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Records Show NHCSO Bought Facial Recognition Tech, While McMahon Said the County’s Flock System Did Not Use It
Purchase records reveal that NHCSO acquired facial-recognition and phone-location tools beyond Flock, raising new questions about New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon.
The Doobie Brothers’ Tour Heads to Wilmington, North Carolina
The Doobie Brothers head to Wilmington with Tom Johnston and Michael McDonald sharing one stage, connecting two distinct chapters of the band’s history with its newest album.
Rand Paul Confirms Fort Knox Has Gold, but Not Every Ounce
Rand Paul saw the gold at Fort Knox, but confirming every ounce still depends on an audit.
Local & state news roundup
Updated twice daily, mornings and evenings.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington to Take Part in Worldwide Day of Play
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington will run play-based activities for Wilmington-area kids at its museum location as part of the Worldwide Day of Play program day. From wwaytv3.com
Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry Remains Suspended for Ramp Repairs
Ferry service between Southport and Fort Fisher remains suspended while the ramp undergoes repair work, delaying crossings for travelers using the Cape Fear River route. From wwaytv3.com
Hundreds Gather in Wilmington for First-Ever Brick Convention
Attendees assembled for a one-day in-person gathering in Wilmington featuring brick-focused displays and model-building activities for fan participation in a single venue. From wwaytv3.com
NCDOT to Host Public Hearings on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement Options
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will present replacement options for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and take public comment on replacement concepts and timelines. From wwaytv3.com
Barclay West Developer Seeking to Lift Density Cap on Remaining Land
A Barclay West developer is seeking approval to increase the density allowed on remaining parcels, aiming to expand the number of homes permitted under current city limits. From portcitydaily.com
Two Developments Propose 450 Homes in Brunswick County
Two Brunswick County projects would together add about 450 homes, with each plan tied to specific parcels requiring approval for density, layout, and site requirements. From portcitydaily.com
13th Year of Taste of Wrightsville Beach Planned for November
Taste of Wrightsville Beach is scheduled as a recurring November event featuring food and drink activities for the Wrightsville Beach community and nearby Cape Fear areas. From portcitydaily.com
2 People Charged for Gunshots Fired at Leland Bojangles
Two people were charged after gunshots were fired at a Bojangles location in Leland, with the alleged incident investigated near the restaurant address. From portcitydaily.com
Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty in Triangle Town Center Shooting That Injured 3 People in April
A Raleigh man pleaded guilty in a Triangle Town Center shooting case that injured three people in April, moving the matter toward sentencing rather than proceeding to trial. From wral.com
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Anthropic Quietly Destroys Millions of Old Books for Its AI Model
Anthropic quietly bought and destroyed millions of books for Project Panama, converting them into private AI training material. Court records exposed the operation, but questions about its scope remain.
Flock’s Latest AI Software Moves Mass Surveillance Well Beyond Reading License Plates
Flock’s Nova and OS Investigate move police surveillance beyond license plates, while New Hanover County records reveal the Sheriff’s Office also purchased ShadowDragon identity-tracking technology.
A Taste of Italy Makes Wilmington’s Best Hot Pastrami Sandwich
A Taste of Italy’s generously portioned hot pastrami sandwich earns its place among Wilmington’s best, while its made-to-order cannoli seals the deal.
national/international News Roundup
Updated twice daily, mornings and evenings.
