WHQR Public Media

12/22/2022

Deep Dive: What caused the disruption at CFCC’s marine tech program?

This semester, high-profile resignations left Cape Fear Community College marine tech students without the opportunity to join the program’s crucial training cruise — or a satisfactory explanation for why the program had been disrupted. WHQR dug deep into public records to try and shed more light on the issue

This semester, high-profile resignations left Cape Fear Community College marine tech students without the opportunity to join the program’s crucial training cruise — or a satisfactory explanation for why the program had been disrupted. WHQR dug deep into public records to try and shed more ligh...

12/22/2022

Around Town with Rhonda Bellamy: Kinky Boots

Rhonda's guest on Around Town this week is Justin Smith, director of Opera House Theatre Company's upcoming production of Kinky Boots, December 30-January 15. We also hear from Justin Allen-Tate, one of the leads in the Tony Award-winning musical. LISTEN HERE:

My guest is Justin Smith, director of Opera House Theatre Company's upcoming production of Kinky Boots, December 30-January 15. We also hear from Justin Allen-Tate, one of the leads in the Tony Award-winning musical.

12/21/2022

CoastLine: The best ideas for a home cook's holiday table from Chefs Keith Rhodes & Dean Neff

Seabird Restaurant Catch Restaurant

Why are so many holiday traditions, religious and secular, celebrated during the darkest time of the year? Religious Scholar Dr. Herbert Berg explains. And two local chefs — Dean Neff of Seabird and Keith Rhodes of Catch offer simple holiday menu ideas for home cooks.

12/21/2022

Given a platform to explain Tru Colors’ downfall, George Taylor attacks the media

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal booked George Taylor Jr. for its Power Breakfast series, eager to offer a rare chance for attendees — and the public — to hear directly the Tru Colors CEO’s account of the brewery’s closure and the end of its at-times controversial social mission. In an unmoderated appearance that provided no opportunity for questions, Taylor blamed news reporting for his company’s failure and called on business and community leaders to ‘be skeptical of the media.’

The Greater Wilmington Business Journal booked George Taylor Jr. for its Power Breakfast series, eager to offer a rare chance for attendees — and the public — to hear directly the Tru Colors CEO’s account of the brewery’s closure and the end of its at-times controversial social mission. In a...

12/21/2022

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visits Washington to speak with Biden, address Congress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to meet with President Biden at the White House this afternoon. President Zelenskyy will then address a joint meeting of Congress later in the evening, tentatively set to start at 7:30pm ET.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet in Washington with President Biden and Congress on Wednesday. The trip comes as lawmakers are debating billions more in aid for Ukraine.

12/21/2022

Hangin flyers at work! Let’s get the word out y’all Broomtail Pub & Arcade Live At Ted's

12/19/2022

NHCE issues $335,000 'independent project' grant to assist displaced Wilmington Housing Authority families

The funding from the New Hanover Community Endowment will go to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh which will partner with the New Hanover Disaster Coalition to furnish homes and provide household items for more than 90 families still displaced from the Wilmington Housing Authority. It's in addition to a nearly $200,000 grant the non-profit received as part of the endowment's inaugural grant-making cycle.

The funding from the New Hanover Community Endowment will go to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh which will partner with the New Hanover Disaster Coalition to furnish homes and provide household items for more than 90 families still displaced from the Wilmington Housing Authority. It...

12/19/2022

Today's theme on Stage and Screen with Jemila is "Let It Snow!" You'll hear music from NUTCRACKER ("Waltz of the Snowflakes"); DR. ZHIVAGO; THE SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO; NAPOLEON; WINTERFELL (from "Game of Thrones"); WHITE CHRISTMAS; FROSTY THE SNOWMAN; RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER; and "Latin Snowfall" from CHARADE. Tune in to 92.7fm at 12:06!

12/19/2022

Watch Live: Jan. 6 Committee to discuss and vote on possible criminal referrals

The House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is holding a public business meeting on Monday, December 19, at 1 p.m. The committee is expected to consider possible criminal referrals and to vote on them. This is the committee’s final public event prior to the release of its final report, which is expected later in the week on Wednesday, the 21st.

The House Select Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is holding a public business meeting on Monday, December 19, at 1 p.m. The committee is expected to consider possible criminal referrals and to vote on them. This is the committee’s final public event prior to the re...

12/18/2022

WHQR Station Manager Kevin Crane accepted a Grassroots Arts Program grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, presented by Rhonda Bellamy of Arts Council of Wilmington.

12/17/2022

Gentrification in Wilmington Part II: The data, the struggle, and the solutions

Gentrification is washing over downtown Wilmington, accelerating as it moves North to South. On this week's episode of The Newsroom, we'll dig into the history that led us here, the data proving it's happening, and how it feels on the ground. We'll also hear about potential solutions - however complex those answers may be.

Gentrification is washing over downtown Wilmington, accelerating as it moves North to South. On this week's episode of The Newsroom, we'll dig into the history that led us here, the data proving it's happening, and how it feels on the ground. We'll also hear about potential solutions- however comple...

