Michael Praats

Multimedia Journalist

Wilmington, NC

Michael Praats came to WECT in the summer of 2020 making the leap from print journalism to television.

Before starting with WECT he worked as the Assistant Editor at Port City Daily for several years where he won multiple awards for his reporting.

With a focus on government accountability, Michael is WECT’s representative with the North Carolina Watchdog Reporting Network, a collaboration between several news outlets across the state.

Michael, who is originally from Atlanta, is a graduate of Valdosta State University where he majored in political science with a focus on international relations. When not reporting, Michael spends his time surfing, tinkering with cars and motorcycles, and hanging out with his three dogs and fiancée.

Recent Articles by Michael

American Rescue Plan allocates $2.5 million to Wilmington for affordable housing

The American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package that was passed in March did more than just provide $1,400 direct payments to Americans, in fact, the plan allocated money to a number of different plans and programs, one of which is the Department of Housing and Urban Develop

Michael Praats

Published 5h at 10:36 AM

N.C. Fire Marshal’s office weighs in on NHC involvement in Carolina Beach

New developments in the ongoing debate between the Town of Carolina Beach and New Hanover County after inspectors from New Hanover County took to Carolina Beach at the behest of County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman.

Michael Praats

Published April 15, 2021 at 5:22 PM

Bipartisan medical marijuana bill introduced by local state lawmakers

A new bill introduced into the North Carolina Senate could let patients suffering from debilitating illnesses legally consume marijuana for the first time in the state if passed. It’s known as the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act and it has backing from local, Republican state lawmakers.

Michael Praats

Published April 14, 2021 at 6:14 PM

Following 6-month extension, Wilmington detox facility’s time is up

The Harbor, Wilmington’s only state-funded detox facility is at the end of a six-month extension, and we’re being told the facility will not be able to continue offering services.

Michael Praats

Published April 13, 2021 at 3:13 PM

WECT INVESTIGATES: Carolina Beach officials claim county overstepped jurisdiction in condo fire investigation, allege possible ethics violations

The actions of New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chair Julia Olson-Boseman are being questioned by the Town of Carolina Beach after she allegedly directed the County Manager to instruct county staff to conduct an investigation into the recent fire in Carolina Beach – despite having no jurisd

Michael Praats

Published April 12, 2021 at 3:26 PM

Wilmington works to address murals in city code, would allow more in certain districts

For years the City of Wilmington has treated works of public art, namely murals, the same way it does signs. Now, the city’s planning staff is looking to separate murals from their advertising counterparts.

Michael Praats

Published April 9, 2021 at 3:17 PM

Despite pandemic, New Hanover County’s homes saw a 24% increase in value in just two years

Despite the ongoing pandemic home sales in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region as a whole continue to trend upwards which means good news for sellers, but difficult times for buyers.

Michael Praats

Published April 9, 2021 at 10:33 AM

Beach rental company request changes from Wrightsville Beach to allow for more services on the beach

Let’s face it, not everyone who goes to the beach wants to purchase chairs or umbrellas, especially those who only visit the beach occasionally. That’s where beach equipment rental companies come into play, for a fee they will deliver and pick up items like chairs and umbrellas.

Michael Praats

Published April 8, 2021 at 4:13 PM

Everyone 16 or older eligible for COVID-19 vaccine this week

The time has finally come, the day that healthcare providers welcome all those who are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine a chance to do so.

Michael Praats

Published April 6, 2021 at 2:27 PM

New Amtrak proposal shows passenger rail from Wilmington to Asheville

Right now, taking a trip from the beach to the mountains requires a car with a full tank of gas or a plane ticket, but, a newly released map from Amtrak shows passenger rail service connecting Wilmington to the rest of the state.

Michael Praats

Published April 1, 2021 at 1:57 PM

Senator Michael Lee introduces bill that would add $34 million in funding for film incentives

lm incentives have helped put the state of North Carolina on the map in terms of desirability and have made it a top choice for movie studios and television productions for years. Now, State Senator Michael Lee is hoping to bring even more money to the state’s already robust film incentive programs.

Michael Praats

Published March 31, 2021 at 11:22 AM

Cancer screenings down during COVID-19, doctors encourage patients to resume preventative care

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and people are spending less time in medical facilities for preventative care, the number of undiagnosed and untreated cancers is getting higher.

Michael Praats

Published March 30, 2021 at 1:22 PM

Despite prior Congressional approval, local beach nourishment projects left out of federal funding

Every few years beach towns in the region undertake massive earth-moving projects to restore shorelines in the Cape Fear Region. The projects are typically spearheaded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and cost millions of dollars.

Michael Praats

Published March 29, 2021 at 11:22 AM

Study shows Wilmington’s nuisance flooding is getting worse

It’s a somewhat common scene in Wilmington and the Cape Fear region — a beautiful sunny day without a cloud in the sky — yet, water across the road.

