Looking back, it was undoubtedly risky suggesting to meet Harry Styles, the global music megastar, the apple of so many millions of eyes, at a public open-air swimming pool in London on an unusually sunny March morning—right when people were bouncing around the city with a vaguely manic, newly liberated energy, catalyzed by the total lift on COVID restrictions. But swimmers, particularly all-weather swimmers (the lido I chose is unheated and open year-round), take the meditative pleasure of swimming seriously... read more

By Michael Praats WECT Published: Apr. 29, 2022 at 11:08 AM EDT Following a ruling from a three-judge panel from the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling the City of Wilmington’s short-term rental ordinances violated state law, City Council will vote on returning more than $500,000 to those who paid the fees. According to the documents from the City of Wilmington, they’d also pay interest. “Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 160D-106, registration fees collected sin... read more

 Last month, local government entities revisited alternative funding options for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge — a contentious topic that walks the fine line between necessity and unfavorable financing options. It remains a high priority for officials. The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization passed a resolution at its February board meeting to ask the North Carolina Department of Transportation to explore all options, including tolls and previous proposals, for rep... read more

Four more shows have been announced as the 2022 concert season begins shaping up in Wilmington. Michael Franti will continue his annual sojourn to Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, while Rainbow Kitten Surprise will head to downtown’s Riverfront Park. Also, coming back to town: Keller Williams with his friends the Keels. And a five-piece rock outfit that’s garnered attention for over two decades for bending rock and experimental jams are making their Riverfront Park debut: Say hello to My Morning Jacket. He... read more

A new area code for southeastern North Carolina will go into effect in early October, more than four months earlier than planned, state officials say. The 472 area code will be used for new phone lines in Cumberland, New Hanover, Onslow and Robeson counties. The move means that residents in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Wilmington, Jacksonville and Lumberton will get numbers that begin with 472 if they get new service or an additional line, according to a statement released this week by the North Carolina Utilities Com... read more