Basile launches 2026 comedy tour with show at Thalian Hall
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Basile Katsikis has entertained fans all around the world with his unique style of comedy. Whether with his live standup performances or appearances on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central and other streaming platforms. Basile is kicking off his 2026 “BasileLicious World Tour” in his hometown of...
IRS releases 2026 Dirty Dozen list of tax scams
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2026 that threaten tax and financial information of taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals. March 5 is designated as National Slam the Scam Day, with the aim of educating taxpayers about identity...
New size, catch limits for sheepshead could affect local seafood shops
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - New state regulations taking effect this March will tighten sheepshead fishing limits, and at least one local seafood market is already preparing for a potential dip in supply. Motts Channel Seafood in Wrightsville Beach carries sheepshead nearly three-quarters of the year. Manager...
Brunswick County embroiled in new DEQ rule that slows development
The rule change came from a 2023 bill out of Raleigh that only recently went into effect. It essentially caps how much new development counties can approve beyond their current sewer system capacity. That means counties can’t greenlight as many new projects, even if they could boost capacity by the time new buildings...
Pirate Ship Themed Bar Opening in Surf City
SURF CITY, NC — Siren’s Sandlot, a pirate-ship-themed bar from owner April Sessums, will hold its grand opening March 15th at 121 North Shore Drive, Surf City, NC 28445. Sessums told Business Debut the business is already operating in a soft opening phase, with a karaoke night planned ahead of the grand opening to...
Fishermen swap crab fishing for cleanup, retrieving hundreds of lost crab pots from waterways
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC (WWAY-TV) — Local fishing crews are taking to regional waterways this week to retrieve lost fishing gear and crab pots. The North Carolina Coastal Federation said abandoned gear can pose a great threat to the environment and boaters. “We just do what we normally do except...
Wilmington habitual felon sentenced to prison in firearm, break-in case
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man with multiple prior felony convictions has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to firearm and property crimes in New Hanover County. According to the District Attorney’s Office, 47-year-old Jimmie Kirkland pleaded guilty in New Hanover County Superior Court to...
This classic Wilmington drive-in restaurant stands the test of time
For more than six decades, carhops have been balancing trays stacked with burgers, hot dogs and more old‑fashioned goodness at Merritt’s Burger House. Since 1958, it’s become a local landmark at 2338 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington. Today, it's one of the few authentic drive‑in restaurants left in North Carolina....
Coastal Comic Con returns to the Wilmington Convention Center this weekend
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Coastal Comic Con is taking place this weekend at the Wilmington Convention Center, bringing together comic book fans, musical guests, vendors and artists from across the Cape Fear region. The event will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several well-known...
Oak Island Town Hall parking lot exit to close for drainage repair
OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) - The town of Oak Island is closing the parking lot exit onto SE 46th Street behind town hall to repair a drainage basin, according to town officials. The exit will be closed all day Saturday, March 7 and possibly Sunday, March 8. Officials said it could be reopened by March 9.
