WPTF Afternoon News

Attorney General Pam Bondi launched into a wide-ranging, passionate defense of President Donald Trump, repeatedly shouting at Democrats during a combative hearing in which she postured herself as the Republican’s chief protector. Bondi's remarks came at a House Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday as she tried to turn the page from persistent criticism of the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Linda Kenyon of CBS News joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the hearing.

The U.S. economy put in a strong showing at the start of 2026, following a year of disruptions that depressed both the demand for labor and its supply. Employers added 130,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department reported on Wednesday, in a report delayed from last week by a short government shutdown. Mike Walden, N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the report.

More cases of measles are being reported in the Triangle. In Orange County, officials have joined the growing list of possible exposures which includes Wake, Durham and Johnston Counties. Dr. Tony Moody of Duke Health says the first dose of the MMR vaccine starts at around one-year-old for children. Moody joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest on measles cases.

A warning from Wake County health officials after another possible measles exposure. On Tuesday night, health officials announced someone infected with the virus visited a number of locations in Raleigh while contagious. Candace DeMatties of the Partnership to Fight Infectious Diseases, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how infectious the measles are

Nina Simone's music became the sound of several movements, giving sound to pain, resistance and hope during the Civil Rights Era. Now, the childhood home of legendary artist and activist Nina Simone has been restored in Tryon, ensuring her story and legacy endure for future generations. Melissa Jest, Senior Manager of Preservation Projects with the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the preservation of Simone’s home.

Nearly 400 hours of historic radio broadcasts are returning to North Carolina Central University. It's a rare collection of recordings capturing the voices, music, and stories that shaped the history of the Black community in North Carolina. Lackisha Sykes, General Manager of WNCU, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the preservation of the broadcasts.

Independents tend to decide elections. Public Policy Polling’s latest national poll finds Donald Trump and Republicans are in a lot of trouble with them. Tom Jensen, with Public Policy Polling, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their findings

North Carolina bet more than $666 million on sports through legal operators in January. That's up from $623 million in January 2025. Brad Senkiw, a gaming industry reporter for Covers.com, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new figures.

Duke University and Duke University Health System have both been named to Forbes’ “America’s Best Large Employers” list for 2026. Paul Grantham, Duke University Vice President for Work Culture and Communication Service, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Forbes Magazine rankings.

The owner of North Carolina's first Black-owned children's bookstore, Liberation Station, recently appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show. Scott-Miller first opened Liberation Station in June 2023 in downtown Raleigh. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the challenges that the last year have brought

The Winter Olympics are underway in Italy. UNC-Chapel Hill’s Huffman School of Journalism is represented in the games with extensive coverage. Avery Bales joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the opening days of the winter games.

North Carolina is set to play a pivotal role nationally in the battle for control of Congress in the midterms, and there are also some key races at stake. Some feel the future of the Democratic party runs through North Carolina. Anderson Clayton, the Chairperson of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the importance of the state in this national election.

President Trump has refused to apologize after sharing a racist video on his social media platform despite widespread outrage and condemnation. It coincides with two more Congressional incumbents who announced last week they won’t seek re-election. There are now 51 Congressional incumbents not seeking re-election this year, the highest number since World War II. Bob Orr, a Republican and a former North Carolina Associate Supreme Court Justice, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Trump’s video and how it is impacting his party.

House lawmakers tried to interview Ghislaine Maxwell, but the former girlfriend and confidant of Jeffrey Epstein invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to avoid answering questions that would be incriminating. An attorney for Maxwell also told lawmakers that if President Donald Trump ended her prison sentence, she would be willing to testify that neither Trump nor former President Bill Clinton were culpable for wrongdoing in their relationships with Epstein. CBS News reporter Nikole Killion joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Maxwell’s appearance.

It’s the end of an era in sports journalism. The Washington Post has laid off one-third of its staff, eliminating its sports section, several foreign bureaus and its books coverage. The widespread purge announced Wednesday is a brutal blow to journalism and one of its most legendary brands. Tim Crothers is a former writer for Sports Illustrated and a best-selling author based out of Chapel Hill. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the end of the Washington Post sports coverage.

As folks solidify their Super Bowl plans for this Sunday’s big event, Hillsborough will have a special reason for plopping down in front of their TVs. Animal Planet will broadcast Puppy Bowl XXII. And, for the first time ever, the game will include a puppy from Hillsborough. Janice Smith, the owner of Durham-based Big Dog, Little Bed, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the dogs wound up on the Puppy Bowl

There remains plenty of discussion surrounding the verdict in the double-murder trial of Issiah Ross in Hillsborough. Last week, Ross was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Devin Clark. However, in the death of 14-year-old Lyric Woods, a mistrial was declared. Carl Fox, a former North Carolina judge who has extensive history in Orange County, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the fallout from the trial.

