WPTF Afternoon News

The United States women’s basketball team has won the gold medal at the FIBA World Cup. Pressed into two difficult games against France, the American emerged victorious behind the leadership of Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson. Chris Edwards has called games for Lawson’s Duke Blue Devils over the Duke Radio Network for many years. Edwards joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Lawson’s leadership style.

The American Heart Association is gearing up for one of its most significant annual events, the 2026 Triangle Heart Walk, set to take place on Saturday, October 3, at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh. Katie Belusa, from the American Heart Association of the Triangle, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the event.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has announced it has received $40 million from the OpenAI Foundation. The foundation is the nonprofit parent organization that governs the for-profit company OpenAI Group PBC. Dr. Alex Rubinsteyn, an expert in machine learning at the UNC School of Medicine, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the donation.

The U.S. Census Bureau has released its annual estimates of income, poverty and health insurance coverage. What does it say regarding the national snapshot of economic conditions in 2025? Lisa Gennetian, from the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the census.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association approved girls flag football in May, making the state the 22nd nationwide to do so. Coaches said many athletes have already been playing the sport for years. More than 150 high schools now field teams. Shawn Patil, the flag football coach at Green Level High School, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss why the sport is growing.

If you love James Bond, whether it is through movies or video games, this week you’ll want to be at the Rialto in Raleigh. On Tuesday, the Rialto will screen “Dr. No.” It’s the first of three Bond films over three nights. Plus, there’s a special wrinkle for Thursday night. Hayes Permar, the owner of the Rialto, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss a special week for Bond fans.

As conversations about mental health continue to gain national attention, experts are urging families and communities to recognize warning signs that may indicate someone is struggling, particularly new mothers and men, two groups facing unique mental health challenges. Jillian Amodio, the Founder of Moms for Mental Health, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the warning signs parents should look out for.

A new poll from Elon University shows former Gov. Roy Cooper holding an 11-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley in North Carolina's U.S. Senate race. Jason Husser, Elon University Poll Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest numbers.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Jon Champion talks with Dr. Zach Feuer, Assistant Professor of Urologic Oncology at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and William Moore, Men’s Health Program Manager at the Center, about prostate cancer, screening, risk factors, and who is disproportionately affected by this disease.

In Chapel Hill, the annual 9/11 stair climb at Kenan Stadium will be held Friday morning. Participants will climb 2,071 stairs, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers, as a tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11 and to the firefighters, police officers, military members, first responders, and civilians who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness that day. Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Klekowski joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the annual march.