Latest News
Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report
The past 25 years have been rough for American churches and other houses of worship. The median worship attendance dropped by more than half. Church closures and the rise of the nones — those who claim no religion — have grabbed all the headlines. And faith in institutions like organized religion has plummeted.
Road closed as firefighters battle brush fires in Brunswick County
Multiple brush fires in the Longwood area of Brunswick County have shut down Hughes Smith Road near Longwood Road, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
Officials and experts in Argentina are scrambling to determine if their country is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has gripped an Atlantic cruise.
Lower-income Americans hit hardest by gas price spike, widening inequalities, study finds
Lower-income Americans sharply reduced their gas consumption in the month following the Iran war, yet spiking prices still forced them to spend more at the pump, worsening the economy's economic disparities, new research released Wednesday showed.
New Hanover County Schools addresses cybersecurity incident involving Canvas platform
New Hanover County Schools is sharing new information about a recent cybersecurity incident involving Canvas, the online learning management system used by schools, colleges and universities across the country.
CFCC Riverfront Boat Show returning to downtown Wilmington
Cape Fear Community College’s annual Riverfront Boat Show is returning to downtown Wilmington later this month.
Jury convicts Pender County man in 2021 killing of stepfather
A Pender County jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of his stepfather.
Orton conducting prescribed burn on 848 acres
Orton is conducting a permitted prescribed burn on 848 acres Wednesday as part of its forest management and habitat restoration efforts.
Sesame Street Live coming to CFCC’s Wilson Center in October
Sesame Street Live is returning to Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center this fall.
Wilmington Voices to mark America’s 250th with free community concerts
A Wilmington-based vocal ensemble is preparing to mark a milestone in American history through music.
Bellamy Mansion to host walking tour highlighting lost Wilmington landmarks
The Bellamy Mansion Museum will host a guided walking tour of downtown Wilmington later this month, focusing on buildings and landmarks that no longer exist.
CNN founder Ted Turner, a brash and outspoken television pioneer, has died at age 87
CNN is reporting that its founder Ted Turner, the outspoken and often outrageous television pioneer, has died at age 87.
Some iPhone owners could get up to $95 payment after Apple agrees to settle case for $250 million
LONDON (AP) — Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over false advertising of Siri's AI capabilities.
Russia snubs Ukraine’s unilateral ceasefire, firing dozens of drones
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia fired dozens of drones at Ukraine in nighttime attacks, Ukrainian officials said Wednesday, disregarding a unilateral ceasefire announced by Kyiv that began at midnight.
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship as Canary Islands does about-face, opts not to let it dock there
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship as Canary Islands does about-face, opts not to let it dock there.
Cameron Art Museum and Cucalorus launch new film series connecting art and cinema
A new film series aimed at deepening conversations around art, history, and storytelling is coming to Wilmington this summer through a collaboration between the Cameron Art Museum and the Cucalorus Film Foundation.
Family Farm Day brings barnyard fun to Wilmington Children’s Museum
Families can expect a morning of furry encounters and farmyard fun as the Children's Museum of Wilmington hosts its annual Family Farm Day on Saturday, May 16.
Columbus County referendum on expanded alcohol sales sparks debate over safety, economic growth
A proposed referendum that would expand alcohol sales into unincorporated areas of Columbus County is drawing passionate reactions from residents, clergy, and business owners ahead of a November vote.
Local designer turns passion for interiors into storytelling through space
Interior design is often about more than what people see when they walk into a room — it is also about how the space makes them feel.
WWAY News partners with The Qualified Captain to spotlight boating safety
WWAY News is partnering with The Qualified Captain, a Wilmington-based social media platform known for sharing entertaining boating videos, and on-the-water safety content. Founded by former Sea Tow captain Aaron Stasiak, The Qualified Captain has built an online following of more than 1.6 million people across social media platforms by posting videos and photos of boating incidents, while also promoting boating education and safety awareness.
UNCW graduates face tough job market despite degrees in hand
Exams are finishing up, Caps are ready, and tassels are set to turn at UNCW. Graduation ceremonies kick off Friday afternoon and continue through Saturday. While it's a time for celebration the job market may present some early challenges for new grads.
Wilmington officials present draft of "Greater Downtown Plan" after years of community input
Over the past two years, the city of Wilmington has gathered feedback from more than 6,000 residents as part of an effort to shape the future of downtown growth and development.
