Podcast
WPTF Afternoon News
Hosted by WPTF FM 92.9 AM 680 · EN
The WPTF Afternoon News airs weekdays from 3-5 p.m. ET. Each afernoon, you will receive local and national news, sports, entertainment, and live traffic reports, along with interviews regarding local news that matters, with a focus on showcasing local businesses and people. Plus, the crew will assure you to give you fun and entertaining segments to keep you tuned in all afternoon long!
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Former North Carolina Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten discusses the life of Paul Dombalis
4w ago00:06:20Tap to summarizeThe former owner of Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, The Mecca, has died. Paul Dombalis passed away last month at 68. Dombalis worked at the family restaurant for almost 50 years and led the business for 28 years before selling in 2018. Rufus Edmisten, former North Carolina Secretary of State, had his photo on the wall at the Mecca. Rufus joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss Paul Dombalis.
Transcribe →Asher Hildebrand of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy discusses how the expansion of US strikes on Iran has lead to more retaliation across the Gulf
4w ago00:06:33Tap to summarizeThe United States has conducted a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran after announcing the death of another American service member. Iran has responded Monday by launching an attack targeting Bahrain, the home of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Asher Hildebrand, Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, joined Jeff Hamlin to discuss the latest in Iran.
Transcribe →N.C. State Economics Professor Emeritus Mike Walden discusses the economic report that came out for the month of June
Jul 1600:06:50Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →National Retail Federation Chief Economist Mark Mathews discusses what purchases families are prioritizing during back-to-school shopping
Jul 1600:05:48Tap to summarizeIf 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.
Transcribe →Spokesperson for Wilkes Tourism Susan Dosier discusses North Wilkesboro Speedway hosting its 1st NASCAR Cup Circuit Points race since 1996
Jul 1500:06:09Tap to summarizeWhen 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.
Transcribe →Public Policy Polling Director Tom Jensen discusses a new survey that finds Whatley gaining ground on Cooper in North Carolina Senate race
Jul 1500:05:57Tap to summarizeFormer 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.
Transcribe →Mac McCorkle of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy discusses the latest developments with the War in Iran
Jul 1500:07:25Tap to summarizeThe 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.
Transcribe →New Executive Director of the Durham Public Schools Foundation James Perry discusses being named to the role and his plans in the position
Jul 1500:06:43Tap to summarizeJames 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.
Transcribe →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
Jul 1400:05:33Tap to summarizeThis 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.
Transcribe →WalletHub Reporter Chip Lupo discusses Raleigh ranking 9th in the 2026 Best Large City for First-Time Home Buyers Study by WalletHub
Jul 1400:06:33Tap to summarizeWith 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.
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