WPTF Afternoon News

President Joe Biden in a letter to congressional Democrats is standing firm against calls for him to drop his candidacy after his dismal debate performance. Biden wrote in a two-page letter Monday “the question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end.” Biden stresses the party has “one job,” which is to defeat presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in November. N.C. State political science professor Andy Taylor joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss President Biden’s bold stance.

Join host Anthony and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rauh as they delve into the latest in local politics, cricket, and national news on the Wake County Roundup. In this episode, they discuss President Biden's recent campaign appearances, the impact on upcoming elections, and the significance of economic issues like inflation and unemployment. They also explore the role of North Carolina as a swing state and the implications for down-ballot races in the upcoming election cycle.

Join us as we sit down with Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao and Raleigh's Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton for an insightful discussion on the current state and future of Raleigh. From the challenges of hosting city events like the Fourth of July fireworks to tackling issues in budgeting, affordable housing, and urban development, Mayor Pro Tem Melton provides a candid look at what's happening in the capital city. Discover how Raleigh is managing its growth, enhancing public spaces like the new Crabtree West Trail, and navigating towards a sustainable and vibrant future. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the latest developments shaping Raleigh's landscape.

Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to give commentary on the news of the day including the continued fallout from President Biden's debate performance and some preparations for July 4th festivities.

Western North Carolina felt three earthquakes in 24 hours in June, and one Appalachian State University professor said a recently discovered fault line might have been behind it. Each was relatively small, according to records, and near the area of the 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Sparta, North Carolina, in 2020. Appalachian State University professor Scott Marshall says earthquakes in the eastern United States are more difficult to study than in the west. Marshall joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the earthquakes.

The echoes are growing louder as to whether President Biden is stable enough for a second term in office. Tensions grew after a performance in a debate against Donald Trump last week that even Biden's staunchest supporters called "awful." On Tuesday, a Reuters poll found that former First Lady Michelle Obama leads Donald Trump 50-39 in a hypothetical matchup. Former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan also called for Biden to step down on Tuesday. Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the turmoil in the Biden campaign.

Join us as we delve into the challenges veterans are encountering in today's housing market, marked by unprecedented prices and interest rates. Our guest, Clint Jordan, founder of Mil-Estate, a military real estate network, offers valuable insights into navigating these obstacles. Discover how veterans can leverage existing loan programs and strategic approaches to secure affordable housing solutions. Tune in to the WPTF Afternoon Show as Clint shares his expertise and discusses practical strategies for finding deals in this competitive market.

North Carolina is changing rapidly with so many people moving here daily. What was once agricultural land is quickly becoming residential space. Loren Hendrickson, Wake County's Farmland Preservation Coordinator. joined Jon Champion on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about what it means to lose farmland and a study about the issue.

There’s uncertainty surrounding the Biden campaign’s quest for a second term in the White House. Even the president’s staunchest supporters admitted his performance in the first debate against Donald Trump was a disaster. For the first time, a Democratic Congressman is calling for Biden to drop out of the race. But who would replace the president on the ticket if he does leave? And can that replacement unite Democrats in time for the November election? Or does Biden stay in the race in his latest battle against adversity? Western Carolina University Political Science professor Chris Cooper joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest in the presidential race.

Morrisville is one of only two hosts for the Major League Cricket games in the United States in July 2024. The Town of Morrisville will play host to Cognizant Major League Cricket from July 5-17 at Church Street Park. Major League Cricket will kick off its second season on July 5 at Church Street Park in Morrisville when the defending league champions, MI New York, will face the Seattle Orcas to open a doubleheader. On July 6, MI New York will face the Washington Freedom. Steve Rao, a member of the Morrisville Town Council, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the opening weekend of the second season of Major League Cricket.

The heat on June 26 set a new record in Raleigh, reaching 103 degrees and breaking the old record of 102 degrees that had stood since 1952. In the past six days, 32 people have visited Duke Health emergency departments for heat-related illnesses. In Wake County, 43 patients have been treated for emergency heat-related illnesses this month, up from 31 patients for all of June 2023. Dr. Abhi Mehrotra, Assistant Medical Director of the Chapel Hill Emergency Department, says his team has seen a “few people each day” experiencing heat complications. Dr. Mehrotra joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how people can protect themselves from heat stroke.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Idaho hospitals to provide emergency abortions, for now, in a procedural order that left key questions unanswered and could mean the issue ends up before the conservative-majority court again soon. By a 6-3 vote, the decision reverses the court’s earlier order that had allowed an Idaho abortion ban to go into effect, even in medical emergencies. The North Carolina Values Coalition has come out strongly against the decision. Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the North Carolina Values Coalition, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ruling.

