Alligator Injures Child in Lake Waccamaw

A teen girl sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries caused by either a bite or claw from a 6- or 7-foot alligator in Lake Waccamaw on Friday. Multiple children had been playing in about four feet of water when one exclaimed, “Something bit me!” 

The children were quickly pulled from the lake, and the alligator surfaced in the same area. The alligator was neutralized, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is investigating the incident.

Lake Waccamaw Mayor Matt Wilson said alligators are “becoming a problem” there. He urged residents not to feed alligators and to call the commission or Lake Waccamaw Police Department “if an alligator continues to hang out at your house.”

Lake Waccamaw is home to a growing alligator population and even hosts an annual Gator Fest in April.

House Dem Faces Backlash for Anti-Trump Post

Rep. Julie von Haefen, D-Wake, is facing backlash for sharing a video from a Raleigh “No Kings” protest Saturday that showed a beheaded image of President Trump.

She later edited the video, deleted her X account, and issued a statement condemning political violence, but did not apologize for the post. Her original post praised the protest’s “amazing turnout” and used a hashtag containing an expletive-laced slogan.

Wake County Republicans issued a statement over the weekend calling for von Haefen’s resignation, and Republican House Speaker Destin Hall said he is examining next steps with legislative attorneys to ensure “her disgraceful behavior…in an already volatile political climate” does not continue.

As of Sunday afternoon, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina Democratic Party remained silent on von Haefen’s actions.

‘Big Trouble’ Reels in 517-Pound Blue Marlin

Big Trouble won the 67th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City Saturday after angler Brandon Creech reeled in a 517.1-pound blue marlin.

The team, led by Captain Chris Daniels, secured a $2.5 million prize, which includes the $807,500 Fabulous Fisherman’s Prize for the first 500-pound marlin.

Second place went to Bankwalker, with angler Lizzie Montague’s 449.7-pound catch. Two other marlins were weighed afterward—one was disqualified, and the other failed to meet eligibility requirements.

View the complete leaderboard here.

The 2025 tournament also featured a variety of family-friendly events, including a captain’s party, pig pickin’, Tuesday tasting, and kids night.

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➤ Triangle: The ramp from I-440 West to Six Forks Road north in Raleigh is closed nightly this week while a right turn lane is added. In Durham, Hillsborough Road near Trent Drive is closed for nine days to replace an underground water pipe. (More)

➤ Raleigh native Mark Hortman, who was killed in a politically motivated shooting in Minnesota on Saturday, is being remembered as a kind and happy person by a former Millbrook Magnet Middle and High School classmate. The man suspected of shooting Hortman, Vance Boelter, has been arrested. (More)

➤ Buxton Beach reopened June 12 after a 21-month closure due to petroleum contamination from a former military base. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is testing soil and groundwater at the site to identify and assess any remaining contamination. (More)

➤ Iredell County: Multiple agencies recovered the body of a man who drowned over the weekend in Lake Norman near channel marker 20. A woman was rescued and hospitalized. (More)

➤ Statesville: Police are searching for Austin “Kimby” Morrison, a suspect in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Timmy Jaurice Moore Saturday near Deaton Street. Anyone with information about Morrison should contact the police at 704-878-3406. (More)

➤ Morganton: Brendletown Fire and Rescue hosted a fundraiser Saturday for the families of three young girls who were seriously injured when a car crashed into their lemonade stand. Police have since charged a driver with causing the crash. (More)

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➤ Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho was named one of the first six players selected for Finland’s 2026 Olympic hockey team. (More)

➤ UNC softball received a transfer commitment from former Texas Tech infielder Raegan Jennings, who batted nearly .400 last year for the Red Raiders. (More)

➤ Wake Forest tennis player Stefan Dostanic is battling three other collegiate standouts this week for a wildcard spot in the U.S. Open. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | NCAAB | Soccer

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➤ A state report reveals Hurricane Helene caused $910 million in economic losses to Buncombe County businesses in the fourth quarter alone, and that unemployment claims among the area’s travel and hospitality workers rose from one in 10 before the storm to one in two after. (More)

➤ A lawsuit against Charlotte-based Central Piedmont Community College, alleging violations of North Carolina’s open meetings and public records laws as well as the First Amendment, has moved to federal court. (More)

➤ Over 25,000 fans who attended the Mexico-Türkiye soccer match on June 10 at Kenan Stadium patronized local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, providing a boost to Chapel Hill’s economy. (See Details)

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➤ Gov. Josh Stein and the North Carolina General Assembly honored former Sen. Elizabeth Dole on June 4—Stein proclaimed it Elizabeth Dole Day, while a Senate resolution recognized her as a “trailblazing public servant.” (See Photos)

➤ The North Carolina Symphony’s Music Discovery Tour will stop at libraries across the state this summer. During each visit, musicians combine music and storytelling and introduce children to various instruments. (See Schedule)

➤ Brevard made WorldAtlas’ list of seven towns with unforgettable main streets thanks to its “slow-paced stretch framed by delicious mountain views,” galleries, locally-owned restaurants, and cozy theatre. (See List)

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Have you participated in a fishing tournament?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Only as an observer
4. I plan to one day

Yesterday’s Results:

Does Raleigh need another live music venue?

1. Don’t care either way: 53%
2. Improve existing venues: 26%
3. Build it and we will come: 21%

What brought the Vagabond Players to North Carolina?

Show me the answer