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration Plan To Cut FEMA Workforce In Half
A federal judge blocked the plan that would have cut FEMA staffing by about 50%, keeping the agency operating at existing workforce levels while the legal challenge proceeds. From foxnews.com
Republicans Clash Over Economic Strategy Amid Fears Of Voter Anger On Costs
Republican strategists are weighing whether to emphasize tax-cut messaging or inflation and household cost concerns as midterm preparations ramp up across multiple states. From thehill.com
Republicans Bet the House on Trump As Candidates Push Agenda-Linked Messaging
GOP strategists are coordinating state and district outreach with national branding and rallies to translate presidential support into House-seat targets. From thehill.com
Two Former Senators Eye Return Amid Seniority Shakeups And Committee Power Limits
Returning lawmakers would face seniority math that affects committee influence and floor power, determining who leads or shapes major legislation if they return. From thehill.com
White House Agrees To New Ethics Language In Crypto Bill
The White House agreed to modified ethics provisions tied to its stance on the Clarity Act, adjusting conflict-handling expectations for crypto participants and lobbyists. From thehill.com
Air Force Colonel Recounts Survival After F-15E Shot Down Over Iran
The colonel described what happened immediately after the F-15E crash during an incident over Iran and the rescue steps that followed, highlighting risks near contested airspace. From thehill.com
Trump Highlights White House Renovations, Says Building Had Deteriorated Badly
Trump linked the renovations to day-to-day executive residence operations, saying contractors and facilities staff needed to address severe deterioration affecting hosting and administrative space use. From foxnews.com
Leading Cuban Dissidents See Trump As Best Path To Change, Seek Larger Opposition Role
Cuban dissident leaders urged Trump to allow a larger role for opposition groups in any transition, including proposals tied to U.S. policy leverage against the Cuban government. From thehill.com
Trump Says Ukraine Should Pause Russian Refinery Strikes As Diesel Prices Rise
Trump urged Ukraine to pause attacks targeting Russian refinery output, arguing the pressure has pushed diesel prices higher and can raise transportation costs across Europe. From thehill.com
U.S. Military On High Alert As Iran And Allies Target Energy Supply
CBS reported the U.S. raised its posture due to concerns that Iran and allied forces could target energy infrastructure tied to global supply chains, prompting readiness changes to guard delivery routes. From cbsnews.com
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Flock Safety CEO Now Asks for a National Compromise After Compromising Everyone’s Privacy
Flock Safety expanded its plate-reader network before adopting meaningful safeguards. Now its CEO seeks a national compromise as New Hanover County’s sheriff keeps required ALPR audits in-house.
Trump’s Ground-Beef Import ‘Dumping’ Plan Ignites a Rancher’s Revolt
The White House promises cheaper ground beef, but ranchers and critics say imported supplies could lower cattle prices without producing meaningful savings at grocery stores.
Business News Roundup
Updated twice daily, mornings and evenings.
The Barclay West developer is asking to increase the density limit on the remaining acreage, which could change project phasing and how quickly construction work moves forward if approvals are granted. From portcitydaily.com Two proposed projects would total 450 new homes in Brunswick County, expanding the local housing pipeline and increasing demand for subcontractors, building materials, and support services tied to homebuilding. From portcitydaily.com RDU bought a nearby office building for $8.9 million, shifting commercial ownership and potentially affecting tenant leasing terms, building maintenance plans, and how other local owners price office space. From newsobserver.com Cellectis shares fell after the company outlined a pivot toward in vivo gene editing, shifting emphasis away From marketwatch.com Hain Celestial posted a narrower fourth-quarter loss and agreed to sell its international business, aiming to streamline operations and focus on core brands in its remaining segments. From marketwatch.com Shares rose for Euronext and Deutsche Börse after Deutsche Börse CEO comments renewed expectations for consolidation in European exchange and clearing services, with investors treating the remarks as an update… From marketwatch.com A report circulated that Rum Group could land a $13.7 billion computing deal involving Anthropic, signaling a major multi-year customer commitment that could affect capacity utilization and revenue outlook. From marketwatch.com India’s headline inflation increased to 4.82% in August From marketwatch.comBarclay West Developer Seeks to Lift Density Cap on Remaining Land
Two Developments Propose 450 Homes in Brunswick County
RDU Buys Nearby Office Building for $8.9 Million
Cellectis Shares Drop Amid Pivot Toward In Vivo Gene Editing
Hain Celestial Reports Narrower 4Q Loss and Agrees to Sell International Business
Euronext and Deutsche Börse Shares Rise After CEO Merger Comments
Rum Group Shares Gain on Report of $13.7 Billion Computing Deal With Anthropic
India Headline Inflation Rises to 4.82% in August
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New Hanover County Residents Challenge the Sheriff’s Flock Surveillance Rollout
Residents across the political spectrum challenged New Hanover County’s Flock camera system, raising concerns about privacy, data sharing and public oversight.
Mannheim Steamroller Brings Its Christmas Sound Back to Wilmington
Mannheim Steamroller returns to Wilmington for two Nov. 20 performances, bringing their unique Christmas sound that became a holiday tradition.
The Carpenters Songbook Brings Quiet Power to Wilmington’s Wilson Center
The Carpenters Songbook brings a full band and familiar songs to Wilmington’s Wilson Center on Oct. 21, inviting listeners to hear the catalog with older ears.