12/16/2022

Jemila Ericson has some friends in the studio today! WHQR supporter Rasa Love secured a Classical HQR guest-DJ spot for her father, Steve, during our Fall Pledge Drive. Listen now!

12/16/2022

The theme on today's Stage and Screen with Jemila is ANIMALS AS STARS. It will be all film music -- from FREE W***Y, HATARI, BORN FREE, TWO BROTHERS, BLACK BEAUTY, KING KONG, BRAVE BULLS and DANCES WITH WOLVES. AND at 1:00, I'll have special guests. Rasa Love pledged and secured a spot for her classical-fan father Steve. They'll be co-DJs with me with a playlist provided by Steve! Tune in to 92.7fm at 12:06 to listen.

12/15/2022

We've got some great films lined up for the new year! Check out our Cinematique page for more info! https://www.whqr.org/cinematique-of-wilmington-film-series

12/15/2022

County manager sends ‘recommendations’ to NHCS safety officer after Hoggard High lockdown drill

County Manager Chris Coudriet recommended that, for future lockdown drills, schools ensure that parents, teachers, and students, as well as law enforcement and emergency response services, be given advanced notice. While the district’s current policy doesn’t include advance notification of drills, Coudriet suggested the change to “align with the times,” citing in part a recent string of hoax calls aimed at schools.

County Manager Chris Coudriet recommended that, for future lockdown drills, schools ensure that parents, teachers, and students, as well as law enforcement and emergency response services, be given advanced notice. While the district’s current policy doesn’t include advance notification of drill...

12/14/2022

NHC schools find financial records for multi-million-dollar anti-violence grant from mid-2000s

In July, WHQR reported that New Hanover County Schools and the University of North Carolina Wilmington couldn’t locate the results of a federal grant worth over $10 million, from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and Education, to study violence prevention in the mid-2000s. But more recently, evidence of the grant has come to light.

In July, WHQR reported that New Hanover County Schools and the University of North Carolina Wilmington couldn’t locate the results of a federal grant worth over $10 million, from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and Education, to study violence prevention in the mid-2000...

12/14/2022

This is the LAST DAY to see this award-winning film--screening at 3pm and 7pm at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.! Don't miss it!

12/13/2022

Joint Opioid Committee lays out spending plans for Wilmington and New Hanover County at latest meeting

Last week, elected officials from Wilmington and New Hanover County met with staff to discuss Opioid settlement proceeds and shore up their plans to tackle the opioid crisis affecting the area.

12/13/2022

New Hanover County's revaluation last year hit this Black neighborhood harder than almost anywhere else

Last year, New Hanover County re-assessed the value of every property within the county’s bounds. The average home saw a 30% increase, but one neighborhood blew far past that.

12/13/2022

Timothy Iannone’s conviction is justice for some, more complicated for others

On Tuesday morning, Timothy Iannone, 61, was sentenced to at least 48 years in prison for the r**e and kidnapping of a young woman over a quarter-century ago. It’s a story, still ongoing, that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the criminal justice system, and the resilience and persistence of victims — especially those stuck waiting for the gears of justice to turn.

On Tuesday morning, Timothy Iannone, 61, was sentenced to at least 48 years in prison for the r**e and kidnapping of a young woman over a quarter-century ago. It’s a story, still ongoing, that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the criminal justice system, and the resilience and persistenc...

12/13/2022

CoastLine: Wilmington is on fire with new Black power, prosperity, and self-reliance, says documentarian Christopher Everett

CoastLine: Wilmington is on fire with new Black power, prosperity, and self-reliance, says documentarian Christopher Everett

Most of us know the story – or at least the basics – of the only successful coup d'état in American history. The 1898 Wilmington, NC massacre perpetrated by white supremacists which killed citizens, forced elected officials from office, and drove successful Black professionals out of the city. ...

12/12/2022

Tar | Official Trailer

Watch the trailer for this "engrossing piece of cinema"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONWT2kZxrxk
Read the full review from Washington Blade here: https://bit.ly/3iXa27l
(screening this week at Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.)

From writer-producer-director Todd Field comes TÁR, starring Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár, the groundbreaking conductor o...

12/12/2022

One Small Step: 'We don't have to agree on everything, but they're not horrible people'

Cape Fear region residents can sometimes clash with one another over controversial topics. That’s partly why WHQR has partnered with StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.

The program brings strangers together across political divides — not to argue, but to learn about each other's lives.

Keri and Scott are two such people; this is an excerpt from their One Small Step conversation.

Cape Fear region residents can sometimes clash with one another over controversial topics. That’s partly why WHQR has partnered with StoryCorps’ One Small Step program.The program brings strangers together across political divides — not to argue, but to learn about each other's lives.Keri and ...

12/09/2022

Wow, we are so thankful of all who supported Good Shepherd Center and WHQR yesterday! And special thanks to Bob Loweth!