Road closed as firefighters battle brush fires in Brunswick County
Multiple brush fires in the Longwood area of Brunswick County have shut down Hughes Smith Road near Longwood Road, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
New Hanover County Schools addresses cybersecurity incident involving Canvas platform
New Hanover County Schools is sharing new information about a recent cybersecurity incident involving Canvas, the online learning management system used by schools, colleges and universities across the country.
CFCC Riverfront Boat Show returning to downtown Wilmington
Cape Fear Community College’s annual Riverfront Boat Show is returning to downtown Wilmington later this month.
Jury convicts Pender County man in 2021 killing of stepfather
A Pender County jury has convicted a man of first-degree murder in the 2021 killing of his stepfather.
Orton conducting prescribed burn on 848 acres
Orton is conducting a permitted prescribed burn on 848 acres Wednesday as part of its forest management and habitat restoration efforts.
Sesame Street Live coming to CFCC’s Wilson Center in October
Sesame Street Live is returning to Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center this fall.
Wilmington Voices to mark America’s 250th with free community concerts
A Wilmington-based vocal ensemble is preparing to mark a milestone in American history through music.
Bellamy Mansion to host walking tour highlighting lost Wilmington landmarks
The Bellamy Mansion Museum will host a guided walking tour of downtown Wilmington later this month, focusing on buildings and landmarks that no longer exist.
Cameron Art Museum and Cucalorus launch new film series connecting art and cinema
A new film series aimed at deepening conversations around art, history, and storytelling is coming to Wilmington this summer through a collaboration between the Cameron Art Museum and the Cucalorus Film Foundation.
Family Farm Day brings barnyard fun to Wilmington Children’s Museum
Families can expect a morning of furry encounters and farmyard fun as the Children's Museum of Wilmington hosts its annual Family Farm Day on Saturday, May 16.
Increasing clouds for today
A cold front approaches our area tomorrow with increasing clouds for today.
Pender County reinstates 2026 property values, resets appeal deadline to June 30
The Pender County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to rescind a previous pause on the reappraisals. Officials also moved the deadline to file an appeal back to its original date of June 30, after it had been extended to Oct. 1.
Proposed bill would return development approval authority to Brunswick County commissioners
House Bill 1222, introduced Tuesday by Rep. Charles Miller, would shift approval authority for new developments from the county’s planning board back to the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners.
Cinco de Mayo celebrations highlight Mexican culture across Cape Fear region
Communities across the Cape Fear region are celebrating Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Proposed e-bike legislation could give NC cities more control amid safety concerns
Changes could soon be coming for e-bike riders in North Carolina as new state legislation aims to give municipalities more authority to regulate their use.
Proposed e-bike legislation could give NC cities more control amid safety concerns
Changes could soon be coming for e-bike riders in North Carolina as new state legislation aims to give municipalities more authority to regulate their use.
Disney executive tapped to lead North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Penning as the new director of the North Carolina Zoo.
NHCS bus drivers rally for higher pay after 10K educators attend statewide protest
Days after a major educator walkout in Raleigh calling for higher pay, school bus drivers in the Cape Fear region are now speaking out with similar concerns.
AAA Survey: More Than 1 in 4 North Carolinians Unprepared for Hurricane Season
More than one in four North Carolinians have not made any advance preparations for hurricane season, according to a new AAA survey released Monday as National Hurricane Preparedness Week begins.
Temporary pause approved for Hilton Bluffs project amid Sledge Forest dispute
A new development in the ongoing dispute over Sledge Forest comes as New Hanover County officials have approved a temporary pause on the proposed Hilton Bluffs project.
Cape Fear teachers prepare for educator walkout in Raleigh
Thousands of educators across North Carolina are expected to gather in Raleigh on Friday for a walkout and rally urging lawmakers to pass a state budget that increases teacher pay.
NC lawmakers approve $319M Medicaid funding bill, send it to Stein
North Carolina lawmakers on Tuesday approved HB 696, a measure that allocates $319 million to fund Medicaid through June after months of negotiations between the House, Senate, and Gov. Josh Stein's office.
College decision day approaches as seniors finalize enrollment choices
High school seniors across the country are facing a major deadline this week as Friday marks College Decision Day, when many students must commit to the school they plan to attend in the fall.
'It's a game of chess;' Fire crews face complex fight against Cape Fear wildfires amid drought
Pine cones, pine needles and dry leaves are helping fuel wildfires across southeastern North Carolina, including a persistent fire at Whitehall Plantation in Pender County.
MrBeast's company sued over alleged sexual harassment, wrongful termination
MrBeast's company sued over alleged sexual harassment, wrongful termination.
