WPTF Afternoon News

Kyle Busch's passing has sent shockwaves through the racing community, as well as some in the medical industry. Busch died from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. UNC Health Critical Medicine Specialist Dr. Kenton Dover joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss sepsis and the threat it poses to people.

The final steel beam was placed on the new Red Hat Amphitheater stage on Tuesday afternoon. It is a significant milestone in the building of the new Red Hat Amphitheater, which is expected to be ready in time for the 2027 concert season. Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention Center, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how this impacts business in downtown Raleigh.

A Holly Springs woman is sharing her story for the first time years after her then-husband, Joshua Becker, pleaded guilty to raping and assaulting a stranger. The attack in Glenwood South stunned the community and exposed the elementary school teacher as a sexual predator. Ashley Monroe has written a book called “I Thought I Knew.” She joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the process of documenting her experiences.

The family of Kyle Busch has released a statement regarding the cause of his death. The medical evaluation provided by the Busch family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications. It was an emotional weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway after Busch’s death. Mike Hembree, a contributing editor to Autoweek, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the environment in Charlotte after the death of a legend.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. The Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship at Raleigh County Club. The Division II College World Series in Cary. And the North Carolina High School State Baseball Championships in Holly Springs. It will be an active sports weekend in Wake County. Scott Dupree of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what’s coming up.

The woman accused of shooting two attorneys outside of the Wake County Courthouse in downtown Raleigh will remain in jail without bond. 57-year-old Gwendolyn White is charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting last Friday in downtown Raleigh. Attorney Lee Turner was outside the Old Wake County Courthouse when the shots rang out. Turner joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the chaotic scene and the dangers that attorneys have faced.

Unless you live in or in close proximity to Hillsborough, you probably wouldn’t equate Carrot-Top Industries with flags. But, after months of careful planning and strategy, the company that started about 45 years ago in Chicago and later moved to Orange County, the company rolled out a new name that is more closely tied to its product and core values. The flag manufacturer is now Freedom and Glory. Liz Morris of Freedom and Glory joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they stay busy during Memorial Day weekend.

Elliott Avent is retiring as the head coach of the N.C. State baseball team after 30 years at the conclusion of the season. Avent is the winningest coach in school history with 1,103 victories. A native of Nash County, Avent led the Wolfpack to the College World Series three times and to the NCAA Tournament in 22 of 29 seasons. Tim Peeler is an N.C. State historian who has many memories of Avent. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Avent’s career.

Warmer temperatures mean more people on hiking trails or doing yard work, but also means an increase in snake sightings. Snake expert and wrangler, Milton Morgan, says this time of year is when there will be more snake encounters. Morgan joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how you can stay safe.

This year's Atlantic hurricane season will see below average tropical activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The decreased storm activity is driven by El Nino. Jonathan Blaes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s office in Raleigh joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the forecast.