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WPTF Afternoon News

WPTF Afternoon News

by WPTF FM 92.9 AM 680

Daily News News Commentary

N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus Mike Walden discusses the economic report that came out for the month of June

The consumer price index fell a seasonally adjusted 0.4% for the month, bringing the annual inflation rate down to 3.5%. Wall Street had expected a 0.2% monthly decline and 3.8% annual level. N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus Mike Walden joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss this week’s report.

National Retail Federation Chief Economist Mark Mathews discusses what purchases families are prioritizing during back-to-school shopping

If it seems as though everyone is purchasing school supplies even earlier than usual, it’s not just you — one-third of back-to-school shoppers had started their shopping by early June, the highest since the question was first asked in 2018, according to the annual survey by National Retail Federation. Mark Mathews, National Retail Federation Chief Economist, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest in back-to-school shopping.

Program Manager for Root Causes Scott Brummel discusses a food bank delivery app being developed by a Duke Med-based organization with help from NC State Students

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.

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.

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