WPTF Afternoon News

A powerful night of music, unity , and celebration is coming to Cary as the legendary band WAR takes the stage at Koka Booth Ampitheatre on August 29 with their "Why Can't We Be Friends 50th Anniversary Tour", with The Family Stone and The Ohio Players. WAR's iconic anthem is a timeless call for unity that resonates just as strongly today as it did 50 years ago. Joining WAR is The Family Stone, featuring co-founder Jerry Martini, who helped shape one of the most influential and diverse bands in music history. He joins Gayle Hurd to talk about the tour, and the legacy left by the late Sly Stone.

New crime figures in Durham show major crime is down for the first six months of 2026. The Durham County Sheriff's Office says it's top eight crimes fell by just over eight percent compared to this time last year. Larcenies, including car break-ins, are also down 12% after deputies saw a spike in April and May. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest numbers.

The Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have sold out of all their season tickets for the 2026-27 season, the team announced Wednesday. Limited tickets to individual games will go on sale August 20. Al Hood, a writer for Canes County, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the Canes offseason thus far.

As more North Carolina schools prepare for a new academic year state education leaders are offering fresh guidance on how screens should be used in the classroom. Now, North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction is encouraging schools to be more intentional about how technology is used. Ashley McBride, from the Department of Public Instruction, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the guidance.

The group Free Our Spirits NC is calling for the General Assembly to reform ABC Liquor and THC laws. They’re urging legislative leaders to create a bipartisan study commission before the next long session. Joyce Sullivan from Free our Spirits joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the changes the group would like to see

Toy Story 5 has shattered previous box office records over the past few weekends grossing over $1.06 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026. One reason why may be their good luck charm, Lori Alan! She plays young Bonnie's mom in Toy Story 3, 4 and now 5! Lori may be best known as the long-time voice of Pearl Krabs on SpongeBob SquarePants and Dianne Simmons on Family Guy, not to mention live action shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Pee-Wee Herman Show.

Gayle Hurd talked to her about her career, the impact of AI and a personal and professional milestone .

Same drug. Same dose. A wildly different price. A new report reveals how a generic cancer drug that can cost less than $100 elsewhere can carry a price tag of more than $12,000. Anthony Ciaccia joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the discrepancy

It’s a new time for University Place in Chapel Hill. Four tenants are about to open at the longtime institution in southern Orange County. Devon Burke, Marketing Manager for University Place, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what will open soon.

Cozell McQueen was 64 years old years old. .Standing at 6-foot-11, McQueen was a reserve center on the Cinderella title-winning team. He averaged 5.3 points and six rebounds during his four-year career with the Wolfpack. Tim Peeler, an N.C. State historian, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his memories of McQueen

Representative Chuck Edwards announced Wednesday morning that he's withdrawing from his re-election campaign. The congressman cites personal reflection and conversations with his family as primary factors in the decision to end his campaign. Western Carolina Political Science professor Chris Cooper joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the process of replacing Edwards will play out.