North Carolina
Rare 40-ton whale skull discovered on North Carolina beach
Whales, including ‘Frosty,’ spotted off California coast
In a video, passengers are seen watching in awe as the killer whales cruise near and underneath the boat in Newport Beach, California. (Credit: Capt. Dani, @NewportCoastalAdventure, @NewportWhales)
A massive whale skull washed up on the shore of Hatteras Island in North Carolina, attracting the attention of beachgoers and marine biologists alike.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore shared the news on its official Facebook page, posting photos of the impressive find. The skull, believed to belong to a humpback whale, was discovered on a remote stretch of the beach.
The discovery has sparked interest among visitors and researchers. According to the National Park Service, the skull is estimated to be around 5 feet long. Marine biologists from the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island have been consulted to assist with the identification and study of the skull.
“The Outer Banks of North Carolina, known for history, hurricanes, and shipwrecks also happens to be a hotspot for marine mammal activity,” the agency wrote.
Beachgoers are advised to keep a safe distance from the skull to preserve it for further examination and to ensure their own safety. The skull will likely be transported to a facility where it can be studied in more detail.
Humpback whales are known to inhabit the waters off the North Carolina coast, particularly during their migration periods. This skull may offer valuable insights into the local whale population and their movements.
A rare 40-ton whale skull, believed to belong to a humpback whale, washed ashore on Hatteras Island in North Carolina, drawing significant interest from both beachgoers and marine biologists.
The public is encouraged to follow updates from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the North Carolina Aquarium for more information on this intriguing find.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.
North Carolina
North Carolina attempted murder suspect arrested in Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — The Myrtle Beach Police Department announced Monday the arrest of a man wanted in North Carolina.
Officers arrested Leko Jones, 46, who was wanted by authorities in Burlington, North Carolina, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Jones is charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault by strangulation.
The arrest resulted from a coordinated effort between the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Patrol Division and Investigations Division, working alongside the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators said they safely located Jones and took him into custody.
North Carolina
E. 4th Street in Washington to close July 14-15 for sewer line replacement
A section of E. 4th Street in Washington will close next week for sewer line replacement work.
According to the city, E. 4th Street from Hudnell Street to Aycock Street will be closed to local traffic on Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
North Carolina
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
PINE KNOLL SHORES, Carteret County — A longtime Pine Knoll Shores public servant is preparing to begin a new chapter after nearly two decades with the town.
Ryan Thompson announced he will leave his full-time role with the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on August 12 after 18 years of service.
Thompson said he first came to Pine Knoll Shores in 2008 and has served the town in several roles, including police officer, chief of police, assistant town manager and most recently interim town manager.
In a message shared by the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department, Thompson said serving the community has been the greatest honor of his professional career.
Town of Pine Knoll Shores announces Ryan Thompson to depart after 18 years
He reflected on working alongside first responders through several hurricanes and coastal emergencies over the years, including Irene, Arthur, Matthew, Florence, Dorian, Isaias, Ophelia and Debby.
Thompson also highlighted the community’s response after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina in 2024. He said Pine Knoll Shores helped raise nearly $20,000 to support people impacted by the storm.
Thompson said Pine Knoll Shores has also been a special place for his family. His son served as a part-time firefighter with the Pine Knoll Shores Fire Department, and his wife served as the town’s tax collector.
Although he is leaving his full-time role, Thompson said he is not saying goodbye to the town.
He will begin serving as a public safety risk management consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. He said the new role will allow him to work with cities and towns across the state to help support public safety and local governments.
Thompson also said he will remain with the Pine Knoll Shores Police Department as a part-time police officer.
He said he will also continue helping the town during its transition as Pine Knoll Shores begins the search for its next police chief and works through the town manager transition.
Captain Eric Tellefsen will become interim chief of police after Thompson’s departure.
Thompson said he is confident in the department’s leadership team and thanked the Pine Knoll Shores community for its trust, support and friendship over the past 18 years.
-
Science35 minutes ago
New Winged Robot Can Fly and Swim Like a Puffin
-
Lifestyle59 minutes ago‘The Trojan Teddy Bear’: The promise and peril of childhood in the age of AI
-
Technology1 hour agoGoogle and Epic give up fighting — third-party Android app stores are coming next week
-
World1 hour agoFBI snares an American heir indicted for allegedly bankrolling anti-cop, pro-Hamas communist revolution
-
Politics1 hour agoBiden special counsel’s ‘runaway train’ scooped up sensitive lawmaker info: ‘Abuse of power’
-
Health1 hour ago‘Miracle on the Hudson’ hero Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis
-
Sports2 hours agoAmerican League stars outshine National League in 96th MLB All-Star game
-
Technology2 hours agoBefore you connect another smart TV, tablet or phone, lock it down