Shoresides

Send us a text Shoresides explores life in coastal North Carolina through the lens of resilience, justice, and community action. In this episode, host Nicholas Magrino examines the implications of President Trump’s second term, focusing on the private prison industry’s role in mass deportations and the human cost of immigration policies. Featuring insights from immigration defense lawyer Martin Rosenbluth and Prison Legal News editor Paul Wright, we uncover how systemic practices affect families, communities, and the economy—highlighting the resistance and the profit motives driving these policies. Listen to understand the stories behind the statistics and the people fighting for change. Note: Paul Wright is the board chair of Narrative Arts, the publisher of Shoresides. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode of Shoresides, we explore the challenges faced by low-income and elderly homeowners in Carteret County, North Carolina—a place of vibrant coastal life but growing climate vulnerability. Host Nicholas Magrino speaks with Catissa Head, Executive Director of Coastal Community Action, whose organization supports those struggling to maintain safe and livable homes amid increasing financial strain and extreme weather. Head describes the housing crisis affecting her clients, from fixed-income seniors barely managing property upkeep to families forced into unsafe living conditions due to financial and bureaucratic barriers. Coastal Community Action offers essential services to sustain its clients’ homes and lives through weatherization, urgent repairs, and community advocacy. Head’s work highlights the critical need for safe spaces and affordable housing in rural coastal North Carolina, where community action agencies play a vital role but face significant obstacles. Her story sheds light on a population often overlooked but deeply affected by our changing world. Listen to learn about Coastal Community Action's efforts and the community resilience it fosters in the face of these pressing challenges. 4o Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text On this episode of Shoresides, we dive into the hidden side of North Carolina’s senior housing crisis. Coastal North Carolina has long been a retirement hotspot, but the influx of wealthy retirees has made it harder for lifelong residents to remain in their communities. While some seniors receive critical services like meal delivery and in-home care, others compete for the few affordable housing options left, often with younger renters and families. We’ll hear from Casey Poplosky, an aging resource specialist at Brunswick Senior Resources Incorporated, who sheds light on the harsh realities seniors face: eviction due to rent hikes, long waitlists for in-home support, and limited access to shelters—some of which can’t accommodate seniors with disabilities. Poplosky also discusses the need for more shelters, temporary housing, and greater collaboration among local agencies to address Brunswick County’s growing senior needs. Join us as we explore how rising demand is straining resources and leaving some seniors sleeping in parking lots, while organizations struggle to provide solutions. Produced and edited by Nicolas Magrino Photo credit: Spencer Platt Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text You Don’t Need a Home to Vote dives into the intersection of homelessness and democracy in America. In this episode, Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, speaks candidly about the barriers unhoused individuals face in accessing their voting rights. Whitehead shares why this issue is vital, detailing the practical steps and advocacy efforts needed to ensure everyone can participate in our democracy. From navigating ID requirements to the importance of representation, he reveals how voting rights can transform both policy and individual lives, proving that housing status should never be a barrier to having a voice. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text North Caroloina voter ID requirements. With the 2024 election underway, many voters are encountering ID rules for the first time, raising questions and concerns about how to vote without a hitch. Host Rend Smith shares his own experience of uncertainty at the polls and digs deeper with insights from experts, including Amy Campbell Bogie of You Can Vote and Karen Brinson-Bell of the NC State Board of Elections. They share tips for navigating ID issues, from alternative documents to emergency options for those facing unexpected challenges. Tune in for a straightforward guide to help North Carolina voters show up with confidence and ensure their voices are heard. Useful resources from the NC State Board of Elections. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode, we take you to Wilmington, North Carolina, where community members have gathered for Souls to the Polls, an event organized by local faith groups and the NAACP. We speak with Larry Dennis, the social action chair for St. Stephen's AME Church, on why supporting voting access is critical to democracy. Tune in to witness democracy in action. Early Voting Dates and Sites Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.Early Voting Site SearchEarly Voting Sites for the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election (PDF)Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Welcome to Shoresides and our series on voter access. In this episode, Rend Smith sits down with Nicole Wolf-Camplin, the Adult Literacy Coordinator at the Cape Fear Literacy Council. Nicole discusses the range of programs offered by the Council, including their ESL program, which supports non-native speakers on their path to citizenship. She highlights the critical role literacy plays in ensuring voter participation, especially for individuals navigating language barriers. Join us as we explore how literacy programs can open doors to civic engagement and empower more people to vote. Address: 1012 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC, 28401 Phone: (910) 251-0911 Email: info@cfliteracy.org Here are ten ways people with literacy challenges can be supported in voting in North Carolina: Accessible Voting GuidesAssistance at PollsCurbside VotingAudio BallotsElection Day TransportationPre-election WorkshopsLiteracy Support Staff at PollsEarly Voting OptionsMail-in Voting SupportBilingual ResourcesThese steps help ensure that voters with literacy challenges have the tools and support needed to cast their ballots. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode of Shoresides, we sit down with Dr. Thomas M. Dalton, founder of Eden Village in Wilmington, North Carolina. Dr. Dalton discusses the growing issue of chronic homelessness in New Hanover County and how housing is the critical linchpin to improving healthcare for the homeless. He shares insights from his work, highlighting how Eden Village is addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, chronically homeless population by providing affordable, small homes and fostering a supportive community. Dalton also explores the challenges of expanding emergency shelters, the role of government, and the future of homeless housing in the region. Eden Village has a help page which includes steps to apply for housing. Here are five resources for homeless people in Wilmington, North Carolina: Good Shepherd Center goodshepherdwilmington.orgEden Village of Wilmington edenvillagewilmington.orgDomestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. domesticviolence-wilm.orgSalvation Army of Cape Fear https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/cape-fearFirst Fruit Ministries firstfruitministries.orgSupport the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode of Shoresides, we dive into the housing challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and seniors in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Robert Ferber, retired physician and president of Independent Works, joins us to discuss their mission to create inclusive housing through the CityPlace project. Ferber shares his personal connection to the cause, driven by his daughter’s experience with autism, and highlights how Independent Works is collaborating with local organizations to provide affordable, supportive housing for neurodiverse adults and seniors. Tune in to learn more about this innovative approach to housing and community. Resources for Neurodiverse individuals and families in coastal North Carolina: Independent Works has several opportunities and resources found on their website. A good place to start is to sign up for their newsletter. New Hanover County offers several resources for neurodiverse adults and children. Below are some key options for support and services: For Children: Family Support Network of Southeastern NChttps://www.familysupportsenc.org/New Hanover County Schools - Exceptional Children ServicesNew Hanover County Schools websiteAutism Society of North Carolina - Wilmington Chapterautismsociety-nc.orgFor Adults: The Arc of North Carolinaarcnc.orgTEACCH Autism Program - Wilmingtonteacch.comNAMI Wilmingtonnamiwilmington.orgGeneral Resources: Cape Fear Cliniccapefearclinic.orgThese organizations can provide a range of services, from educational support to mental health care and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode of Shoresides, we delve into the often-overlooked reality of human trafficking survivors in coastal North Carolina. Join host Nick Magrino as he interviews Dawn Ferrer, Executive Director of A Safe Place, a nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking. Many of these survivors are left homeless, with few possessions, while struggling with substance use and the long-term effects of their experiences. Ferrer explains how childhood trauma often leads to vulnerabilities, exposing individuals to exploitation. Through initiatives like supportive housing and their upcoming farm program, A Safe Place is working to bridge gaps in care, providing safe housing and employment opportunities for survivors. Learn about the intersecting crises of homelessness, substance abuse, and human trafficking, and how communities can step up to offer real solutions. Listen in to understand the harsh realities of survival and recovery in coastal North Carolina, and how community resilience begins with addressing the root causes of vulnerability. Here are five helpful tips and resources from A Safe Place: Victim Identification & HotlineRestorative HousingOutreach Center & Case ManagementEducation & PreventionVolunteer OpportunitiesLearn more at A Safe Place. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text This episode of Shoresides delves into the growing affordable housing crisis in Brunswick County, North Carolina. We sat down with Sally Learned of Brunswick Partnership for Housing to learn more about challenges and solutions to affordable housing. Despite being employed, many residents are unable to make enough money to afford rent, forcing them into unstable living situations such as living in their cars, motels, or RVs. Doubling up in homes or couch surfing has become a solution for many people. Host Nick Magrino highlights a recent report from the National Low Income Housing Commission, which reveals that North Carolinians need to make nearly $4 more per hour than last year to afford a moderate apartment. Brunswick County, reflecting a national trend, faces an increasingly dire housing situation, pushing many wage earners into homelessness. This episode explores the community’s struggle to secure affordable housing amidst these challenges, shedding light on a critical issue impacting everyday lives in coastal North Carolina. Produced and hosted by Nick Magrino. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Unsure about North Carolina's changing marijuana laws and whether you can still get into trouble? You're not alone. That's why Shoresides is analyzing police records to uncover who’s still being penalized for marijuana possession and why. In May, the federal government advanced a measure that’d remove marijuana from the most restricted drugs list. But in North Carolina, the situation is more complex. Small amounts of recreational marijuana have been decriminalized for decades, making it quasi-legal to carry a half-ounce or less and pay a $200 fine. Police officers have the option to issue citations for larger quantities. Additionally, Hemp stores in North Carolina now openly sell “hemp” products containing small and legal amounts of Delta 9 THC, and there’s an ongoing effort–Senate Bill 711– to legalize marijuana here for medical use. Despite the progress, marijuana enforcement remains a concern for community members, particularly in cities like Wilmington, where officers file several hundred marijuana charges per year. Public records obtained by Shoresides show that from 2016 to 2023, the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) filed over 5,000 marijuana charges, with roughly 84 percent filed as misdemeanors and the majority– 70 percent–for minor marijuana infractions like possession of more than a half ounce or paraphernalia, according to a Shoresides analysis. “In North Carolina marijuana possession is still illegal,” Lieutenant Willet Greg, a spokesperson for the department told Shoresides in an email. “Is it a priority or something we are focusing resources on? No it is not, social norms change and over time the laws enacted by the legislative branch of government typically catch up with those norms.” All of the infractions turned over to Shoresides through our public records request involved amounts of marijuana that were equal to or in excess of a half-ounce. But that doesn’t mean the department has ceased penalizing people for carrying less, Willet explained. Data related to those charges aren’t readily accessible. “In order to find data for anyone charged with below a half ounce of marijuana it would require our one analyst to go through every marijuana arrest within those years. That is due to the way the law is written regarding amounts of marijuana and how the data is retained within our records system,” he said. “I’m sure there are people that have been charged with that amount.” In October 2016, a 12-year-old identified in a police report as an African-American male was arrested for marijuana possession and paraphernalia at Williston Middle School. (Paraphernalia might be anything from a plastic baggie to a glass pipe.) In July 2023, a 33-year-old identified in a police report as a white female employed by John Metts Insurance, was arrested on roughly the same charges at a local hotel. Learn more at www.shoresides.org Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Hosted by Rend Smith Featuring Johanna F. Still of The Assembly Music by PenguinMusic – Better Day from Pixabay. Rend speaks with Johanna F. Still about her recent story Shibumi Shade Has Cast Its Shadow Over North Carolina Beaches This Summer. Along the North Carolina coastline, Shibumis have become inescapable and we learn why. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text In this episode of "Leandro: Funding in New Hanover Falling Short," we delve into the ongoing challenges and implications of the Leandro court case for New Hanover County schools. Join us as we interview Rebecca Trammel of Community Conversations, who is an education advocate and expert, who sheds light on the current state of funding, the barriers faced by local schools, and the broader impact on students and teachers. Discover the real stories behind the numbers and learn what this means for the future of education in our community. Background: The Leandro case, formally known as Leandro v. State of North Carolina, is a landmark lawsuit filed in 1994 by five low-wealth school districts in North Carolina. The plaintiffs argued that the state was not providing adequate funding to ensure every child received a sound basic education, as mandated by the North Carolina Constitution. In 1997, the North Carolina Supreme Court affirmed this right and later rulings reinforced that the state must take action to rectify funding inequities. The case has led to ongoing debates and legal actions concerning the adequacy and equity of public school funding in North Carolina. Resources for learning about Leandro: Community Conversations has a dedicated page Every Child North Carolina NC Early Education Coalition Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text This episode features an insightful conversation with journalist Linda Villarosa, focusing on her New York Times Magazine article, "The Disturbing Truth About Hair Relaxers." Linda discusses the surprising health risks associated with hair relaxer products and other hair products marketed to Black girls and women, including links to uterine cancer and various reproductive health issues. Through her extensive research, she reveals the systemic issues in the cosmetic industry and the regulatory gaps that disproportionately affect Black women. