WPTF Afternoon News

Student absences were expected to be up Tuesday in Wake County schools amid reports of Border Patrol agents beginning operations in the Raleigh area. Attendance has dropped in other school districts that saw increased operations by federal immigration agents. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is unofficially reporting that 30,399 students were absent on Monday — 21% of its enrollment. Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the presence of Border Patrol agents in North Carolina.

A recent survey from AAA shows that North Carolinians are getting an early start on their holiday travel plans. According to AAA, 58% of residents plan to book overnight trips this holiday season. Tiffany Wright, a spokesperson for AAA Carolinas, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Thanksgiving travel plans.

His voice was synonymous with Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling across North Carolina and the entire country. Bob Caudle has passed away. Caudle started working with Jim Crockett Promotions in the 1950s. He began his broadcasting career in Wilmington on television. After a stint in Savannah, Georgia, Caudle became the weatherman on WRAL-TV, where the National Wrestling Alliance Atlantic Coast Wrestling taped every week. Bruce Mitchell, longtime pro wrestling writer, grew up watching Bob Caudle in Greensboro. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the loss of a legend.

With one year until the midterm election, Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper continues to lead in North Carolina’s US Senate race. According to the latest Carolina Journal Poll, a survey of 600 likely voters in North Carolina that was conducted November 9–10 by Harper Polling, Cooper has 47%. Former Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley has 38%. Mitch Kokai, a spokesman for the John Locke Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest survey.

The Salvation Army of Wake County is experiencing a growing demand for services as more local families face hardship due to job loss, illness, and rising costs. Our nightly Community Kitchen now serves an average of 160 meals each evening, up from 120 just months ago. That’s why the Salvation Army of Wake County is calling on the community to help meet this growing need. Christine Rogers, from the Salvation Army of Wake County, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Care & Share Thanksgiving Food Drive on Friday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The House is moving toward a vote on releasing files from the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Republican leaders have no choice but to allow a vote after a petition on the Epstein bill reached the needed 218 signatures. The move comes at a time when new documents have raised questions about Epstein and his associates, including a 2019 email mentioning President Donald Trump. Meredith College Political Science professor David McLennan joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ramifications if the Epstein files are released.

The doors open Saturday for the 2025 Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre. This is the festival's 10th year and the popular walk-through event has become one of North Carolina's favorite holiday traditions. Chinese artisans have crafted all-new displays for the 2025 festival. William Lewis, Cary Cultural Arts Manager, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

The UNC Board of Trustees has voted to increase tuition across the board for both in-state and out-of-state students. It will be the first hike since 2017. It comes 24 hours after a board committee shot down the idea of raising tuition for in-state undergraduates. Some of the trustees insisted that tuition remain flat for in-state undergraduates, but the vote was 6-5 for raising tuition by 3%. Adolfo Alvarez, the UNC-Chapel Hill Student Body President, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the increase.

A few dozen people gathered at UNC-Chapel Hill campus to protest the Trump administration's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence." Chancellor Lee Roberts said the university would not sign the compact "as written." Kiersten Ray Hackman was one of the UNC students to participate in the protest.

What are your rights when flights are cancelled or changed ? Bruce Ferrell delves into the topic with Jeremy Maddox, Partner at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin

It was January weather in mid-November. There were snow flurries across North Carolina on Monday night. Over at the Swift Creek Nursery in Clayton, horticulturist Phil Beaumont had to put blankets over more tender plants on Monday night. Beaumont says he’s also using the cold weather to his benefit as they prepare to wrap up for the fall season. He talked with Jeff Hamlin to discuss his plans to protect his crops this winter.

Fred Black is a military veteran who spent three decades in the US armed forces who now dedicates his time to advancing veterans’ interests and supporting their needs. He has worked to promote nonprofits, including years of service on the Strowd Roses Foundation Board and since 2005, he has been part of the effort to build a veterans memorial in Orange County. Fred Black joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Veteran’s Day.

North Carolina Senate leader Phil Berger faces Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page in the GOP primary to represent Senate District 26. It's Berger's first Republican challenger in years. Berger has represented Rockingham County in the state Senate for 25 years, becoming the chamber’s leader in 2011 and subsequently leading Republican measures to cut taxes, slash regulations, and rewrite state policies to more align with the GOP’s agenda. Diane Parnell, is the Rockingham County Republic Party Chairwoman. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the race between Page and Berger.

