WPTF Afternoon News

Is this the beginning of North Carolina leaving the ACC? On Monday, the UNC Board of Trustees approved an audit of UNC-Chapel Hill’s athletic department amid concerns over the Tar Heels’ revenue, management and changes to college sports. There was some criticism levied against Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham after learning that the athletic department submitted a preliminary budget proposal forecasting a $17 million deficit for the 2024-2025 academic year. As the Trustees session took place, Cunningham was in Florida for the ACC’s Spring meetings. Dave Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network and Chapelboro.com joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the potential implications of the trustees meeting.

A Raleigh man gave the ultimate Mother’s Day gift to the one he loves. Justin Starks donated his kidney to his mother, Sheri. Several years ago, Sheri learned that her kidneys weren’t working anymore. Although a kidney transplant can restore the health of patients suffering from kidney failure, many people have never had the chance to benefit from a transplant. Justin Starks said he wasn’t ready to live without his mother. Starks joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his decision.

A rally in Durham is calling for higher pay for childcare workers. A new release for the event, called, "Imagine a Day Without Childcare," reads, "This day of action will address how gender roles and inadequate worker protections historically undervalue labor. The event will include speeches, activities for children and opportunities for community members to get involved." The median wage for childcare center staff in North Carolina is currently $12 per hour, according to a statewide study. Janet Singerman, President of Child Care Resources, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the urgency of higher pay for childcare workers.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Go Red for Women campaign. Members of the Triangle chapter of the American Heart Association got together to celebrate the past year of fundraising and community outreach. The event was held at the Raleigh Convention Center and was all about celebrating volunteers and donors for raising awareness about women's heart health. Joy Clark, the Chairperson of the Triangle chapter of Go Red for Women, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss future plans for Go Red for Women.

The City of Raleigh is trying a new approach to reduce homelessness. They're planning to give unconditional money directly to people who are trying to transition out of homelessness, and hope that they spend it in a way that keeps a roof over their heads. It’s something that other cities across the country have attempted. Emila Sutton, Housing and Neighborhoods Director for the City of Raleigh, talked with Jeff Hamlin about how the plan came to light.

The Harnett Regional Jetport is opening a new terminal. The Harnett Regional Jetport, Harnett County departments, elected officials and the community on Saturday, May 18, 2024, will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new terminal and a jamboree to celebrate this historic occasion. The event will offer static aircraft displays, vendors, food trucks, music, and more. Join us for this fun-filled family friendly event as we celebrate this momentous occasion. Jerry Milton is the Chair of Harnett Regional Jetport Advisory Board and Desiree Patrick is the Community Relations Director for Harnett Regional. Jerry and Desiree joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the ribbon cutting and jamboree as well as the new terminal.NOTE: EVENT POSTPONED TO LATER DATE

Amaris Balkus has been Blue Water Medical Spa’s COO since 2005. And she’s not just the COO, she’s a mom, wife, and BWS client who is a walking billboard for a variety of treatments. Both men and women have breast tissue beneath the nipple areolar complex. Gynecomastia is enlargement of male breast tissue. Amaris joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about gynecomastia and the treatments available.

A Grammy-award Bluegrass musician who was a native of Raleigh has died suddenly. Jim Mills died expectedly at the age of 57 on Friday, according to Hall-Wynne Funeral Services. Mills taught himself how to play banjo at the age of 12 and played with such artists as Ricky Skaggs, The Bass Mountain Boys, Dolly Parton and Vince Gill. He won the International Bluegrass Music Association banjo player of the year award six times and won six Grammy awards. Tony Williamson is a bluegrass musician who was friends with Mills. He joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss his legacy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hundreds of women die each year in the United States during pregnancy or in the year after. The CDC said Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. And the March of Dimes’ maternity vulnerability index shows in North Carolina the rate of Black maternal mortality is high. Karinda Roebuck is the Executive Director for Community Organizing for Racial Equity. Roebuck joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the CDC report.