12/08/2022

There's still time to donate to our One-Day Pledge Drive where you can support the station AND feed hungry adults and children. Donate NOW: https://whqr-web.memsys.com/donate/
Good Shepherd Center

12/08/2022

Just had a wonderful in-person gift from possibly our youngest donor today, Lilly. Thanks Lilly and thanks to all who have called or pledged online today during our One-Day Pledge Drive. There's still time to help WHQR and the Good Shepherd Center by calling 910-343-1138 we're going to whqr.org.

12/08/2022

Laney High School students shelter in place after gunshots reported, no injuries

According to law enforcement, some staff members reported hearing gunfire from the far side of nearby Olsen park, an area frequented by hunters. The school was placed on alert but students are now being released from shelter in place.

12/08/2022

'New York Times' editors hustle to prepare stories for newsroom strike

More than 1,100 members of the newsroom union at The New York Times say they'll participate in a day-long walkout today to protest the paper's failure to meet salary demands. They have been working without a contract for nearly two years.

More than 1,100 of the newspaper's journalists say they'll strike Thursday over the paper's failure to meet the union's demand for pay raises.

12/08/2022

We hope you'll support the station and the community today during our One-Day Pledge Drive! Click here to donate: https://whqr-web.memsys.com/donate/
Good Shepherd Center

12/07/2022

NHCSO charges 12-year-old for Holly Shelter Middle School hoax call

On Tuesday afternoon, a hoax call alleging an active shooter put Holly Shelter Middle School into lockdown. Less than 24 hours later, authorities arrested a juvenile suspect.

12/07/2022

Vanishing Sands: How Sand Mining is Stripping Away Earth’s Beaches

Vanishing Sands: How Sand Mining is Stripping Away Earth’s Beaches

Sand mining happens on every inhabited continent and at nearly every conceivable scale. Some of it is legal; much of it is not. A new book from Duke University Press, “Vanishing Sands: Losing Beaches to Mining,” casts light on the shadowy world of sand mining through case studies that illuminate...

12/07/2022

Incumbent Pete Wildeboer unanimously elected as chair of New Hanover County school board

At Tuesday evening’s New Hanover County School Board meeting, the Republican slate of Pat Bradford, Josie Barnhart, Melissa Mason, and Pete Wildeboer took their oath of office.

12/06/2022

Bill Rivenbark named NHC Commissioner chair, newly-elected LeAnn Pierce named vice-chair

At Monday’s meeting, outgoing Chair Julia Olson-Boseman was given an award for her service — and a standing ovation. The newly formed board then elected its leader for the upcoming year.

12/06/2022

NHCSO: Another hoax suspected after active shooter threat locks down Holly Shelter Middle School

Holly Shelter Middle School was placed on lockdown following a phone threat about an active shooter, according to the New Hanover County Schools district. Law enforcement believes it to be a hoax — but can't yet confirm if it's related to last week's wave of hoaxes that struck schools across the state.

Holly Shelter Middle School was placed on lockdown following a phone threat about an active shooter, according to the New Hanover County Schools district. Law enforcement believes it to be a hoax — but can't yet confirm if it's related to last week's wave of hoaxes that struck schools across the s...

12/06/2022

CoastLine: Vanishing Sands: Losing Beaches to Mining with Duke Professor Orrin Pilkey

Duke University Press Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke

Sea levels are rising. Storms are intensifying. And the world’s sandy beaches and dunes are more important than ever for the protection of coastal environments. And yet sand mining is on the increase — much of it for beach nourishment. But is beach nourishment doing what we want it do? And is th...

12/06/2022

Statewide survey: Overall satisfaction, but specific areas of concern for New Hanover County schools

The 'NC Working Conditions Survey' reflects staff concerns about student behavior, professional development, teacher autonomy, and staff’s relationship with the district’s Central Office, among other issues.

12/06/2022

Closing of downtown Wilmington Salvation Army could leave support gap until new facility opens

The Salvation Army’s downtown location is closing, and it will be at least two years until the new location off of Martin Luther King Parkway opens. Other shelters in town don’t have the capacity to absorb those that will be displaced.

12/05/2022

Today on STAGE & SCREEN WITH JEMILA at 12:06pm: Epic Stories, Epic Landscapes, Epic Characters. You'll hear great music from LAWRENCE OF ARABIA; GONE WITH THE WIND; THE WIZARD OF OZ; AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS; OUT OF AFRICA; DR. ZHIVAGO; THE GODFATHER; RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK; JURASSIC PARK; and APOCALYPSE NOW.

12/05/2022

Cameron Art Museum is hosting its annual Minnie Evans Birthday Celebration, Sunday, December 11, from 10-5. Rhonda's guest on Around Town is filmmaker Linda Royal who is producing a full-length documentary on the visionary artist. LISTEN HERE: https://bit.ly/3Uu3DNT
Photo courtesy of Nina Howell Starr

12/05/2022

Outages could last days after shootings at Moore County substations

Officials have said there is not yet evidence linking the vandalism to a drag show that was shut down by the blackout.

A spokesman for Duke Energy said at a news conference with local officials on Sunday that the damage caused the night before could take days to repair. Power was out for roughly 37,000 customers Sunday.