Marketing behind popular e-cigarettes has widely touted the products as “safer” than traditional cigarettes. New research shows that’s not the case. Margeaux Marbrey, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Duke University School of Medicine, has been researching reproductive health for 15 years. Marbrey joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

The impasse between ESPN and YouTube TV continues. For the second straight weekend, football fans who rely on YouTubeTV had to look for other avenues after ESPN removed all programming because of another carrier dispute. Not only that, but all ABC affiliates can’t be found on YouTubeTV and may not return any time soon. Demetri Ravanos is a member of the Ovies and Giglio podcast. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss whether Disney will ever return to YouTube TV.

The Senate has taken the first step to end the government shutdown after a group of moderate Democrats agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies. This angered many Democrats who say Americans want them to continue the fight. In a test vote that is the first in a series of procedural maneuvers, the Senate voted late Sunday to move toward passing compromise legislation to fund the government and hold a vote by mid-December on extending expiring health care tax credits. Michael Bitzer, Catawba College Political Science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the end of the shutdown.

A research lab here is tackling a critical conundrum: why highly qualified veterans remain underemployed despite widespread public support. The Veteran Transitions Research Lab at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is pioneering a national movement to understand and improve how military veterans transition into civilian careers. Sean Kelly is the co-Director of the lab. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss its launch.

The family of a WakeMed police officer continues to mourn his death. 59-year-old Roger Smith was shot and killed during a struggle with another man while on duty Saturday morning. WakeMed and Garner police haven't said what led up to the struggle, but the SBI called Smith's actions "heroic" and said in a statement: "had it not been for his heroic actions to neutralize the threat, there could have been many more citizens injured or killed." Lindsay LiCausi is the Executive Director of Back the Blue NC. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they help the families of fallen law enforcement officers.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. More than seven million Americans are living with this progressive condition. Jon Champion talks with Dr. Wendell Helveston of the Mississippi Neurological Institute about a recently approved maintenance treatment that’s offering new hope for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office is warning residents about scam calls claiming you’ve missed jury duty. Jon Champion talks with WPTF reporter Shadota Hargett-Hill about a troubling incident that hit close to home, and her message for others to stay alert.

President Donald Trump celebrated his economic achievements on the anniversary of his election victory. Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami, Trump claimed the U.S. economy is thriving. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi has announced her current Congressional term will be her last. Steven Greene, N.C. State Political Science Professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the results of Election Night and Pelosi’s career.

Families across the Triangle are facing another financial challenge, rising healthcare premiums. While several factors are influencing those costs, experts say the ongoing government shutdown is not helping. As of Wednesday, November 5, the federal shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history. Gerald Cohen, Professor at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact on healthcare premiums that the shutdown is having.

The Durham Public Schools Foundation has awarded $135,000 in grant funding to 26 Durham Public Schools. These projects are focused on addressing absenteeism and supporting our most vulnerable students. These grants empower school communities to launch transformational initiatives while joining a peer cohort that receives support, resources, and connections through DPS Foundation. Taylor Outler, from the Durham Public Schools Foundation, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the funding.

Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City, capping the Democrat’s stunning ascent from little-known state lawmaker just a year ago to one of the most talked-about politicians in the country. Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger has won Virginia’s election for governor. Her win gives Democrats a boost heading into the 2026 midterm elections and compels Republicans to consider how President Donald Trump and his allies might fare in battleground states and districts. Chris Cooper, the author of Anatomy of a Purple State and Western Carolina University Political Science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the results of Election Night.

Anthony Rapillo owns four restaurants between Cary and Raleigh. He's getting ready to open three other spots in the Triangle. When he heard that more than 580,000 across the state were impacted by SNAP benefits ending, he decided to step in to help. He is now offering free food, once per week, to SNAP recipients at V Pizza, La Taqueria and Flour and Barrell. Rapillo joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how he’s trying to help people.

Leonardo Williams has been reelected for a second two-year term as mayor of the city of Durham. During his first term as mayor, the former Durham Public Schools educator and administrator created the Bull City Future Fund. That effort is a partnership with United Way and the Triangle Community Foundation to raise funds and invest in local nonprofit groups focused on preventing youth violence. Williams joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss plans for his next two-year term.