Whiteville homicide $25K reward raises questions; SBI explains funding for unsolved crime tip incentives
As the suspect in last month’s Whiteville homicide remains at large, state officials approved a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, but the reward has raised questions regarding which unsolved crimes receive tip incentives.
Virginia voters deciding on redistricting plan that could boost Democrats' seats in Congress
Virginia voters on Tuesday are deciding whether to ratify an unusual mid-decade redrawing of U.S. House districts that could boost Democrats’ chances of flipping control of the closely divided chamber, as the state becomes the latest front in a national redistricting battle.
Students get hands-on career exposure in Eastern North Carolina program
Thousands of students across Eastern North Carolina will participate in a monthlong series of career-focused events this month as part of Industry in Schools Month, a regional initiative highlighting workforce training and STEM education.
Fight leads to multiple people shot at park in Winston-Salem
Police say several individuals, both victims and suspects, have been identified and found following a shooting at Leinbach Park on Monday. Police say some of those individuals involved are juveniles.
Nifty Thrifty Thrift Shop opens second location in Wilmington
A local thrift store celebrated the grand opening of its second location Friday in Wilmington.
Celebration bell installed at Novant Health cancer institute to mark patient milestones
A new celebration bell is now installed outside the Novant Health Zimmer Cancer Institute, offering cancer patients and their families a way to recognize milestones throughout their treatment journeys.
Duke announces contract extension with football coach Manny Diaz through 2031 season
Duke has agreed to a contract extension with football coach Manny Diaz through the 2031 season, coming after Diaz led the Blue Devils to their first outright Atlantic Coast Conference title in 63 years.
Amazon Prime Video stream of Heat-Hornets play-in game has 'technical difficulties'
Amazon Prime Video's stream of the Miami-Charlotte play-in game went offline for nearly two minutes during the overtime period, causing fans to miss a Hornets possession.
North Carolina IT job growth outpaces national trends, report finds
Information technology job postings in North Carolina increased significantly over the past year, outpacing national growth, according to new data released Tuesday by the NC Technology Association.
Smoke across Cape Fear area likely linked to South Carolina fire
Residents across the Cape Fear region are reporting smoke and smoky odors in the air, prompting calls and messages to local officials.
WWAY News partners with The Qualified Captain to spotlight boating safety
WWAY News is partnering with The Qualified Captain, a Wilmington-based social media platform known for sharing entertaining boating videos, and on-the-water safety content. Founded by former Sea Tow captain Aaron Stasiak, The Qualified Captain has built an online following of more than 1.6 million people across social media platforms by posting videos and photos of boating incidents, while also promoting boating education and safety awareness.
Worship attendance at churches up for the first time in decades, according to new report
The past 25 years have been rough for American churches and other houses of worship. The median worship attendance dropped by more than half. Church closures and the rise of the nones — those who claim no religion — have grabbed all the headlines. And faith in institutions like organized religion has plummeted.
Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
Officials and experts in Argentina are scrambling to determine if their country is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has gripped an Atlantic cruise.
Lower-income Americans hit hardest by gas price spike, widening inequalities, study finds
Lower-income Americans sharply reduced their gas consumption in the month following the Iran war, yet spiking prices still forced them to spend more at the pump, worsening the economy's economic disparities, new research released Wednesday showed.
CNN founder Ted Turner, a brash and outspoken television pioneer, has died at age 87
CNN is reporting that its founder Ted Turner, the outspoken and often outrageous television pioneer, has died at age 87.
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park
2 hikers injured in bear attack at Yellowstone National Park.
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship as Canary Islands does about-face, opts not to let it dock there
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise ship as Canary Islands does about-face, opts not to let it dock there.
Popular Italian food brand accused of 'tomato fraud' in new lawsuit company says is meritless
Popular Italian food brand accused of 'tomato fraud' in new lawsuit company says is meritless.
New battery aims to prevent some child deaths. Is it the solution?
New battery aims to prevent some child deaths. Is it the solution?
Trump's drugmaker deals may save economy $529B over 10 years, White House says
White House economists estimate that President Donald Trump's deals with pharmaceutical companies to drop some of their U.S. prescription drug prices to what they charge in other countries could save $529 billion over the next 10 years.
Pen pal programs have evolved, but old-fashioned letter writing could be coming back
In 1985, a 13-year-old girl in New Zealand spotted a pair of purple, lip-shaped sunglasses in “Young Miss” magazine. In March, I traveled 9,000 miles from New Hampshire to deliver them to her, finally fulfilling my pen pal’s decades-old request.
