Michael Praats

The fate of hemp and hemp products is coming down to the wire as both the North Carolina Senate and North Carolina General Assembly passed bills that would prevent the products from once again becoming illegal.

A judge in Wake County ruled Wednesday that there is enough probable cause to move forward with a contempt of court case against New Hanover County Commission Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman.

The City of Wilmington is working to address staffing shortages across the city, and while public safety applicants are on the rise, the city’s biggest need right now is in the community and public services areas. That includes employees like tree trimmers and other landscapers, parks and rec services, and folks to fill in potholes and make repairs to sidewalks.

Wilmington’s now-invalid short-term rental restrictions and the subsequent lawsuit filed by Wilmington homeowners Dave and Peg Schroeder could end up costing the city nearly $1 million in attorneys fees and the return of registration fees collected by the city.

Not all loans are the same, as a Wilmington woman is finding out the hard way after borrowing money from a pawn shop using her jewelry as collateral.

The cost of living in New Hanover County and across the region is on the rise, which is why local governments like New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington have increased pay for employees, but some folks say they’re being left out.

Southeastern North Carolina summers can be brutal, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and sometimes even hotter, so air conditioning is a must for homeowners and renters --- but as air conditioning units work harder, power bills are going to go up.

On this episode, the latest trouble for New Hanover County Chairperson Julia Olson-Boseman, who now must appear before a judge to defend herself from criminal contempt.

For nine weeks the City of Wilmington has failed to provide documents requested by WECT that would provide a closer look at the city’s illegal short-term rental ordinances City Council approved several years ago.

From the Cape Fear Fair and Expo to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, amusement parks, fairs, and waterparks attract thousands of visitors each year, but there are risks associated with these attractions. From injuries like whiplash to even deaths, the consequences of unsafe rides and injuries caused by rider and operator error can be devastating.

Recently, there’s been some concern by residents in Carolina Beach after they noticed what they believed was clearing of wetlands near the town’s lake; however, the town and property owner say what took place is just routine maintenance.

After months without response from New Hanover County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman in an investigation into her alleged mishandling of client funds, the N.C. State Bar (NCSB) has filed a motion in Wake County requiring Olson-Boseman to explain to a judge, why she should not be held in criminal contempt of court.

The former director of the Wilmington Police Department crime lab alleges that she was denied employment when the Sheriff’s Office took over the facility in 2019.

With a degree in engineering and a 40-year career working as an engineer in North Carolina, Wayne Nutt has plenty of experience in his field, but he never held an engineering license from the state.

Wilmington’s City Council is once again considering the purchase of VIP tickets at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park from Live Nation. However, at least one councilmember has voiced his concerns and objections to the purchase, and the subsequent government waste of taxpayer money.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the country were provided free meals to students – but that program is set to end in June.

Nearly five years ago residents relying on drinking water from the Cape Fear River learned about the polution of the river with the chemical known as GenX. The revelation spurred lawsuits, federal intervention, and anger from those impacted by the pollution.

Concert season is in full swing in Wilmington with Live Nation shows taking place at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park and Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.

The bill, the Child Care Act addresses several issues including additional tax credits for parents for childcare and other expenses.

Body cameras can serve as a tool to shed light on law enforcement interactions with the public, but the family of a man found dead on TRU Colors’ property last month said footage from police has prompted even more questions as to what happened in the 24 hours leading up to his death.

In North Carolina, attacks on governmental entities have become a more common threat, but now due to a new law, government agencies won’t be able to pay those ransoms

Now, as that pilot program comes to an end there is a chance the plant could regain its outlawed status as soon as July 1, 2022, but State Senator Michael Lee says that is something he is working to prevent.

For most people, convenience stores, like those attached to gas stations are a place to get a drink and maybe some snacks, but for others, they serve as a place to get their next high.

Taxpayers in New Hanover County could pay less in the upcoming year when it comes to property taxes. On Monday morning county commissioners discussed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 which starts on July 1.

Summer is just around the corner and live music season is getting underway, but Wilmington’s latest free-concert series, Downtown Alive Concerts, has come unplugged before a band ever hit the stage.

