WPTF Afternoon News

We are a week away from Christmas Eve and many final preparations are underway. Many organizations are helping spread the holiday cheer across the state, including the North Carolina Friends of Santa. Bill Himes first felt the magic of the Santa Claus suit over a decade ago. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how he organized the North Carolina Friends of Santa.

The Duke Fuqua School of Business released the CFO Survey on Wednesday. Among the main takeaways is companies remain concerned about tariffs and are projecting price increases of more than 3% in 2026. Sonya Waddell, economist at the Fed Richmond, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the survey for the fourth quarter.

The Education Law Center recently released its Making the Grade 2025 Report. North Carolina received an “F” for funding level, which measures cost-adjusted per-pupil revenue from state and local sources. Tamika Walker Kelly, the President of the North Carolina Association of Educators, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the report.

For decades, Raleigh residents have driven past a little Christmas tree, alight and visible from the Beltline near Six Forks Road. They have asked themselves the same question: What's the story behind that little tree? The mystery of the little Christmas tree has hung over the city since 1988, when it first appeared, fully-decorated, atop the steep hill that overlooks I-440. Like clockwork, it would appear every Christmas season. Over time, it became a tradition the community could count on. Michael Minikus, the creator of the tree, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why he created it.

Community activists from western North Carolina traveled to the U.S. Capitol on Monday, adding their voices to a growing chorus of complaints about the slow pace of Hurricane Helene recovery, which they blame on the federal government. Kevin Leonard, who leads the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, is among those frustrated with the government response. Leonard joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what he’s hearing from western North Carolina residents.

A lack of diversity among Santas forced Stafford Braxton to launch Santas Just Like Me in 2013. It encourages Santas of all ethnic backgrounds to spread holiday cheer along the east coast. He believes there should be a Santa for every community who spreads holiday cheer and brings an inclusive experience to families everywhere. Braxton joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Santas Just Like Me.

It was Josh Stein’s first calendar year as governor. There were changes in the North Carolina Republican Party. Thom Tillis decided to break ranks with President Trump and announce that his current term in the U.S. Senate will be his last. And Roy Cooper marked his return to the political arena shortly after leaving the governor’s mansion. Tom Campbell, the longtime host of N.C. Spin, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the year in North Carolina politics.

Temperatures in the Triangle are expected to plummet to well-below freezing Monday night, meaning your pipes could be in danger of freezing. Whether cold temperatures are enough to freeze your pipes largely depends on where they’re located. Chris Massey, from C. Massey Plumbing, talked with Jeff Hamlin to discuss how to keep your pipes from freezing.

The death of famed director Rob Reiner has saddened the cinematic world. Reiner directed “This is Spinal Tap,” “The Princess Bride,” “Misery,” “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “The American President.” Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead inside their home on Sunday night. Hayes Permar, the owner of the Rialto movie theatre in Raleigh, grew up watching the films of Rob Reiner. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Reiner’s legacy.

The Salvation Army of Wake County will begin distributing gifts to more than 8,000 children through its annual Angel Tree program on Tuesday. For many families facing financial hardship, this program provides the only gifts their children will receive for Christmas. Christine Rogers of the Salvation Army of Wake County joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Angel Tree program.

A day after the Indiana Senate rejected President Donald Trump’s contentious mid-decade redistricting proposal, warnings of political and financial retaliation escalated — including public threats that the Hoosier State could lose federal funding as punishment for GOP senators’ refusal to approve the new congressional map. Is this a sign of how the GOP is ready to move on from Donald Trump as the 2026 midterms draw closer? N.C. State political science professor Steven Greene joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the GOP’s political future.

Often minor traffic accidents lead to massive traffic delays. WPTF Traffic Reporter Jon Champion talks with State Highway Patrol 1st Sgt. Christopher Knox about the Fender Bender law and more.

A new feature film with ties to Triangle college athletics is set for global release. Producer Rick French, Chairman and CEO of French/West/Vaughan and founder of Prix Productions—joins Jon Champion to discuss the tragic true story behind the film, what critics are saying, and why completing this project matters so deeply.

