– Free interactive tool helps North Carolina residents assess current habits, build personalized plans to improve brain health — Visuals: Healthy habits stock photos courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter is encouraging all North Carolina residents to try its new Brain Health Habit Builder , a free web-based tool designed to empower individuals to assess their current habits and take proactive steps to improve t

On December 17th, the United States Senate passed Congressman Rouzer’s (R-NC-07) legislation, H.R. 474, the Lumbee Fairness Act .  This legislation grants full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, marking a historic milestone in the Tribe’s generations-long pursuit of recognition.  The Lumbee Fairness Act was included in S.1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and now heads to the President’s desk for signature. “Today is truly a great a

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest following an extensive investigation into the death of a juvenile that occurred in December 2025.  Around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, deputies responded to a 911 call about a missing child at 236 Old Timber Road in Jacksonville.   Shortly after deputies arrived, they found a 16-month-old boy unconscious and submerged in water inside a container on the front porch of the home.   Deputies and Emergency Medic

By Joanna Cho I am writing to emphasize the value of sports and reading in our community. Both activities can greatly benefit children, teens, and even adults of our area. According to ISM Sports, “Sports encompass much more than mere recreational activities; they are an integral part of our lives, shaping individuals and communities. They provide a platform for individuals to showcase their skills, compete, and connect with others with similar interests. Moreover, sports c

Kellum Deputies with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office have arrested three   additional suspects related to a fatal assault that took place on December 22nd.   Radford III Bobby William Kellum, 21, of 201 Dale Drive, of Jacksonville , is charged with assault,   inflicting serious injury and received a $10,000 unsecured bond.   Anderson Kelvin Treymaine Anderson, 30, of 1506 Onslow Pines Road in Jacksonville , is charged with   felony obstruction of justice, simple assault

By Chelsea Layton When I heard of the untimely death of the young actress Isabelle Tate at age 23 due to complications from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), my heart broke for her family. Though most people have never heard of CMT, I know this rare, degenerative neurological disorder all too well. I have CMT. Growing up, I always knew I was different from my peers, although I tried my best to mask my disease. As I entered into adulthood and my symptoms progressed, I was n

Cape Fear Community College is proud to announce the return of its 12 th Annual International Film Festival, hosted by the Humanities and Education Department and held January 27 through February 5, 2026. All nine films will be screened in Union Station (502 N. Front Street) in room U-170. All screenings are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Each film will be presented in its original language with English subtitles.   This year’s two-week festival featu

Hailing from Surf City, NC, Crooked Parker delivers a fresh surge of alternative rock infused with the emotional grit of Sheryl Crow, the raw honesty of Miley Cyrus, and the unapologetic edge of Alanis Morissette.  ‘Neworld.’ her debut full-length album, is an eleven-track sonic journey built on high energy and emotional intensity. From driving guitar riffs to expressive, powerhouse vocals, the album carries momentum through every verse and chorus—blending power with vulnera

Patty’s Place is held its grand opening on Monday, January 5,   2026 ,   at 106 West Courthouse Street in downtown Burgaw.   Owned and operated by Chef Khristen Hunter, Patty’s Place is the fourth restaurant project   from Richard Johnson ,   founder of Burgaw Now and the Own Your Own initiative. Chef   Khristen was a finalist in the Own Your Own Competition held in Burgaw, NC, in 2023. At   Patty’s Place, she will be serving up stacked omelets with pancakes, along with a fu

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announced the winners of the 2025 Topsail Christmas Flotilla. First place was awarded to Pink Pirate Ghostship , captained by Rick Brown. Second place went to Bob Aycock of Good to Go Charters for his entry, Reason for the Season . Third place was awarded to  Traci and Carl Huffman for their Grinch  display. Sponsored by Sea Tow of Wrightsville Beach and Web Designs Your Way, the Topsail Christmas Flotilla awarded $1,00

A Common Sense Approach I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to run for the North Carolina State House because it sounded like the next political step. I’m running because I care deeply about where we live, the direction we’re headed, and the kind of future we’re building for our kids and for the families who call Pender County and southern Onslow County home.  My wife and our children are at the center of that decision. Like so many families in District 16, we are raisi