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

Pender County Commissioner Brent Springer is making waves nationally, landing key roles in NACo’s 2026-2027 leadership — including the Midsize County Caucus, Veterans & Military Services Advisory Council, and a transit/rail focus on the Transportation Policy Steering Committee. His appointments amplify Pender’s voice in shaping nationwide county policy, while also supporting NACo President George Dunlap’s “Building Better Futures” initiative to strengthen youth systems and data-driven outcomes. This is big for Pender — and for local governance across America.

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Carolina Beach is painting the town with their second annual MuralFest — a vibrant celebration of public art, community, and creativity. Join the reception on Sept 17 from 6:30–8:30 PM at Kindred for food, drinks, and face time with the artists behind the murals. Can’t be there? The online auction runs Sept 8–17, letting you bid from anywhere. Best part? Artists keep 50% of sales, with the other half funding future murals — so you’re supporting both talent and the town’s colorful soul.

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Tuba Skinny, the legendary New Orleans jazz ensemble blending jug band, blues, ragtime, and R&B, kicks off their 2026-2027 season at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium on Sept. 10 at 7:30 PM — a raw, rootsy experience that proves big-name artists still keep it real by busking and playing live. Don’t miss this musical time machine with fresh energy — tickets available via the auditorium’s website or call 910-962-3500.

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Fresh produce, homemade treats, and handmade crafts are all on offer at the new Middleton Park Complex Farmers Market in Oak Island—opening Mondays through August 31st, 8 AM to 1 PM. It’s your chance to connect with local farmers and artisans, support small businesses, and grab quality goods right from your backyard. Don’t miss out!

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Brittany Boltinhouse, former Miss North Carolina USA, is launching a national legal investigation into her sudden disqualification, alleging she was targeted by “cancel culture” for her religious and political views. Her team claims the pageant organization’s decision was unjust and lacks solid grounds, pointing to a smear campaign fueled by controversial social media posts—though Boltinhouse denies direct authorship. With promises to unveil evidence proving she rightfully earned her crown, the case pits a young woman’s beliefs against accusations of intolerance, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown.

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Brunswick County’s relief is short-lived as new court docs emerge in the Southport mass shooting that claimed three lives and wounded others — but at least the wildfire’s smoke has cleared. On the water, two men from Lenoir died off Holden Beach; meanwhile, NCDOT ramps up safety on a U.S. 17 exit after a school bus flipped. Conservationists are rallying to save 500+ acres of wetlands near St. James, pushing for state funding. And yes, another 7-Eleven is coming — the sixth in the county, and third in under a year.

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Drought advisory lifted! Thanks to much-needed rain, Cape Fear’s water supply is back to normal—no more conservation needed. CFPUA thanks everyone for stepping up during the dry spell, which helped keep critical services running. Still, year-round water-saving habits are a smart move as climate patterns shift. Time to turn sprinklers back on… but keep an eye on the forecast.

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UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC have united to slam FIFA president Gianni Infantino, calling his push to sell World Cup stakes to investors a betrayal of football’s spirit. The letter, signed by top leaders including UEFA’s Čeferin, accuses Infantino of prioritizing personal control over the game’s collective interests. His plan’s collapse exposed a deeper rift: decisions were made by FIFA staff alone, excluding elected officials and member associations — a move the federations say broke trust. FIFA defends Infantino, claiming missteps were corrected and staff still support him, but critics, including Norway and England’s football associations, are pulling s...

Oil surges as Iran tightens Strait of Hormuz grip, pushing Brent to $84.68 and U.S. crude to $79.30 — while markets brace for inflation data and watch tech stocks rally on hopes the Fed may pause rate hikes. Energy giants soar, travel stocks sink, and analysts debate Iran’s real motives behind the blockade threats.

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Mark Zuckerberg’s yacht, the Launchpad, allegedly ignored a distress call from a stranded skiff off Alaska—despite being closer than a helpful cruise ship that stepped in to save the day. Passengers on the rescue vessel reportedly booed when their captain revealed the billionaire’s yacht had been contacted but didn’t respond, though a spokesperson claimed the crew missed the call on a different radio channel and weren’t even onboard. Everyone is safe, but the incident sparked debate over who answers when help is needed.