Last week, the FBI served a search warrant at the election headquarters of Fulton County, Georgia, which includes most of Atlanta, seeking ballots from the 2020 election. It continues President Trump’s preoccupation of his failed reelection bid from six years ago. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University Political Science professor, discussed how unusual the situation is.

With the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics starting Friday in Milan, Italy, a UNC-Chapel Hill Professor of History is reflecting on how the Olympics have shaped politics and social reform movements. Dr. Matthew Andrews joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the Olympics have impacted life away from the playing surfaces.

In the latest High Point University Poll, North Carolinians gave President Donald Trump an approval rating of 41%, while 48% disapproved. In the same poll, residents gave their input about Governor Josh Stein and his policies. Martin Kifer, High Point University Survey Research Center, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest numbers.

On February 18, the National Association of Home Builders will host its annual meeting, where two veterans who were stationed at Fort Bragg, will be honored and receive awards for their dedication, skill, and leadership within the construction industry. John Pomelow is a graduate of the Path to Pro military program. Pomelow discussed the program with Jeff Hamlin.

With North Carolina receiving winter weather two weekends in a row, is the end of winter in sight? Snerd the groundhog was supposed to give that insight Monday morning, but the weather had other plans. Kindra Mammone, Executive Director for CLAWS, Inc., joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how long Snerd has been making predictions about winter.

The weekend snow storm has impacted much of North Carolina, but things were a bit different with a winter storm that hit North Carolina exactly 26 years ago. The snowfall from Jan. 24-25, 2000, still stands as the record for the most snow from one storm in Raleigh. It was a storm that few saw coming. Gary Lackmann, N.C. State meteorology professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how forecasting has changed.

Siemens Energy is bringing back a type of manufacturing to Charlotte that the company paused in 2018. On Tuesday, the company announced they're also expanding a grid technology project execution in Raleigh. Siemens will invest $421 million to expand its operations throughout North Carolina. Matt Neal, President of North America at Siemens Energy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the expansion.

The snow has moved out of North Carolina, leaving behind a thick blanket on roads across the state. Bitterly cold temperatures in the forecast will lead to snow sticking to the roads over the next few days in central North Carolina. Sergeant Marcus Bethea of the State Highway Patrol, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how busy of a weekend it was for the highway patrol.

Health officials are issuing a warning about the dangers surrounding lakes and ponds that are covered by ice. Over the weekend, two people had to be rescued from a frozen pond in Cary. Doctors want parents to emphasize to children that to never walk out on icy water. Doctor Christine Kenttel, a doctor at UNC Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the dangers of hypothermia.

The North Carolina National Guard is helping residents after snow blanketed North Carolina this weekend. The snow amount varied across the state. One foot of snow came down in Havelock. There was nine inches reported in Currituck County. Unfortunately, it led to more beach houses collapsing. Sam Walker of OBX News joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the unusual amount of snowfall by the coast.

While snowfall amounts varied across central North Carolina this weekend, the Triad was buried underneath some of the largest accumulations in years. There was eleven inches of snow in Winston-Salem. High Point got 12 inches. Greensboro and Asheboro each received ten inches. Gary Stephenson, meteorologist with Spectrum News One, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the weekend snowstorm.

It's back-to-back winter weather for the Triangle, and families want to be ready. Once again, Hudson Hardware locations in Clayton and Garner are busy providing customers with the tools they need to be ready for snow. From businesses to customers, everyone is searching for the same thing to deal with Mother Nature's double whammy.Stone Gulley, co-owner of Hudson Hardware, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they’re keeping supplies in stock.

To the surprise of many, Bill Belichick will not be a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Belichick, the coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, came up short of induction in his first time on the ballot. That’s despite winning six World Championships as the head coach of the New England Patriots. Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why Belichick came up short.

“The Sarafinas, My Way” combines the elegance and glamour of classic precision dance with the beloved music of the American songbook. It will be presented at Theater Raleigh from February 12-through-15. Eric Woodall, Theatre Raleigh’s Artistic Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the production.

The Research Goes Red initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in heart health studies, highlighting the critical role of women's participation in research. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet women remain vastly underrepresented in the research aimed at diagnosing it. Vrinda Vyas, a cardiologist with ECU Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the initiative.

Duke University and quarterback Darian Mensah have reached an agreement in a lawsuit filed by the school. It will allow Mensah to transfer after one season in Durham. The school and Mensah’s agency released statements confirming a deal without providing any details. Mensah helped Duke to its first outright ACC Championship since 1962 last month in a win over Virginia. Abigail DiSalvo, the Sports Editor for the Duke Chronicle, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the departure of Mensah.

The American Academy of Pediatrics on Monday released its updated recommendations for what vaccines children should get. It's a routine revision, hardly different from last year's recommendations, but it carries more significance this year: More states and doctors are relying on it instead of a controversial new schedule from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. David Weber of UNC Health joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the new recommendations.