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claiming chatbot posed as a medical professional
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claiming chatbot posed as a medical professional.
Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas residency due to health issues: ‘Everything I have is treatable’
Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas residency due to health issues: ‘Everything I have is treatable’
USPS unveils Route 66 centennial stamps, born from a photographer’s 42 trips
You're standing in the middle of an empty highway, staring off into the fading, golden light of Arizona's high desert. The soundtrack playing in your mind? Depeche Mode.
Fake courtrooms, sham hearings: Immigrants targeted by scams amid Trump administration's deportation push.
Fake courtrooms, sham hearings: Immigrants targeted by scams amid Trump administration's deportation push.
Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and Janelle Monáe take artistic liberties with Met Gala dress code.
Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and Janelle Monáe take artistic liberties with Met Gala dress code.
US tries to force open the Strait of Hormuz as the UAE comes under attack in a test of Iran truce
The U.S. military said it fired on Iranian forces and sank six small boats targeting civilian ships as it moved to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The United Arab Emirates, a key American ally, said it had come under attack from Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April.
OpenAI president discloses his stake in the company is worth $30B
Greg Brockman, OpenAI's president and CEO Sam Altman's top lieutenant, disclosed in court Monday that his stake in the artificial intelligence company is worth nearly $30 billion.
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have ended their 'It Ends With Us' dispute in a settlement
Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni agreed Monday to end their legal feud over the acrimonious production of their 2024 film “It Ends With Us,” averting a trial that threatened to further tarnish their reputations and expose the dark side of Hollywood moviemaking.
Secret Service says suspect opened fire on them and was shot in exchange near Washington Monument
A man spotted carrying a gun in the vicinity of the White House by plainclothes officers and agents was shot by law enforcement Monday after he opened fire on them near the Washington Monument, the Secret Service said.
Hantavirus is on the rise in Argentina, where a stricken cruise ship began its journey
Officials and experts in Argentina are scrambling to determine if their country is the source of a deadly hantavirus outbreak that has gripped an Atlantic cruise.
Trump's drugmaker deals may save economy $529B over 10 years, White House says
White House economists estimate that President Donald Trump's deals with pharmaceutical companies to drop some of their U.S. prescription drug prices to what they charge in other countries could save $529 billion over the next 10 years.
US tries to force open the Strait of Hormuz as the UAE comes under attack in a test of Iran truce
The U.S. military said it fired on Iranian forces and sank six small boats targeting civilian ships as it moved to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The United Arab Emirates, a key American ally, said it had come under attack from Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April.
OpenAI president discloses his stake in the company is worth $30B
Greg Brockman, OpenAI's president and CEO Sam Altman's top lieutenant, disclosed in court Monday that his stake in the artificial intelligence company is worth nearly $30 billion.
Apparent hantavirus outbreak kills 3 on cruise ship, sickens at least 3 more, health officials say
A suspected outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people, including an elderly married couple, and sickened at least three others, according to health officials and the cruise operator. The ship was waiting for help Monday near Cape Verde, an island nation off Africa's west coast, but local officials had not allowed anyone to disembark, the operator said.
U.S.-led task force tells ships to reroute on first day of new effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The United States on Monday kicked off an effort to “guide” stranded ships from the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz, as it tries to counter economic disruptions that outlasted the peak of fighting with no peace deal in sight.
Ship is attacked near Strait of Hormuz as Iran reviews US response to latest proposal
A cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz said it was attacked by multiple small craft, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Sunday, marking at least two dozen attacks in and around the strait since the Iran war began.
Ukraine hits key Russian oil-loading port and 3 'shadow fleet' tankers
Ukraine on Sunday launched a wave of strikes against Russian oil targets, hitting a key loading port on the Baltic Sea and two tankers that Ukraine alleges were illegally used to transport Russian crude.
Cubans struggle to survive on pocket-size government ration books as products dwindle
As the economy collapses and prices soar, a growing number of Cubans find themselves unable to afford alternatives to state-run stores and struggle to subsist on meager salaries in a socialist country of nearly 10 million where basic goods increasingly are sold in U.S. dollars.
Germany focuses on shared interests after US announces troop drawdown
Germany's defense minister on Saturday appeared to take in stride a Pentagon announcement that the United States plans to pull some 5,000 troops out of Germany, saying a drawdown was expected and emphasizing the mutual benefit of the longstanding U.S. deployment in Europe.