Today marks Election Day 2025 in several states and cities . The hot races are in Virginia, New Jersey, California and In New York City, where the mayoral race between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa is coming down to the wire. Early voting turnout broke records before today's big election day. Leading the democratic ticket is Mamdani, a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman who could become the second-youngest mayor in city history and the first Muslim mayor of New York. Jeff Hamlin spoke with CBS News Correspondent Allison Keyes about this closely watched race

There are more than 40 million Americans who utilize SNAP, including about 1.4 million North Carolinians. The loss of SNAP benefits can also impact the state's agriculture industry. It’s impacted the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, which has been hit hard by a loss of funding. Ron Pringle, President of the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact of the loss of funding.

The General Assembly isn’t scheduled to reconvene for the start of its 2026 short session until April, but the National Federation of Independent Business has already begun pressing lawmakers to bring health insurance costs under control. NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson this week sent a letter to legislators, telling them that rising insurance premiums are hurting Main Street’s bottom line. Thompson joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the letter and what he wants from lawmakers.

In Dick Cheney’s hands, the vice presidency became a nexus of influence and manipulation — no longer the timid office where its occupants had tended their boss’ ambitions. For George W. Bush’s vice president, bunkering in secure undisclosed locations after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks was less an inconvenience than a metaphor for a life of power that he exercised to maximum effect from the shadows. Cheney died Monday at age 84. Cheney defended until his death the extraordinary tools of surveillance, detention and inquisition employed after the 9/11 attacks. Mac McCorkle, from the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Cheney’s legacy.

To start college basketball season, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the first Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Rivalry Bobblehead. The first Duke-Carolina Basketball Rivalry Bobblehead is being released in celebration of the teams tipping off their respective 2025-26 seasons, with North Carolina taking on Central Arkansas on Monday night in Chapel Hill and Duke facing off against Texas on Tuesday night in Charlotte. The 266th meeting between Duke and North Carolina will be played on Saturday, February 7th at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill. Phil Sklar, CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the bobbleheads.

During National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November, the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter is amplifying the voices of people living with dementia and their caregivers to empower more families to find support, connection and hope. More than 381,000 North Carolinians provide unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. They contribute more than 739 million hours of care each year, valued at over $13 billion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Ben Yeager, Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Concerns are growing across the Triangle for families that receive federal food assistance. Community members are stepping up to help as families lose access to federal food assistance. Members with the Durham Rescue Mission say they're preparing for more people to look for hot meals or food items and put a call out to the community asking for help. Rob Tart, the CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they’re trying to help people.

After three community colleges joined a program guaranteeing admission to North Carolina State University for some students, the program is now available at all community colleges in the state. Students from all 58 community colleges in North Carolina can use the Wolf Pack Connect program. North Carolina Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Wolf Pack Connect

Five Durham nonprofits have received donations totaling $15,000 from The Rotary Club of Durham. The money was raised through corporate and individual contributions made to the 2025 Flags for Heroes, celebrated with more than 500 flags flown at HubRTP last June. More than $11,000 was also directed to the club’s Second Century Fund, which funds humanitarian grants locally and abroad. Cecily Kalkhof from the Durham Rotary Club joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the donations.

A small group of women with advanced breast cancer received a vaccine via a clinical trial more than 20 years ago. Today, they’re all still alive. Scientists say that kind of long-term survival is almost unheard of for patients with metastatic breast cancer, and it’s what caught the attention of researchers now. Dr. Zachary Hartman, from Duke University School of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

Delesha Carpenter is a researcher and professor with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy recently launched NaloneNearMeorg. The website features an interactive map of all 100 North Carolina counties, rating them based on the number of naloxone distribution services available. Carpenter joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why she started the website.

A former Fayetteville resident rode out Hurricane Melissa. Heather Honaker managed to stick out the storms this week. Melissa made landfall Tuesday in southwestern Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. Officials prepared to respond to the devastation, the scale of which would not be known until the storm passed. Melissa's winds tied records for the strongest Atlantic storm at landfall. Honaker joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what surviving Mellisa was like.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that NC12 remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, as well as on the north end of Ocracoke Island between the Pony Pens and the ferry terminal. While other sections of the highway are open and passable, drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution due to sand and water on the road in several areas. Additionally, major ocean overwash is affecting secondary roads in Avon and Rodanthe. Sam Walker of OBX News joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss another week of stormy weather along the outer banks.