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The long-awaited trial for the man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder is finally underway in Las Vegas, reigniting one of hip-hop’s most enduring mysteries. Duane “Keffe D” Davis, a former Crips leader and author of a memoir detailing how he allegedly supplied the weapon, stands trial—not as the shooter, but as the mastermind behind the ambush. With prosecutors planning to call up to 45 witnesses—including Tupac’s family, Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, and potential key figures from that fateful night—the case could finally crack open decades of unanswered questions. Meanwhile, the defense will limit its witness list...

Get ready for free rides! For a limited time, travel to Brunswick, Cumberland, New Hanover, or Robeson counties is totally free—thanks to the ConCPT Grant. Just remember: this is only for out-of-county trips, not local routes. Seats are first-come, first-served, so book early. Call 910-642-7201 for details.

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Got a text saying Apple Pay just charged you $8,250 and another $8,250 is coming? Don’t panic—don’t call the number. It’s a classic scam designed to rush you into giving up personal info or installing malware. The message uses fake urgency, vague excuses like “agricultural processing surplus,” and even pretends to be official—but it’s from overseas and uses a bogus U.S. number. Real alerts are clear and calm. Verify everything through your Wallet app, bank’s official app, or by calling the number on your card. Stay sharp: scammers thrive on fear.

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Bishop E.W. Jackson blasts the Smithsonian for what he calls anti-American indoctrination, accusing the museum of distorting U.S. history to vilify the nation while ignoring its unparalleled legacy of freedom and opportunity. Drawing from his own enslaved ancestors, he warns that framing American progress through a lens of racial resentment—echoed in works like Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History”—fuels division rather than unity. He argues that educational materials equating past deportations with modern immigration policies ignore the broader story of American resilience and human dignity. Despite acknowledging America’s flaws, Jackson insists the country remains a beac...

Archaeologists in China unearthed a sealed bottle containing over 3.7 liters of ancient alcohol—2,200 years old—found in a Warring States tomb. This cereal-based fermented drink, still liquid and glowing light blue-green, defies expectations with its pristine condition. Made from millet and possibly wheat or barley, it’s not distilled like modern spirits but more akin to an ancient grain beverage. The bronze vessel’s unique “garlic-shaped mouth” and careful sealing likely contributed to its survival, sparking new research into how ancient Chinese brewing and preservation techniques kept this drink remarkably intact.

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A major cyberattack has crippled water systems across seven U.S. states, with Iranian-linked hackers suspected behind the breach — but the real threat lies in decades-old vulnerabilities that remain unpatched. Critical infrastructure like water systems is now at risk of shutdowns and public health crises, as aging, understaffed utilities lack basic cybersecurity defenses. AI is accelerating the danger by enabling faster, cheaper attacks, even if not directly involved here. The fix? Return to fundamentals: map networks, secure every access point, isolate operations, update software, and use allowlisting — turning defense from reactive to proactive before the next attack strikes.

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Historian Jody Edward Ginn warns that the Smithsonian is veering off course, abandoning its educational mission for an activist agenda under current leadership. He cites the leader’s past work with major historical organizations to show a consistent pattern of promoting Marxist-influenced political narratives over balanced scholarship. Ginn highlights her presidential address and congressional testimony as contradictions to her claims of nonpartisanship, especially given her public framing of history as a “tool of social justice.” He’s baffled by her denials of these past positions, raising alarms about the institution’s future direction and its ability to uphold neutral historical...

A growing divide is tearing the Democratic Party apart over socialism’s role in economic policy—some champion government control and wealth redistribution as the path to justice, while others warn that top-down planning stifles innovation, crushes individual freedom, and ultimately leads to stagnation. History shows that free markets, private property, and profit-driven incentives fuel prosperity; but today’s real-time political battles reveal how deeply this debate shapes the party’s future.

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The Democratic Party faces a seismic shift as the Democratic Socialists of America surge forward, leveraging independent funding and electoral wins to reshape its leftward direction — a challenge amplified by post-2010 campaign finance rules that empower outsiders over party leadership.

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NYPD warns seniors about a deadly gold scam where fraudsters impersonate government officials, swindling victims out of millions—over $100 million lost in NYC alone—with one victim hit for $9 million. Meanwhile, global central banks are quietly stockpiling gold, with nearly 90% planning to expand holdings next year as inflation and geopolitical chaos drive demand for this timeless safe haven. Even individual investors are embracing gold not as a quick trade but as long-term financial armor against uncertainty.

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A beloved pastor, chaplain, and accomplished scholar, Dr. Ronnie Lee Hamilton passed away at 79, leaving behind a legacy of faith, laughter, and love. Known for his magnetic charm and deep devotion to others, Ron served churches across South Carolina and North Carolina, earned three advanced degrees, and received national honors. He cherished simple joys — golf, beach walks, classic films — while inspiring those around him with his warmth and humor. Survived by his wife Sherry, daughter Veronica, and step-son David, Ron’s life was a testament to service, family, and the enduring power of genuine connection.

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Terry Lee Wilson, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Southport, North Carolina, surrounded by his family on August 1, 2026, at age 71. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he was one of four children and is survived by his wife Wanda, six children, twelve grandchildren, siblings Lin, Pam, and Claudette, and cherished companions Finn, Jesse Cruse, Tucker, and Jake. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, with the family asking for donations to Beach Road Church in his memory and inviting well-wishers to share condolences online.

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North Carolina’s new voting bill, HB 958, threatens to shrink early voting windows and allow post-election ballot challenges — moves Governor Josh Stein vows to veto, calling them access barriers. While supporters tout cost savings and election integrity, critics warn students and newly relocated voters could be disproportionately hurt. With Republicans holding the power to override his veto, the bill’s fate hangs in the balance — though it won’t affect the next election cycle. This tug-of-war exposes deeper tensions over who gets to vote and how easily they can cast their ballots.

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A devastating drone strike on Russia’s Nizhnekamsk killed thirteen, including a child, and wounded seventy-five — Ukraine says it targeted a key oil refinery to cripple Russian energy infrastructure. This is part of a relentless campaign using long-range drones that’s disrupted fuel supplies, rattled Russian civilians, and forced Moscow into defensive retreats. President Zelenskyy insists these strikes are a strategic pressure tactic aimed at forcing peace. Meanwhile, Russia retaliates with deadly missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, most recently destroying a WHO warehouse packed with life-saving supplies worth half a million dollars.

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Local government across the region is buzzing this week with major zoning decisions, housing developments, and community funding talks — from Brunswick County’s massive Amber Glen housing project to Carolina Beach’s Boardwalk financing plans, Pender County’s school contract vote, and Surf City’s economic corridor strategy. Expect heated debates on rezonings, noise ordinances, and even mining permits as towns gear up for change that could reshape their futures.

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Rebecca Robinson Clark, a beloved wife, mother, educator, and pillar of faith, passed away at 67 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for her radiant spirit, “Rebecca Clark hugs,” and unwavering devotion to family and community, she left an indelible mark as a National Board-Certified teacher and two-time recipient of top teaching honors. Even in her final days, she radiated love, music, and service — embodying a life lived fully, faithfully, and fearlessly.

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Ruth Weaver Waddell, who lived to be 101, was a beacon of education and service—born in South Carolina, she earned degrees in biology and library science, then spent over two decades shaping minds as a teacher and librarian supervisor in North Carolina’s school system. A pillar of her community and Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church, she also proudly served Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and found joy in poetry, travel, and championing education. Her legacy lives on through her family—son Cedric, daughter Ruchadina, grandsons Donovan and Nicholas, sister Janie, sister-in-law Mary Ellen, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who cheris...

Skip Wittkofsky, beloved mechanic, motorcycle builder, and community hero, passed away at 77, leaving behind a legacy of grit, generosity, and joy. Born in New Jersey, he made his mark in Leland, NC, where he ran Skip’s Tire for four decades and built custom bikes under his DaDog Choppers brand — even winning top honors. A devoted family man and animal lover, he also founded Dare to Care for Children and served D.A.R.E., bringing hope to kids and communities. His passions spanned race cars, gun shows, flea markets, and unforgettable friendships — all anchored by his deep love for th...

Brands are ditching fast fashion for repair workshops and sewing classes, turning clothes into community experiences that appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z shoppers. From Levi’s button fixes to Uniqlo and Primark’s repair programs, companies are betting that teaching customers to mend their garments will reduce waste, save money, and build loyalty — even as experts debate whether these efforts can truly offset the industry’s environmental footprint.

