WPTF Afternoon News

The K9 Comeback Project works to connect specially selected rescue dogs with individuals who may benefit from the support and companionship of a trained dog, including veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Kristin Maher, the Executive Director of the K9 Comeback Project, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss some animals available for adoption.

This week, the North Carolina Aquariums celebrate their official 50th anniversary, marking five decades of connecting generations of visitors with North Carolina’s extraordinary aquatic life and environments. Larry Warner, with the NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the milestone and what they have to offer.

With vaccines preventing 3.5 to 5 million deaths per year worldwide, according to the WHO, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States that Vaccine the Most in 2026. Chip Lupo of WalletHub joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the study.

Twenty-five years after escaping the World Trade Center just minutes before the towers collapsed, Mike Dempsey, who now lives in North Carolina, is working to educate future generations about the September 11 attacks and support those affected by them. Dempsey joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss surviving 9/11 and how he moved forward.

State officials marked National 988 Day by expanding efforts to connect North Carolinians with mental health support, unveiling new signs at state-owned parking facilities throughout Raleigh to promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Amy Brundle, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, North Carolina, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the expanded access to care.

As North Carolina's population ages, more families are stepping into the role of caregiver for aging parents, spouses and loved ones. The “Duke Caregiver Community Event” aims to provide North Carolinians with resources to support. Nicole Clagett, Duke University’s Director of Community Development and Caregiver Support, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the event.

On Tuesday, the Wake County Board of Elections hosted a tour for advocacy group RightCount North Carolina, including former Gov. Pat McCrory and former Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, as part of an effort to increase transparency and public confidence in elections. McCrory joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss security for this year’s elections.

UNC head football coach Bill Belichick held his first media availability since football general manager Michael Lombardi resigned amid an expanding investigation into the Tar Heels' football program. It puts Belichick’s future as UNC football coach in question, even after a win over TCU to start the season. David Glenn of the North Carolina Sports Network joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the situation.

The Soccer Tournament delivered a record-setting fourth year in Cary. It generating an estimated $16.2 million in direct economic impact, a 10% increase over 2025. Scott Dupree, with the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the economic impact of the event.

This Friday marks 25 years after 9/11. With the war in Iran raging on, how safe is America? David Schanzer, from the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the aftermath of 9/11 25 years later.