DeFlockILM Calls for New Hanover Commissioners to Hold Public Vote on Flock Cameras
DeFlockILM is asking New Hanover County commissioners to pause nationwide data sharing, review the county’s Flock camera program and hold its first public hearing and recorded vote.
“Trust Us” Isn’t Oversight: What Happens When Police Have Unrestricted Flock Access?
Bob Sklar discovered that Indiana law-enforcement officers searched his license plate 63 times through Flock. His case shows why internal audit logs cannot replace enforceable limits and independent oversight.
Flock CEO’s Bold Changes Expose Local Leaders as Slow Learners, but Is Flock’s Move Too Little, Too Late?
Garrett Langley is tightening Flock’s surveillance guardrails while local officials continue to lag behind.
Fortuna Cucina Italiana Is Wilmington’s Hottest Table
Fortuna brings Wilmington the high-end Italian experience it has lacked, from seasonal pasta and confident bar service to a dining room suited for an occasion.
How Did New Hanover County Buy Flock’s Human-Tracking Camera System Without Informing the Public About Its Full Capabilities?
New Hanover County’s Flock system extends beyond license-plate readers. Contracts and public records reveal people-search capabilities, outside access and serious unresolved questions about authorization and oversight.
Flock Safeguards Keep Failing to Prevent Police Misuse
Six Savannah police employees face investigation after an audit found alleged misuse of Flock license-plate data. The case joins a growing pattern across Georgia and the U.S.
From Heartbreakers Architect to Frontman, Mike Campbell Heads to Wilmington
From “Refugee” to “The Boys of Summer,” Mike Campbell’s guitar work has traveled far. Now The Dirty Knobs bring his next chapter to Wilmington.
Are More Innocent Residents Being Abused? Mooresville’s Flock Safeguards Failed
One officer faces charges and at least 10 others face scrutiny, raising questions about leadership, supervision and police surveillance.
Angie’s Fresh Produce Offers Visitors a Taste of Southport, North Carolina
Angie’s Fresh Produce gives Southport visitors a hands-on taste of local food, whether they are visiting for the day or cooking in a vacation rental.
Carolina Beach PD Faces Many Flock Safety Irregularities: Missing Records, Blanket Redactions and 3 Million Flock Searches Demand Answers
Carolina Beach wants public trust in its Flock cameras, but millions of searches, broad data sharing and unanswered legal questions demand scrutiny.
Jensen Huang’s Open-Weight Push Shifts Power Toward AI Customers
Nvidia’s open-weight models and new AI-ready computers could give businesses more options for running AI on local, company-controlled hardware.
Flock Has Created a New Type of Police Abuse; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Arrested
Police asked the public to trust them with Flock’s surveillance power. Repeated cases of unauthorized access show why that trust is broken.
ELO Tribute Experience Brings Wilmington Symphony Strings to the Stage
Evil Woman brings its ELO tribute production to Wilmington on Nov. 6 with string musicians from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
Mayor Saffo’s Brother Won a $2.45 Million Contract. Why Didn’t the Lowest Bidder Get the Contract?
Mayor Bill Saffo recused himself before Wilmington awarded his brother’s company a $2.45 million bridge contract. Correspondence obtained by WHQR raises new questions about what happened to the lower bidder before it withdrew.
North Carolina Targets Foreign-Controlled Land Purchases With Sweeping New Law
North Carolina’s new law restricts certain foreign-controlled purchases of farmland and property near military sites. The real test will be whether state agencies can trace hidden ownership and enforce the rules.
Proposed North Carolina K-12 School-Grading Index Raises Transparency Questions
North Carolina may replace its school proficiency measure with a weighted index. The change could artificially lift public school grades, raising questions for parents and homebuyers.
Little River Band Returns to Wilmington With Decades of Classic Hits
Classic rock fans can relive the soundtrack of the ’70s and ’80s when Little River Band performs in Wilmington, celebrating timeless songs that continue to connect with audiences.
Trump Releases Declassified Election Intelligence, Raising New Questions
Declassified election intelligence has reopened debate over foreign cyber operations, government transparency, and what officials knew before the 2020 election. The newly released records answer some questions while raising many more.