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Joel Thomas Boswell, a visionary builder and beloved brother, passed away at 37, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard-earned success. Raised in Raleigh with three siblings, he thrived on family bonds, Taekwondo, football, and ocean adventures. A gifted mason and entrepreneur, Joel co-founded Legacy Renovations with his father and forged deep connections through his craft. An adrenaline junkie on two wheels and a devoted son planning to build his mother a dream home, Joel lived boldly. His infectious smile and humor remain etched in the hearts of all who knew him — and his spirit endures, wrapped in fa...

Carolyn Pompey Nelson Remembered | Wilmington News

Remembering Clara Herring Devaughn | Wilmington News

A vibrant, devoted woman with a sparkling spirit and an unshakable faith, Verneeda Moore touched countless lives through her career in hospitality, her joyful dance to music, and her loving marriage. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, she faced the challenge with grace until her passing at age 57. Remembered for her organizational brilliance, radiant personality, and deep devotion to family, she leaves behind her husband, four children, six grandchildren, and siblings — all of whom cherish her legacy. In honor of her life, donations are requested to als.org.

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Columbus County just launched a free ride service to neighboring counties — Brunswick, New Hanover, Robeson, and Cumberland — thanks to a grant, slashing that usual $25 round-trip fee. Open to everyone (as long as the trip qualifies), it’s a game-changer for appointments or family visits, with Bladen County also included. But remember: this is strictly for trips OUTSIDE Columbus County — no intra-county rides here. Seats are limited and first-come, first-served, so act fast. It’s a temporary program, but right now, it’s your chance to save big on cross-county travel across the Cape Fear region.

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Carolina Beach is hosting its second annual MuralFest in September — a vibrant celebration of local art that doubles as a fundraiser for more public murals. For $65, you get entry, food, drinks, and the chance to bid on original artwork at an online auction running from Sept 8–17. Artists keep half the proceeds, with the other half funding future murals — all part of the nonprofit’s mission to preserve and celebrate the town’s culture through bold, community-driven street art. It’s art, fun, and civic investment rolled into one unforgettable event.

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Stagestruck Studio is launching its fall theater program for teens ages 11–18, kicking off Sept 14 and ending Nov 23 with Monday night classes from 6:30–8 PM. Led by instructor Debbie Skillman, this immersive boot camp covers improv, vocal work, scene study, and stage movement—all designed to build confidence and creativity through collaboration. Limited to 12 students (minimum 7), the $180 semester ends on Aug 21—so sign up fast if your teen’s got that stage bug. Details and registration available via Brunswick Little Theatre’s education page.

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Count Binface, the intergalactic space warrior wearing a garbage can on his head, is stealing the spotlight in Clacton’s special election — a chaotic, comedic campaign born from political satire and absurdity. Backed by comedian Jon Harvey, Binface’s platform mixes wild promises like nationalizing Adele and relocating pub hand dryers with cheeky critiques of UK politics. While major parties boycotted the race, Binface’s viral media blitz and “fresh thing on the menu” persona have turned him into a cultural phenomenon. He’s not aiming to win — he’s here to shake up the system, even if it means ditching the...

Wilmington just snagged a massive $1.5 million federal grant to supercharge its urban forest—funding tree inventories, new planting plans, and maintenance contracts—all aimed at preserving and expanding the city’s green canopy. City leaders stress that tree removal is only for safety risks, not aesthetics, as they manage nearly 40,000 street trees plus park and trail specimens. This critical investment, part of North Carolina’s Urban Forestry Program, supports their 2023 Master Plan and helps them tackle hidden decay while growing a healthier, more resilient urban forest for generations.

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On a routine August day in 2026, Wilmington’s tree crew tackled a dangerous dead pine on Oleander Drive—led by Superintendent Ben Misleh and crew members Gibbs Kramer and Howard Divens. This isn’t just cleanup; it’s critical safety work that keeps neighborhoods secure and beautiful. From assessing aging trees to managing debris, these unsung heroes ensure the city’s green spaces stay healthy and hazard-free, one tree at a time.

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Big news for local nonprofits in New Hanover County — the New Hanover Community Endowment is doling out up to $15,000 in grants to help drive health equity, education, community development, and safety. This initiative, launched after Novant Health acquired the county hospital in 2020, is part of the 2026 Community Grants Program, designed to expand access and boost impact. Eligible groups include tax-exempt nonprofits, public charities, universities, and government agencies. Applications open August 10 and close September 8, 2026, with a total of $1 million available across both fall and spring cycles. Check their website for eligibility, guidelines, and a handy quiz — or reach out to Shan...