Revisit the sounds of the ‘70s with music by James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, and more for the holiday weekend. The North Carolina Symphony will host a concert on July 6 at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. The conductor for the event, Chris Confessore, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the event and everything that attendees can look forward to for the holiday weekend concert.

In a groundbreaking study, Duke Health researchers have identified a way to potentially reverse liver aging and restore liver function. Utilizing experiments on mice and human liver tissue, the team discovered the mechanisms causing liver cells to die with age and managed to reverse this process using an investigational drug. Dr. Anna Mae Diehl, professor of medicine at Duke University, joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss these findings, published in "Nature Aging," and their implications for liver disease treatment.

In this episode of Wake County Roundup on WPTF Radio we are joined by Commissioner Brian Hains and Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao. They dive into the latest developments in Fuquay-Varina, including traffic improvements, water infrastructure projects, and maintaining green spaces. Commissioner Hains shares insights on addressing affordable housing challenges and attracting new businesses to the area. Tune in to learn more about Fuquay-Varina's growth and what makes it a vibrant community.

Join us on The Wake County Roundup as we talk with Morrisville Town Councilman and political commentator Steve Rao and Zebulon's Mayor Glenn York. We dive into the pressing issues facing Zebulon, including budget priorities, economic development, affordable housing, and the impact of growth on this vibrant town. Mayor York provides insights into the town's recent budget, economic strategies, and upcoming July 4th events. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on the future of Zebulon.

Anderson Clayton, Chairperson of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the energy at Biden's rally in Raleigh and her perspectives on the president's recent debate performance. Anderson shares insights on the rally, the excitement among North Carolina Democrats, and the importance of youth engagement in the political process. She also addresses calls for an open convention and emphasizes the critical role of North Carolina in the upcoming election.

Car dealerships nationwide had to adapt their operations following a cyber attack that disrupted the management software commonly used. CDK Global informed its dealership clients that their essential software tools would likely remain incomplete for the rest of the month due to a hack that caused a widespread outage. John Policastro, President of North Carolina Auto Deals, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the cyber attack's impact on dealerships across North Carolina.

Governor Roy Cooper has unveiled plans for a new North Carolina Music Office to be housed within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This initiative aims to support and showcase the state's rich musical heritage, musicians, and industry. The Music Office will serve as a central hub for a range of music-focused programs and investments statewide, consolidating and enhancing the department’s existing music initiatives. Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss this exciting new venture.

Apple has paused plans for its East Coast hub at Research Triangle Park. Initially announced in 2021, Apple's $1 billion project was set for development along Little Drive in Morrisville. However, the company has decided to delay progress on its $552 million RTP campus, extending the construction timeline in the state. Mike Walden, N.C. State Professor Emeritus of Economics at N.C. State, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Apple’s decision to pause development.

Morrisville is set to host Major League Cricket again this summer, with multiple matches scheduled at Church Street Park throughout July. The inaugural game on July 5 will feature the Seattle Orcas against MI New York. Major League Cricket had several matches in Morrisville last year. This comes at a notable time for cricket in the United States, following their victory over Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup earlier this summer. Steve Rao, Morrisville Town Councilman, discussed the return of Major League Cricket to Wake County with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

Keith Poston, the President of the WakeEd Partnership, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the launch of “Back to Schools with Tools4Schools” on July 9. This eight-week community-wide school supply drive aims to support WakeEd’s free classroom supply store for Wake County Public School teachers, Tools4Schools. Running from July 9 to August 26, the drive concludes just before the start of the traditional school year.

