WPTF Afternoon News

The National Weather Service forecasts an increased risk for cold and unsettled weather for much of the country during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. A broad area of low pressure in the mid-levels of the atmosphere is forecast to dominate most of the Lower 48 states during Thanksgiving week and into the ensuing weekend. Thanksgiving travelers are advised to keep a close watch on this evolvin...

The former director of the Centers for Disease Control has made a direct accusation that COVID-19 was started in a lab at UNC-Chapel Hill by one of its researchers and not a lab in Wuhan, China. Dr. Robert Redfield made the claim on the Third Opinion Podcast late last week. He said the virus was ‘intentionally engineered as a part of a biodefense program’ and that the United States’ role in it was...

Host Jeff Hamlin talks with J. Mike Blake, longtime high school sportswriter for HighSchoolOT.com , about the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s transition to eight classifications. This major shift will double the number of state champions, raising questions for athletic directors about conference alignments and the future of traditional rivalries. Blake shares his analysis of how...

Host Jeff Hamlin talks with Tiffany Wright from AAA Carolinas about the nearly 80 million travelers expected to hit the roads and skies this Thanksgiving. Wright shares insights on this record-breaking holiday travel forecast, including a projected 71.7 million car travelers, and offers tips for navigating crowded roads and staying safe during the busiest travel week of the year.

Host Jeff Hamlin speaks with Nate French, Communications Director at Wake Forest University, about the Democratic Party's challenges following their Election Day losses. From messaging missteps to shifts in Hispanic voter support for Donald Trump, French offers insights into what went wrong in 2024 and how the party can evolve for future elections. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of the Democrati...

Host Jeff Hamlin speaks with Jennifer Greene, Executive Director of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, about the challenges faced by western N.C. Christmas tree farms after Hurricane Helene. Despite devastating losses from mudslides in Avery County, the Cartner family farm delivered a 20-foot tree destined for the White House. Greene shares insights on how the storm affected the indust...

Host Jeff Hamlin talks with Stephanie Hawco from RDU Airport about the exciting launch of a direct flight to Calgary, Canada, scheduled for next year. Hawco shares insights on this new route and other upcoming destinations, highlighting RDU's continued growth and its efforts to expand travel options for the Triangle area. Tune in to learn more about the future of air travel at RDU.

Host Jeff Hamlin speaks with Sherard Johnson, founder of RNS Sports, about the organization’s mission to combat rising violence in Durham. In light of eight shootings in just four days, Johnson explains how RNS Sports engages local youth through basketball pickup games, offering a safe and positive environment. Learn how sports can foster community and provide alternatives for at-risk youth in thi...

Host Jeff Hamlin interviews Kathy Kaufman, a member of Kehillah Synagogue, about the community backlash surrounding an artistic banner displayed at Peace & Justice Plaza in Chapel Hill. Part of Sadie Rose's "The Power of Good Trouble" series, the banner features a pro-Palestine protester and has drawn criticism from Jewish community members. Kaufman shares her perspective on the controversy an...

Host Jeff Hamlin interviews Anderson Clayton, Chairwoman of the North Carolina Democratic Party, about the party’s significant wins in the 2024 election. Despite national setbacks, Josh Stein secured the governorship, Rachel Hunt claimed the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and Mo Green narrowly defeated Michele Morrow for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Clayton discusses the strategies b...

Steve Rao joined Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News to provide political commentary on the news of the day

Anthony DeHart and Steve Rao are joined by NC State Senator Jay Chaudhri, Minority Whip

Raju Gadiraju is the CIO at the Division of Employment Security. He joined the state government in 2016 after a successful career in the private sector, coming from Oxford University Press, a global company. Raju is known for his outstanding leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Raju led transformative projects and was awarded the 2020 Public Sector CIO of the Year for his role in managing th...

Host Jeff Hamlin interviews N.C. State economics professor emeritus Mike Walden to discuss the economic outlook under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. With food prices at an all-time high, Walden explains the role of universal tariffs, the complexities of trade policies, and the challenges involved in lowering grocery costs. Tune in for insights into how Trump's economic agenda, incl...

Join host Jeff Hamlin as he speaks with Jamie Curtis, General Manager of Koka Booth Amphitheatre, about the highly anticipated N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary. Running from November 16 to January 12, the event features over 40 stunning new displays, vibrant performances, and family-friendly activities. Learn how this festival, with its iconic silk lanterns and unique art installations, celeb...

Host Jon Champion interviews Gaile Osborne, Executive Director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina, on the challenges facing the foster care system this holiday season. With a 21% drop in foster homes and limited resources after recent hurricanes, Osborne shares insights into the Holiday Hope Toy Drive, an initiative to bring gifts and support to 1,000 foster children across North Caro...

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for office, he has named Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff and Tom Homan as “border czar” to lead his immigration agenda, which includes mass deportations and reviving Trump-era border policies. Chris Cooper, author of Anatomy of a Purple State , joins Jeff Hamlin to discuss the implications of these appointments for immigration policy and share insig...

House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared that Republicans are prepared to take action on Donald Trump's "America First" agenda if he returns to the White House. In this episode, former North Carolina Secretary of State Rufus Edminsten joins Jeff Hamlin to break down what Johnson’s statements mean for the GOP’s approach to border security, unified government, and other conservative priorities.

Join host Jeff Hamlin as he interviews NOAA’s David Easterling from the National Centers for Environmental Information, located in Asheville, NC. They discuss Helene's effects on western North Carolina, the link between climate change and increased heavy rainfall, and the challenges of understanding Helene’s magnitude. Learn how scientists like Easterling and climate scientist Jake Fortune are usi...

Jeff Hamlin speaks with Gerald Cohen, economist at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business Institute, about the economic implications of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies, including new tariffs aimed at reshaping the U.S. economy. As inflation continues and the Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates, Cohen analyzes how these shifts might affect consumers, business owners, and the br...

Jeff Hamlin talks with Dr. Laura Gabayan, author of Common Wisdom , about handling the post-election season with family and friends who may not share your political views. With half the country experiencing either relief or disappointment, Dr. Gabayan provides practical advice on how to keep holiday gatherings comfortable and respectful. She shares insights on maintaining connections, avoiding unn...

Jeff Hamlin speaks with Larry Olson, spokesperson for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, about their tribute to Fire Captain Nathan Burgess, who lost his life to occupational cancer in 2023. In recognition of his service and dedication, the foundation has paid off the mortgage on his family’s home in Willow Springs, North Carolina, as part of their ongoing mission to support the families of fallen f...

Tom Murry joined Steve Rao and Anthony DeHart on the WPTF Afternoon News

In this episode, host Jon Champion and guest host Morrisville Councilman Steve Rao are joined by Raleigh’s Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton. Melton dives into the unexpected election victory of former President Trump, sharing his insights on the demographic shifts that influenced the results and what this means for the future of the Democratic Party. Transitioning to Raleigh’s growth and development,...

Jeff Hamlin speaks with Tammy Cobb, Executive Director of Alamance Arts, about The Life and Art of Charles Schulz exhibit currently on display in Graham, North Carolina. The exhibit celebrates the legacy of Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, and explores the timeless themes he illustrated through beloved characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Cobb shares insights into Schulz’s...