North Carolina’s foster care system is seeing a sharp decline in foster homes — and that means more children could go without holiday gifts. The Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina hopes to change that with its “Holiday Hope” toy drive, supporting more than 1,000 foster kids this season. Gaile Osborne, Executive Director of the Foster Family Alliance of NC, talks with Jon Champion to explain how the community can make a difference.

Jason Orthner from NCDOT joins host Josh Ellis to share details about the one-day Santa Train, a festive holiday ride between Raleigh and Greensboro featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and plenty of family fun.

The Durham Rescue Mission has relaunched “Operation Rescue: Warm Shelter” as dangerously low temperatures continue. A Winter Weather Advisory was issued for parts of the Triangle and Central North Carolina, beginning Thursday night through Friday night. A wintry mix is expected Friday with temperatures highs only reaching the uppers 30s. Rob Tart, CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they’re helping people.

The Durham County sheriff is seeking his third term in office. Clarence Birkhead qualified to run in the upcoming 2026 election after filing paperwork at the Durham County Board of Elections Office earlier this week. Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why he’s seeking another term in office.

Dozens of volunteers have spent weeks collecting toys and other items to help people around Alamance County. It’s an effort that will continue in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The donations at Christmas Cheer of Alamance County will go to kids, families and elderly residents who might otherwise not have much this holiday season. The Director of Christmas Cheer, Betty Hall, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the organization that has existed for over 100 years.

A win on Senior Day and plenty of help has led to Duke reaching the ACC Football Championship game for the first time since 2013. The Blue Devils helped its own cause by beating Wake Forest 49-32 on Saturday. Then, Cal upset SMU, which earned the Blue Devils tiebreakers that put them in Charlotte on Saturday. Conor O’Neil, a nominee for North Carolina Sportswriter of the Year, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Duke’s unlikely trip to Charlotte.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet this week to discuss hepatitis B immunization and the childhood vaccine schedule. It’s one of the most influential committees for the country’s health, but this year it’s also a hotbed of controversy. Dr. David Weber discussed the CDC’s stance and how it has raised concern among some in the medical community.

On what would have been Pfc. Booker T. Spicely’s 116th birthday, loved ones hosted a family conversation at the Durham County Main Library aimed at educating the community on his legacy. Spicely took a stand for civil rights many years before Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Jerry Gershenhorn, from the Museum of Durham History, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Spicely’s legacy.

In a Wednesday morning ruling, the supporters of the Umstead Coalition received much-welcomed news from superior court. Judge Sean Cole, in his ruling, sided with the coalition after years of the group's advocacy efforts to prevent Wake Stone, now Vulcan Materials, from expanding mining operations near Umstead State Park. Dr. Jean Spooner, Chair of the Umstead Coalition, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ruling.

As of the start of December, if you have Cigna health insurance and you use UNC Health Systems, you'll have to find a new health provider or risk paying much more money. After months of negotiations, the two sides could not come to an agreement before Sunday's deadline. The move leaves roughly 65,000 people across the state who need to make a decision for their health care. Rose Hoban, the Editor of North Carolina Health news, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact of the impasse.

The happiest time of year can sometimes be the most difficult for people dealing with loss, living with mental illness or coping with stress and isolating themselves during the holiday season. Aretha Justice, a volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Health Wake County, deals with depression that used to get worse during the holidays. Justice joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how to treat depression during the end of the year.

The Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina chapter is encouraging all North Carolina residents to try its new Brain Health Habit Builder, a free web-based tool designed to empower individuals to assess their current habits and take proactive steps to improve their brain health. Katherine Lambert, Regional Vice President of the Alzheimer’s Association of North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Brain Health Habit Builder.

If you’ve seen the new season of Stranger Things on Netflix, there are some locations that may seem familiar if you know Wake and Durham Counties. The radio station from Stranger Things season 5 is based on a real-life place in Cary. And It is not abandoned. Heather Leah, from Hidden Historian.com, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the local inspirations of the new Stranger Things season.

