This week, the DOJ announced federal charges against three noncitizen voters from New Hanover County, part of a nationwide crackdown. In bombastic language, U.S. Attorneys have touted the importance of the work — but there’s sometimes less enthusiasm for other aspects of our elections.

Frustrated with Cape Fear Community College’s decision to censor the set of a student play this spring, a former student repeatedly sent written requests to address the board, following the college’s policy. After being rebuffed on an apparent technicality, he attended a meeting to speak his piece — but was removed by security.

Recorded live at Leland Town Hall on October 14, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to the three Democrats, one Republican, and one Libertarian running for state House and Senate seats representing parts of Brunswick and New Hanover County.

Two filmmakers are embarking on telling the story of Seabreeze, a centuries-long thriving Black community in the southern part of New Hanover County.

Many readers and listeners have raised concerns about federal agents being present at the polls during the election, given comments from the Trump Administration and its supporters. Local officials said they have plans in place if that happens.

Recorded live at Leland Town Hall on Oct. 14, WHQR joined Port City Daily, WECT, and The Seahawk to put questions to two candidates running for the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners.

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.

This year’s state budget included $5 million to create a digital credentials program for North Carolina’s 58 community colleges. In theory, it will allow students to own and utilize their own credentials, like transcripts and certificates — though it’s faced some pushback based on technical concerns. The digital wallet is the brainchild of State Senator Michael Lee, who sees it as part of a much larger effort to reshape higher education.

This week, Republican incumbent Michael Lee criticized Democratic challenger Jessica Bichler over an excerpt from her Master’s Thesis. A spokesperson for Bichler called it “just another desperate move from a clearly terrified Lee campaign.”