Back in February, the City of Wilmington’s Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant a variance so that the developers of the Wilmington Housing Authority’s Hillcrest community could cut down six live oaks, some of which are over a hundred years old; however, some in the community are still campaigning to save them since shovels haven’t hit the ground yet.

Campaign season is heating up, and fundraising operations are in full swing. The amount of money, at both the local and federal levels, is pretty staggering — but it’s worth asking: why do people give? What do they think their money accomplishes, and what, if anything, do they think they’ll get in return?

At a recent media briefing, district leaders discussed maintenance, security measures, program cuts and a new clinic as students, staff and families prepare for the upcoming year.

More than 200 people turned out to see the former governor, who faces Republican Michael Whatley in the fall.