Benjamin Schachtman

Tenants have voiced long-standing complaints about management, maintenance, and pest control at Solomon Towers, a senior public housing facility in downtown Wilmington. The housing authority acknowledged some issues, but pointed to major planned renovations — and also the challenges of operating on limited and inadequate funding.

On today's show, Kelly Kenoyer discusses her months-long investigation into alleged morale issues in Wilmington City Hall. And Rachel Keith sits down to discuss her recent reporting on the Upperman family's decision to stop supporting UNCW scholarships over the university's anti-DEI policy, plus her recent efforts to track the $20 million nursing pipeline grant.

After some tense negotiations, Wilmington City Manager Becky Hawke agreed to an interview with WHQR about allegations of a toxic workplace culture at City Hall. It was an important act of accountability — one that's grown increasingly rare, as some in local government shrink from sitting down with the press.

Q: Is North Carolina's film grant program out of money? A: No — not exactly. The program is still getting $31 million annually, and all the current grants are fully funded.

This week, Charlotte-based developer Copper Builders reached an agreement with one group of New Hanover County residents over road access concerns. Another group, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, asked to continue their case as new plans are drawn up. Their appeal is now scheduled for September.

Earlier this year, a firm owned by Mayor Bill Saffo's brother was awarded a $2.4-million contract. The city initially said there had been a lower bid from a contractor that dropped out. Public records, delivered over four months later, show there was more to the story: the city told the contractor it wasn't eligible to bid, but apparently later changed its mind. That wasn't publicly acknowledged or shared with city council.

This weekend, an event in Wilmington is honoring Allison Jackson Foy, who was killed two decades ago, and invites families to share their own stories of missing or murdered loved ones.

Elections Director DeNay Harris was placed on administrative leave and then fired after a series of high-profile clashes with the county and local elections board. The state upheld her termination for failing to perform her job duties, making false statements, and other issues. Harris accuses the state and local elections board of retaliation and violating her state constitutional rights.

Editor's notes on a week packed with news stories: The DSA’s homemade bus-stop benches cause different flavors of furor, a former Wilmington councilman has some harsh words after the city cuts down oak trees on his street, and the state’s film grant program has spent through its reserve fund – now what?

In February, Wilmington City Council awarded a contract to Saffo Contractors, Inc. for construction on the Front Street Bridge. (Connor Smith) Earlier this year, a firm owned by Mayor Bill Saffo's brother was awarded a $2.4-million contract. The city initially said there had been a lower bid from a contractor that dropped out. Public records, delivered over four months later, show there was more to the story: the city told the contractor it wasn't eligible to bid, but apparently later changed its mind. That wasn't publicly acknowledged or shared with city council.