Matt Chazanow is the new play-by-play man for the N.C. State Wolfpack, replacing Gary Hahn, who retired in April after 34 years. Chazanow, who arrives in Raleigh from Washington State, where he spent nine years as the voice of the Cougars, is a New Jersey native. Since 2022, he has been a national play-by-play announcer for Westwood One and has been with Learfield since 2008. Previously, Chazanow worked in Winston-Salem before moving to Pullman, Washington, in 2015. He joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss his return to North Carolina.

Four years ago, then-President Trump arrived at the first debate with Joe Biden in Cleveland seemingly determined to steamroll Biden at every turn. The debate turned into chaos. The second and final presidential debate of 2020, held in Nashville, Tennessee, was far more subdued. On Thursday night, President Biden and Trump will debate once again in Atlanta. How important will the debate be following in swaying independent voters after Trump was convicted of a felony? David McLennan, Meredith College political science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the debate.

AAA projects Independence Day travelers will set new records both nationwide and in North Carolina. AAA says more than 70.9 million people in the United States are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home for July 4. Of those, 2.2 million will be North Carolinians. AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more during a nine-day period from June 29 to July 7. Tiffany Wright of AAA Carolinas joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what tips people need to follow to ensure their holiday travel is safe.

Downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater is poised for a record-breaking 2024 season with 51 concerts scheduled, nearly triple the amount since its 2010 debut. Starting in April, this year’s concert series has already seen sell-out performances by Bryson Tiller, Queens of the Stone Age, Chappell Roan, and Khruangbin, with more expected through late October. Kerry Painter, Executive Director of Red Hat Amphitheater, discussed the season's strong start with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

Stephanie Hawco, a spokesperson for RDU Airport, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the new service to Panama, making traveling from the Research Triangle region to Central and South America and the Caribbean easier with direct flights to Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama on Copa Airlines. Copa will become RDU’s 18th airline and Panama City will be its 10th international destination when service begins in June. As part of the Star Alliance with United Airlines, Copa provides access to 85 destinations from 32 countries in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.

The North Carolina Senate has voted three times in three years to legalize medical marijuana, but so far, most Republicans in the House have postured for it not to get to a vote. As it stands, the proposal will allow adults 21 and older with a qualifying medical condition and a state-issued medical cannabis identification card to purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. Paula Savchenko, a founding partner of Cannacore Group advocating for medical marijuana legalization in North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the ongoing legislative efforts.

In this episode, Jeff Hamlin speaks with Black Biden, a YouTuber known for exposing suspected child predators in Long Beach, California. They discuss the recent arrest of Harlan Frye, the former Human Resources director for the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Frye, 62, was arrested in early June on a felony charge of arranging a meeting with a child for lewd purposes. The arrest, caught on video and posted on YouTube, reveals the disturbing circumstances leading to Frye's downfall. Join Jeff and Black Biden as they delve into the investigation and the broader issue of protecting minors from predators.

In this episode, Jeff Hamlin is joined by Reverend Kate Byrd from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Smithfield to discuss their ambitious efforts to abolish $14 million in medical debt in Johnston County. This mission is deeply personal for Reverend Byrd, who faced mounting medical bills when a family member underwent cancer treatment. Inspired by the nonprofit Under Medical Debt, she is now rallying other churches to help their congregants manage and relieve the financial burden of medical debt. Discover how faith communities are stepping up to support those in need and the powerful impact of collective action.

In this episode, Jeff Hamlin speaks with Denise Kissel, Project Administrator for Wake County, about the record-breaking demand for the Cool for Wake program as the summer heats up. With 160 fan requests since the season began, more than double last year's number, the program is working hard to meet the needs of residents. Denise shares insights on the seven distribution sites available across Wake County and the outreach efforts to support the most vulnerable populations.

In this episode, Jeff Hamlin is joined by Mitch Patterson, Emergency Services Outreach Leader for OnStar, to discuss preparations for the current hurricane season. Last year, the United States faced 28 disaster events, resulting in nearly $93 billion in losses. With an 85% chance of above-normal hurricane activity forecasted for the Atlantic Coast this year, and up to 25 named storms expected, preparation is more crucial than ever. Mitch shares how OnStar answered nearly a million emergency calls and supported 160 crisis events in 2023, including Hurricane Idalia, where OnStar activated Crisis Mode.

