WPTF Afternoon News

Students at N.C. State have been working with Root Causes, a Duke Med-based organization, to develop an app that makes food bank-style deliveries to people who need it in record time. Scott Brummel, a program manager for Root Causes, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the app.

When NASCAR left North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1996, many Wilkes County residents thought it would be a pipe dream before it would return again. This Sunday, North Wilkesboro will host its first NASCAR Cup points race in 30 years when the Window World 450 takes place. Susan Dosier, with Wilkes Tourism, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how the return of NASCAR has revitalized Wilkes County.

Former Governor Roy Cooper continues to raise money in his North Carolina Senate race against Michael Whatley. However, a new poll from Public Policy Polling finds good news for Whatley. Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest results.

The U.S. has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the American strikes on Wednesday hit an Iranian army barracks, killed at least seven troops and wounded hundreds of people across the country. Mac McCorkle, from the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest developments in Iran.

James Perry has been named the new Executive Director of the Durham Public Schools Foundation. Perry has more than 20 years of experience successfully leading nonprofits, including multiple education programs. He joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss his new role.

This Saturday, Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh will shift into a living, breathing farm-to-fork discovery zone. It’s an area where kids can learn with hands-on activations and labs throughout the museum’s first floor. Robin Magnum of Marbles Kids Museum joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss what’s scheduled.

With just 21% of home purchases last year made by first-time buyers, compared to the historical average of 40%, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the Best and Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026. Raleigh made the top ten. Chip Lupo of WalletHub joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss their findings.

Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death has thrown new attention on a rare but often deadly cardiovascular emergency known as aortic dissection. The cause of death was identified as an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a statement released by Graham's office on Sunday. Josh McConkey, a former Medical Director for Air Force Pararescue combat search teams, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the condition.

What began as an idea in 2001 to connect the Durham community with its schools has annually fueled a community movement benefiting 100% of Durham Public Schools. “Fill That Bus!” returns on July 13 and runs to August 14. It is operated by Crayons 2 Calculators. Eunice Sanders joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this year’s campaign.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham, the sister of Lindsey Graham, to finish his stint in the U.S. Senate. A special primary will determine the Republican nominee for the general election. The open Senate seat has ambitious conservatives vying for the position. Chris Cooper, Western Carolina University political science professor, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the process for replacing Lindsey Graham .