Port City Politics

On this episode, we dig into the complicated world of cannabanoids and drug laws. Plus, the latest on the civil suit filed by the former director of the drug lab once run by the Wilmington Police Department, and a trip down the rabbit hole of North Carolina's notoriously opaque Grand Jury system.

On this episode, we look at some red flags that were apparently overlooked ahead of a massive fire at a construction in Charlotte, the increasing number of partisan Boards of Education, and the ongoing case against two Asheville journalists who were arrested while covering a police raid on a homeless encampment.

First up on this episode, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on two cases coming out of North Carolina this week — one dealing with the dubious 'independent state legislator' theory, and the other with affirmative action for colleges and universities. Then, a messy story about how the culture wars are playing out at UNCW — and beyond. And, NHRMC President Shelbourn Stevens is, quite abruptly, out of a job.

On this episode: The Cotton Exchange has had its two bronze lanterns for almost fifty years — now the United States government wants them back. Plus, does a denied budget request for the Columbus County Sheriff's Office point to the long-term fallout from Jody Greene's time as Sheriff? And, a rare glimpse into the Grand Jury process leaves more questions than answers.

This week, we start with an update to a story concerning officers exposed to powerful opioids during a traffic stop — and it looks like the story has changed considerably. Then, we're checking in on the General Assembly, the latest on the ATF's shifting policies, and the case of the stolen porn (which is, silly as sounds, still intellectual property).

This week, we're looking into efforts to remove Certificates of Need, or CONs, the state regulations that curb competition in the healthcare industry. Plus, Representative Ted Davis puts on a spectacular show of semantics, and CFCC President Jim Morton gets a $38,000 raise — because, of course, he does.

On this week's episode, we check in on the hurry-up offense leading up to 'Crossover Day,' where non-budgetary bills live or die. Plus, a closer look at an SBI investigation — and how SBI investigations come to be.

On this week's episode, we check in with the City of Wilmington's $70-million plans to consolidate staff from a host of separate buildings into the Thermo Fisher campus. The next hurdle: convincing the Local Government Commission that the plan is fiscally sound. Also, we look at the major announcement this week that a multi-agency, long-term investigation has arrested six people in conjunction with an alleged human trafficking operation with over 150 victims. Plus, the latest Charlotte-area shenanigans.

On this episode, we catch up on recent legislative moves to prevent STR bans and allow more accessory dwelling units (a.k.a. Grandma's cottages). Plus, if you think the supply and demand cycle is tough — wait until an algorithm gets ahold of it.

Mecklenburg Representative Tricia Cotham flipped parties this week, blindsiding and outraging the left, and giving House Republicans a supermajority to match the one the GOP won in the State Senate in the 2022 election. Now that Governor Roy Cooper's veto can be overridden — what will legislation will the GOP pass?

After a brief hiatus following Michael Praats' departure from Wilmington to pick up a new beat in Charlotte, we're back — hopefully on a semi-regular basis. First up on this episode, we're looking at what's shaping up to be an interesting Republican primary in the gubernatorial race. State Treasurer Dale Folwell is likely to face off against Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in a challenge that's may split moderate conservatives from those that are more comfortable with Robinson's at-times bigotted rhetoric. Then, we look at the veto-override that led to a new law, getting rid of the state's practice of allowing county Sheriffs to perform background checks before allowing handgun purchases.

One more episode before we go on hiatus, and we saved some big-league topics.

On this episode, we unpack why the Proud Boys are allowed to show up on government property while masked to conceal their identity — a violation of a 1953 law designed to prevent the Klu Klux Klan from doing the same thing. Plus, checking in on a lawsuit filed by local environmental groups against the EPA over the kinds of PFAS testing the government is making Chemours perform.

This week, we finish unpacking research into whether or not law enforcement officers face a real danger from exposure to fentanyl (odds-on answer, they don't). Plus, money from North Carolina's opioid settlement is supposed to be spent on medication-assisted treatment, except, it turns out, when it isn't.

On today's episode, we're unpacking the latest on the county's effort to address homelessness — specifically, the growing population of unsheltered people congregating at the downtown Wilmington library. Plus, a look at an ongoing trend of law enforcement officers being exposed to fentanyl. It's a powerful opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin — but is it strong enough for trace amounts on the skin to knock someone out?

This week on Port City Politics we're taking a look at two stories coming out of the Downtown area. First, we talk about the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park and the types of shows coming to the Port City. Then we run down the city's consideration of purchasing the Thermo Fisher building (formerly PPD headquarters) — the tallest building in the city.

