WPTF Afternoon News

WPTF Afternoon News

di WPTF FM 92.9 AM 680
Spokesperson for Wilkes Tourism Susan Dosier discusses North Wilkesboro Speedway hosting its 1st NASCAR Cup Circuit Points race since 1996
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.
Public Policy Polling Director Tom Jensen discusses a new survey that finds Whatley gaining ground on Cooper in North Carolina Senate race
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.
Mac McCorkle of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy discusses the latest developments with the War in Iran
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.
New Executive Director of the Durham Public Schools Foundation James Perry discusses being named to the role and his plans in the position
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.
Marbles Kids Museum Director of Learning Engagement Robin Magnum discusses the Farm to Fork Kids Fest that will take place at Marbles Kids Museum this Saturday
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.
WalletHub Reporter Chip Lupo discusses Raleigh ranking 9th in the 2026 Best Large City for First-Time Home Buyers Study by WalletHub
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.
Former Medical Director for Air Force Pararescue Josh McConkey discusses the condition that has been revealed to have led toSenator Lindsey Graham’s death
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.
Crayons2Calcualtors Program Manager Eunice Sanders discusses the 25th Annual Fill That Bus Campaign
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.
Western Carolina University Political Science Professor Chris Cooper discusses the process for replacing Lindsey Graham
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 .
Raleigh News and Observer sports writer Chip Alexander discusses the life and impact of longtime Raleigh real estate figure Stephen Stroud
Stephen Stroud, a key real estate figure who was instrumental in the Carolina Hurricanes moving to Raleigh, has died. Stroud was involved in several key developments across Raleigh and Wake County, including the Crossroads development in Cary. Raleigh News and Observer sportswriter Chip Alexander joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss how Stroud help lure the Hartford Whalers to North Carolina.
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