Good morning, Wilmington! Want to know what Port City Peeps are talking about? It's Flock cameras.

New Hanover County's automated license plate reader system has gone from a quiet law enforcement tool to the talk of the town. On Monday night, dozens of residents packed the Board of Commissioners meeting to voice concerns about the Flock camera network — 28 cameras whose data is accessible from more than 6,000 external networks, with NHCSO deputies running roughly 6,000 searches through the system since June. The group DeFlock ILM is calling on commissioners to pause national data sharing, open up search records to the public, and schedule a formal public forum on the technology's future. Commissioners say they're in "fact-finding mode" with no timeline on next steps. WWAY.

In today's Port City Pulse:

• 🌊 Beach cleanup this Saturday at Ocean Front Park — bring the family, 8–10am

• 🐝 Invasive hornets just landed in NC — what it means for our honey bees, and what you can do about it

Help Clean Up Kure Beach This Saturday — The Aquarium Needs You

Saturday, Aug. 22 | 8–10am | Ocean Front Park, Kure Beach | Free

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been closed since late May for a 30-month renovation — but that hasn't stopped them from showing up for the community. This Saturday, they're co-hosting a back-to-school beach cleanup with the Town of Kure Beach at Ocean Front Park.

Volunteers get reusable gloves, trash pickers, tote bags, and buckets. There's a prize for the participant who shows the most school spirit — wear your team colors. Water refill stations will be on-site; organizers are asking you to skip single-use plastics. Free parking in town spaces near the park.

While Fort Fisher is under renovation, the aquarium's pop-up experience — Discovery Bay — is currently open at Independence Mall in Wilmington.

Learn More »

An Invasive Hornet Just Reached NC — And It's Coming for the Honey Bees

North Carolina's honey bees have a new enemy. On July 29, the NC Department of Agriculture confirmed yellow-legged hornets in Union County, near the Mecklenburg County line. A homeowner first spotted suspicious activity at her hummingbird feeder. Within days, state officials found adult hornets nearby.

These invasive hornets — native to Southeast Asia — have been working their way up the East Coast since first appearing in Savannah, GA in late 2023. They hit York County, SC (just south of Charlotte) last December, and now they're in North Carolina. Roughly an inch long, with yellow legs and a dark body, they're most dangerous because they "hawk" honey bee hives — hovering at the entrance and picking off bees one by one. They've been weakening hives across Europe since 2004.

NC has more beekeepers per capita than any other state — more than 15,000 total. If you spot suspicious hornet activity near a hive or feeder, report it to the state here. You can also set a simple trap — honey bees aren't attracted to it, but the hornets are.

Thinking about getting into beekeeping? The New Hanover County Beekeepers Association runs an in-person Beginners Bee School every winter at Halyburton Park — 8 sessions covering biology, hive management, pests, and honey extraction. Registration for the 2027 class opens November 17, 2026 at 6pm. Cost is $100 (cash or check) and includes the textbook, equipment, and dual membership in NCSBA and NHCBA.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News

Cape Fear students are heading back to school a little more prepared, thanks to WWAY's Stuff the Backpack Drive. Donations of backpacks, notebooks, and classroom supplies were collected for Communities in Schools of Cape Fear, serving students across New Hanover and Pender counties. WWAY.

The Wilmington Jewish Community Center is breaking ground on its new home this Sunday. The ceremony kicks off at 11am at 2317 Market St. Light refreshments follow. RSVP: 910-262-2193 or [email protected]. WWAY.

Oak Island ran two nights of mosquito fogging this week. Zones 1 & 2 were treated Tuesday, Zones 3 & 4 (plus the mainland) went Wednesday — both starting around 6pm. Registered beekeepers can get an exemption. WECT.

What You Should Know

Amazon says it will hit 1 million drone deliveries this year — and expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities by year-end. That's a sixfold increase in Prime Air's footprint. The company's boss says it's on track to serve 30 million customers and deliver half a billion packages by the end of the decade. CNBC.

National

Progressive state rep Angie Nixon upset heavily favored Alex Vindman in Florida's Democratic Senate primary. Nixon — a DSA member — won 56% to 44% despite being outspent roughly 16-to-1. She'll face Republican incumbent Ashley Moody in November. The Guardian.

What Might Surprise You

Trump posted a map on Truth Social labeling the Strait of Hormuz "new US territory." The post came after his 60-day deadline for an Iran deal passed with no agreement. A White House official had previously called it a joke; Iran responded that the strait could not be seized by tweet, aircraft carrier, or executive order. The Hill.

A Georgia Army unit is offering soldiers a 96-hour pass timed to the GTA 6 release as a reenlistment incentive. Soldiers at Fort Stewart's 9th Engineer Battalion who re-up by Nov. 14 get four days off to coincide with the game's launch. Twenty out of 130 eligible soldiers have already signed on. Military Times.

Don’t Miss

Live Music

Wed Aug 19

Thu Aug 20

Fri Aug 21