WPTF Afternoon News

At least 2,000 people have died among the confirmed cases in Congo's Ebola outbreak that is the fastest-spreading on record, according to the latest government data. Various members of Samaritan’s Purse in North Carolina are in Congo helping with recovery efforts.

Ken Isaacs of Samaritan’s Purse joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest.

The Town of Apex will launch Season Two of On The Steps, The Halle Cultural Arts Center's intimate “in the roud” concert series, with “Stories in Song” featuring Grammy nominated Laila Biali on August 21.

Marie Neal and Christian Tambor joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the upcoming concert series

The labor market posted a modest loss in July, as businesses shed jobs in the face of renewed tariffs and higher costs driven by war in the Middle East. Mike Walden, N.C. State Economics professor emeritus, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest numbers.

With cases of cyclosporiasis rising across the state, there have been growing concerns about food and specifically produce safety. As health officials continue investigating the outbreak, Raleigh food hub, The Produce Box, is doing its best to bring fresh, local produce from all across the state. Bailey McNeill, Director of the Produce Box, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what she is doing for her business.

Stephanie Mardis has been named the new Police Chief of Durham. Mardis has been the assistant chief for the Greensboro Police Department. She has spent all 24 years of her law enforcement career in Greensboro. She arrives in Durham as city leaders have focused on violence reduction strategies. Mardis joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss her new role.

Democrat Roy Cooper has an 11-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley among likely voters in the race to fill the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, according to a new Elon University poll. Jason Husser, Elon University Poll Director, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest survey.

A Raleigh swimmer completed a prestigious test of endurance Friday, swimming across the English Channel at just 17 years old. Broughton High School student Lorelei Schmidt completed the swim from the coast of England to the French coastline in 12 hours and five minutes. Schmidt joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the achievement.

The Johnston County Little League 12U Softball team continued a winning tradition for the state on Sunday, defeating Kentucky 2-0 in the championship game of the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville. Head coach Ben Catarozzoli joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the accomplishment.

North Carolina Central University marked a historic milestone Monday with the grand opening of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research, becoming the first HBCU in the nation to launch a dedicated AI research center. Dr. Siobahn Day Grady, an associate professor in NCCU's School of Library and Information Sciences, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the breakthrough

A new feasibility study is underway to determine whether Durham County Memorial Stadium is reaching its full potential and what improvements or expansion opportunities may be possible. Tara Kenchen, the Executive Director of Durham Next, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the changes that could be made.