US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany in next 6-12 months, fulfilling Trump’s threat
The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany in the next six to 12 months, the Pentagon said Friday, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s threat as he clashes with the German leader over the U.S. war with Iran.
Iran’s monthslong internet shutdown is crushing businesses in an already battered economy
Iran’s monthslong internet shutdown is crushing businesses in an already battered economy
Russia sets new record for drone, missile attacks on Ukraine in April.
Russia sets new record for drone, missile attacks on Ukraine in April.
Colombians are divided over the fate of hippos linked to Pablo Escobar
(ABC) -- Along the Magdalena River, one of Colombia’s primary arteries, fishermen move with wary precision. From the silty, tea-colored current, hippopotamuses can surface without warning, closing the distance to a vessel in a single heartbeat. “These hippos are a true…
UK leader Starmer faces more pressure over Mandelson ambassador appointment
UK leader Starmer faces more pressure over Mandelson ambassador appointment
Talks stumble as Iran's top diplomat leaves Pakistan and Trump says he told envoys not to go
The latest ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran appeared to fail Saturday before they began, as Tehran's top diplomat left Pakistan and President Donald Trump soon afterward said he had told envoys not to travel to Islamabad.
Russia and Ukraine exchange attacks, killing and wounding dozens, as Zelenskyy calls for more talks
Russian drone and missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro killed at least five people and wounded 46, authorities said Saturday.
Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer and is now healthy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he has undergone treatment for prostate cancer in his first public acknowledgment of the diagnosis.
Tech stocks climb as Intel surges toward its best day since 1987, while oil prices keep swinging
A surge for Intel following a blowout profit report is leading technology stocks higher Friday, while oil prices keep swinging in the wait for what’s next with the Iran war.
China to send giant pandas to Atlanta again.
China to send giant pandas to Atlanta again.
Pet Pals: Adorable kittens looking for forever home
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –This week’s Pet Pals are Rita and Julian, two 4-month-old cats. Feline Matchmakers calls Rita an adorable tabby kitten with a gentle spirit and a…
Pet Pals: Curious and gentle terrier mix looking for forever home
WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) –This week’s Pet Pal is Ziti, a 6-month-old terrier mix. Paws Place Dog Rescue calls Ziti a social little guy who’s always…
Pet Pals: Calm cat looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Constance, a 9-year-old cat.
Pet Pals: Curious and playful dog looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Nala! She's an adult mixed breed dog.
Pet Pals: Chill cat looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Ferrari, a 4-year-old cat.
Pet Pals: Affectionate Terrier looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Bridget, a 4-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with a heart as big as her adorable smile.
Pet Pals: Chill tabby kitten looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Conrad, a 5-month-old tabby kitten.
Pet Pals: Sweet and playful Terrier mix looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Sweetie, a young bundle of energy and joy.
Pet Pals: Calm cat looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Freddie, an 8 year old Maine Coon mix.
Pet Pals: Energetic foxhound mix looking for forever home
This Week’s Pet Pal is Sulu, an energetic 1-year-old foxhound mix.
Pet Pals: Fun and bouncy lab mix looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Siena, a lab mix with a personality as big as her puppy paws.
Pet Pals: Curious and loving Shepherd Terrier mix looking for forever home
This Week’s Pet Pal is Bumble, a 4 month old Shepherd/Terrier mix.
Pet Pals: Loving shepherd mix looking for forever home
This week’s Pet Pal is Roxie, an 18-week-old female shepherd mix.
Pet Pals: Loyal and loving pit bull looking for forever home
This Week’s Pet Pal is Lucy, a 4-year-old pit bull.
Pet Pals: Loving and loyal Catahoula Shepherd mix looking for forever home
WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) — This Week’s Pet Pal is Tacoma, A 1-year-old, 57-lb Catahoula Shepherd mix.
Pet Pals: Charming and playful puppy looking for forever home
WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) — This Week’s Pet Pal is Cobalt, a 13-week-old puppy.
The Carolina Beat: Advanced Ortho
Katie Sasser meets with Dr. Joe Norris to learn more about Advanced Ortho.
Pet Pals: Kind and loveable Beagle looking for forever home
This Week’s Pet Pal is Ferris, a 5-year-old Beagle.
'Teacher of the Month' recognized for her leadership through music and love
Every month, we highlight an educator in the Cape Fear who's going above and beyond.
Pet Pals: Playful and affectionate Great Pyrenees looking for forever home
This Week’s Pet Pal is Murphy, a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees.