In North Carolina recently, on the night of September 26, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at a waterfront bar called the American Fish Company in Southport. A gunman on a boat opened fire on the crowd at the bar, killing three people and injuring at least eight others. The suspect escaped by boat but was apprehended by the Coast Guard about 30 minutes later near Oak Island. Authorities have advised local residents to stay indoors while the investigation continues. Southport is a small coastal city near the Cape Fear River with about 4,300 residents. This violent incident reflects a disturbing trend of gun violence in places usually considered safe, such as bars and restaurants.
Additionally, North Carolina has been preparing for hazardous weather related to tropical storms and potential flooding. A State of Emergency was declared by Governor Josh Stein ahead of Tropical Depression 9 or a future named storm "Imelda," with emergency teams mobilized to respond to heavy rainfall and flooding risks. Forecasts suggest a significant risk of additional tropical weather impacts in the coming days.
