Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Fifty-five-year-old Joel Blake Lee is facing 26 charges—including timber theft, conspiracy, and exploiting vulnerable adults—across five North Carolina counties, following a two-year investigation led by the N.C. Forest Service, which recently gained expanded powers to combat timber crime. Victims are urged to contact their local county ranger if they suspect timber theft. Listen in comfort: Get a...

A school bus carrying 33 people—including 26 students and 7 adults—crashed near Leland after leaving a football game, sending four to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. First responders acted swiftly, and Cumberland County Schools is prioritizing student safety and recovery while investigating the cause. The intersection was shut down for hours as authorities handled the scene. Every...

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is urging residents to voluntarily cut back on water usage amid a severe drought gripping much of their service area. With demand soaring—especially from lawn watering—they’re asking everyone to prioritize essential uses like firefighting and hospital operations. Lawn watering is now restricted: no watering on Mondays, odd-numbered addresses get Tues, Thurs, Sat;...

Comedy’s big winner this Emmy season: HBO Max’s “Hacks” shatters records with 24 nominations—more than last year’s champs. Drama’s crown goes to “The Pitt” with 25 nods, followed by Apple’s “Pluribus” and Netflix’s “The Diplomat.” Meanwhile, “Heated Rivalry” missed the U.S. Emmy race but dominated Canadian awards—and star Connor Storrie snagged a SNL guest spot nod. Jason Bateman leads the acting...

New Hanover County is pivoting from direct housing construction to becoming a low-interest lender, offering a $2 million, 5% loan for Cape Fear Development’s Proximity Blue Clay project — 236 affordable townhomes priced at 60-90% of area median income, ready in just 18 months. This bold move, after last year’s budget retreat, could fast-track housing for essential workers as Wilmington’s median in...

What if the owners of the world’s most iconic brands were secretly running a global conspiracy? In this wild, fast-paced episode, we dive into the untold stories behind corporate power, hidden agendas, and the surprising ways everyday consumers are unknowingly part of the plot. Buckle up — this one’s gonna shake your worldview. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow....

Governor Josh Stein just vetoed a controversial bill that would’ve banned homeless camping and public sleeping across North Carolina — and let citizens sue local governments for failing to enforce it. The bill, House Bill 437, offered no funding to help cities or counties manage homelessness or enforcement, and its proposed “designated camping zones” were tucked far from communities, raising fears...

Join the community for “A Day of Hope and Remembrance” this Saturday at Northside Park in Wilmington — a powerful gathering honoring Allison Jackson Foy and supporting families affected by missing or murdered loved ones. Bring photos, share stories, and connect with counselors and resources designed to offer comfort, strength, and hope. It’s more than remembrance — it’s a call to stand together an...

A timber tycoon in Clayton, North Carolina, faces dozens of felony charges—including theft, conspiracy, and exploiting vulnerable adults—after a two-year Forest Service probe uncovered a sprawling scheme at his company, Frontier Timber Inc. The crackdown, launched after state lawmakers empowered the agency in 2021, targets illegal logging and fraud across five counties. Authorities urge potential...

A toddler pulled from a pool at a Super Bowl party in Gilbert, Arizona, was declared dead—only to be found breathing five hours later by medical examiners. Doctors followed protocol, but the child’s parents said they heard him gasping. The case now involves potential child abuse charges tied to marijuana use and supervision, as police investigate the drowning. The boy is recovering at Phoenix Chil...

North Carolina’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) is your chance to score serious state funding for upgrading docks, piers, and marina facilities for boats 26 feet or longer—aimed at boosting tourism and local economies. Public and private marina owners, nonprofits, and local governments are eligible to apply for funds covering everything from new gangways to restroom facilities, all drawn from...

A school bus carrying the Douglas Byrd High football team overturned on a Leland ramp, injuring four—two students and two adults—while 29 others were checked out. The team was returning from a game at South Brunswick High when the crash occurred around 11:30 AM. Six were taken by ambulance, but all injuries were non-life-threatening. Authorities are investigating the cause, and traffic was briefly...

The Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower has a new chapter — FPTower Inc., the nonprofit that restored and preserved it for years, has stepped back from direct ownership to focus on a broader mission. Now, they’ll channel their marine expertise into advancing maritime safety, marine science, environmental protection, and coastal STEM education across North and South Carolina. Their work on the tower — fr...

A Douglas Byrd High School football team bus flipped on an exit ramp early yesterday, sending 33 people—including 26 students and 7 adults—to the ground. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt; four were taken to the hospital but are expected to recover fully. The school district is prioritizing student and family support, while police investigate the cause of the crash. A sobering reminder that ev...

New Hanover County is eyeing a bold new solution to the housing crisis for essential workers—pouring $2 million into a pilot project to build 236 affordable townhomes for teachers, cops, and nurses. Instead of traditional lenders, Cape Fear Development is rallying public agencies and corporate partners, offering a low-interest, 10-year loan to keep costs down. This isn’t just housing—it’s an inves...

New mini-aquarium opens in Wilmington’s Independence Mall—Discovery Bay by NC Aquariums—featuring seahorses, frogs, and carnivorous plants, keeping ocean magic alive while Fort Fisher gets a major upgrade. Ribbon-cutting with mayor and big names, it’s a chill, immersive spot in the JC Penney section, open daily with gift shop, and a reminder to explore other NC Aquariums while Fort Fisher’s renova...

Scammers are targeting Surf City residents with fake emails and messages pretending to be from the town’s planning department—don’t fall for it. They’re fishing for personal info or money, but the town never asks for wire transfers or sends unsolicited requests. Legit communications come from @SurfCityNC.gov, direct calls, or U.S. mail. If you get one of these scams, don’t reply, click, or send an...

North Carolina is honoring Ham the Astrochimp — the first hominid in space — with a historical marker near the state’s zoo, celebrating his pivotal role in the Space Race and paving the way for human spaceflight. Trained at Holloman Air Force Base to endure G-forces and zero gravity, Ham’s 1961 mission proved primates could handle space, directly influencing Alan Shepard’s historic flight months l...

Dosher Memorial Hospital rallied the community for a summer food drive, setting up a drop-off spot at the front entrance to collect nonperishable items and deliver them directly to local pantries—helping bridge the gap when food banks face higher demand and lower supplies. Staff coordinated the effort from 9 AM to 1 PM on July 8th, turning simple donations into meaningful impact and proving how lo...

Airlie Gardens is throwing a summer soirée you won’t want to miss—Family Fun Night on July 18th, from 5 to 8 PM, with live tunes from Mr. Scooter, meet-and-greet with Reilly the goose dog, and tons of outdoor fun for the whole crew. Just $15 per carload for parking and entry—perfect for families craving a chill, nature-filled evening away from the daytime crowds. Listen in comfort: Get a discount...

Surf City warns residents about fake emails impersonating the Community Development Department, targeting permit applicants with requests for personal info or payments—never legit town business. Officials stress they’ll never ask for payments via wire transfer or personal details via unsolicited email. Always verify via official channels: @SurfCityNC.gov, phone at 910-328-4131, or mail. Scammers l...

Get ready for Airlie Gardens’ annual Family Fun Night on July 18th—live music, nature crafts, games, and meet Reilly, the goose-herding Border Collie who’s been saving the gardens money since 2012. Bring your own picnic or grab food & ice cream for just $15 per carload. It’s a community favorite that supports Reilly’s vital work—don’t miss out! Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...

Brunswick County’s Planning Board gears up for major decisions this month, including zoning changes fueled by new state law and a big development project — with final rulings unless appealed. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report is...

Fluoride’s back in Cape Fear’s water—after a brief pause for plant upgrades, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority has resumed adding the cavity-fighting mineral to ensure safe, healthy drinking water. Recommended at 0.7 ppm by the CDC, fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. With upgrades complete, the treatment process is now fully operational, delivering this proven public health be...

In Wilmington, a fresh floral haven called The Busy Bloom is turning heads—not just with pretty blooms, but with candle-making workshops, botanical teas, and a build-your-own bouquet bar. Founded in 2024 by Amanda and Walter Adkins, this creative hub blends art, nature, and community to make flowers fun and accessible for everyone. Amanda, once in healthcare management, found her calling in floral...