On this episode, we've got a full slate of issues. First up, the courts' handling of bump stocks and the separation of powers. Then, the latest from Columbus County, where the Republican party is threatening to attempt to remove District Attorney Jon David. Plus, some thoughts on troubling flaws baked into the $1.25 billion New Hanover Community Endowment.

This week, the fallout from the resignation of Jody Greene, former Sheriff of Columbus County. And, red-light cameras revised, with questions based on physics, fairness, and the Constitution.

On this, our last episode of 2022, we look at the latest in the troubling saga of Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene, who is under fire for racist behavior and alleged corruption. Plus a conversation about the New Hanover County GOP's search for a new Register of Deeds — and concerns from the left about the GOP's screening questionnaire.

On this episode, we get into George Taylor's allegations that media coverage effectively killed Tru Colors, the for-profit brewery he founded with a social mission to help curb street violence. Plus, a word of warning about scammers during the holiday season (and, really, any season). And, Michael Praats has some personal news.

The opioid epidemic has taken its toll on Wilmington and the country as a whole which is why manufacturers of drugs like OxyContin have faced lawsuits and shelled out billions of dollars in settlements. The City of Wilmington along with New Hanover County have partnered to find the best ways to utilize these funds and hopefully have a positive impact on fighting the ongoing crisis.

On this episode, we welcome the new (and returning) faces as New Hanover County commissioners and school board members are sworn in – and take a lot at some of the power dynamics that played out as they elected chairs and vice-chairs. Then, Wilmington's elected officials (who don't have to worry about an election for a few more months), score free concert tickets! Plus, a word about the recent spate of threats – and a “weird” story for the road.

On this episode, we sit down with Andre Brown, chair of the New Hanover Democratic Party. We'll talk about the tough, but relatively close, loss of all four school board spots in this year's election — and what that means for the coming years. Plus, what's next for the party as many are already gearing up for the 2023 municipal elections.

On this episode, we welcome our first guest, Will Knecht, chairman of New Hanover County's Republican Party. We'll ask him about his party's strong showing in the 2022 election, and how he handles divergent, and sometimes extreme, views within the party. Plus: a story over two years in the making, featuring disturbing audio of three racist officers fired from the Wilmington Police Department.

On this episode, the latest on now former-CFCC Trustee Jimmy Hopkins, who has added to the chorus of allegations against the college, describing a culture of complacent oversight and retaliation against critics. Then, will there be a Town of Winnabow? Probably not, but we get into why some were looking into it. And, a(nother) word about campaign signs.

On this episode, Columbus County Sheriff Jody Greene has resigned — so that he can get back to running for … Columbus County Sheriff. Greene continues to fend off allegations of racism, intimidation, and inappropriate sexual conduct with an employee. Plus, Nelson Beaulieu, a Democratic incumbent candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, is under investigation for allegedly stealing a campaign sign he called libelous.

On this episode we dig into questions about whether or not Wilmington Council Charlie Rivenbark should have recused himself from a recent rezoning vote. Plus, the Wilmington City Clerk's office is taking a very long time to fulfill public records requests – which violates, at the very least, the spirit of state records law. And, the latest on upcoming stories on County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman and now-former Cape Fear Community College Trustee Jimmy Hopkins.

On this episode, we look at the purchase of the former Bank of America building by New Hanover County on behalf of Cape Fear Community College — and the intertwined story of the CFCC Trustee Jimmy Hopkins' dismissal by the county chair, after Hopkins' disagreed with CFCC President Jim Morton about the BoA building purchase. Simple, right?

On this episode, two interwoven stories revolving around the potential purchase of the former Bank of America building in downtown Wilmington by New Hanover County on behalf of Cape Fear Community College — and the abrupt removal of trustee Jimmy Hopkins from his longtime post on the CFCC Board.

On this episode: after years of planning, and numerous iterations, New Hanover County's ambitious and controversial proposal to redevelop the downtown Wilmington library block as part of a public-private partnership has apparently reached the end of the road. When the proposal went in front of the Local Government Commission, it died for lack of a second vote to consider the project. Now, the county says it will go it alone.

On this episode, we look back at Hurricane Florence, which drowned the Cape Fear region four years ago this week. Plenty went wrong during a punishing week of rain and flooding, but a lot of those missteps and issues have been addressed. We'll also take a look at last week's press conference, held by Novant Health to address the question that's been hanging in the air for months: would the crisis at NHRMC be better if it were still owned by New Hanover County?

On this episode, we unpack the abrupt closure of TRU Colors – the controversial, for-profit brewery that employed active gang members while trying to disrupt community violence – and the claims by CEO and founder George Taylor, Jr. that unfair media coverage led to the company's demise.

