically in Morrisville, North Carolina. They talk about the history, growth, and future of cricket in the region, and hear exciting insights into how Morrisville has become a key location for international cricket events. Discover the significance of Church Street Park and the potential for a North Carolina-based Major League Cricket team.

Selby Sturzenegger, Director of Corporate Development & Infrastructure at Major League Cricket, joined Jeff Hamlin and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about Major League Cricket, which is holding matches in Morrisville, and the emergence of cricket in the United States.

President Joe Biden says the pressure on him to end his reelection campaign is coming from Democratic Party “elites,” the same kind of people who have doubted him throughout his long journey in public life. The voters, he says, will still have his back in the end. But a sampling of voters and Democratic activists in several key swing states paints a far more complicated picture in the aftermath of Biden’s disastrous debate performance. Mac McCorkle, from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon to discuss the latest with President Biden.

Certain state gun laws are associated with decreased suicide rates for children under age 18, but the laws have little influence on homicide rates, according to a study from Duke Health researchers examining the relationship between gun laws and child deaths. Since 2020, firearms rank as the leading cause of death among U.S. children ages 1-18, raising the need for research to help guide prevention efforts. The study identified 36 firearm laws, including regulations for background checks, mandatory waiting periods, "stand your ground" laws that provide self-defense protections, safe storage provisions, and access prohibitions for people at risk of harming themselves or others. Dr. Krista Haines, the author of the study, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss their findings.

Over the next three years, the new Heat Monitoring Center's goal will be to identify factors contributing to the risk of excessive urban heat in 30 historically disadvantaged communities. This initiative is part of the Durham Museum of Life and Science’s $2.3 million project. These virtual centers will collect data on extreme heat, enabling 30 low-income communities to develop effective heat management strategies. Max Cawley of the Durham Museum of Life and Science joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the changes and their potential impact.

An active sports year in Charlotte continues this summer. On Wednesday night, a sellout crowd is expected at Bank of America Stadium for the Copa Americas Tournament when Uruguay faces Colombia. Another huge crowd will gather on Saturday night for the 3rd place match in the Copa America Tournament. Recently, Charlotte sports organizers announced a special exhibition tennis match at the Spectrum Center for this December featuring Carlos Alcaraz, who won the French Open last spring. Additionally, the Jumpman Invitational featuring the North Carolina men’s basketball tournament will take place this winter. Danny Morrison, the Executive Director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the significant economic incentives these events bring to the Queen City.

Since the start of 2024, at least seven restaurants have closed their doors in Wake County. Restaurant owners attribute these closures to changes in customer habits and other significant factors. Steve Allen, Professor of Economics at N.C. State University, explains that some businesses are still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and there's been a sharp decrease in restaurant workers. Allen joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss these and other factors contributing to the closures.

For eight weekends a year, Tony Avent opens his botanical haven to the public. Rain lilies, giant ferns, showstopping titan arums, and trilliums so rare they have yet to be named decorate Juniper Level Botanic Garden in rural south Raleigh. This private garden boasts 27,000 plant varieties, many unique to Avent's 28-acre property. Tony Avent joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about what to expect at the upcoming Open House starting July 12.

Drug-related deaths in the United States have increased over the last few years, with over 100,000 people dying from drug-involved overdoses in 2022. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that fentanyl is a major contributor, with close to 80,000 overdose deaths. Morgan Coyner, the Executive Vice President of Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the alarming statistics and share the signs of addiction, a personal issue for her after losing her mother to an overdose.

Democrats on Capitol Hill are meeting privately behind closed doors at an extraordinary moment for President Joe Biden’s candidacy. Tensions are running high over whether he should remain as the party’s nominee. House Democrats met early Tuesday at party headquarters - no cellphones, no leaks — just what party leaders billed as a “family” discussion. But one Democrat in the room said the mood was “dour.” Dr. Nate French, Wake Forest University Professor of Communication, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss whether President Biden stepping down from the ticket is a realistic possibility.

A 100-million-year-old dinosaur was unearthed by North Carolina scientists who compare the bizarre new species to a "burrowing deer." The new dinosaur, Fona herzogae, lived 99 million years ago in what is now Utah. At that time, the area was a large floodplain ecosystem sandwiched between the shores of a massive inland ocean to the east and active volcanoes and mountains to the west. Haviv Avrahami, Ph.D student at N.C. State University, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon to discuss the discovery.

The Durham Performing Arts Center recently completed its 2023-2024 season, which was a record-breaking year for attendance, sellouts, and number of performances. DPAC welcomed 626,071 guests to 260 performances from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, making this DPAC’s biggest season ever. It was a year that brought everyone from Clint Black to Godsmack to Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson to DPAC. Josette Roten, Director of Marketing and Sales at the Durham Performing Arts Center, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss why this past season was the best attended in the facility’s young history.

The Supreme Court recently ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, extending the delay in the Washington criminal case against Donald Trump on charges he plotted to overturn his 2020 presidential election loss and all but ending prospects the former president could be tried before the November election. In a 6-3 vote, the court’s conservative majority, including the three justices appointed by Trump, narrowed the case against him and returned it to the trial court to determine what is left of special counsel Jack Smith’s indictment. Neil Siegel, Duke University Law Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the ruling.

Tropical Storm Beryl was unleashing heavy rains and powerful winds along the Texas coast, knocking out power to more than 2 million homes and businesses and flooding streets with fast-rising waters. Two people were killed when trees fell on their homes. First responders raced Monday to rescue stranded residents. There are dozens of American Red Cross volunteers from North Carolina who are headed to San Antonio over the next week to help in recovery efforts. Laurie Hughes, the Executive Director of the Greater Area Triangle Red Cross, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the volunteer efforts.

Officials are urging swimmers to stay vigilant after a series of shark bites occurred over the Fourth of July holiday. Several individuals were bitten by sharks in separate incidents at beaches in Texas and Florida. Last year, there were 36 unprovoked shark bites in the U.S. North Carolina is among the top states for shark bite reports. UNC shark expert Joel Fodrie says that shark bites tend to peak during this time of year. Fodrie joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why sharks are more likely to attack in July.

President Biden recently unveiled new executive actions aimed at providing relief to long-term undocumented immigrants, allowing noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens to apply for legal residency without leaving the country. However, Apex resident Fedora Castlelino highlights the limitations for documented Dreamers like herself who remain unaffected by these measures. Join Jeff Hamlin as he talks with Castlelino about her personal experiences and perspectives on Biden's immigration policy.