WPTF Afternoon News

For almost a decade, Republicans have held enough seats in the state House and Senate to enact many of their proposals with ease, even over objections of Democratic governors. Democrats are hoping to pick up enough seats to strengthen Democratic Gov. Josh Stein’s veto power. Dr. Andy Jackson, Director of Civitas Center for Public Integrity, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the midterms.

As Veterans Day approaches and the veteran unemployment rate stands at 3.6%, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2026’s Best & Worst Places for Veterans to Live. Chip Lupof WalletHub joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how high Raleigh ranks on the list.

Almost three million people cast votes early in North Carolina. On Tuesday morning, people came out at the Durham County Library to cast their ballots. Bryan Anderson from the Assembly joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the midterm elections.

Election Day is here. Voters nationwide will decide control of the U.S. House and Senate. Democrats must flip four Senate seats and three House seats to wrest control of the chambers from Republicans. Josh McConkey, a former Medical Director for Air Force Pararescue combat search and rescue teams, lives in Apex. He joined Jeff Hamlin to analyze other national races.

The Trophy Trot Race is set for this Thanksgiving in Raleigh. Based at Ridgewood Shopping Center in Raleigh, the event features an 8K race/run/walk and a Kids Dash for the tots. Alex Warren, an organizer of Trophy Trot, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s race.

More than 2 million North Carolinians had cast ballots as early voting wrapped up Saturday ahead of the midterm election. The total represents just over 23% of statewide turnout. This election cycle is also surpassing early voting turnout at the same point four years ago. Steve Rao, a former member of the Morrisville Town Council, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the midterms.

President Donald Trump is asking voters to pretend he’s on the Election Day ballot again, and that's creating challenges for Republicans. Midterms often serve as a referendum on the president’s party, and Trump’s decisions on tariffs, the Iran war and other matters are complicating things. Mac McCorkle, with the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the midterms.

More than one-third of North Carolina’s eligible voters have already cast a ballot in this year’s midterm elections. Tom Campbell, a longtime political analyst and host of N.C. Spin, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s midterms.

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to the Triangle in this internationally acclaimed hit musical . Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE the musical tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. And it' coming to the DPAC October 30 through November 1st. Brian Kalinowski stars as Frank Hillard . He talks to Gayle Hurd about performing such a popular story made popular by one of our most beloved comedians.

Amber Rupinta has lived her dream by appearing on TV screens daily on ABC11. Recently, she got to fulfill another dream when she serves as a member of the Washington Wizards dance team. Rupinta joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how she joined the Wizards squad.