Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Chris Cooper discusses Democrat Graham Platner trying to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in a critical Senate matchup

Vanessa Hickmon, Executive Director of the Family Resource Center South Atlantic Region

Fatherhood plays a vital role in building strong families and strong communities. This weekend, an event in the Triangle will bring together fathers, family advocates, and community leaders to focus on that important mission.Jon Champion talks with Vanessa Hickmon, Executive Director of the Family Resource Center South Atlantic Region about the upcoming NC Fatherhood Conference, the work her organization is doing across the state, and why supporting fathers matters now more than ever.

Writer for the North State Journal Cory Lavalette discusses a new book about Hurricanes Stanley Cup season

Cory Lavalette has written about the Carolina Hurricanes throughout Rod Brind’Amour’s tenure as head coach. Now, he’s about to publish a book about the Canes Stanley Cup season called “Perfect Storm: The Hurricanes Commemorative Championship Book.” He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the atmosphere after the Canes won the Stanley Cup on Sunday.

WalletHub writer Chip Lupo discusses a new WalletHub report that ranks Durham as among the best run cities in America

As local governments continue to grapple with challenges like inflation and ongoing public safety concerns such as mass shootings, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its report on 2026’s Best and Worst Run Cities in America. Chip Lupo, WalletHub writer, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their results.

Owner of The Rialto Hayes Permar discusses a Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup celebration that will be held at the Rialto

The Rialto Theater was one of several venues to host a Stanley Cup Watch Party as the Carolina Hurricanes took the championship. At Glenwood South on Monday night, the Stanley Cup was in full display, along with many of the Hurricanes players. Hayes Permar, owner of the Rialto, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the atmosphere.

Mac McCorkle of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy discusses an initial deal to end US-Iran war moves toward formal signing despite lingering questions

An initial agreement between the United States and Iran to extend their shaky ceasefire is inching toward a formal signing. That's despite questions Monday over the fate of Tehran’s nuclear program and an offensive by Israel in Lebanon that could prolong the fighting and scuttle the deal. Mac McCorkle, from the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the deal.