Flock Surveillance Raises Questions About Tracking People in Public
Flock sells subscription access to cameras, cloud storage, and searchable surveillance recordings to police departments and private customers. As its intelligence network expands rapidly across the U.S., residents are asking whether state laws offer enough protection.
Raleigh Just Changed the LifeWise Debate in New Hanover County Schools
North Carolina’s new budget law shifts the LifeWise debate from local control to state mandate, requiring schools to excuse students for religious instruction. What does this mean for NHCS?
Is 78 Degrees Really the Right Thermostat Setting in the Summer?
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer to save energy. But the realities of daily life often lead homeowners to a different answer.
North Carolina’s Legislature Advances AI Education Plan for Public Schools
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of North Carolina classrooms, and lawmakers want statewide standards to guide its use. New legislation would expand teacher training, create model policies, and reshape how districts prepare students for AI.
Video: Trump Warns Against Communism in Mount Rushmore Speech
Trump’s Independence Day-eve remarks at Mount Rushmore included patriotic themes, a warning about communism and a push for the SAVE America Act.
Worth the Detour: Bald Head Coffee Serves an Iced Coffee You’ll Remember Long After the Beach
Skip the familiar drive-thru before your next beach day. Bald Head Coffee combines small-batch roasting with an iced coffee that’s worth a special stop.
New Shake Shack Raises Questions About Wilmington’s List of Best Burgers
The first Shake Shack in Wilmington brings nationally known smash burgers to the Landfall area. Does it deserve a place among the city’s best burger joints?
AI Is Coming to the Classroom. The Evidence Isn’t Keeping Up.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of classroom instruction, even though researchers have yet to show it produces lasting gains in student learning. Should schools invest more taxpayer funds when there’s little proof AI improves student learning?
Fleetwood Mac Fell Apart. The Songs Never Did.
Long after the band faded, the songs remained. A Wilmington performance by Tell Me Lies offers a reminder of why Fleetwood Mac’s music still finds new audiences decades later.
Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Automatic Gun Ban for Marijuana User
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that federal prosecutors cannot rely on marijuana use alone to strip someone of Second Amendment protections, narrowing a longstanding federal gun restriction.
VIDEO: Spencer Pratt Says His Fight Against Los Angeles Politics Is Just Beginning
Prat’s campaign may be ending, but he says a new phase is just beginning. Spencer Pratt’s latest video includes claims of recordings, corruption, and future disclosures that have yet to be made public.
The White House Turned Off Fable 5, Who’s Really in Control of America’s AI?
The White House and Anthropic are negotiating, but Fable 5 remains unavailable. What triggered the shutdown and what happens next?
Beach Bagels & Subs: The Best Bagels in New Hanover County, Even With a Few Missed Details
Not new, just the best. Beach Bagels & Subs sets the standard for bagels in Wilmington, with four locations and a reputation built over years.
ZZ Top Brings Texas Blues Rock to Wilmington’s Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
Songs like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man” have crossed generations. Now ZZ Top will bring more than five decades of blues rock to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington.
Amanecer Serves Wilmington’s Best Mexican Breakfast by Focusing on the Food
Looking for the best Mexican breakfast in Wilmington? Amanecer offers authentic flavors, strong coffee, and two convenient locations.
Is There an International Meatpacking Cartel Influencing U.S. Beef Prices?
Most U.S. beef processing is controlled by four companies. USDA’s new strategy aims to expand competition and strengthen food security through small processors.
Jakob Dylan to Bring The Wallflowers to Wilmington This August
Jakob Dylan brings The Wallflowers to Greenfield Lake with a catalog that outlived the rock-radio era and still feels rooted in ordinary American life.
NVIDIA’s CEO Announces AI Servers Built Right Into Consumer PCs
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang unveiled AI-powered PCs designed to run AI locally, bringing artificial intelligence from the cloud into homes.
The Endowment’s Conditional Grant for Schools & One Big Question: Why is a Non-profit Telling the County What They Can Do with Taxpayer Money?
Public officials are highlighting a $116 million grant tied to New Hanover County’s school bond, but the bond would still raise taxes if approved by voters.
Two Chances to Hear The Marshall Tucker Band in Southeastern North Carolina
The Marshall Tucker Band’s Carolina roots still run deep as the Southern rock group returns for two summer concerts near the Cape Fear region.
