Wilmington Restaurants' Shrimp Fraud Report
Cape Fear Beacon
Dive into a report revealing rampant shrimp fraud in Wilmington, NC. Genetic testing found 77% of restaurants sampled misrepresented imported, farm-raised shrimp as local or U.S. wild-caught. This deceptive marketing not only cheats consumers but severely impacts local shrimpers. We explore the findings, the harm to the industry, and why better labeling is needed to protect both consumers and American livelihoods.
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New Hanover Republican-led School Board Unintentionally Throws a Pro-Tim Merrick Political Rally
Cape Fear Beacon
A move to censure Democrat Dr. Tim Merrick by New Hanover County’s Republican-led school board quickly turned into a public show of support for him. While board members accused Merrick of crossing the line in a personnel issue and possibly leaking confidential info, the crowd of around 160 people wasn’t having it. Supporters filled the room, many wearing pork pie hats like Merrick’s, and made their frustration known with boos and calls of “shame.” The tension prompted several warnings and a few removals. Board member Judy Justice, also a Democrat, said the censure could backfire,...
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Is Josie Being Played, or is She Playing Us?
Cape Fear Beacon
Josie Barnhart's March 31st (2025) letter advocates for revisiting the rejected $3.2 million security pilot funding due to "new information and insights". She highlights ongoing camera upgrades since 2022, the growing role of AI, and the existing Verkada system pilot. However, despite Barnhart's push, significant reservations remain concerning the need for a second pilot program (Eviden alongside Verkada), Eviden's limited U.S. K-12 experience, and enduring worries about privacy, effectiveness against concealed weapons, and long-term costs.
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NHCS and Eviden: a Risky Alliance with France's Military Intelligence Complex?
Cape Fear Beacon
This podcast examines the controversial proposal to implement an AI surveillance system by Eviden in New Hanover County Schools (NHCS), highlighting concerns about potential cronyism due to a senior director's connection to U.S. Senator Ted Budd. The summary points to the financial instability of Eviden's parent company, Atos SE, a major French military contractor, raising questions about another foreign entity attempting to infiltrate U.S. infrastructure. The podcast also covers the unclear vendor selection process and Eviden's lack of experience in U.S. K-12 schools. Key worries...
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Concerns about Eviden A.I. Surveillance in New Hanover Schools
Cape Fear Beacon
Is a $3.2 million school surveillance project in New Hanover County influenced by political ties? This episode dives into the controversial no-bid contract awarded to Eviden, whose Strategic Partnership Manager, Mia Budd, is the niece by marriage of U.S. Senator Ted Budd. Was this deal a result of family connections rather than a fair process? We explore the appearance of potential impropriety surrounding this AI security system from a foreign company with no prior experience in U.S. education.
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Is NHCS Poised to Vote on an AI Security nightmare?
Cape Fear Beacon
Read the article at: References: 2024Oct06, The Washington Post, "Police seldom disclose use of facial recognition despite false arrests," by Douglas MacMillan, David Ovalle and Aaron Schaffer. () 2025 Jan 27, Carolina Journal, , Brianna Kraemer, Summary: North Carolina schools are implementing an AI-driven security program, sparking debate among parents and lawmakers over privacy risks, data security, and student safety benefits.
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Deep Dive on New Hanover County GOP attacking Melissa Mason
Cape Fear Beacon
In this episode, we dig into how the New Hanover County GOP launched a behind-the-scenes campaign to punish school board chair Melissa Mason — not for abandoning conservative values, but for thinking independently. We’ll break down the vague resolution against her, expose the party’s internal power plays, and show how this fight reveals a much larger problem within the Republican Party: the war between grassroots conservatives and establishment insiders.
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Dark MAGA and The Underbelly of the H-1B Visa System
Cape Fear Beacon
In this episode, we dive deep into the controversial H-1B visa program, exploring its impact on American jobs, wages, and housing costs. From Elon Musk’s call for H-1B expansion to Disney’s widely criticized layoffs, we break down how the system is used—and potentially abused—by corporations. We’ll also examine Tesla’s reliance on foreign workers, troubles of outsourcing H-1B workers, and the role outsourcing firms play in shaping the program. Join us as we uncover the ripple effects of H-1B policies and discuss what’s at stake for America’s middle class.
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Wilmington's Housing 'Crisis'
Cape Fear Beacon
In this episode, we dive into Wilmington, North Carolina's ongoing battle between historic charm and rapid development. Is the city's growth plan a roadmap to a brighter future or a developer's playground? We unpack the controversies surrounding the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, whispers of political influence, and the questionable "housing crisis" narrative driving high-density projects. Featuring insights on affordability, real estate speculation, and the community's fight for balance, we also explore the upcoming election's potential to reshape Wilmington's future. Join us for a...
info_outlineDive into a report revealing rampant shrimp fraud in Wilmington, NC. Genetic testing found 77% of restaurants sampled misrepresented imported, farm-raised shrimp as local or U.S. wild-caught. This deceptive marketing not only cheats consumers but severely impacts local shrimpers. We explore the findings, the harm to the industry, and why better labeling is needed to protect both consumers and American livelihoods.