Recorded live at UNCW's Burney Center on October 7, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the Democratic and Libertarian challengers running against longtime Republican incumbent David Rouzer, who did not attend.

At the beginning of this month, the Living Hope Day Center dropped the news that they would not be purchasing the former Sorrow Drowner bar location, located at 10th and Dock streets. This decision has left the organization in limbo.

The U.S. Drought Monitor once again classifies the outer banks as experiencing a moderate drought. About a third of the state— including Wake and Johnston counties — remains in a severe drought or worse.

Despite making its benefits less attractive to members in 2026, the Health Plan saw an unexpected uptick in spending. Leaders are hopeful it is a short-term problem.