Aaleah McConnell
ReporterAaleah McConnell is a Report for America corps member and a recent North Carolina implant from Atlanta, Georgia. They report on the criminal justice system in New Hanover County and surrounding areas. Before joining WHQR, they completed a fellowship with the States Newsroom, as a General Assignment Reporter for the Georgia Recorder. Aaleah graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in journalism and minored in African and African-American Diaspora studies. In their free time, Aaleah loves roller-skating and enjoys long walks with their dog Kai. You can reach them at amcconnell@whqr.org.
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Avelo Airlines announced Tuesday that it would no longer contract with the federal government to operate deportation flights. The budget airline is also shutting down its base at the Wilmington International Airport, cutting service to 11 destinations. -
Last night, the Wilmington City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the extension of Independence Boulevard that would connect Randall Parkway to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. -
On today’s show, we’re looking back at the year that was 2025 with my colleagues, Rachel Keith, Aaleah McConnell, Kelly Kenoyer, and Nikolai Mather. From the local impacts of DOGE and the Trump Administration to the struggles over education funding, from rural reporting to community engagement, we’ll recap the toughest, most rewarding, and some of the most fun stories of the year. -
Doors opened for the newly designed Main Library in Downtown Wilmington in early October, and it’s proving to be an anchor of cultural resources, education, and exploration. There's one program in particular that helps locals branch out of their linguistic comfort zones. -
After years of debate over the conservation of the western bank of the Cape Fear River, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners finalized the purchase of about 28 acres for preservation. -
Thursday morning, the National Black Leadership Caucus held a press conference at 1898 Memorial Park to denounce the mounting threat of immigration crackdowns happening across the state. -
On Tuesday night, newly elected City Council members were officially sworn into their roles and a new Mayor Pro Tem was elected. -
Monday night’s discussion of the extension of Independence Boulevard drew mixed reviews from those in attendance. -
Governor Josh Stein held a roundtable discussion with law enforcement officials at UNCW on Thursday to gain a better understanding of what their agencies’ needs are, so the state can offer more tailored support. -
On this special episode, WHQR's Aaleah McConnell shares the highlights and throughlines of a wide-ranging panel on Wilmington's new anti-camping ordinance and the issue of homelessness.