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of hair straightening in the Black community, the potential health impacts of hair relaxers, and the importance of better regulation and personal choices in mitigating these risks. Tune in to hear about potential solutions and how we can support a shift towards safer, more natural hair care practices. Go deeper and read the research underpinning Villarosa’s article:+ - A 2022 study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that frequent users of hair straighteners were significantly more likely to develop uterine cancer. - Over the past two decades, researchers like Tamarra James-Todd from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have conducted numerous studies revealing the harmful effects of chemicals found in hair relaxers, such as formaldehyde and phthalates. These substances are known to disrupt endocrine function and are linked to health issues like early menstruation and reproductive cancers (Harvard School of Public Health) (Fibroid Fighters). Despite the mounting evidence, these products remain largely unregulated in the U.S., contrasting with stricter regulations in Europe. This lack of regulation has led to continued exposure and harm, with many Black women still using these products due to societal pressures and norms regarding hair aesthetics (Gatekeepers News). Get Inspired: - bell hooks, “Straightening Our Hair” in *Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black” - Discover videos related to Black girl natural hair on TikTok. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Hosted by Rend Smith Featuring Melba Newsome, a veteran freelance journalist with more than 20 years of experience reporting on environmental news. Music by PenguinMusic – Better Day from Pixabay. In a recent article for Sierra Magazine titled "North Carolina Agency Warns Anglers About Poisoned Fish," Newsome reports that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a fish consumption advisory. The advisory recommends that almost everyone significantly reduce their intake of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River due to contamination concerns. These fish are suspected to be contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a toxic chemical from the PFAS group that can persist in the environment for up to 1,000 years. The press release from the NCDHHS states: "We recommend limits on the consumption of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River based on concerns about exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) found in fish sampled from that area." The Cape Fear River Watch has published guidelines titled "Stop, Check, Enjoy," which provide tips on fish consumption. Additionally, you can find current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina and reports by county on fish consumption. For useful tips on making fish safer and healthier for consumption, renowned North Carolina Chef Keith Rhodes offers valuable advice. Link to current advisories posted by the state of North Carolina. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Hosted by Rend Smith Featuring Claudia M. Rivera Cotto of Enlace Latino NC Music by PenguinMusic – Better Day from Pixabay. Data on the 'State of the Teaching Profession' shows significant arrival of international teachers to the state during 2022-23 in the state of North Carolina. With teachers leaving in increasing numbers districts are increasingly looking to international teachers as a valuable resource. Claudia M. Rivera Cotto dug into the data in a story she wrote International teachers fill gaps amid teacher attrition in North Carolina. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text Hosted by Rend Smith Featuring Johanna F. Still of The Assembly Music by PenguinMusic – Better Day from Pixabay. For the coastal Carolina shrimping industry the challenges are mounting. The economics aren’t adding even when they bring home a good catch. Johanna F. Still, who covers the coastal region reflects on a recent story she wrote titled Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text This is the SHORESIDES Weekly News Roundup. We look at the top stories impacting the coastal region. According to a recent release from the University of North Carolina Wilmington their ,Watson College will introduce a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Learning and Development. The Port City Daily reports that North Carolina Works will host a multi-employer job fair this October 18th from 10- 2. in collaboration with the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board. The in-person event will be held at 1994 South 17th St in Wilmington, North Carolina. Cape Fear Community College reports that they have received a 30,000-dollar donation from the Assistance League of Greater Wilmington. The support will provide vital aid for nursing students funding 1,000 dollar scholarships for 30 students, offering them the opportunity to further their education and embark on fulfilling careers in healthcare. A film about the singer, Joan Baez, I Am A Noise will be screening this October 23rd to 25th at Thalian Hall. The film is an unusually intimate psychological portrait of a legendary folk singer and activist. Support the show www.shoresides.org

Send us a text This is the Shoresides Weekly News Roundup for October 9th, 2023. We look at the top stories impacting the coastal region. According to a recent story in the News & Observer the insurance company Nationwide has recently decided not to renew 10,000 insurance policies in Eastern North Carolina. The Port City Daily reported that Wilmington's rapid population growth is transforming various aspects of the region, including housing, employment, and demographics. According to UNCW's regional economist, Professor Guettabi, the Cape Fear region is experiencing significant growth, with Brunswick County being the fastest-growing in the state, followed by Pender County as the third fastest and New Hanover County as the 14th fastest. The Shoresides team was recently read a report by American Progress titled How To Fix Americans’ Diminishing Access to the Coasts. The report highlights the need to protect Americans’ right to work and recreate on the coasts by requiring that publicly funded projects provide and improve public access. North Carolina State University Profesor Emeritus Mike Walden has recently written about the our states manufacturing section. He explains that North Carolina has witnessed a significant decline in manufacturing jobs, with almost half of the state's factory jobs disappearing since 1990, but offers some solutions to moving the dial. Support the show www.shoresides.org