News
Independent local journalism from Wilmington, plus the latest from WECT.
Local Stories
Ocean City Jazz Festival to Host 'Sweet 16' Celebration
The Ocean City Jazz Festival celebrates its 16th anniversary July 3–5 in North Topsail Beach, featuring Kirk Whalum, Eric Darius, Javon Jackson, and more top jazz artists.
Fraudulent Texts Posing as N.C. DMV on the Rise, Officials Warn
The NC DMV is warning residents about a surge in scam texts falsely claiming unpaid fees or fines — officials urge people not to click any links.
3K Acres of Sledge Forest Could Be Preserved, Contingent on Hilton Bluffs Development
The NC Coastal Land Trust will permanently preserve 3,200 acres of Sledge Forest — but only if the contested Hilton Bluffs subdivision in New Hanover County is allowed to proceed.
Buc-ee's Is Expanding to New Locations — Here's Where the Next Stores Will Be Built
Buc-ee's appears to be looking at expanding its national footprint with more than a dozen planned new locations.
More Than 37,700 Pounds of Food Headed to Wilmington Food Bank in America250 Effort
More than 37,700 pounds of shelf-stable food will be delivered to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina in Wilmington.
Columbus County Deputy Injured in Crash on US 74/76
A Columbus County Sheriff's deputy working off-duty was injured Thursday in a crash on US 74/76 while providing escort for a work zone.
Joint Traffic Program Aims to Ease Summer Congestion for Surf City, Topsail Beach
Surf City and Topsail Beach are launching a joint traffic management program to address congestion on NC-50 and NC-210 during peak summer travel periods.
NC Coastal Land Trust, Developer Strike Deal to Conserve 3,200 Acres of Sledge Forest
More than 3,200 acres of the Sledge Forest tract could be permanently conserved under a purchase-and-sale agreement.
CFCC 'Trade Up' Event Offers Hands-On Look at Career Path Options
Cape Fear Community College invites future students to explore career options in the trades and technical fields at its upcoming 'Trade Up' event.
Three Men Charged for Recent Vesta Village Shootings
WPD's Gang and Gun Crimes Unit charged three men in connection with retaliatory gang-related shootings in the Vesta Village community and Henry Street area.
Brunswick Nuclear Plant Siren Testing Scheduled for July 1
Duke Energy will test all 38 emergency sirens within 10 miles of the Brunswick Nuclear Plant near Southport on July 1 from 10–11 a.m.
Code Enforcement Violations Stall Southport Board of Adjustment Appointment
Southport aldermen deferred a Board of Adjustment appointment after alleged code enforcement violations surfaced for one candidate; a second appointment passed on the mayor's tie-breaking vote.
You Voted: Now see who wins the Star-Spangled Sing-Off!
You listened, and you voted! And now, it's almost time to see who won The Star-Spangled Sing-Off!
WMPO Board Approves New Five-Year Strategic Plan
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board approved a new five-year strategic plan to guide transportation planning across the lower Cape Fear region.
"R.J. Decker" Season 2 to Film in Wilmington
ABC has renewed Scott Speedman-led series "R.J. Decker" for a second season, with filming planned in Wilmington.
InvestigateTV+: Police Use Drones as First Responder Tool
From rescues to arrests, InvestigateTV+ reveals how drones can help law enforcement, and addresses the privacy concerns that come with cameras in the sky.
Aging Untold: What happens if the caregiver gets sick?
In this episode of Aging Untold, we break down why every caregiver needs a backup plan and how to protect a loved one when you can't be there.
Kroger Is Expanding Its Rewards Program for Customers — Here's What You Should Know
Kroger is expanding its reward program, offering a new way for customers to save.
Mom Arrested for Tampering With Evidence After 14-Year-Old Accused of Shooting Teen in the Head
The mother of a 14-year-old boy accused of shooting a 15-year-old girl in the head is charged with tampering with evidence.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: June 25, 2026
Submit your birthdays and anniversaries at least two weeks in advance.
Two Columbus County Teens Killed in Roanoke Rapids Shooting
Two teens from Columbus County have died following a shooting in Roanoke Rapids.
Wilmington Police Arrest Three Suspects in Gang-Related Shootings Investigation
Three men are in police custody following a recent investigation into a series of gang-related shootings in Wilmington.
In-home caregiver charged in connection to 84-year-old woman's death, police say
The remains of a missing 84-year-old woman were found in North Carolina earlier this month.
'Long live Adam': Vigil honors 23-year-old stabbing victim killed on Carolina Beach Road
Adam Smith's family says the day was about remembering Smith, but also continuing his fight for justice.
Warrant: Wilmington man charged with assault accidentally called 911 en route to the crime
A Wilmington man facing two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill is also accused of accidentally dialing 911 from his cell phone while heading to the alleged crime.
