A portion of newly constructed southbound lanes of the U.S. 17 Hampstead bypass will be opened to motorists beginning May 28.
News Briefs
Latest map shows much of the state under extreme drought
Rain expected over the holiday weekend is not anticipated to provide enough relief needed across the drought-stricken state.
Public reminded to avoid contact with discolored waterbodies
State water resources officials remind the public this summer to avoid contact with discolored water, a potential sign that an algal bloom is present.
Final federal permit clears way for Buxton groin repair project
By receiving the Army Corps permit this week, Dare County has cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the project to repair the southernmost of Buxton’s three groins.
NCDOT ferry system adds summer routes for Pamlico Sound
The summer schedule for N.C. Department of Transportation ferries that cross the Pamlico Sound include additional routes.
Group seeks presenters versed in abandoned vessel removal
The BoatUS Foundation is looking for speakers with expertise in removing and preventing abandoned and derelict vessels and boat-related debris in public waters to present at the foundation’s 2026 Turning the Tide Summit in New Orleans.
State takes over management of ‘The Point’ at Topsail Island
During a beachfront ceremony on Tuesday, state and local officials, and the North Carolina Land Trust gathered to officially transfer the Topsail Nature Preserve at the south end of Topsail Island to state management.
Coastal Habitat Protection Plan steering committee to meet
members are to discuss possible updates for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality that focuses on “long-term enhancement of coastal fisheries through habitat protection and enhancement efforts.”
State readies for hot weather during Heat Safety Week
Gov. Josh Stein has declared Monday through Friday as North Carolina Heat Safety Week, an effort to highlight state resources to keep residents and visitors safe from extreme heat.
Nearly 36,000 gallons of raw sewage spills in Jacksonville
“At no time was city drinking water compromised and there is no danger to the public,” according to the state-mandated announcement.
Marker to recognize court case that reshaped voting rights
Nancy Bazemore, 47, of Bertie County, won a court case against the county board of elections that in the early 1960s reshaped voting rights in the state.
Coastal Land Trust to host 16th annual Flytrap Frolic June 6
The N.C. Coastal Land Trust’s 16th annual Flytrap Frolic scheduled for June 6 in Wilmington will include carnivorous plant-themed games, arts and crafts and a limited number of ethically-sourced flytraps for sale.
Wildlife Resources, Highway Patrol urge safe holiday boating
Though the number of boating incidents reported in North Carolina is down slightly this year, compared to 2025, boating fatalities have increased.
Sea turtle program coordinator Matthew Godfrey to speak
Godfrey, the North Carolina Sea Turtle Project coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Commission, is the the featured guest this month for the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s “Green Drinks” speaker series in Morehead City.
Corbett, Coastal Studies Institute executive director, to lecture
The public is encouraged to attend Dr. Reide Corbett’s lecture, “Holding the Line? Coastal Change and Barrier-Island Dynamics on the Outer Banks,” May 28 in Wanchese.
Carteret hurricane preparedness expo scheduled for May 30
Carteret County Emergency Services, Carteret County government and the National Weather Service’s Newport/Morehead City office are offering the expo ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
