4+ hour, 13+ min ago (491+ words) WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) is seeking roughly $340,000 in federal grant funding to purchase new body cameras. City council passed a resolution unanimously at their Nov. 5 meeting, authorizing City Manager Becky Hawke to apply for the grant. The grant would require the city to commit about $170,000 total in matching funds over a three-year period. Roughly $57,000 of that match will be required in the 2026 fiscal year, and can be covered within the city's current budget, according to the resolution. If approved, every WPD officer would have their own Axon body camera. Currently, only officers who typically work in the field do, though others who don't have cameras do fill in on certain assignments in the field where there's a need, according to the department. Lt. Greg Willett said WPD uses the camera footage frequently, as evidence in court cases…...

6+ day, 23+ hour ago (155+ words) The publication recognized the city, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach for their coastal charm, rich history and year-round appeal. WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The City of Wilmington and its three local beaches were announced as a winner in Good Housekeeping's 2026 Travel Awards. The publication recognized the city, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach for their coastal charm, rich history and year-round appeal. Highlights included the Historic Downtown River District, the coastal cuisine, outdoor recreation and family-friendly atmosphere. "This recognition from Good Housekeeping underscores the quality and variety of experiences our region offers," said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches CVB. "It reflects the welcoming spirit of our community and the unforgettable moments that await visitors along our riverfront and island beaches." The full list of awards…...

2+ week, 7+ hour ago (270+ words) WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Wilmington community gathered to remember the 1898 massacre and coup, marking nearly 130 years since the attack that historians call the only successful coup in American history. White supremacists took to the streets, burned Black businesses, forcibly removed Black politicians from power, and murdered others. The attack aimed to destroy the Port City's thriving African American community. Chakema Clinton-Quintana, a commissioner for the Commission on African American History and soon-to-be city council member, said the event continues to impact the community today. "It is such an impactful event that has affected many people, many Wilmingtonians here. Some things have changed, some things have not," Clinton-Quintana said. A wreath-laying ceremony at the 1898 Memorial Park served as one way to educate the community about the historical tragedy. "We want to continue to educate our youth, we want them to know that's…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago (110+ words) The Warming Shelter in Wilmington has announced it will be opening multiple sites for the 2025-2026 winter season. The shelter will be partnering with Purpose Church to open a second location, along ... WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Warming Shelter in Wilmington has announced it will be opening multiple sites for the 2025-2026 winter season. The shelter will be partnering with Purpose Church to open a second location, along with its original location at Grace United Methodist Church. The Warming Shelter provides temporary, overnight shelters for people experiencing homelessness when temperatures are expected to be below 30 degrees. The shelter is also looking for volunteers and asking for donations....

3+ week, 17+ hour ago (82+ words) The event allows attendees to touch, climb on, explore, and ask questions about trucks, cars, and construction equipment. Junior League of Wilmington reschedules 17th annual Touch-A-Truck INTERVIEW: Southeast North Carolina Veterans Parade honoring veterans this weekend Pender Co. Schools hosting county-wide food drive throughout November Sunset Beach asking for community input on improving N.C. 904 Corridor CFCC inviting public to annual production of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" North Carolina lawmaker accused of sex crimes resigns from state House...

4+ week, 5+ hour ago (458+ words) WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - High levels of previously-overlooked toxic chemicals are in the bodies of people living in the Wilmington area, according to a new study released Monday by NC State researchers. The study examined blood samples taken from 119 people living in New Hanover County between 2010-16, and found almost every sample contained high levels of short-chain PFAS chemicals known as TFA and PFMOAA. Every sample also contained at least one type of forever chemical, with ten types of PFAS detected in more than 99% of samples. "PFAS is in all of our bloods," said Jane Hoppin, an NC State professor who helped spearhead the study. PFAS have been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including different types of cancer. The chemicals have become a major issue for Southeastern North Carolina since the revelation in 2017 that the Cape Fear River had been…...

4+ week, 10+ hour ago (174+ words) WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - It's National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and the NC Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a job and resource fair for community members to promote that message. The fair will have 40+ vendors, food trucks, and live music, with the goal of helping disadvantaged individuals find and retain employment. "We're gonna have anything from veteran services, to physical health, to mental health, and then everything in between," said Ryan Reeves, Representative for the Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. Reeves says the hardest part of employment is staying employed, but despite the challenges, his agency sees a lot of success. "Giving them the necessary tools to succeed," said Reeves. "We have classes and stuff that we help them with, it gives them the confidence to go into the workforce and truly succeed." The community…...