He’s been courtside for Duke’s 1994 run to the Final Four in Charlotte. He was on the sidelines for N.C. State’s win over Notre Dame in the 2002 Gator Bowl and has provided analysis for the Wolfpack from the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. Now, Tony Haynes is retiring. Haynes was honored during a ceremony in the Wolfpack’s final regular season game against North Carolina on Saturday. Haynes joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his career.

Dave Doeren will open his 14th season as N.C. State's football coach in Brazil. The Wolfpack will face Virginia in the first-ever college football game played in South America. The Wolfpack and the Cavaliers will tangle at Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 29, 2026. Cory Smith, Editor of Pack Pride, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Wolfpack playing in Brazil.

Siembra NC has received multiple credible reports that ICE is deploying fifty agents to the Raleigh area this week. ICE’s operation in Raleigh comes in the wake of the direct invitation of North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, who last Thursday told a reporter “ICE and CBP are doing a great job, we don’t have much to say to them except we just ask that they come back.” Emanuel Gomez-Gonzalez, Communications Strategist at Siembra NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the potential return of border patrol in the Triangle.

The fiancé of the NC State University professor who was hit and killed while crossing the street is speaking for the first time. Natalia Duque-Wilckens was hit by a car just blocks from NC State’s Campus at the intersection of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue. The driver, 19-year-old Jack Etheridge, is facing multiple charges, including misdemeanor death by vehicle. Trevor Huffman has started a scholarship in Natalia’s name. The gofund me can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-natalia-duquewilckens-support-her-legacy?attribution_id=sl:541de41c-9b26-497c-a57f-4c02d2eb9777&lang=en_US&ts=1763567774&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link. Trevor Huffman joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Natalia’s life.

The Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity distributed gift cards to families on Tuesday afternoon. The community-focused effort reflects the chapter’s ongoing commitment to service and supporting local families during the holiday season. William Bruton, President of the Eta Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the giveaway.

More than two years ago, NC Modernist identified a George Matsumoto-designed house in Raleigh's Country Club Hills as threatened. It had been purchased and was going to be demolished. George Smart with NC Modernist started a campaign to try to save the house; Melinda and Andy Knowles agreed to buy the house and relocate it to West Raleigh. George Smart joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the quest to save the house.

Winter is a little more than one month away. This year, winter may begin during a La Nina climate pattern that helps drive temperatures and precipitation across the globe as stronger trade winds bring cool ocean upwelling off the coast of Ecuador in South America. Historically, about 64% of La Niña winters bring us below-normal snowfall and above-normal temperatures. Corey Davis, state Assistant Climatologist, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the forecast for the upcoming winter.

Santa's mailbox in Cary is officially open for the holiday season. The bright red mailbox can be found in Downtown Cary Park — all decked out for the holidays. The Town of Cary expects to process more than a thousand letters to Santa this year from near and far. Cary’s Santa’s Mailbox is open until December 24. Joy Ennis, General Manager for the Downtown Cary Park, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Santa’s Mailbox.

He was known as the Durham Bull who electrified crowds at high school basketball games across Durham, Orange and Wake Counties in the late 1980s. Rodney Rogers eventually became the 1991 ACC Rookie of the Year and the 1993 ACC Player of the Year at Wake Forest. On Friday, Rogers passed away from natural causes due to a spinal cord injury suffered following an ATV accident in 2008. David Hackney is Durham Public Schools Athletic Director who watched Rogers at Hillside High School. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Rogers’ legacy.

A North Carolina Central University alum has just released his transformative new book. Charlie Williams has written “Legacy is Monumental.” He outlines 10 practical mental health strategies that inspire readers to turn pressure into purpose. From recognizing hardships’ lessons to building community, his journey highlights mental health as a foundation for success. Williams joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Legacy is Monumental.

Tamara Terry is delivering a message of hope to people anxious to learn how to move forward. She’s turning her situation into a positive opportunity for change. She was laid off from RTI International and just a couple of months later started FDW Strategic Solutions. Terry discussed why she started the organization.

