WPTF Afternoon News

ESPN came out with a report that shows Raleigh is a potential target for a Major League Baseball expansion franchise. Major League Baseball hasn't expanded since 1999, when it added Arizona and Tampa Bay. Since 1980, the only professional baseball in the Raleigh-Durham area has been the Duhan Bulls. One group is advocating for Major League Baseball to come to Raleigh. Ryan Foose is with MLB-Raleigh and joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to share why he believes Major League Baseball in the Triangle is a natural fit.

Alumni at the beleaguered St. Augustine's University in Raleigh are helping raise money to help their beloved university and current students. Earlier this week, interim university president Dr. Marcus Burgess said they met payroll last week, but admitted that the school's financial situation is "dire." Deloris Revis graduated from St. Aug's in 1959 and is still active in the alumni group Groove Phi Groove. Revis joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss how she's working to help her alma mater.

The Durham City Council has approved a resolution that calls for a cease fire in Gaza. Durham is just the second city in the state to make such a move, joining Carrboro. Ittai Korman is with the Triangle chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. He joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss his feelings about the City Council's vote, and the lack of a similar move by the Raleigh City Council.

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center was selected as one of nine national research sites for the National Cancer Institute's newly launched Cancer Screening Research Network. The CSRN is aimed at evaluating emerging cancer screening technologies. Doctor Daniel Reuland of the UNC Comprehensive Cancer Center joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the accolade.

North Carolinians struggling with their mental health will soon have another resource for support at their fingertips. A new phone line is launched across the state earlier this week. Kelly Crosbie of the NC Department of Health and Human Services joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the launch.

North Carolina is known for a lot of things: the food, the people, the nature and also its iconic Southern accent. But now, research suggests the Southern drawl may be fading away as younger generations grow up and the state welcomes more transplants. N.C. State professor Robin Dodsworth joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the reasons for this change.

Today’s jobs require a quality education, including strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curricula. A robust STEM education creates critical thinkers, problem solvers, and produces the next generation of innovators. STEM jobs are growing at a fast pace and currently outpacing STEM graduates. Can we do something to spark an interest? Mona Singh from "Stem for Kids joined Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News about the next generation of STEM innovators.

The North Carolina General Assembly is working on changing a new law that was just passed involving food safety at bars. The law requires bars to go through the same permitting and health inspections that restaurants do. However, bars say some of those changes are too expensive or impossible to make. Leslie Cox is the co-owner of The Beagle, which opened in 2021. She's concerned that the law will force her to go out of business. Cox talked with Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

It's Adopt a Rabbit Month and Wendy Paige, an educator and volunteer with Triangle Rabbits, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to share some tips and things to think about before you decide to adopt a rabbit.

Lefty Driesell, who provided more color to the Atlantic Coast Conference during a memorable 17-year run as the head coach of the Maryland Terrapins, passed away at the age of 92 on Saturday. Before Driesell went to College Park, he was the head coach at Davidson for ten years. He took them to the Elie Eight twice. D.G. Martin, a host on PBS North Carolina and a syndicated writer, played for Driesell at Davidson. He joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is preparing for the unveiling of Dueling Dinosaurs. The combination of high-tech research lab and dynamic exhibit space is the first physical expansion of the Museum in more than a decade. Lindsay Zanno is the Head of Paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and associate research professor at North Carolina State University. She joined Jeff Hamlin on the WTF Afternoon News.

Human trafficking continues to be a problem in North Carolina, and a new program was designed to address the issue. According to the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission, North Carolina ranks within the top 10 when it comes to states with the highest number of trafficking cases. Brennon Fuqua is the interim director of the integrated mobility division at the NCDOT.

Alexei Navalny, who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests as President Vladimir Putin's fiercest foe, has died in the Artic penal colony where he was serving a 19 year sentence. That's according to Russia's prison agency. He was 47 years old. The stunning news comes less than a month before an election that will give Putin another 6 years in power. It has also brought renewed criticism of the Kremlin leader, who has cracked down on all opposition at home. Simon Miles, and expert on Russia and an associate professor at Duke University, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the recent passing and the coming Russian election.

A New York judge has ruled against former president Trump in the culmination of a trial brought by state Attorney General Letitia James over what she said were deceptive practices while he built his company. The judge imposed a $364 million fine. Trump is also barred from serving as an officer or director if any New York corporation for 3 years. CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the verdict.

