WPTF Afternoon News

This fall, Raleigh will become the first city in North Carolina – and one of only a few cities in the nation – to power its bus fleet with renewable natural gas created from its own wastewater. Every day, 50 million gallons of wastewater are treated at the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility. Thanks to new technology, that waste is now turned into renewable natural gas. Edward Buchan, Environme...

Federal employees in the Triangle are feeling the effects of the government shutdown. There are about 2,000 Environmental Protection Agency federal employees and contractors in Research Triangle Park, but that number could change next week. Holly Wilson has been with the EPA for over 20 years and is the local AFGE Union President. She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the shutdown and how it is impact...

The start of the NFL season — and another round of heavy promotions from sports betting companies – pushed betting in North Carolina to a monthly record high in the state. Sports bettors wagered more than $686 million in total bets, a figure that includes about $32 million in promotional wagers. It is a record for North Carolina, which launched legalized online sports betting in March 2024. Jeff H...

It’s October and that means Halloween films are popular. At the Carolina Theatre in Durham, there’s popular retro films being screened Wednesday and Thursday night. Plus, there’s more lighthearted fare on Friday night with the popular 1990s film “Hocus Pocus.” Jim Karl is the film director at the Carolina Theatre and joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his favorite Halloween films.

Education leaders and farmers are fighting to keep a food program alive in schools. The Farm to School program offers kids locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the state. The Wake County School District leaders say federal funding for the statewide Farm to School program ran out in March. Tommy Wheeler is the founder of Tidewater Grain Company in Pamlico County. He grows heirloom rice an...

Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed October as NC Beer Month. The proclamation honors the craftsmanship behind North Carolina’s independent breweries, as well as the industry's impact on the state’s economy, tourism, agriculture, and community vitality. Lisa Parker, with the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how important the craft beer industry to North Carolina.

Fall brings cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors and football. It also marks the beginning of spooky season, filled with scary movies, Halloween decorations and, of course, haunted hayrides and houses. In Oxford, the Granville Haunted Farm is bringing about a drive-in haunted experience. Grey Blackwell, the operator of the Granville Haunted Farm, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what visitors...

A coastal storm, categorized as a nor’easter due to winds hitting the East Coast from the northeast, is largely impacting coastal North Carolina. Over the weekend, NC 12 was closed on Ocracoke Island due to ocean over wash. A spokesperson says travel is dangerous, as the Nor’easter is bringing heavy winds, rain and over wash. Jenni Koontz is the Owner of Epic Shutter Photography who traveled to Ro...

Israel and Hamas have taken a significant step in the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza war by releasing hostages and prisoners. The move raises hopes for a long term truce in the region. However, unresolved issues like Hamas disarmament and Gaza governance highlight the deal's fragility. On Monday, Israelis celebrated the return of hostages, while Palestinians welcomed freed prisoners. Rabbi Mendy...

Every day has been a winding road during the Bill Belichick regime with the North Carolina football team. On Wednesday, the speculation about Belichick’s future was the subject of discussion throughout the sports world after various reports of a divided UNC locker room, including a fight between players. Now, after only five games, there are questions as to whether Belichick will even be on the si...

Sports gambling has become more popular than ever, whether it's a friendly bet against the spread or a three-team parlay, with the advent of online sportsbooks. The North Carolina Sports Lottery Commission reports North Carolinians bet more than $686 million on sports in September and cashed in on more than $615 million in winnings. Morgan Coyner, with Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, jo...

Some of the most legendary names in golf are in Cary this weekend for the PGA Champions Tour. Former UNC star Davis Love III, former British Open champion Darren Clarke, former Masters champion Mike Weir of Canada and two-time Masters champion Bernard Langer are all in the field that will start play on Friday at Prestonwood Country Club. Jeff Kleiber, the Director of the SAS Championship, discusse...

Many nonprofit organizations are being affected by federal budget cuts. Some of those cuts include the end of pandemic-era funding. The only overnight shelter for single women in Wake County is navigating the path forward in an uncertain world. The Helen Wright Center for Women is a judgment-free refuge where people are welcomed with open arms. Caroline Seydi is the Director of the Helen Wright Ce...

The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University will commemorate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with a daylong celebration and the grand opening of a new sculpture garden. This milestone marks two decades of bold exhibitions, inclusive programming, and deep community engagement since the museum first opened its doors in 2005. Michelle Moore of the Nasher Museum of Art joined Jeff...

On Labor Day, there was hype around all of Chapel Hill regarding Bill Belichick’s first game as UNC football coach. Just five weeks later, there’s turmoil, embarrassment and speculation about his future as UNC coach. The Tar Heels are 2-4 and haven’t come within three touchdowns of beating a Power Four opponent. On top of that, there have been scathing reports of a Tar Heel locker room divided by...

According to the State Demographer’s latest municipal population estimates, Raleigh’s population grew by 33,000 people between April 1, 2020 and July 1, 2024, reaching over 500,000 people by 2024. That’s according to new numbers released by the State Demographer, Michael Cline. In fact, all of Wake County is booming. Cline joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the rapid growth of Wake County.

People around the world are marking two years since deadly Hamas attacks on Israel. The surprise action targeted more than 1,000 civilians and reignited a longstanding conflict that turned into an all-out war. October 7, 2023 was a day many may never forget. More than 67,000 Palestinians have died in the ensuing war, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, while thousands more have been h...

Phillip Jackson Public Information Officer for the North Carolina Forest Service) North Carolina fire officials are warning this fall wildfire season could be dangerous as debris left from Helene could fuel wildfires. The large amount of debris that is still on the ground in western North Carolina can continue to pose a threat for several years, according to the North Carolina Forest Service. Phil...

The group NC Alliance for Health is coming out against the USDA’s plan to discontinue future Economic Research Service Household Food Security reports. Marianne Weant, Programs Manager for NC Alliance for Health, says the move undermines one of the most important tools policymakers have to understand hunger in North Carolina. Weant joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the impact of the USDA’s move.

A controversial tough-on-crime bill in North Carolina could face an uphill battle despite getting the governor’s seal of approval. House Bill 307, also referred to as Iryna’s Law, calls for using the firing squad or electric chair as execution methods for the death penalty if lethal injection isn’t available. Meredith College Political Science Professor David McLennan says the bill will likely fac...

Two years into the war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas appear closer to an agreement that could finally end the fighting and release the remaining hostages and prisoners. Rabbi Ariel Edery is with Beth Shalom out of Raleigh and he is hopeful about the 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by President Donald Trump. Edery joined Jeff Hamlin to reflect on October 7 and what it means to him.

As we head toward the winter months, should we brace to pay more for energy? Jon Champion speaks with David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance.

North Carolina State University is suing Monsanto over toxic chemicals found at the university’s shuttered education and psychology building, Poe Hall. The lawsuit filed in Wake County Superior Court alleges Monsanto knowingly marketed and concealed the risks of toxic Polychlorinated Biphenyls known as PCBs. The chemicals were used in caulks, sealants, paints, adhesives, and HVAC duct sealants in...

Over 700 North Carolina lawyers, some of whom previously held office on the state’s highest court, signed an open letter warning that due process and the rule of law are under an “unprecedented attack” from the government. The letter does not mention President Donald Trump by name. But it does appear to reference his administration’s targeting of law firms which have opposed him and his policies i...

If you want flood insurance, then you are going to have to wait until the government shutdown ends. The National Flood Insurance Program expired on Oct. 1 when a compromise for a new spending bill was not reached in Congress. The government shutdown makes it impossible to purchase flood insurance through the federal government. Katy Willett, with Middle Creek Insurance in Raleigh, explained how a...