Apex Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gray joins Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao and Anthony DeHart to discuss the remarkable achievements of local students, such as Ananya Prasanna's success in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, highlighting the educational excellence that defines Apex. They also explore the town's recent budget decisions, focusing on investments in public safety and affordable housing to sustain Apex's reputation as "the peak of good living." Ed Gray shares insights into ongoing challenges like managing growth and enhancing transit infrastructure, including the exciting developments in Apex's Go APEX program. Discover why Apex stands out as a vibrant community with a strong sense of civic pride and a commitment to a prosperous future.

Join Mayor Buddy Gupton of Garner, NC, alongside Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rau and Anthony DeHart as they delve into the pressing issues and exciting prospects for Garner. Mayor Gupton offers a detailed look at Garner's budget priorities, strategies for sustainable growth, and efforts in affordable housing. Explore why Garner is increasingly recognized as a desirable destination in Wake County, celebrated for its strong community ethos and advantageous geographical position.

Laurie Buckhout, retired Army Colonel and Congressional candidate for N.C. 1, and Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of the US Representatives, joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the race for NC’s 1st Congressional District and the pressing issues facing the country this campaign season. Laurie Buckhout shared her military insights and campaign priorities. Speaker Johnson discussed what success looks like in his role as Speaker of the House and narrated some the key things he hopes to accomplish during his tenure. Johnson also shared his insights on creating unity and achieving results despite polarization and fractures within the Republican Party.

Kinston Mayor Don Hardy joined The WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the key issues facing Kinston, including business growth, transportation, and emergency management. Mayor Hardy is attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Kansas City. He shares insights on the importance of grant funding, digital equity, and strategies to combat homelessness and improve local law enforcement. Mayor Hardy also reflects on his recent experience attending the Juneteenth celebration at the White House. Kinston Mayor Don Hardy joins Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News.

As hot and dry weather persists across central North Carolina, Johnston County is urging homeowners to conserve water and minimize non-essential use. Increased irrigation has been observed countywide due to recent weather conditions. Chandra Farmer, Director of Johnston County Public Utilities, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss effective water conservation tips and the county's efforts to maintain a stable water supply.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are disparities in drowning rates. Black children are more prone to drowning in public pools, whereas white children are more susceptible in residential pools. For instance, Black children aged 10-14 drown in pools at rates 7.6 times higher than their white counterparts. In natural water settings, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals under 30 have the highest drowning death rates, which are 2.7 times higher than those of white individuals. Deidra Hall suggests several reasons why Black children may be at higher risk of drowning. Deidra Hall and Zion Hall are co-founders of Champions Coaching Inc. They discussed their organization with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

Tuesday the Biden administration unveiled a plan to allow certain spouses of U.S. citizens, currently without legal status, to apply for permanent residency and eventual citizenship. According to the White House, this policy change could impact as many as 500,000 immigrants. Sarah Bermeo is a Duke University associate professor from the Sanford School of Public Policy believes this decision will bring economic benefits to the United States and enhance the safety of the individuals affected. Bermeo joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Biden administration's announcement

On Monday night, the House unveiled its own plan, which Senate leaders believe calls for excessive spending. The plan includes funding for federal child care aid that is set to expire at the end of June. Additionally, the House budget proposes extra raises for state employees and teachers beyond those already scheduled to take effect on July 1. In other political news, the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is approaching. There is still uncertainty about whether it will proceed as planned. Catawba College political science professor Michael Bitzer joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Republican proposal and the upcoming debate.

In this week's edition of the Wake County Roundup, Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao and host Anthony DeHart discuss pressing issues in Raleigh with City Council Member Cory Branch. The segment covers gun safety initiatives during Gun Safety Awareness Month, Raleigh's infrastructure improvements amidst rapid growth, and transportation developments, including the bus rapid transit system and greenway expansions. Branch highlights efforts to enhance community engagement through programming at community centers and partnerships with nonprofits. He also addresses the housing crisis with rehabilitation programs for seniors and affordable housing projects. The discussion concludes with a focus on supporting small businesses and ongoing challenges with traffic.