Lawmakers override Stein vetoes on bills targeting DEI policies
North Carolina House lawmakers voted Wednesday, June 24, to override Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes on four bills, including measures focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and immigration enforcement.
Pender commissioners approve extra $2.7M for schools amid staffing-cut concerns
Pender County commissioners voted unanimously to amend the county budget and provide an additional $2.7 million to Pender County Schools.
'It's been devastating': Five years later, SBI takes over case of missing Brunswick County man
Despite efforts by the Northwest Police Department and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office, what happened to Bryant remains unknown.
Coroner releases preliminary findings of personal trainer found dead after leaving Planet Fitness
Authorities say the cause of death of a personal trainer whose body was found earlier this month remains under investigation after the coroner released preliminary findings.
Leland Voting District Debate Stalls After Divided Council Votes
After months of discussion, the town of Leland's debate over creating voting districts is on hold following the latest council meeting.
Brunswick County Urges Water Conservation Ahead of Fourth of July as Drought Worsens
Brunswick County is urging residents to conserve water as drought conditions worsen ahead of the Independence Day weekend.
Stein Questions Federal Chemours Settlement During Wilmington Water Visit
Gov. Josh Stein visited Wilmington Wednesday, June 24, to highlight the state's investments in water filter systems aimed at making drinking water safe from "forever chemicals" contamination.
Espinoza-Sierra Family Protests After DA Announces No Charges in Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting
The family of Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra protested in downtown Wilmington after DA Jason Smith announced no criminal charges would be filed in his shooting death.
Wave Transit to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed FY 2027 Budget
The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority, known as Wave Transit, will hold a public hearing on June 25 on its proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 annual budget.
Chemours Agrees to $450M Settlement Agreement in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey
The DOJ, EPA, and West Virginia DEP announced a $450M multi-state settlement with Chemours over PFAS contamination, including a $22.5M civil penalty and a $90M mitigation program — but NC Governor Stein calls the deal "meaningless" for North Carolinians.
Leland Town Council to Host Second 'Let's Talk Leland' Forum
The Leland Town Council will host its second Let's Talk Leland town hall forum to encourage informal conversation between residents and town leaders.
Union Elementary to Commemorate 75 Years in Brunswick County
Union Elementary School will mark its 75th anniversary with a community celebration this September, bringing together students, alumni, staff, and families in Brunswick County.
Officers Cleared in Shooting of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra, Family Considering Legal Action
Two WPD officers and an NHCSO deputy were cleared by the DA after an SBI investigation into the March fatal shooting of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra. The family is now considering legal action.
NCDOT Crews in Southeastern North Carolina Review Hurricane Readiness Plans
The tropics are quiet for now, but emergency crews in southeastern North Carolina are already preparing for potential storms.
Coast Guard Auxiliary to Host One-Day Boating Safety Course in Supply
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a one-day boating safety course next month that meets North Carolina's boating education requirements.
From WECT
Headlines courtesy of WECT · updated automatically
Former nurse accused of sexually assaulting teen boys who just came out of surgery
A former Massachusetts nurse accused of sexually assaulting two teen boys in his care was arraigned Monday.
American Airlines reports systemwide technical outage
American Airlines said Tuesday that a systemwide technical issue was affecting some services.
Capitol ceremony honors late SC Sen. Lindsey Graham
An Armed Forces Body Bearer team carried Sen. Lindsey Graham’s casket up the front steps of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, marking the start of a multi-day series of memorial ceremonies honoring the four-term senator.
UNCW coach honors hospital, EMS staff who kept her alive after her rip current rescue
On Tuesday, nine names were read off at a surprise ceremony, all of whom Woods says were people who lovingly kept her alive as she recovered in the hospital at Novant.
Woman accused of stealing nearly $1M from father after gaining power of attorney, authorities say
A woman in Nebraska is accused of stealing nearly $1 million from her own father after being given power of attorney, authorities said.
Man dies after breaking window to enter his own home, police say
A Georgia man died after cutting his arm while breaking into his own home, police said.
NC’s cyclosporiasis parasite outbreak hits 718 cases statewide; source unconfirmed
North Carolina recorded 157 new cyclosporiasis cases in a single week, bringing the total to 718 since May 1, state health officials announced Tuesday.
WECT INVESTIGATES: New Hanover County commissioners raise concerns about Flock cameras
According to the county’s $219,000 contract with Flock, the sheriff’s office operates 20 license plate readers.
New Hanover County Schools extends superintendent’s contract
The New Hanover County Board of Education voted 6-0 Tuesday, July 28, to extend Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes’ contract by one year.
Oak Island to begin mosquito fogging this week
The Town of Oak Island Public Works Department plans to conduct mosquito fogging this week as crews work to reduce growing mosquito populations, officials said.