This year’s Wake County Teacher of the Year originally didn’t have teaching in mind for his career. Ryan Berglund used to work as a welder. Berglund has been a Millbrook Sustainable Agriculture Academy teacher since July 2019. He started teaching Career and Technical Education after working as a welder and equipment fabricator. Under his mentorship, 64 students have become certified welders ready to enter the workforce upon graduation. Berglund joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss being named the Wake County Teacher of the Year.

As college graduation season begins, High Point University is releasing a poll that shows is data from a survey of North Carolinians regarding which skills they believe college graduates need to succeed in today’s workplace. Overall, those North Carolinians surveyed said recent college graduates are well versed in technical skills, which are important. Dr. Martin Kifer, Associate Professor of Political Science at High Point University, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the results of the survey.

The shape of high school sports will change drastically in August 2025. After years of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association being comprised of four classifications, it will change to eight. Last week, the NCHSAA announced that the highest classification will be comprised of the largest 32 schools in the state, the so-called “Big 32.” Some of those schools are in Wake County. J. Mike Blake, a longtime local sportswriter who writes for HighSchoolOT.com, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss whether bigger automatically leads to conference championships

A North Carolina state lawmaker has filed a bill to ban prop bets on college sports in the state, following the call of the NCAA president and similar bans in other states. Durham Democratic Rep. Marcia Morey, a former U.S. Olympic swimmer and NCAA enforcement staffer, was fierce opponent of the legalization of mobile sports betting statewide. Mobile sports betting launched in March and bettors in North Carolina wagered nearly $660 million in the first few weeks. Representative Morey joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the bill.

A 28-acre wonderland of exotic and rare plants from all over the globe is opening for visitors – for this weekend only. The Juniper Level Botanic Garden opens for the public only once each season. This month, they are opening on the weekend of May 10 to May 12. After that, the magical secret garden won't hold another open garden day until next season. Tony Avent, the Proprietor of Juniper Level Botanic Garden, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what visitors can expect.

About 200 pro-Palestinian protestors marched on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus Friday, without incident. A different scene took place earlier in the week, as protestors clashed with police -- and some three dozen people were arrested. Daily Tar Heel Managing Editor Liv Reilly told WPTF news that some student reporters were caught in the crossfire. Speaking to Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon news, she says one student journalist was pepper-sprayed.

Doctors who care for pregnant women say abortion laws are already impacting patients and physicians. Some worry that if stricter laws go into effect in North Carolina, fewer top-quality doctors will choose to practice in the state. Doctors who care for pregnant women say abortion laws are already impacting patients and physicians. Some worry that if stricter laws go into effect in North Carolina, fewer top-quality doctors will choose to practice in the state. Doctor Beverly Gray is an OB-GYN at Duke University. She discussed what would happen if tighter abortion practices go into practice in North Carolina with Jeff Hamlin

Marijuana could soon be legally considered a lower-risk drug. Right now, the Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as a schedule I drug. Those are considered the most addictive and dangerous – like heroin and ecstasy. The Associated Press reports that the DEA will move to reclassify the drug to Schedule III--alongside Ketamine and Tylenol with codeine, which the DEA considers as drugs with a lower risk of abuse. Dawn Blagrove of Emancipate NC believes it’s the right move. Blagrove joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential move by the DEA.

The public has a chance to celebrate local veterans, first responders, and personal heroes for Durham's inaugural "Flags for Heroes" event. On May 19, 600 10-foot American flags will be raised at the Hub RTP's fields for a fun kickoff celebration. The Hub RTP is located at 300 Park Offices Dr. in Research Triangle Park. The public is invited to sponsor flags in honor of those who have sacrificed in some way to serve the community. Cecily Kalkhof joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Flags for Heroes.

Marjorie Taylor Greene says that she is going to force a vote to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson in the next week. Duke Professor Mac McCorkle joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the “motion to vacate” and how the Presidential Election is shaping up at this point.

