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News

Emergency crews in Southport responded to a gas leak Wednesday morning.

Southport Walmart reopened after gas leak prompts evacuation

Updated: moments ago
|
By Hannah Hall
Emergency crews in Southport responded to a gas leak Wednesday morning.

Events

hess

WECT NEWS NOW: Patriot’s Ball returning to Southport ahead of North Carolina Fourth of July Festival

Updated: 11 minutes ago
|
By Jada Harris
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is bringing back one of its most honored traditions — the historic Patriots’ Ball.

Crime

Summer Lysak mugshot

Shallotte shooting leads to attempted murder charges for local woman

Updated: 11 minutes ago
|
By Jada Harris
A woman accused of firing a gun into a home in Shallotte is being held without bond on two attempted first-degree murder charges.

News

 Southport's Naturalization Ceremony

50 people to become U.S. citizens at Southport’s Independence Day celebration

Updated: 20 minutes ago
|
By Jada Harris
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival in Southport will hold its 27th annual naturalization ceremony at noon July 3 on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn.

Traffic

CFPUA to close Market Street lanes for water valve replacement

Updated: 51 minutes ago
|
By Hannah Hall
Utility work will be impacting traffic on Market Street on Wednesday.

Events

Bladen County Sheriff’s Office invites donors to upcoming blood drive

Updated: 1 hour ago
|
By Hannah Hall
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is inviting the community to donate at its upcoming blood drive.

News

When the facility was put on the chopping block, small business owners were left disappointed.

Holly Ridge residents can voice concerns at town hall meeting

Updated: 2 hours ago
|
By Jada Harris
Residents in Holly Ridge will have a chance to ask questions and share concerns with local and regional leaders during a town hall meeting Friday night.

Interview

“The Canvas We Share” by Bradley Carter

WECT NEWS NOW: Local artists debut novel examines friendship through the lens of four artists

Updated: 2 hours ago
|
By Hannah Hall
Bradley Carter, a Wilmington-based artist, joined Randy Aldridge on WECT News Now to discuss his debut novel, “The Canvas We Share”.

News

No dogs allowed on Wrightsville Beach this summer despite push for change

Updated: 2 hours ago
|
By Hannah Hall
The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen weighed potential changes to the town’s “Dogs on the Beach” ordinance Tuesday.

State

FILE PHOTO -- Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales

Panthers coach had cancer spot removed: ‘Go get screened’

Updated: 5 hours ago
|
By Luke Tucker
Head coach Dave Canales had a skin cancer spot removed from his nose.
Satellite
Satellite

News

The Fort Fisher and Southport Ferry

Southport-Fort Fisher ferry to operate on alternate schedule today

Updated: 7 hours ago
|
By Hannah Hall
For more information, contact the ferry operations at 910-477-5200.

Mental Illness

‘Mental health care is here for everybody’: Local expert pushes back against PTSD stigma

Updated: 7 hours ago
|
By Reyna Crooms
June is PTSD Awareness Month, and mental health providers want people to know help is available.

News

John T. Hoggard High School graduation

Hoggard graduate disrupts ceremony over valedictorian’s speech

Updated: 14 hours ago
|
By Mackenzie Bruns
A Hoggard High School graduate disrupted her graduation ceremony Saturday after taking issue with a quote used in the valedictorian’s address.

News

No fingerprint evidence found at murder scene

No fingerprint evidence found at scene where two people were killed in 2021

Updated: 15 hours ago
|
By Arianna Bertolotti
A latent fingerprint examiner testified that there is no fingerprint evidence placing Bell or Green inside the Providence Road home where Williams and Tyson were killed.

News

Fire in Calabash

Firefighters contain woods fire near Calabash subdivision

Updated: 15 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
Firefighters contained a woods fire that threatened homes in the Carolina Shores North subdivision Tuesday afternoon.

News

Angela Marie Holmes

Bladenboro woman charged with larceny by employee at Family Dollar

Updated: 16 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
A Bladenboro woman was charged June 8 with larceny by employee in connection with an incident at a Family Dollar.

News

Three burn bans are now in effect across Brunswick County as hot and dry weather increases...

Multiple burn bans take effect in Brunswick County due to hot, dry conditions

Updated: 19 hours ago
|
By WECT Staff
Three burn bans are now in effect across Brunswick County as hot and dry weather increases wildfire risk.