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica. The storm made landfall Tuesday in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds reaching 185 miles per hour. Officials say at least 40 people have died across Haiti. In Cuba, officials report collapsed houses and blocked roads, with 735,000 people in shelters. Jay Barnes is a hurricane expert who has written about the strongest storms to ever impact North Carolina. He joined jeff Hamlin to discuss the strength of Melissa compared to previous storms in the Tar Heel State.

Every week, volunteers at TABLE in Carrboro spend hours packing up fresh vegetables and pantry items to hand deliver to 1,125 hungry children in Orange County. Suzanne Tormollen, director of marketing at TABLE, says many of the families already spend a large portion of their income on groceries. Tormollen joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the shutdown has impacted their organization.

The federal government may be shut down, but that isn't stopping a handful of county leaders from advocating for passage of the FEMA Act via a Fly-in event in Washington, D.C. Several North Carolina county leaders are attending including Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams. They are members of the National Association of Counties Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force. Williams joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the event.

A Raleigh-based non-profit is paving the way for young musicians and producers to get their start. Grammy Award-winning producer Justin Pelham founded Jump Academy after his Grammy win for Best Contemporary Christian Song in 2024. Since then, kids who went through his camp say they gained a great deal of knowledge. Pelham joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Jump Academy.

Soybeans, one of the state’s top five cash crops, are again caught up in the most recent maneuver in the trade war with China, ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier this month, news reports suggested that China halting US imports of soybeans is a relatively easy and risk-free way to apply pressure on the Trump administration. It could impact North Carolina Soybean farmers. Charles Hall, Executive Director of the N.C. Soybean Association, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the tariffs could impact soybean farmers in North Carolina.

Hurricane Melissa has hit southwestern Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, causing heavy flooding and wind damage. Melissa made landfall Tuesday in southwestern Jamaica with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph. Officials warned of devastating damage and urged residents to seek shelter as the hurricane crossed the island. Melissa's winds tied records for the strongest Atlantic storm on landfall. The storm is expected to move toward Cuba, where authorities prepared for evacuations. Gary Stephenson, a meteorologist at Spectrum News, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the strength of the storm.

When it comes to student success, Wake Tech is among the very best at delivering results. The Aspen Institute has named Wake Tech as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Wake Tech, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the honor.

After nearly a million people showed up to experience the N.C. State Fair’s festivities in 2024, the numbers have taken a slight dip, though the North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner still called 2025 a “strong year.” According to the N.C. State Fair’s press office, 946,811 people showed attended the fair this year. A dip of slightly more than 52,000 fairgoers, compared to 2024’s 998,926 attendees. Kent Yelverton, the Director of the North Carolina State Fair, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s event.

The Soccer Tournament is staying in Cary. The 7-on-7 All-Star Tournament that brings together men's and women's teams from around the world will remain at WakeMed Soccer Complex through 2029. The Soccer Tournament started four years ago in Cary. Last year, it attracted over 31,000 fans and nearly 2,000 players from 34 countries. Last year, teams owned by Hope Solo, J.J. Watt, Steve Nash, Ali Krieger, Carli Lloyd and Sergio Aguero all participated in the event. Jonathan Mugar, the CEO of the Soccer Tournament, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the event staying in Cary.

Domestic violence survivors gathered Sunday at the NC State Capitol, urging Senators to pass the "Jesse's Law," aimed at enhancing protections for domestic violence survivors in family courts. The law passed the North Carolina House in May with bipartisan support. Advocates are now calling on state senators to follow suit. Veronica Hatton, a child advocate, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Jesse’s Law and their rally on Sunday.

A High Point University Poll finds that a little more than half of North Carolina residents will celebrate Halloween this year, while 40% will not. These findings are higher compared to a 2023 High Point University Poll in which 47% of North Carolinians said they would celebrate Halloween that year. Dr. Martin Kifer, the Poll Director for High Point University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss other Halloween results from their survey.