Michael Praats

Published March 26, 2021 at 2:38 PM

Group asks state leaders to change how New Hanover County towns use parking revenues

Paid parking is a common source of indignation for visitors to beach towns in the region, but as more towns adopt these programs, some people are looking to state leaders to implement some sort of change.

Michael Praats

Published March 25, 2021 at 1:44 PM

Crimes of the Cape Fear: ‘The Rights of White People’ a homegrown hate group

Despite a landmark Supreme Court ruling declaring the segregation of schools unconstitutional in the United States in 1954, it would take Wilmington years to desegregate. The integration of schools sparked civil unrest across the American South.

Michael Praats

Published March 24, 2021 at 4:00 PM

Lawsuit filed over ‘gentleman’s’ no-hire agreement between nCino, Live Oak Bank

Competition is one of the underlying principles of a free-market economy. Now, two of Wilmington’s leading technology companies are facing a class-action lawsuit after allegations of violations of federal antitrust law to stifle competition and keep employee pay low.

Michael Praats

Published March 16, 2021 at 11:44 AM

County Commissioners vote to move forward with Project Grace plans

After several setbacks the New Hanover County Commissioners are once again attempting to move forward with Project Grace, a downtown redevelopment project of an entire Wilmington city block.

Michael Praats

Published March 15, 2021 at 10:46 AM

Business owner says Water Street construction continues to hurt local stores

For more than two years, Tony Savas has had to deal with ongoing construction on Water Street, directly in front of his business Tugboat Tony’s. Just 10 days ago the city once again blocked off the portion of road in front of his store in order to once again, do construction work - now - Savas is ho

Michael Praats

Published March 12, 2021 at 1:10 PM

Parking debts pile up after late payments at River Place

Ask anyone who has been downtown and had a meter expire, the city’s parking enforcement is strict – but the private developer and management company at the city’s flagship public-private development known as River Place has routinely been late with payments.

Michael Praats

Published March 11, 2021 at 5:49 PM

Wave Transit seeking input on new routes and service options planned to start this summer

You can expect to see some new changes to Wave Transit routes and services starting this summer but before they happen, the transportation provider is looking for public input on the plans.

Michael Praats

Published March 10, 2021 at 5:46 PM

New tax assessments have some homeowners seeing significant increases

Every four years New Hanover County does what is called a tax revaluation, and this year, for many across the county, values have gone up.

Michael Praats

Published March 5, 2021 at 1:29 PM

Wilmington takes advantage of downtime at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater for repairs

Like most things, with a lot of use comes the need for repairs and maintenance, at the Hugh Morton Amphitheater, more commonly known as Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, the City of Wilmington took advantage of COVID-19 downtime to do just that.

Michael Praats

Published March 4, 2021 at 4:42 PM

Kure Beach warns residents from using MOTSU land for recreational purposes

People in Kure Beach might think that a the area of land behind Settlers Lane that was recently cleared makes for a perfect trail to walk dogs or to ride bikes, but the town is warning people from doing just that.

Michael Praats

Published March 3, 2021 at 7:36 AM

City Council discusses possible Greenville Loop Road safety improvements

The portion of road known as the Kingston/Darby curve on Greenville Loop Road is a treacherous one.

Michael Praats

Published March 2, 2021 at 11:43 AM

Coastal Resources Commission approves wheelchair accessible mats on the sand in Carolina Beach

Just in time for the warmer weather the Coastal Resource Commission has granted a variance to the Town of Car olina Beach that allows the placement of a wheelchair accessible mat on the sand.

Michael Praats

Published February 22, 2021 at 10:10 AM

Wilmington’s Board of Adjustment rules on downtown mural at Pour House

When the City of Wilmington’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) ruled that a piece of artwork commissioned by a renowned mural artist was a sign and had to be removed from the basement steps of a downtown bar it raised some eyebrows.

Michael Praats

Published February 21, 2021 at 5:08 PM

Months after ‘temporary’ removal, Wilmington’s Confederate monuments remain in limbo

Confederate monuments have become a flashpoint for protesters following the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota last summer. In response to the unrest, cities, states, and counties across the nation removed some of these symbols.

Michael Praats

Published February 17, 2021 at 11:03 AM

After COVID cancellation last year, Town of Carolina Beach hopes to bring back fireworks this summer

For years visitors and residents alike have flocked to Carolina Beach during the summer months in order to watch and enjoy live music and fireworks on Thursday nights.

Michael Praats

Published February 17, 2021 at 6:28 AM

Michael Jordan gifts $10 million to Novant to open two medical clinics in New Hanover County

Wilmington native and NBA Legend Michael Jordan has gifted Novant Health $10 million to open two medical clinics in New Hanover County.

Michael Praats

Published February 15, 2021 at 9:00 AM

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Wilmington, NC

Michael Praats

Multimedia Journalist

Wilmington, NC

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