President Joe Biden avoided criminal charged related to his handling of classified documents in part because of his answers during a lengthy interview with the special counsel investigating him. However, the sit down has also opened the President to scrutiny over his age and memory. Now, the public release of a transcript of the discussion is being sought by both Biden's allies and critics, both sides looking for a political edge. N.C. State Political Science Professor Andy Taylor joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the fallout.

Retired Police Lieutenant Steve Hauck joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about how law enforcement and the media handled the shooting situation at the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade.

The ACC Tournament will look very different in 2025. For the first time in the history of the event that started in 1954, not every team in the conference will be invited to the event. The addition of Stanford, Cal and SMU this summer will make the ACC and 18 team league but only 15 teams will be included in the tournament field. Brett Friedlander, a columnist for saturdayroad.com, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about his idea for the ACC Tournament, eliminating it altogether.

Downtown Wilson has some new color on its streets and empty storefront windows, and the sides of buildings are now decked out with expressions of creativity from student artists at Sallie B. Howard School. Carrie Nobles is a visual arts teacher at Howard and took charge in the 'Walls of Wilson" project. She joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the project.

The numbers have been tabulated and what they show is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival continues to contribute a strong boost to the local economy. This year the event welcomed more than 216,000 visitors and generated more than $8 million in direct economic impact according to figures released by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. William Lewis, Cary's Cultural Arts Manager, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the Chinese Lantern Festival

A total of 252 firearms were seized in Durham County in 2023, while 34 firearms were reported stolen. Both of those numbers are slightly higher than 2022. On Tuesday the Durham County Sheriff's Office released gun data from this past January and all of 2023. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the latest data.

Wednesday was Valentine's Day and according to National Retail Federation, the average consumer expects to spend about $185 on gifts this year. That's nearly $8 more than the average amount spent over the last 5 years. Surging restaurant and chocolate prices are playing a role in those rising costs. Tierra George, owner of TG Floristry, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon news to talk about the rising prices and how she plans and handles Valentine's Day as a florist

There's a miraculous birth expected to take place any time at an Aquarium and Shark Lab in Hendersonville. It surrounds and expectant stingray named "Charlotte". But Charlotte became pregnant in a most unusual way. People around her thought it was impossible for her to become pregnant. Brenda Ramer, found of Team ECCO in Hendersonville and Kensley Boyette joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about Charlotte and the unexpected pregnancy.

Most North Carolinians still enjoy expressing their love and appreciation on Valentine's Day. A majority of residents interviewed for the 100th High Point University poll see the gift-giving tradition of Valentine's Day as a positive part of the holiday, while 26% sees it as a negative. Sadie Elder, a High Point University associate professor of psychology, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the results of the survey.

Governor Roy Cooper has announced a Job Development Investment Grant for Siemens Energy Incorporated to support expanding its existing manufacturing facility in Charlotte. It will produce large power transformers. The project is expected to create up to 475 direct operating jobs and 285 construction jobs in Charlotte and an additional 84 jobs for Siemens Energy's Raleigh locaztion. Richard Voorberg. the President of the North American Hub of Siemens Energy, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the new grant.

The North Carolina Zoo has expanded its lands for local wildlife conservation by adding 139 acres to Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve, increasing it to 423 acres. The addition was a gift from the Conservation Fund made possible by the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, as well as private donors. Mike Leonard from the Conservation fund joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the expansion.

RDU President Michael Lndguth joins Jeff Hamlin and Steve Rao on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about new flight destinations that RDU is offering as well as how RDU has rebounded after the pandemic

Artist Mike Jones joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the new spin that he put on the Carolina Hurricanes logo in honor of Black History Month

NC Treasurer and GOP gubernatorial candidate Dale Folwell joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the situation with the Durham County School System.

People are more likely to maintain a healthy diet if it is satisfying and enjoyable. The good news is you don't have to give up your favorite foods. It's all about balance. New research says lean beef like sirloin, tenderloin or eye of round roast can be eaten four or more times a week. WPTF's Tony Riggsbee was joined by Dr. Shalene McNeill to discuss finding that good balance.

Several dozen North Carolina State University students and members of the community met inside the Talley Student Union on Wednesday to discuss alternative responses to traditional policing. The 90-minute program was hosted by the City of Raleigh's community engagement team. Brea Perry of Refund Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin on Thursday. 

Emily Jarvis is the Executive Director of A Time for Science and the Head of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville and Contentnea Creek. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville and Contentnea Creek is made possible through a public/private partnership with NCMNS and A Time For Science and works to bring the natural sciences to students and their families throughout northeastern North Carolina. Jarvis joined Jeff Hamlin on Thursday. 