As Thanksgiving approaches and grocery prices continue to rise, one lesser-known factor is a tariff on tinplate steel, the material used to make cans for everyday staples. Jon Champion talks with Ken Blackwell, Board Member of the Club for Growth and former Ohio Treasurer and Secretary of State, about how the policy is hitting family budgets and what solutions could help ease the strain.

U.S. employers added a surprisingly solid 119,000 jobs in September, the government said, issuing a key economic report that had been delayed seven weeks by the federal government shutdown. The Labor Department also said Thursday that the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3% in August. Mike Walden, N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest figures.

Amid Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions across North Carolina, a group of faith leaders gathered to denounce the actions. Nonprofit Siembra NC, an organization that opposes United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said it has received six calls about detentions in the Triangle. The nonprofit believes the number of people detained in the Triangle is higher. Iliana Santillan of Siembra NC joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

The Turkey Trot 5K returns for its ninth year on Thanksgiving morning to Dorothea Dix Park, benefiting Healing Transitions, a Raleigh nonprofit providing recovery services for people struggling with addiction. Chris Budnick, Executive Director of Healing Transitions, discussed the event on Turkey Day with Jeff Hamlin.

The 81st Raleigh Christmas Parade is set for this Saturday. The parade will kick off the holiday festivities at 9:30 on Saturday morning. Jennifer Martin, the Executive Director of Shop Local Raleigh, discussed the annual event with Bruce Ferrell.

FestiBull of Lights transforms the Durham Bulls Athletic Park into a dazzling winter wonderland! Stroll through thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to festive music, creating a magical holiday experience for all ages. The grand opening is on Thursday. Mike Birling, the Vice President of CBC Sports, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how DBAP is now lit up.

Every minute counts when someone’s heart stops. In the U.S., more than 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest each year, and fewer than 10% survive. Most of these emergencies happen at home, far from lifesaving equipment. Now, for the first time in the United States, a coalition of researchers, public safety agencies, and community partners – led by Duke Health is testing a new way to save lives. Dr. Monique Starks, a cardiologist with Duke Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the trial program.

The immigration enforcement across Durham County from border patrol agents is intensifying. Federal agents in bulletproof vests walked around the North Hills apartment complex and detained at least one person. There's still anxiety around the community. Durham mayor Leonardo Williams joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what he’s heard from residents.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents shifted their immigration enforcement focus away from Raleigh and may stay in Charlotte, according to a source familiar with operations. This comes after sparking fear and protests across the Triangle. Last weekend, the activity in Charlotte sparked protests in the Queen City and in Raleigh. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

This week is North Carolina Antibiotic Awareness Week. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is calling attention to the importance of correct use of antibiotics, and the threat antibiotic resistance poses to people, animals, plants and their shared environment. Megan Davies, a spokesperson for the State Department of Health and Human Services, joined the Jeff Hamlin to discuss the proper use of antibiotics.

Raleigh mayor Janet Cowell says Customs and Border Patrol are in Raleigh. It comes as agents already conducting operations in Charlotte have sparked controversy and fear. A statement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg School officials say 20,935 students were absent from school on Monday. Cowell has emphasized that Raleigh Police don't participate in immigration enforcement. Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, a volunteer with the immigration advocacy group Siembra NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what her organization has witnessed this week.

Federal immigration agents were on the ground in Raleigh and conducted operations in the area Tuesday. The move comes as Border Patrol agents conducted operations in Charlotte over the weekend. Protests were held across Charlotte before and during the agents' presence. State Senator Graig Meyer joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the feedback he’s received about the agent’s activities.

Apex mayor Jacques Gilbert released a statement regarding saying the town is aware of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducting operations in the Triangle area. Gilbert said the federal activities are not coordinated in partnership with the town. He also said Apex police do not participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts. Steve Rao is a member of the Morrisville Town Council who has heard from some of his constituents about the presence of ICE agents. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what he’s heard.