WPTF Afternoon News

CEO of Freedom and Glory Liz Morris discusses why the flag company decided to rebrand

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.

N.C. State historian Tim Peeler discusses Elliott Avent planning to retire as N.C. State baseball coach

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.

Wake County Snake Expert Milton Morgan discusses warmer weather making snake sightings more likely

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.

Meterologist Jonathan Blaes with the National Weather Service discusses NOAA's Atlantic hurricane forecast for 2026

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.

Elon University Professor of Sports Management Alex Traugutt discusses how away fans give a boost to North Carolina's sports economy as the Canes advance

For the third time in four seasons, the Carolina Hurricanes are in the Eastern Conference Finals. Tomorrow night, the Canes will face Montreal in game one of the best-of-seven series at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. Some Caniacs will be traveling to away games. Alex Traugutt, Elon University Professor of Sports Management, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the sports economy is impacted by fans visiting Raleigh from out of town.