Every week, WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman sits down with The Assembly’s Wilmington editor, Johanna Still, to talk about our joint newsletter — The Dive. This week, it’s a look at an $18-million increase in the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office budget, which provided some interesting contrast to the protracted public debate over a comparable budget shortfall at the New Hanover County Schools district.

Welcome back to the Cape Fear Rundown. This week Ben joins us to talk to us about a particular budget request from the Wilmington Fire Department and then, Kelly joins us to give a sneak peek into her upcoming Newsroom episode.

Elizabeth Craver has been suspended from her job as Pender County Clerk of Court since her criminal indictment in February. Today, a judge has decided to keep her in office.

After trashing a proposal for a 70% property tax hike, Leland town council decided to explore cheaper options. The new budget proposal, which they reviewed last night, only needs a 17% tax hike — but has significant revisions.

A WHQR listener emailed the newsroom to ask about why there are so few DMV License Plate Agencies to serve the significant population of the Cape Fear region. WHQR’s News Director Ben Schachtman sat down with reporter Camille Mojica to see what she found out for our latest ‘Ask a Journalist’ segment.

County Manager Chris Coudriet announced the museum late last year with much fanfare, but few financial details and no guarantees. According to New Hanover County, conversations with Michael Jordan’s family were “collaborative and productive,” but ultimately they decided not to move forward with plans for a museum honoring the basketball legend.

It's Day Two of the removal hearing for Pender County Clerk of Court Elizabeth Craver, who has been suspended from her position following a criminal indictment. WHQR's rural reporter Nikolai Mather is covering the trial in Burgaw. Here's his update.

Pender County Clerk of Court Elizabeth Craver, one the most powerful elected figures in the county, was suspended from office after being indicted on four criminal counts in February. Now, a judge will decide whether she can remain in office.

Facing serious budget problems and potential position reductions and layoffs, board members discussed asking both New Hanover County and the New Hanover Community Endowment for additional support. One board member also raised concerns that some employees had already been notified their position was being cut — even though Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust and other top administrators have denied this was happening.

In the wake of a shooting at a downtown Wilmington nightclub this weekend, City Councilmember Luke Waddell is calling on city staff to compile crime data on establishments he feels are a "catalyst" for violent incidents.