WPTF Afternoon News

Two years after it became legal in the state, a new Meredith College poll shows how North Carolina residents feel about mobile sports betting. Residents also weighed in on prediction markets. David McLennan from Meredith College joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the survey.

Downtown Raleigh experienced a surge in visitors and business activity over the past year, aided in part by the Carolina Hurricanes run to the Stanley Cup. Will Gaskins, Vice President of Economic Development & Planning with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the Hurricanes brought new visitors to downtown Raleigh.

UNC football General Manager Mike Lombardi has been placed on administrative leave. ESPN reports the move stems from an human resources complaint filed by a former UNC front office employee. The announcement came from university officials, not the athletic department. In addition, Pablo Torre reports UNC is being investigated by the College Sports Commission, the entity which handles compliance and enforcement of NCAA rules. Dave Glenn, from the North Carolina Sports Network, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

According to the CDC Tick Bite Data Tracker, emergency department visits for tick bites across the Southeast have reached their highest July levels in the past decade. Dr. Ganga Moorthy, from Duke Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to explain why the numbers are so high and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

As grocery prices continue to climb and millions of Americans lose access to federal food assistance, local leaders are expanding efforts to address growing hunger across North Carolina. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina have opened a new facility in northern Durham. The 64,000-square-foot facility has opened courtesy of a $1 million investment from Food Lion FEEDS. Jason Kanawati Stephany joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the need for the new center.

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum will host a traveling exhibit and virtual program marking the 90th anniversary of the Negro Motorist Green Book. The museum, part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is hosting an exhibit for the rest of the week. It explores African American travel during the Jim Crow era. Sarah Morrell, Site Manager for the Museum, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the exhibit.

Much-needed rain across central North Carolina brought needed relief for some farmers across Wake County. While the rainfall provided relief, agricultural experts say drought-related challenges remain. Matt Poore, N.C. State Extension Livestock Commodity Coordinator, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest on the drought.

A former federal prison in eastern North Carolina appears poised to become the state's first dedicated federal immigration detention center, according to a report from the New York Times. The newspaper reported ICE plans to open a detention center this fall at the former Rivers Correctional Institution in Winton. Andreina Malki, from Seimbra NC, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments.

Wake County remains under severe drought conditions, while Durham and Orange counties remain in extreme drought, creating challenges for farmers and home gardeners despite recent rainfall. Phil Campbell, the owner of Campbell Road Nursey in Raleigh, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how she is getting through the drought.

The Carolina Children's Theatre/ Youth Arts Academy is bringing Broadway to Fuquay-Varina, and educating young people on the importance of the arts , in their upcoming production of Disney's Newsies, Jr. July 17 an 18 at the Fuquay Varina Arts Center! The Newsies , Jr. is a version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. It's Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, who strike against the powerful newspaper publishers.

Gayle Hurd talks about the show and the academy with CCT's director Christina Cass Catton.