I've been reading the public records behind the New Hanover County Sheriff's Flock camera contract — the full audit the county produced under a NC public-records request. A couple of things surprised me.

First: these aren't just license plate readers. Flock's system lets you search for *people* by description — skip the plate, type something like "male wearing a black hat and a green shirt," and ask the camera network to find them. Our county's cameras are wired into that network.

Second: in the audit, three separate times over six months, someone typed a race into a people-search against these cameras:

• 2 young teenage black males" (Dec 11, 2025)
• "a white male near a white chevrolet truck" (Feb 4, 2026)
• "white male wearing a black hat and a green shirt" (May 26, 2026)

I want to be straight about what happened, because it cuts both ways. Flock's own filter *blocked* all three for the racial term. Each time, the searcher re-ran the exact same search seconds later with the race word removed — and it went through. (A search for a "Black car" ran fine moments earlier, so the system clearly knows the difference between a paint color and a person.) And it's not a story about one race — two of the three were white-male descriptions. The filter blocks race descriptors generally.

Here's the part that actually bothers me. On all 2,980,082 searches in this audit, the county redacted the name of every single searching agency. Every row just says ***. So we literally cannot find out who is using cameras we pay for to search for people by description.

The Sheriff says his office doesn't use the system to monitor people, and I'll take him at his word — which means these searches came from the other agencies that share the network. We got a glimpse of who those are: down the coast in Kure Beach, which released the agency names, 93.6% of searches came from OUTSIDE North Carolina, and the FBI alone ran more than 25,000.

So the most likely read is that out-of-state agencies are using New Hanover's cameras to search for people by description, and the county won't tell us who. That feels like something residents should get to decide on. The Board of Commissioners funds this contract and meets August 17.

Everything's public and archived if you want to check my math (I'm not asking anyone to trust me — the raw audit is online): the write-up with the screenshot is at deflockilm.org/flock-cameras-people-search-by-race/, and the full record is on the Internet Archive (search "deflockilm new hanover alpr").

Long shot but…I’m a Columbus Crew fan in town visiting family for the week. My wife and I need a break from my in-laws and were wondering if there was a spot that might be showing the game. I can watch it at their place…so not killing me if there’s not a spot. But just thought I’d see what’s out there. TIA!!!

Edit: I found Slainte…hoping if someone knows whether they show MLS/Crew.

Hey guys. So I moved into Willow Glen down by Monkey Junction about a month ago. I live by myself and I am a very clean and tidy person, I can’t focus if my space is not clean. Upon moving in, the unit was deep cleaned and has been maintained since then. However, I have had an issue with finding roaches, particularly varying sizes of brown ones in my place. I have had maintenance come seal up potential entry points in the bathroom, as well as pest control come spray. I am pretty good about killing them, but some are able to get away in unreachable areas and that makes me feel unsettled in my own apartment. It is embarrassing when guests are over and I almost don’t even want to invite people over until this has subsided. It’s not fun going to the bathroom in the middle of the night and seeing roaches run when the lights come on. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can deal with this? I understand that roaches are a fact of life here in Wilm. I’m not concerned about killing them, I just don’t want them in my unit. If it were one or two that happened to wander in, that’s different. But I am getting tired of feeling unsettled in my own apartment knowing there could be roaches around any corner.

For context I have lost a lot of weight, weighing well over 300lbs now down to a steady 170. I have thighs that sag, arms that make me look like a flying squirrel, and a combo of loose skin/apron belly that would be nice to have lipo and tuck.

Where is the best place to go and if you’ve had any of these procedures done, what does ballpark pricing look like? I’d be paying out of pocket, my insurance does not cover anything not medically necessary.

Thank you in advance!

Been here 3 years, and just now looking to enjoy Red Sox baseball outside the comfort of my home...

im willing to do what it takes but dont have the one tool to do it

I’m in center of Wilmington essentially and need to dispose of mattress, box spring, Fridge and couch I am trying to get removed from my home. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on who is reasonable?

Anyone have a recommendation for a 1 time massage? I don't want to go to a place that's gonna try and get me on a regular plan, I just can't afford it.

And please don't recommend Shine On, I had a really bad experience with them and don't plan on every giving them my money if I can help it

We have general admission tickets to see Rhiannon Giddens tonight, but we've never been to this venue. From what I can tell online, there seems to be limited parking on a grassy space, but most is street parking. Is this correct? I get the feeling parking is going to be a nightmare, so how far ahead of the show should I plan on getting there to find parking?

Looking for recommendations for a new vet for our 2 dogs and 3 cats. We’re towards the north side of the county. Who have you felt very comfortable with and whom have you not?

All, looking for some recommendations on a safe boudoir photographer with reasonable pricing that includes digital. TYIA

Interested in hearing from others who have worked at CFCC recently. Currently working in admin at a state government job and have the opportunity for an admin position at the main CFCC campus. I was very excited for a new work environment but all I keep reading online is how toxic it is to work there. Any advice is much appreciated!

Hi. I have lived here most of my life (since 1996) but only have one tattoo and my artist moved away. I recently survived colon cancer and have an idea of a hummingbird carrying the blue colon cancer ribbon with a semi colon in the middle of the ribbon (because I literally have a semi colon and my life is not over. It fits) I prefer realism and blues all around. Is there an artist in the area that fits that?

I know this area has plenty of disc golf courses, but I am looking to learn. Any recommendations on how to break into it? I’ve looked at some of the clubs but I am intimidated to jump right in as I will need to be taught. I want to find something beginner friendly. Any recommendations are appreciated! I did google and look on Facebook but I just wanted to see if I could find someone or a small group! Thanks in advance
Edit: to add context, I’m really just trying to see if anyone is part of any small groups or something so I can get a start. While l want to learn, I also would like to use this as a way to be social.

Hello Wilmingtonians,

I’m here for business and was wondering if there were any movie theaters who have daily deals on tickets? Back home we have $10 tuesdays with $5 any size drinks and popcorn. Curious if there is anything like that. If not, reccomend the best theater in town! Thanks.

Toxic Avenger 6?

It looks like renovations or repairs. I might have just answered my own question but I’m hoping someone has details about my favorite place.

Trying to get my $10 Tuesday on :(

EDIT: This is a damn travesty. Curse you MTY food groups.

Hey everyone, I am looking to try brunch places around Wilmington. Any places that have good pancakes, healthy bowls, and/or mimosas?

Wouldn’t it be “latter”? Idk. Just hit me weird haha. Have the best day comrades!

I’m sure this had been asked/answered before but I’m at work and have very little time to dive into the archives. Tell me me who you like and why you like them please!🙏