On this episode, we break down one of the most complicated and troubling stories we've covered recently: allegations that New Hanover County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman made a $50 million quid-pro-quo offer to Coastal Horizons to silence their criticisms of The Healing Place, the county's planned peer-led drug and alcohol recovery facility.

On this episode, we get a little deeper into the reporting on what happened at NHRMC during the worst parts of its staffing shortage. Plus, Southport considers its short-term rental regulations, and with good reason.

On this episode, Novant Health opens up about serious staffing issues at NHRMC, which led to multiple complaints, a state inspection, and a dire warning from the federal government. The hospital says it's out of the woods — but the battle to save morale is likely far from over. Plus, the latest on New Hanover County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman, now accused in court of draining over $100,000 from a family bank account.

On this episode, a look at some big fiscal questions. First up, WECT investigative reporter Michael Praats is following the legal and financial issues dogging New Hanover County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman. Then, WHQR and WECT continue to look into the salary of Cape Fear Community College President Jim Morton, which is trending ever higher. And a look at New Hanover County's Project Grace — the county hopes to win the state over with a rosy financial prediction of the project's economic benefits, but will the state go for it?

On this episode: the personal allegations against New Hanover County Chairwoman Julia Olson-Boseman aren't pretty, and some might dismiss them as tabloid fodder. But they help paint a broader picture of the financial and ethical choices made by one of the region's most powerful local elected officials.

The Chairwoman of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners was held in contempt this week by a Wake Couty judge. Olson-Boseman had been ordered to turn over financial documents related to her now-shuttered law office but apparently went on vacation to Europe instead of appearing in court.

On this episode, we look at the recent law enforcement investigation into public school libraries, where it came from, and legal context around it. Then, the latest on the death of Val D'Auvray, and how the laws around reporting missing people seems to have failed him.

On this episode: the North Carolina State Bar says New Hanover County Chair Julia Olson-Boseman mismanaged client funds and then lied about it — and they're not letting the issue go. Plus, Jason Minnicozzi was the Democratic candidate preparing to take on Republican incumbent Michael Lee for State Senate District 7... until he wasn't. And, Leland's aspirations for expanding its boundaries get checked by the state.

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. Plus, a lawsuit's allegations suggest that issues leading to the transfer of the Wilmington Police Department crime lab to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office were downplayed and kept from the public.

On this episode, we get into the latest on the death of Val Flor D'Auvray, who was found dead on the property of the Tru Colors brewery in downtown Wilmington. Then, the termination of an employee of New Hanover County's new Port City United violence-disruption program raises questions about how the government handles past and present criminal behavior. Plus, the Cape Fear Club — an all-male club founded in the mid-19th century — killed Downtown Alive.

On this edition, we dig into hundreds of pages of new documents released as part of former Wilmington Police Department officer Brian Gilmore's civil suit against the city, which paint a fuller picture of how disturbing the case was against Gilmore and fellow officers Kevin Piner and Jesse Moore. Plus, more on the strange case of a man found dead on the Tru Colors brewery property.

On this episode, we'll get into two town halls held jointly by WHQR, WECT, and Port City Daily. Plus, after almost a year of issues surrounding New Hanover County Chair Julia Olson-Boseman, one commissioner finally addresses the topic.

On this episode, the North Carolina Court of Appeals (mostly) closes the case of Wilmington's problematic short-term rental regulations. Plus, New Hanover County commissioners backtrack on an ordinance that effectively criminalized homelessness on county property — but what can be done instead? And, the $1.25 billion New Hanover Community Endowment is looking for community advisors. What will their role be?

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.

On the edition, we get updates on frustrations with low-flying military aircraft over Wilmington and the identity of organization that allegedly harassed voters — specifically an elderly black couple — in Brunswick County. Plus, the latest on the Wilmington Housing Authority and the struggle to form a plan to deal with the affordable housing crisis.

On this edition, we discuss the case of an elderly Black Brunswick County couple that was visited by unidentified 'volunteers,' who wanted to enter their home and verify their voting history — and how it's related to larger concerns, and conspiracies, about voting integrity. Plus, a look ahead to next week's planned meeting between New Hanover County commissioners and City Council members.

On this episode we catch up with Chemours' latest ad campaign. Plus, while Chemours is defending itself from numerous lawsuits, local environmental groups are also suing the EPA — we'll get into why. Then, the Local Government Commission provides oversight when counties, cities, and towns want to spend big. That includes Project Grace, the purchase of Freeman Park, and the potential state takeover of the Bald Head Island ferry.

On this abbreviated episode — we both had to prepare for the coming ice storm — we get the latest on the long-running, unsuccessful attempt to redevelop the former WAVE transit depot on Castle Street, plus the county's health board revisited masks, again, with confusing results.