News

St. James emergency preparedness seminar

‘Storm Ready’ St. James pushes residents to prepare early for hurricane season

Updated: 19 hours ago
|
By Jada Harris
With hurricane season underway, St. James leaders and emergency officials are urging residents to get ahead of the next storm — before warnings turn into a race for supplies.

State

Roy Cooper in Leland

Former NC governor continues tour in Leland ahead of November Senate race

Updated: 19 hours ago
|
By WECT Staff
Former Governor Roy Cooper held a campaign event at Brunswick Beer and Cider in Leland.

News

Roughly 500,000 people use the ferry service between Southport and Fort Fisher annually.

North Carolina ferry service faces potential cuts over high fuel prices

Updated: 19 hours ago
|
By Connor Smith
Ferry service in North Carolina could be reduced this summer without nearly $4 million in additional state funding.

News

Several downtown streets will be closed Tuesday as a film production shoots a driving scene.

Downtown Wilmington roads closed Tuesday for film production

Updated: 19 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
Several downtown streets will be closed Tuesday as a film production shoots a driving scene.

News

Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Commissioners approve sale of Acme-Delco Middle School site for $214.7M hospital project

Updated: 20 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
Plans for a new Columbus Regional hospital cleared a key hurdle Tuesday as county commissioners unanimously advanced the sale of the former Acme-Delco Middle School campus.

News

The Houston Moore housing development in Wilmington.

State commission approves financing for Houston Moore redevelopment project

Updated: 20 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
The Local Government Commission approved $32,950,000 in conduit revenue bonds for the Wilmington Housing Authority to redevelop low-income housing at Houston Moore.

News

The Whiteville fire marshal is warning property owners about the dangers of pine straw after...

Whiteville fire marshal issues pine straw warning after apartment blaze

Updated: 21 hours ago
|
By Hudson Steiner
The Whiteville fire marshal is warning property owners about the dangers of pine straw after discarded smoking materials ignited the ground cover and spread flames to an apartment building last week.

Community

A drop of water drips from a leaky faucet.

Brunswick County urges water conservation as demand rises over capacity

Updated: 23 hours ago
|
By Jada Harris
Brunswick County is urging residents to cut back on water use after demand climbed above 80% of the system’s capacity.

Events

Scotts Hill Novant Medical Center

Novant Health invites public to explore new Scotts Hill Medical Center

Updated: 24 hours ago
|
By Hannah Hall and Reyna Crooms
Novant Health is inviting the community to explore the new Scotts Hill Novant Medical Center ahead of its official opening.

Crime

Six people have been arrested following narcotics investigations in Bladen County.

6 arrested on drug charges in Bladen County, 1 suspect still wanted

Updated: 24 hours ago
|
By Hannah Hall
Six people have been arrested following narcotics investigations in Bladen County.

Entertainment

Juneteenth

Southport Unity Committee plans Juneteenth celebration

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM EDT
|
By Jada Harris
The Southport Unity Committee is inviting the public to a Juneteenth celebration.

Community

he North Carolina Blueberry Festival returns June 19–20.

North Carolina Blueberry Festival offers two days of food, music and family fun

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 11:38 AM EDT
|
By Jada Harris
The North Carolina Blueberry Festival returns in June, celebrating the fruit’s historical, economic and cultural ties to southeastern North Carolina.

State

Iryna Zarutska (left) was allegedly stabbed to death by Decarlos Brown (right) on a light rail...

Iryna Zarutska’s alleged killer found incompetent to stand trial ‘at this time’

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 11:06 AM EDT
|
By Luke Tucker
A US attorney said the suspected killer has a “good” chance to have competency restored.

News

Due to worsening drought conditions, low humidity, and windy weather, fire risks are extremely...

Towns and cities across SENC issue burn bans as fire danger increases

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 11:02 AM EDT
|
By WECT Staff
Towns and cities across southeastern North Carolina are issuing burn bans due to dry conditions and elevated wildfire risk.

News

THE ENDOWMENT logo

The Endowment launches grant writing program for local nonprofits

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 10:55 AM EDT
|
By Jada Harris
The Endowment announced a new grant writing support initiative at its semiannual public meeting and board listening session June 3.

Events

Wilson Center

Little River Band bringing ’50 Years and More Tour’ to Wilmington

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 10:40 AM EDT
|
By Hannah Hall
Rock group Little River Band is stopping in Wilmington this fall as part of its “50 Years and More Tour”.

Events

Mark your calendars for Oak Island 2026 Beach Day

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 10:27 AM EDT
|
By Hannah Hall
The community is invited to the annual Beach Day event in Oak Island next month.