The North Carolina Museum of History announced on Wednesday announced the museum and its exhibits are getting a major makeover. It will lead to the museum closing for 2-to-3 years, starting in June. Third-floor exhibits will close first, on Monday, June 3. The history museum will entirely close to the public on Monday, Oct. 7, but digital experiences will be provided while the museum is redesigned. The museum shop will remain open until Sunday, Dec. 29. James Wilson, the interim Director of the N.C. Museum of History, discussed the closure with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

The WakeEd Partnership will present a STEMposium on Wednesday, May 8. STEMposium is an annual event where these inspired educators and their students can share the projects that they implemented in their classrooms as a result of SummerSTEM business-school partnerships. The SummerSTEM program empowers Wake County Public School teachers to bring real-world workplace and business lessons to their classroom. Keith Poston, the Executive Director of the WakeEd Partnership, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the STEMposium at the American Institute of Architecture, starting at 9AM

Liz Thompson is the director of sales and marketing for Boo and Henry's BBQ. She has a culinary degree and an MBA in Marketing combined with over 25+ years’ experience as a pastry chef, co- restaurant owner and product manager in the food industry. Liz Thompson joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to share what kind of things she will be cooking up for her Memorial Day celebrations.

Tania is the Broker/Owner of ERA Live Moore, a regional real estate company serving Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Jacksonville, Marion, Ashville, Cornelius, Wilkesboro. She joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss local real estate conditions in the Raleigh area.

The School Meals for All NC Youth Ambassadors are at the North Carolina General Assembly today to speak with legislators about the importance of school meals for young people School Meals for All NC Ambassadors, ranging in age from 13 to 24, are young people who hail from across the state. Their goal is to support school meals in North Carolina, where 1 of every 6 children is experiencing hunger, and to invite lawmakers into discussions about ways to ensure all students at public schools in North Carolina receive breakfast and lunch, provided by the schools, at no cost to their families. Alecia Sanders from the NC Alliance for Health & School Meals joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the importance of school meals

It is a time of heartbreak in Charlotte. The mourning continues after four police officers were killed after a shootout with an armed felon, who was eventually killed. The officers killed have been identified as Samuel Poloche and William Elliott, both members of the State Department of Adult Correction; Thomas Weeks, a U.S. Marshall; and Joshua Eyer, a veteran of the Charlotte Police Department. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead immediately released a statement after the shootings on Monday afternoon. Sheriff Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon news to discuss the shootings and how he handles a tragedy like this with his staff.

A spectacular wonder of nature or an anxiety-inducing nuisance? It depends on whom you ask. Naturalists have already spotted the first arrivals in a rare phenomenon during which cicadas will emerge this spring across more than a dozen US states—including North Carolina--blanketing eastern parts of the country with billions, perhaps trillions, of the flying bugs. N.C. State University entomologist Clyde Sorenson joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the boom in cicadas.

If you’re a Taylor Swift fan who attends East Carolina University, there’s a perfect course coming for you. This fall, “English 1500: Taylor’s Version” is coming to ECU. It will be taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m. by Dr. Anna Froula, a professor of English in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, according to the ECU News Services. It is a course that satisfies a general education humanities requirement. Dr. Froula joined Jeff Hamlin discuss the course.

The family of a UNC student killed in a car crash last October is using the tragedy to put others first. Elijah Jayden Hawkins-Maynor died in October after a car hit him and three other passengers while driving on Page Road in Chapel Hill. His family has decided to use the tragedy to help others. Rosalind Reddick and her husband Almer have formed The Elijah Jayden Hawkins Maynor Foundation. Rosalind and Almer joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the foundation and its purpose.

Kristin Hiemstra, Founder and CEO of AlightSuccess Coaching, an upskilling and coaching platform that provides individual training and coaching to employees at all levels. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at NCSU Poole College of Management with expertise in creating organizational culture, employee engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Kristin Hiemstra, Founder and CEO of AlightSuccess Coaching, an upskilling and coaching platform that provides individual training and coaching to employees at all levels. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at NCSU Poole College of Management with expertise in creating organizational culture, employee engagement, and emotional intelligence.

For the first time since 2019, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham has welcomed a litter of critically endangered red wolf pups.They were born on April 21. There are seven pups total. The three females and four males, all are in good health. They are with their mom in the red wolf habitat. Sherry Samuels, the Senior Director of Animal Care at the Durham Museum of Life and Science, joined Jeff Hamlin on to discuss their exciting new addition.