Wake Tech held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction for another instructional building at Wake Tech East in Wendell. Wake Tech East opens to students in August with university transfer degrees, and engineering and EMS degree programs. The new building, called the Advanced Technology Center, will house the college’s Biopharmaceutical Technology degree program. It will offer a real-life simulated biopharma work environment, as well as a Systems Integration Lab with robotics, mechatronics, and advanced manufacturing equipment supporting Industry 4.0 technologies. Wake Tech President Scott Rawls joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the new building.

President Joe Biden is planning to announce a sweeping new policy that would lift the threat of deportation for tens of thousands of people married to U.S. citizens. It's an aggressive election-year action on immigration that had been sought by many Democrats. Biden hosted a White House event to celebrate the Obama-era directive that offered deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Klaus Larres, a Distinguished Professor of History and International Affairs at UNC-Chapel Hill, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss how immigration could prove to be a major sticking point in this year’s election.

The temperatures are about to climb to 100 degrees, meaning the unhoused across Raleigh will seek refuge from the heat. Pastor Vance Haywood of St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church takes this situation very seriously, as instances of heat stroke and heat exhaustion rise dramatically during the summer. When temperatures reach dangerous levels, St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church will implement its White Flag policy to welcome the unhoused inside for a cool place to stay. Pastor Haywood joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the White Flag policy.

Dr. Karrie Dixon is the newly appointed Chancellor of North Carolina Central University (NCCU). She joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about her inspiring journey and vision for the university. Dr. Dixon, who previously served as the Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University, shares her proudest achievements at ECSU, where she significantly boosted enrollment, beautified the campus, and expanded the university's aviation program. Dr. Dixon discusses her strategic focus on growth, innovation, and community engagement at NCCU. From leveraging the university’s strong ties with the Research Triangle Park to enhancing partnerships with local educational institutions like Duke University and Durham Tech, Dr. Dixon outlines her plans to elevate NCCU’s profile both locally and nationally. She also discussed on the exciting opportunities ahead, including enhancing enrollment strategies, expanding online education, and growing the university’s law school, renowned for producing many judges and attorneys across North Carolina.

Morrisville Town Councilwoman Liz Johnson has served on the council for 25 years and represents District 3, she joins fellow Morrisville town councilman and Anthony DeHart to discusses the recently adopted Morrisville budget of $59 million. She highlights the challenges posed by inflation and the efforts to maintain essential services and invest in future amenities for residents. She addresses the pressing issue of rising housing prices, with Johnson explaining Morrisville's initiatives, such as a rental assistance program and collaboration with Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing. Additionally, the development of a downtown area in Morrisville is discussed, with Johnson expressing excitement about a public-private partnership with Sting Development to create a town green and central gathering place.

Sarika Bansal is a trailblazing council member from the city of Cary. She joined Steve Rao, a Morrisville Town Council member and Anthony DeHart to delve into Cary's upcoming budget, pressing issues such as inflation and affordable housing, and exciting developments like the downtown Cary Park. Councilmember Bansal also discusses Cary's commitment to affordable housing, the city's partnerships with local nonprofits, and initiatives aimed at sustaining growth while maintaining high-quality services. Discover how Cary is navigating the challenges of rapid expansion and what future projects are in store to enhance the community's infrastructure and livability.

Exciting news today as we learn that the CIAA Football Championship game is returning to Durham. After nearly a decade in Virginia, the CIAA Championship game will once again be hosted by the Durham Sports Commission. Jon Champion talks with Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission and Host Committee Executive Director for the CIAA Football Championship in Durham.

Greear Webb, a former youth leader at UNC Chapel Hill and now a dedicated law student at Emory University in Atlanta, was a highly active student leader and a Chancellor's Award recipient. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill a year ago and has an impressive list of accolades, including working with the Raleigh Police Advisory Board and being selected as a Youth Vote Ambassador by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Additionally, he serves as a senior adviser with Sidekicks Academy, among many other honors and roles. Greear Webb joins Jon Champion on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss education, social justice, and more.

Code the Dream, a national non-profit based in Durham, focuses on providing technology training for diverse and low-resource young people. On Tuesday, June 18th at 5:30 PM, they are hosting a special event with the Black Googlers Network at the American Underground in Durham. The event, titled "Synthesize: A Juneteenth Celebration of Creativity, Technology, and Community," will highlight this important holiday. Daisy Magnus-Aryitey, a spokesperson for Code the Dream, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the event.