WPTF Afternoon News

As we head into the holiday season, many kids dream of a puppy beneath the tree, but local rescues want to remind people that a commitment to a pet lasts long beyond Christmas morning, and there are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering adoption. Animal shelters across central North Carolina are overwhelmed. There are hundreds of dogs without a home for the holidays. Local rescues are...

The Salvation Army of Wake County has launched its annual Angel Tree warehouse activities, where volunteers will receive and sort gifts for children in need. This year, over 7,000 children, or "angels," are registered for the program, which fulfills Christmas wish lists for boys and girls under 13. Major Chuck Whiten of the Salvation Army of North Carolina joined Jeff Hamlin to share how the Angel...

The North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention has unveiled its first-ever three-year plan to address crime across the state. This initiative follows a national survey showing a decline in violent crime but highlighting an increase in homicides in Raleigh and Mecklenburg County. Acting Director Siarra Scott calls the plan a roadmap for combating crime and joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss its goals...

Appalachian State has parted ways with head football coach Shawn Clark following a loss to Georgia Southern that ended their bowl eligibility for the second time in three years. Clark, who led the Mountaineers to a Sun Belt East Division title in 2021, struggled this season as the team fell short of expectations, finishing 5-6 after being picked to win the division. Appalachian State alumnus and p...

The Wake County Animal Center is grappling with the holiday season adding strain, and the center is kicking off the Home for the Holidays event. Megan Frost, the center’s community outreach manager, joined Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss the details, purpose, and importance of the event to the shelter this holiday season.

Host Anthony DeHart speaks with Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, about why video games are topping kids’ wish lists this holiday season. Pierre-Louis shares insights from the ESA’s recent survey on gaming trends, offers advice for parents on choosing age-appropriate games, and highlights tools like ESRB ratings and parental controls to foster safe...

Durham Rescue Mission CEO Rob Tart joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about the 50th Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner. The event provides free meals, groceries, and activities for the homeless and needy in the Triangle.

Willie Parker, former UNC and Pittsburgh Steelers running back, joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to talk about coaching the Oak Grove Pirates youth football team. After winning the state championship, the team faces the challenge of funding their trip to the AYF National Football Championship in Naples, Florida.

Bianca Howard, Outreach and Marketing Supervisor for Wake County Government, joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Feed the Bin. This program engages public and charter school students in recycling efforts, collecting paper, plastic bottles, and metal cans. With 203 schools participating during the 2023-2024 school year, Feed the Bin continues to foster...

Andrew Carter, Raleigh News and Observer writer, joins Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss Mack Brown’s legacy as the UNC football coach. Brown, fired earlier this week, will lead the Tar Heels one last time against N.C. State this Saturday. A storied career spanning two stints at UNC, Brown brought the program to the top of the ACC but could never surpass Florida State.

Political analyst Michal Brzezicki joined Steve Rao and Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss how a Trump administration might handle U.S. foreign policy, NATO relations, and support for Ukraine amid the ongoing geopolitical crisis.

Adriel Orozco joined Steve Rao and Jeff Hamlin on the WPTF Afternoon News

Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States. The American Red Cross North Carolina Region offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast. Laurie Hughe...

On Monday, Mack Brown discussed his future and said he planned to return as UNC football coach. Now, the decision has been made for him. The Tar Heels have fired Brown after six years in his second stint as head coach. Brown is the winningest head coach in school history and took the Tar Heels to the ACC Championship game in 2022. This season included a 70-50 loss to James Madison, which led to a...

Host Jeff Hamlin speaks with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall about the dramatic decline in charitable donations in North Carolina, as revealed in the 2023-2024 Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report. Donations fell from $58 million to $27 million over the past year. Marshall discusses the report’s findings, its implications for charities, and the challenges facing organization...

Host Jeff Hamlin talks with Raleigh News & Observer writer Jadyn Watson-Fisher about the potential renaming of Carter-Finley Stadium at North Carolina State University. With N.C. State Athletics partnering with Independent Sports and Entertainment (ISE) to explore naming rights opportunities, Watson-Fisher discusses the financial implications, the $2.8 billion court settlement influencing coll...

Host Jeff Hamlin speaks with Stephen Igoe of HoistTheColours.com about Blake Harrell’s promotion to permanent head coach of the East Carolina football team. Harrell, formerly the defensive coordinator, led the Pirates to four straight victories as interim coach, including a remarkable 21-point comeback against North Texas. Igoe shares insights into Harrell’s coaching style, his impact on the team,...

Host Gayle Hurd speaks with Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina, about the state’s thriving winter sports season. Despite setbacks from Hurricane Helene, North Carolina’s six ski areas and other mountain attractions anticipate $240 million in spending this winter. Tuttell highlights new developments like Beech Mountain Resort’s renovated slope-top bar and the luxurious Hatley P...

Hosts Anthony DeHart and Steve Rao speak with Allen Thomas, Southeast Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), about the agency’s critical role in disaster recovery following Hurricane Helene and its ongoing support for North Carolina entrepreneurs. Thomas highlights $4 billion in SBA loans to N.C. small businesses over the past four years and discusses the rise of...

Host Anthony DeHart speaks with Steve Rao and Phaedra Boinodiris about her role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in North Carolina. Boinodiris discusses Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, the state of entrepreneurship in the region, and how the SBA is driving innovation with $4 billion in loans to N.C. businesses over the last four years. She highlights resources for entrepreneurs...

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams joins Steve Rao and Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to discuss local and national politics, Durham’s initiatives to address crime, and the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Williams highlights public-private partnerships, Durham’s economic resilience, and the city’s strong local business environment rooted in the legacy of Blac...

Host Jeff Hamlin interviews Emil Runge from First Flight Venture Center during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Runge shares insights on how First Flight supports startups in biotech, clean tech, and ag tech through innovative programs and resources. Discover how the organization helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges, secure funding, and bring groundbreaking ideas to market, fostering job growth an...

Host Jon Champion interviews Karla Crosswhite from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission about the Anchor It campaign, which raises awareness about preventing furniture and appliance tip-overs in the home. Learn about the lifesaving resources available at AnchorIt.gov , the importance of anchoring furniture, and the recent STURDI Act that strengthens safety standards for clothing storage uni...

To increase awareness about problem gambling and its effects on individuals, families and communities, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is partnering with East Carolina University to conduct vital research into the emerging trends and impact of problem gambling, as well as looking at historically marginalized and understudied populations in North Carolina. Kelly Crosbie,...

It is round two of veto override at the General Assembly. Republicans in the Senate have overridden Governor Cooper's veto of House Bill 10. The bill now becomes law. The GOP controlled State House voted to override it on Tuesday. HB10 includes the controversial bill that expands who qualifies for private school vouchers. Shanna Peele, President of the Buncombe County Association of Educators, fee...