A Customs and Border Protection official told Congress in a notice that two federal officers fired shots during the encounter that killed ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Tuesday’s notification obtained by The Associated Press said officers tried to take Pretti into custody and he resisted, leading to a struggle. The official said that during the struggle, a Border Patrol agent yelled, “He’s got a gun!” multiple times. Susie Jones, a reporter for WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest in Minneapolis.

Snow is looking more likely this weekend with cold air in place. Models are trending toward the potential for a round of snow this weekend. National Weather Service meteorologis Chrissy Anderson joined Jeff Hamlin to talk about this weekends forecast and the possibility of more snow in the triangle area

The winter weather can have an impact on your home. Cregg Henson is known as “Cregg the Floor Guy” on Making Your Home Great on WPTF. Cregg joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how to keep your floor in one piece in the midst of frigid temperatures

Robert Mihaly, a Durham artist, said he first came across Buddhist monks with Walk For Peace as they were passing through North Carolina in High Point. When he returned to Durham, he began working on a painting to show his gratitude. Mihaly joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the work he created.

For the last 20 years, the Flower Shuttle in Raleigh has provided joy to unsuspecting recipients. Every Tuesday, volunteers meet at Ridge Road Baptist Church to make bouquets. The flowers are donated from florists or stores like Costco and Trader Joe's that otherwise would have been tossed out. Eileen Taylor of the Flower Shuttle joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Flower Shuttle

The fatal shooting of Minneapolis man Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers has sparked calls for an independent investigation. The Trump administration has launched three federal probes, but details remain unclear. Tensions are high in Minneapolis, with conflicting narratives about the incident. The FBI is assisting in processing evidence, but there’s no indication their Civil Rights Division intends to investigate Pretti’s case. Steven Greene of N.C. State discuss the political implications of the latest Minnesota shooting.

Winter temperatures are here, and "white flag" or emergency shelters are open for the homeless community and others who need a safe place to escape the cold. The Salvation Army of Wake County is helping the unsheltered get out of the cold. Major Joseph Crawford of the Salvation Army joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their white flag operation.

As ice blanketed roads across much of North Carolina on Sunday, Department of Transportation crews worked around the clock to treat highways and clear hazardous spots, while troopers with the N.C. Highway Patrol responded to an uptick in crashes and stranded drivers. Sergeant Marcus Bethea, a spokesperson for the State Highway Patrol, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the storm’s impact on travel and safety efforts statewide.

While the worst of the winter weather has moved out of the area, frigid temperatures are sticking around for much of the week, raising concerns about black ice on local roads. Clarence Birkhead, Sheriff of Durham County, had deputies out assisting drivers over the weekend and monitoring conditions. Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the roadways are looking and what residents should watch for as the cold lingers.

Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through the morning as slick roads and icy conditions continue to impact travel. A Cold Weather Advisory is also in place from 7 p.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Tuesday, with overnight lows expected to fall into the single digits and teens and wind chills dropping even lower. Gary Stephenson, a meteorologist with Spectrum News One, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest forecast and what residents can expect.

It’s been 40 years since the Smith Center in Chapel Hill opened. But the future of the building that Antwan Jamison, Vince Carter and Tyler Hansbrough called home is in question. The question of where the North Carolina men’s basketball team should play in the future has divided the fan base and alumni. Greg Barnes of Inside Carolina was at a meeting regarding Carolina North as a potential new home for UNC basketball. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the meeting.

More than three years after five people died in a mass shooting in Raleigh's Hedingham neighborhood, 18-year-old Austin Thompson pleaded guilty Wednesday. Rob Steele lost his fiancé in the Hedingham shooting in October 2022. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his feelings about the guilty plea.

The President of EDF Action says U.S. energy policy isn’t taking advantage of the lower cost of renewable energy. Instead, leadership is propping up outdated fossil fuel producers and passing the cost directly to Philadelphia residents in the form of alarmingly high electricity bills. David Kieve, the President of EDF Action, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how renewal energy is cheaper.

President Donald Trump says he has scrapped the tariffs that he threatened to impose on eight European nations to press for U.S. control over Greenland. The dramatic reversal came shortly after Trump insisted he wanted to get the island “including right, title and ownership.” Bruce Jentleson, from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Trump’s policy reversal.

Many people start the new year focused on weight loss, without realizing everyday habits may already be putting them at risk for prediabetes. In this episode, Jon Champion talks with registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist Dawn Menning about simple, realistic steps to help prevent prediabetes before it becomes a bigger health issue.

A great partnership and lots of beautiful art coming to the City of Oaks in just a few days. Joining us to share more about the exciting event and special surprises is Jennifer Bryant, Director of Public Engagement for the Raleigh Film and Art Festival.