After a considerable amount of support on social media, an Orange High senior will be allowed to march for graduation in June. Earlier this week, Jaylan’s mother Ellen announced on Facebook that her son wouldn’t be allowed to march because he was enrolled at the Partnership Academy. That started a firestorm. Parents, students and even members of the Orange High staff sounded off against Orange principal Jason Johnson and new Superintendent Dr. Danielle Jones. Ellen Sorrells broke the news that her son would be allowed to march during the WPTF Afternoon News with Jeff Hamlin.

On Saturday, the US House passed an expansive foreign aid bill which includes approximately $61 billion towards Ukraine. Olena Kozlova-Pates, who grew up in Ukraine, serves as Executive Director of Ukrainians in the Carolinas. She has family that still live in Ukraine and deal with the impact of the war every day. Kozlova-Pates joined Bruce Ferrell on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest developments.

Residents of eastern Wake County, local officials, and future students will get their first look at Wake Tech's newest location, in Wendell. Wake Tech East will officially open on Thursday night with food, fanfare and fun. The 106-acre site is located off Rolesville Road at 1-87. Wake Tech East will be Wake Tech's ninth location in Wake County. Although it has not yet received official "campus" designation, it has all the features of a future campus - academic programs, smart classrooms and labs, an auditorium, admissions, financial aid office, library, tutoring center, and student gathering spaces. Wake Tech president Scott Rawls joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the new campus.

Natalia Bondarenko lived in Ukraine two years ago when Russian invaded. In 2014, when Russia initially invaded the country, Bondarenko volunteered at a military hospital. While she did not have plans to leave the country, she ultimately did so, ending up in the Triangle with her son. She is now the International Education Program Coordinator at UNC. Bondarenko joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest developments regarding Ukraine.

April 22 is Earth Day, a day that's been recognized all over the world since 1970, raising awareness for environmental protection. One positive thing you can do for the planet is to compost. For more than a decade, a Raleigh based company known as ComPostNow has been on a mission to make composting more accessible. In turn, across all of its locations, the company says it's diverted more than 66 million pounds of waste from landfills. Elvis Cedillos is the commercial support manager for CompostNow. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss ComPostNow.

The North Carolina Office of Recovery Resiliency has announced the launch of a new Heat Action Plan Toolkit that aims to reduce heat-related health impacts to North Carolina residents and workers. The toolkit launch coincides with Earth Day, a global event focused on environmental protection, which is critical to reducing climate impacts such as extreme heat. Chief Resilience Officer Dr. Amanda Martin and Andrea Webster from the North Carolina Office of Recovery Resiliency joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why they launched the toolkit on Earth Day.

Inflation is still on the minds of North Carolinians interviewed for the latest High Point University Poll. 52% of North Carolina residents responding to the survey said inflation concerns have affected a lot of their spending decisions in the last year. About one-third said inflation concerns have affected some of their spending decisions, and only 12% said inflation concerns haven't affected them much at all. Dr. Martin Kifer of High Point University's Research Center joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest poll.

For Raleigh teen Reggie Sanders, business has been booming. Sanders is the owner of Lil’ Reggie Cookies in Raleigh. This now-18-year-old has had an LLC since he was 15 thanks to his parents, and also secured a commercial kitchen to prepare his products. Right now, his cookie stand is set up on Glenwood Ave. and Willard Place in downtown Raleigh. Sanders joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how he started his own business so early.

The CDC reports measles cases in 18 states across the country, and some doctors believe it’s only a matter of time before the illness appears in North Carolina. Now, the Orange County Health Department is preparing doctors to identify and treat an illness most of them have never seen. These days, many doctors have only seen measles in textbooks. Dr. Erica Pettigrew, the Medical Director of the Orange County Health Department, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss why people should be on the lookout for measles this spring.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy related cause than white women. This week is Black Maternal Health Week, which is recognized every year from April 11 to 17. It’s a way to raise awareness about that inequity and improve Black maternal health in the future. Jekisha Elliott is the owner of Jendayi Doula Services in Durham, which incorporates yoga and stretching into her clients’ services. Elliott joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Jendayi Doula Services.

