WPTF Afternoon News

UNC-Chapel Hill Religious Studies Professor Dr. Evyatar Marienberg has written a book regarding the musician Sting. It focuses on Sting’s faith and how he relied on it to write two of his most popular albums following the deaths of his parents. Dr. Marienberg joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss “Sting and Religion.”

A burn ban was recently lifted in North Carolina. Even when we're not in a burn ban, some outdoor burning is prohibited, according to the state Department of Environmental Quality, which enforces the state’s open burning rules. Phillip Jackson, with the N.C. Forest Service, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what is allowed after the ban was lifted.

Americans are quietly overpaying for spring and summer travel—and many are skipping trips they think they can’t afford. But new research from AARP shows savvy travelers are using AI to find better deals and stretch their budgets. Steve Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP Services talks with Jon Champion.

The Supreme Court has weakened a landmark Civil Rights-era law that has increased minority representation in Congress and elsewhere. In a 6-3 ruling, the court's conservative majority on Wednesday struck down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana. Professor Irving Joyner has followed the Voting Rights Act since its implementation. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the ramifications of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

On Wednesday, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and advocates from across North Carolina gathered at the General Assembly to share personal stories and call on lawmakers to continue to protect Medicaid and other critical services that support people with individual developmental disabilities. Talley Wells, with the North Carolina Council for Developmental Disabilities, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their requests.

After years of financial problems several announcements Tuesday from Saint Augustine's University. Court filings show that between $50 and $100 million is owed, including more than $14 million to the IRS. Leaders say the move allows the university to keep operating while restructuring its debt. Steve Williams, a member of Save St. Augustine’s University, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his feelings about the move.

Drivers across North Carolina received an unpleasant surprise when they arrived to the gas pump on Tuesday. The average price of a gallon of gas is now over $4 a gallon. At one station in Raleigh on Tuesday, the price for a gallon of regular unleaded was $4.19. On Monday, the price was $3.91. The higher gas prices are leading motorists to explore electric vehicles. Dave Erb, a member of the Blue Ridge EV Club, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the demand for electric vehicles

Duke University has been awarded $12.9 million from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for a new clinical trial aimed at improving the standard of care for autistic children with chronic digestive discomfort. The study will be co-led by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill, underscoring the impact of the partnership between Duke Health and UNC Health. Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi, a Duke University Pediatric Gastroenterologist, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the partnership.

Smart scientists can create breakthrough ideas. But turning that idea into a real, working lab or agtech facility is a completely different challenge, and most of them don’t know how to do that part. One of the things the Triangle does best is having people who do know how to make that leap, and actually care about whether these ideas succeed in the real world. Dave Fleming and Sam Cronin from Innovation Commercial joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how they’re working with companies.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects affects millions of children, yet many go years without a diagnosis, missing the chance for early support that can change long-term outcomes even when early signs are present. In a new study, Duke Health researchers found that artificial intelligence tools can analyze routine electronic health records to accurately estimate a child’s risk of developing ADHD years before a typical diagnosis. Dr. Matthew Englehard, from Duke University’s Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, talked with Jeff Hamlin.

New reporting from the Athletic finds that administrators at UNC Chapel Hill planned to unveil plans for a new basketball arena at Carolina North back in the ball. But those plans were derailed after pushback from former Carolina coaches and players, most notably Roy Williams. The author of the report, Brendan Marks, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what happened and where things stand now.

After his stunning primary loss, Senate President Phil Berger spoke with reporters on Wednesday. Berger said he’s mulling some changes to election laws as the General Assembly resumes work for the first time since the Republican state Senate leader lost his reelection bid. Bryan Anderson, a North Carolina politics writer for the Assembly, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Berger’s statements.