State

Amber Alert

Amber alert canceled after missing Greensboro girl found safe

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 10:08 AM EDT
|
By WECT Staff
An amber alert has been canceled after a missing girl from North Carolina was found safe.

Entertainment

Country music star Jelly Roll visits Cape Fear Community College ahead of his concert at Live...

Jelly Roll reveals he wrote ‘life-changing’ song in Wilmington parking lot

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 9:47 AM EDT
|
By Hannah Hall
Jelly Roll told Wilmington fans Monday that one of his biggest songs started right here.

State

Michael Miles and LiShawn Knott captured near Asheville on June 9, 2026.

Escaped Vance County inmates captured in Asheville after days-long search

Updated: Jun. 9, 2026 at 5:15 AM EDT
|
By Willie Daniely
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation announced it captured two escaped Vance County inmates who disappeared nearly a week ago.

News

Columbus County revises early voting locations

Columbus County elections board weighs early voting site cuts

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 11:20 PM EDT
|
By Arianna Bertolotti
The Columbus County Board of Elections discussed a revised proposal Monday night that would keep three early voting sites open, instead of the earlier idea to reduce early voting to a single location.

News

S & L Funeral Home in Fair Bluff, NC.

Family says wrong body buried after funeral home mix-up in Columbus County

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM EDT
|
By Jacee Caldwell
The family of a Columbus County woman say the wrong body was in the casket at a funeral this past weekend.

News

Corning Inc.

Amazon’s data center push fuels 1,000-job fiber optic agreement with Corning

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 7:21 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
Amazon announced a multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement with Corning Incorporated to supply optical fiber, cable and connectivity solutions for Amazon’s data center infrastructure.

News

Dosher Memorial Hospital (file)

Dosher Memorial launches summer food drive to help local families

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:44 PM EDT
|
By Jada Harris
Dosher Memorial Hospital will host a drive-through food donation event to benefit communities served by PORCH South Brunswick.

Crime

Police lights background, Graphic Date: 05/19/2020

Man seen with rifle on balcony sparks police response at Wrightsville Beach

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:38 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
A report of a man with a rifle on a balcony triggered a multi-agency police response Sunday morning at a Wrightsville Beach home.

State

Scammers will communicate only by text, email or messaging apps and claim they are out of town.

State officials warn of fake rental listing scam targeting North Carolina renters

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:27 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
State officials are warning North Carolinians about scammers creating fake rental listings and stealing money from people searching for housing online.

Events

INTERVIEW: Wilmington to celebrate Juneteenth with week of community events

Wilmington to celebrate Juneteenth with week of community events

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:21 PM EDT
|
By Kaitlyn Aguiles
Juneteenth Festival Week begins this weekend in Wilmington with events celebrating the end of slavery in the United States.

News

burn ban mgn kplc

Brunswick County burn ban begins Monday due to wildfire risk

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:05 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
Brunswick County will implement a burn ban in unincorporated areas starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 8.

News

Wilmington Police are investigating a crash on Oleander Drive.

Driver who crashed into Wilmington Farmers Market will not be charged, police say

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 5:02 PM EDT
|
By Reyna Crooms
No charges will be filed against the driver accused of crashing into the Wilmington Farmers Market and injuring several people.

News

Brush fire burns near Highway 421 in Currie

Brush fire burns near Highway 421 in Currie

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 4:44 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
Emergency crews are responding to a brush fire near Highway 421 and Underwood Drive.

News

Carolina Hurricanes players celebrate after the winning goal by Seth Jarvis following the...

Carolina Hurricanes Foundation gives $50,000 to address childhood summer hunger

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 4:40 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation has given $50,000 to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina to address summer hunger among children.

Crime

Brunswick County Sheriff's Office seeks woman in ABC Store larceny

Help needed identifying woman connected to ABC Store larceny in Belville

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM EDT
|
By Hudson Steiner
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a woman connected to a larceny at an ABC Store in Belville on June 2.

News

Marquest Page Jr., seen here with his daughter, not the step-daughter who he tried to rescue.

Body of missing North Topsail Beach drowning victim found in Sneads Ferry

Updated: Jun. 8, 2026 at 3:20 PM EDT
|
By WITN Web Team
North Topsail Beach police say around 10:40 a.m. today, a boater reported seeing a dead person in the water near Canal Drive in Sneads Ferry.
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