The holiday of Passover celebrates the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Ancient Egypt some 3,330 years ago. The Exodus was preceded by ten plagues inflicted on Egypt after Pharaoh refused Moses’ demand to set his people free. When the Jews finally left Egypt, they did so in a hurry and their bread did not have time to rise. In commemoration of that, Jews don’t eat any leavened products and instead eat Matzah, a cracker-like bread that is made within eighteen minutes — the time it takes for bread to rise. Rabbi Mendy Wilschanski, a Raleigh rabbi, joined Bruce Ferrell on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss this year’s local Passover celebration.

The Pentagon has confirmed that units from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro were among the jets that helped shoot down dozens of Iranian missiles launched towards Israel in an attack over the weekend. Local international political experts said a broader conflict in the region could have major implications for North Carolina-based troops. Dr. Jeffrey Martinson, a professor of International Politics at Meredith College, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what a potential escalation of the war what look like for North Carolina troops.

Dr. Christina Rahm is a clinical and research scientist, entrepreneur, and author. She is a cancer and Lyme disease survivor who has focused her work on health and wellness – for humans and now for animals also. Dr. Christina Rahm joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what the best foods are for your pet, how to read labels so you know what to avoid, and what supplements to give your pets to support overall health.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled that the state’s mandatory business closures in the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic were partially unconstitutional. The court ruled that once Governor Cooper allowed restaurants to partially reopen but kept bars closed, he violated the rights of North Carolina citizens. The suit was brought by the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association. Zack Medford, a Raleigh bar owner who led the push behind the lawsuit, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss his reaction.

Tiana Joyner, Durham Habitat CEO, is hosting the Durham Habitat for Humanity Spring Kick-Off Event today. Habitat for Humanity of Durham is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. Homeownership in Durham, like the rest of America, is a catalyst to wealth building and helps families rise out of poverty. Thanks to their affordable mortgages, families who partner with Durham Habitat can prioritize investing in their families. Habitat for Humanity of Durham’s Spring fundraising drive is underway, and registration is open for a trio of exciting events which the organization hopes will support its goal of raising $170,000 by June 2. Tiana Joyner joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Spring Kick-Off and what the fund raising goal funds will go towards doing for families.

There were residents of North Carolina in Israel when Iran launched a missile attack last weekend. For many in the Triangle area’s Jewish community, the news of the drone strikes was even more terrifying given that it happened on its Sabbath when some were unplugged from their phones. However, Sabina Sager has lived in Durham for 40 years and was visiting her daughter when the attack happened last Saturday. Sager joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss what life is like in Israel right now and how her daughter and grandchildren are dealing with it.

A native of Hillsborough has been named Billy Joel’s biggest fan. And Fred Maske has a trip to Madison Square Garden in New York to prove it. Maske was on hand for the final show of Billy Joel’s residency in New York and appeared on CBS on Sunday night during a presentation that aired nationwide. Maske, who now lives in California, had a whirlwind trip to be named Billy Joel’s biggest fan, but he took home the Piano Man’s vinyl collection along the way. Maske joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss an adventurous, though sleepless, trip to see Billy Joel live in New York

The President of Durham’s Beth El Synagogue was in Israel when dozens of unmanned Iranian missiles and drones were launched. Dan Schnitzer made his second trip to Israel since the October 7th attacks that launched the war with Hamas. That tension comes as business and civic leaders in the Triangle gathered for a third annual Inter Community Seder ahead of the Passover holiday. Schnitzer talked with Jeff Hamlin from Israel.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or 'Bird flu' has been detected in a dairy herd in North Carolina; according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. State veterinarian Dr. Michael Martin says bird flu has affected every state in the U.S., except Hawaii and Louisiana. According to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, it's been found in a dairy herd in North Carolina, as well as dairy herds in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, New Mexico and Ohio. Dr. Martin joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how much Bird Flu has spread in North Carolina.