Tesla-SpaceX Merger Rumors Point To Something Larger Than a Business Deal
Tesla and SpaceX already operate like connected parts of a larger industrial system. The merger rumors raise questions about infrastructure, power, and Musk’s long-term Mars vision.
New Hanover Democrats Distance Themselves From Convicted Stalker, Wendy Dale, But She’s Staying in the School Board Race
Wendy Dale remains in the NHCS School Board race after past criminal convictions surfaced, raising questions about candidate vetting, transparency and whether elected school officials should face the same background checks as school employees.
Anthropic’s SpaceX Data Center Deal Shows How Compute Became the New AI Bottleneck
The SpaceX-Anthropic partnership shows the AI race is no longer just about better models. It is also about who can secure enough compute.
LifeWise in New Hanover Public Schools: Some Look to Limit Parental Choice
LifeWise Academy’s proposed role in New Hanover County Schools raises a practical question: should families who decline a voluntary Bible-based class also be able to block others from choosing it?
Spencer Pratt’s Wild Campaign Reflects LA Frustration
Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles with AI-generated campaign videos and messaging chaos. Beneath the spectacle sits real frustration over housing, wildfire rebuilding, homelessness, and trust in city government.
New Hanover’s Republican-led School Board Approves Mandatory Technology Tax on Kids for 2026-27 School Year
NHCS approved a mandatory $25 technology fee for students beginning in 2026-27, raising questions about public education, school funding, and device-based learning.
Fed Chair Change Puts Borrowing Costs on Kitchen Tables
The Fed chair change could shape homebuying, business loans, credit card costs and the monthly pressure families feel.
UNC Health’s Wilmington Hospital Proposal Puts Pressure on Novant
UNC Health makes plans for a new hospital in Wilmington as Novant faces questions over Leapfrog safety grades.
Graham Nash to Bring Old Songs and Reflection to Wilmington
A Graham Nash concert at the Wilson Center promises more than nostalgia. It’s a night shaped by Laurel Canyon harmonies, memory and time.
AI Job Apocalypse Fears Fuel Debate Over Employment as Layoffs Continue
Meta layoffs and Nvidia hiring reveal two competing visions of AI’s future. Will automation erase jobs or create new opportunities?
New Hanover County’s $320.5 Million School Bond Tests Voter Trust and Property Tax Fatigue
A $320.5 million school bond heads toward New Hanover voters with real building needs, rising tax concerns and questions about what the plan leaves out.
May Day Teacher Walkout Raises Legal and Academic Questions Across North Carolina
North Carolina’s May Day teacher walkout closed schools, disrupted families and raised legal questions about public employee strikes, student proficiency and accountability.
North Carolina Voter Roll Review Finds 34,000 Deceased Registrants, Routine Cleanup or Cause for Concern?
NC election officials identified 34,000 deceased names on voter rolls. The finding raises questions about timing, accuracy, and public trust, even as officials stress routine maintenance.
Republican Members of the New Hanover School Board Look Unserious About Solving Teacher Pay Deficiencies
As North Carolina teachers rally over pay, New Hanover County’s school board fight shows how a teacher-retention committee became a political battleground.
Dram Tree Tavern: Backyard Pub with Burgers, Dogs, Kids and Jazz-Rock Sundays
Dram Tree Tavern gives Wilmington locals a fenced-in backyard hangout with local beer, pub grub, dogs, kids, and Sunday jazz-rock.
Gunfire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner Sends Trump, Guests Scrambling at Washington Hilton
Trump was rushed from the Washington Hilton after gunfire broke out near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, rattling one of Washington’s biggest events.
New Hanover School Board Rejected NCAE Political Action, Big Questions Remain
The New Hanover County school board rejected a proposal to move a teacher workday to May 1, refusing to make it easier for staff to attend an NCAE-backed rally in Raleigh. The vote opens a larger fight over public employee strikes and political activity during work hours.
‘The Runarounds’ Cancellation Fuels Disappointment as Amazon Tightens Strategy
The Runarounds disappears from Amazon Prime as streaming priorities shift. The cancellation may frustrate viewers, but continuing tour dates give fans a way to stay connected.
North Carolina’s Cell Phone Crackdown in Schools Nears a Moment of Truth
North Carolina schools are nearing the end of a rollout year for cell phone free classrooms. Districts will soon be reviewing whether new rules, including Yondr pouches, improved student behavior, focus, and academic performance.