It’s a development that would transform the western banks of the Cape Fear River and could have brought part of the Town of Leland into New Hanover County --- now --- developer KFJ Development Group withdrew a request to annex the land into Leland town limits.

A Superior Court Judge denied the appeal of a former Wilmington Police Department officer fired in 2020 for his role in several racist conversations inadvertently recorded by a malfunctioning dashboard camera.

Val Dauvray’s cause of death, initially called an accident or possible suicide, has yet to be fully determined or explained. The family says details aren’t adding up and believes there’s possibly more to the story.

Where does the right to free speech end? While the constitution grants all the right to free speech, it does not protect you from any potential consequences of that speech.

Nearly two years have passed since three Wilmington Police officers were captured making racist and offensive comments by a malfunctioning dashboard camera that ultimately led to their termination. Now, additional details, including the revelation of a second recording not previously disclosed, have been made public after one of the officers challenged his firing.

Wilmington's legal counsel confirmed the city is not planning to appeal an order by the N.C. Court of Appeals that stripped the registration requirements, registration fees, and separation caps for short-term rentals in the city.

Following a ruling from a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling the city’s ordinances did violate the law, City Council will vote on returning more than $500,000 to those who paid the fees.

New Hanover County Chairwoman and former attorney Julia Olson-Boseman is facing several allegations of wrongdoing. From financial mismanagement, failure to file campaign finance reports, an ongoing investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, and an injunction filed by the North Carolina State Bar, the allegations are numerous.

The City of Wilmington continues to work on making the city more pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The City hopes to begin construction in fall 2022 on one project that has been in the works for several years.

Local photojournalist Mark Darrough and his coworker Patrick Adams traveled to Ukraine to report from the war zone.

During colder months Wrightsville Beach's population dwindles as tourists head out; however, police work year-round to keep visitors and locals safe. But, police officers are in high demand and cities and towns are working hard to attract the best talent they can find.

New details in the alleged Ponzi Scheme conducted by a Wilmington man show years worth of investments lost, and how the Securities and Exchange Commission says he spent his clients money.

When the City of Wilmington approved a policy to spend $14,000 of taxpayer money on box-seats at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion they also took steps to ensure no tickets went to waste by allowing the resale of any unused tickets by the City Manager.

With more than $2,000 in late fees, and violations of campaign finance laws, Olson-Boseman’s campaign has not been shuttered as state law requires.

As tourist season in southeastern North Carolina approaches, plenty of people will be looking for a place to stay to enjoy the sun and sand. But, as one home owner found out, rental scams can target you when least expected.

For years the Town of Carolina beach and landowners at Freeman Park have been involved in a lawsuit regarding the use of the property; now, those lawsuits are over after the Town officially purchased more than 300 acres of land.

One local business owner says the Azalea Festival ended up costing them thousands in food costs after not being allowed into the event.

Development company KFJ Development has confirmed it is still considering all options when it comes to the planned mixed-use community known as The Villages at Battleship Point on the western banks of the Cape Fear River.

In Wilmington, the city is struggling with hiring and retaining employees and difficulties retaining staff leaving City Council searching for solutions.

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has ruled against the City of Wilmington’s restrictions on short-term rentals in a battle that has been ongoing for several years, potentially opening the door for rentals across the city.

More and more people these days are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint as threats to the climate continue to rise, saving some money in addition to helping the environment doesn’t hurt either.

When Allison Bundy heard the pitch from a salesman for a new solar panel system at her home she was sold.

Questions as to the legality of red-light cameras in Wilmington have arisen following a decision made by the NC Court of Appeals against the City of Greenville’s program.

New Hanover County Commissioners are searching for additional ways to help the county’s unsheltered population following a vote earlier this week forbidding anyone from sleeping on county property overnight.

On the episode, the latest allegations against Julia Olson-Boseman, this time from the North Carolina Bar Association and a pattern of financial troubles that have followed the county chair. Plus, a reflection on Sunshine Week — the annual celebration of government transparency and the media’s efforts to ensure it — and some recent stories that illustrate why it’s important.