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On this episode, Ben Schachtman and Rachel Keith sit down with John Biewen and Michael Betts, writers and co-hosts of Echoes of a Coup — the sixth season of the Scene on Radio podcast from Duke University’s Kenan Institute for Ethics. The five-part series takes a deep dive into Wilmington’s 1898 coup and massacre.
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Keenan Jones worked for Cape Fear Community College for over 27 years. Jones started his tenure teaching heating and air-conditioning technology, where he learned he liked changing lives. He recently retired, and spoke with WHQR about his experience working at CFCC and his concerns about the college's future.
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The stringent new standards will mean drastic reductions in the level of PFAS — harmful substances known as forever chemicals — in drinking water for millions of Americans. But the new regulations are largely unfunded, and lawsuits against polluters won't be able to fill all of the gap.
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The New Hanover County Commissioners are proposing an additional $7.6 million in school funding. That announcement was unveiled at a commissioners’ budget work session on Thursday, April 12. Initially, the New Hanover County Schools district had asked for a lower amount — $4.5 million — in additional funding.
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Last year, we reported on the abrupt closing of the Career Readiness Academy at Mosley — a little-known but beloved program in the New Hanover County Schools district. Public pushback saved the Mosley program, but developed into a debate over a 'newcomer school' for immigrants who had recently arrived in the United States, introduced as a possible replacement for Mosley. On this show, we unpack some of the narratives and misinformation that became part of that debate.
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After last month's chaotic meeting, the Leland town council decided to revisit their budget plans. The new proposal is much more scaled back.
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At Tuesday’s New Hanover County School Board meeting, members voted unanimously to conduct a districtwide climate survey of all employees. The board is working on some suggestions for questions, including topics such as discipline, safety, and overall morale.
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The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced its first-ever limits for several common types of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Two types, PFOA and PFOS, will be limited to 4 parts per trillion, the lowest level that tests can reliably detect. The agency says it will reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancer. Utilities groups, however, say the EPA is underestimating the rule's cost and overestimating its benefits. They argue water rates will go up and struggling utilities will only struggle more. The Biden administration has made protecting drinking water a priority.
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On March 15th, the Columbus County Board of Elections made a crucial decision about the May primary via email — but didn’t notify the public first. WHQR spoke to Joseph Williams of the News Reporter in Whiteville about this potential violation of state laws regarding public notifications of official government meetings.
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On Monday, Chief Financial Officer Ashley Sutton sent a memorandum about local budget restrictions to the district’s principals, senior leadership, and directors.
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Last month, the New Hanover County Schools Turn Around Task Force, a group created to support the district’s lowest-performing schools, heard from around a dozen parents. Top concerns included proposed job cuts and supporting student mental health and multi-language learners (MLLs). Politicians have paid a lot of lip service to parents’ voices — so will they be listened to?
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On May 14, 2024, a second voting primary will be held throughout the state of North Carolina to determine which Republican candidates will advance to the November general election in the races for Lieutenant Governor and State Auditor.