Lunsford Lane's amazing story of ingenuity and will to find a way out of enslavement in Raleigh and gain the freedom of his family is the subject of a new book that shines a new light on this remarkable life."In some way, Lunsford Lane is a forgotten celebrity, " said NC State history professor Craig Friend who spent years researching the life and celebrity of Lunsford Lane.

Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order Monday designed to improve reentry services in North Carolina. Reentry services are programs in place to help people previously incarcerated adjust and return to their communities and live fulfilling, productive lives. Dennis Gaddy with Community Services Initiative talks about ongoing effort to help those who have paid their debt to society get back in the workforce.

Tom Campbell joins Jeff Hamlin to talk about the RNC decision to boot Chair Ronna McDaniel

There are reports that North Carolina State University officials have asked a federal agency to stop investigating potentially high rates of cancer at a campus building. It comes as former N.C. State employees who previously worked inside Poe Hall now say they have been diagnosed with cancer. Stephen Porter has worked inside Poe Hall for years and has been critical of university leadership in how they've handled the situation. Porter joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation.

After years of playing, an Apex man finally won big in the Cash 5 game from North Carolina Education Lottery. Dr. Josh McConkey's ticket matched all five balls for a $1.5 million jackpot. Now, Dr. Josh McConkey will use the money to fund his campaign for Congress. Jeff Hamlin talked with McConkey.

Wake Forest Walter E. Cole American Legion VFW and Marine Corps League will hold a blood drive at American Legion Post 187. There are also monthly pancake breakfasts held. Doug Doster and Hank Pierwola joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the importance of the American Legion Post on Tuesday.

(Bruce Mitchell on McMahon Lawsuit) -- Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO and Pinehurst native Vince McMahon is under federal criminal investigation as prosecutors try to determine if federal law was broken in conduct surrounding recent allegations of sex trafficking that have been made public in lawsuits. CMG’s man all about wrestling Jeff Hamlin talks with Greensboro based pro wrestling writer Bruce Mitchell.

Victory for Us,' an advocacy group dedicated to championing the rights of public safety employees killed while commuting to and from work, celebrates a significant win after the passing of Raleigh Police Officer Gabe Torres. Jeff Hamlin talked with Rick Armstrong of the Raleigh Police Protective Association

NC State Economics Professor Emeritus Mike Walden weighs in on the stronger than expected job numbers and what that means for interest rates and the economy.

UNC economist Gerald Cohen joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon news to discuss the latest jobs figures.

In a new article for the Raleigh News and Observer, writer Andrew Carter looks at two pillars of North Carolina history: tobacco and college basketball. The two share a bond with each other. One has faded over time, and the other could be. Carter joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how Tobacco Road is forever linked to North Carolina.

The DMV may be in a grocery store near you. Similar kiosks are already in states like California. Users will be able to renew their driver license and vehicle registration at the kiosks, among other services. North Carolina DMV President Wayne Goodwin joined Jeff Hamlin how kiosks in grocery stores work.

Arianna Lavallee is a financial advisor for Frank Del Palazzo and Associates. She can help you strategize retirement savings. Arianna joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the opening of tax savings. 

According to a recent Yahoo finance report, "van life," also known as van dwelling, is booming. It's the unconventional lifestyle of living in a van, car, or other vehicle. A Cary couple said they sold everything they own to pursue that lifestyle. Jeff Hamlin talked with Brenna and Jason Dragos about the journey they're about to embark on.

The Fourth Annual North Carolina Black Law Enforcement Symposium will be held in Durham this week. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead will welcomes dozens of law enforcement officers from across the state with the keynote address set for later this morning. Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin on Wednesday.

More than 80 years ago, Nazi collaborators took a painting from a Jewish family during WWII. This year, the operators of Chapel Hill's Ackland Art Museum returned the painting to its rightful heirs. Katie Zigler, the Director of the Ackland Art Museum, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the discovery of the painting.

Mobile sports betting will begin in North Carolina on March 11. Companies that want to launch betting services within the state had to file their applications before the new year. Brad Senkiw of Covers.com joined Jeff Hamlin on Wednesday to discuss the launch of mobile sports betting.

Raleigh Durham International Airport saw a record number of passengers in 2023. It's a sign that RDU has fully recovered from the pandemic. RDU spokesperson Stephanie Hawco joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the numbers on Wednesday.

One of the main goals of the Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh is to allow its members to experience new things. On Tuesday, the club paired with a local company, WeGo Golf, to show the kids greener pastures. The founder of We Go Golf, Anthony Franklin, discussed the partnership with Jeff Hamlin on Wednesday.