📍 Serving Wayne County, Duplin County & Mount Olive, NC
Independent Local Journalism · Wayne County & Duplin County, NC
James Fortner

James Fortner

Reporter, Mount Olive Chronicle

Covers public safety, courts, and law enforcement. Criminal justice background from Fayetteville State University. The Chronicle's primary FOIA and public records specialist.

31 articles published
Overnight Storms Cause Damage, Power Outages for Hundreds in Granville County
Public Safety

Overnight Storms Cause Damage, Power Outages for Hundreds in Granville County

Strong thunderstorms brought wind gusts up to 60 mph, toppling trees and damaging property across the county, affecting hundreds of residents.

Durham Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Conspiring to Support ISIS
Public Safety

Durham Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Conspiring to Support ISIS

Alexander Justin White, 30, was sentenced in federal court after attempting to travel to North Africa to join the terrorist organization.

Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Special Needs Child
Public Safety

Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Special Needs Child

David Leonard Mayes, 41, received the sentence in federal court for the aggravated sexual abuse of a nine-year-old severely autistic and nonverbal child.

North Carolina Drug Bust Leads to 13 Arrests, Five Suspects Sought
Public Safety

North Carolina Drug Bust Leads to 13 Arrests, Five Suspects Sought

Law enforcement in North Carolina has taken 13 individuals into custody following a drug bust, with five additional suspects currently wanted in connection with the…

Iran Agrees to Resume International Nuclear Inspections After Switzerland Talks, U.S. Vice President Vance Says
Public Safety

Iran Agrees to Resume International Nuclear Inspections After Switzerland Talks, U.S. Vice President Vance Says

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced that Iran will allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country following recent negotiations in Switzerland.

Iran Agrees to Resume International Nuclear Inspections After Switzerland Talks, U.S. Vice President Vance Says
Public Safety

Iran Agrees to Resume International Nuclear Inspections After Switzerland Talks, U.S. Vice President Vance Says

U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced that Iran will allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country following recent negotiations in Switzerland.

Corrosive Material Spills After Tractor-Trailer Overturns Near I-40 in Warsaw
Public Safety

Corrosive Material Spills After Tractor-Trailer Overturns Near I-40 in Warsaw

A tractor-trailer carrying corrosive material overturned near Interstate 40 in Warsaw, prompting a response from emergency crews. The material has been contained.

Record Heat and Severe Storms Threaten Central North Carolina Sunday
Public Safety

Record Heat and Severe Storms Threaten Central North Carolina Sunday

Central North Carolina braces for record-breaking heat on June 14, 2026, alongside a significant risk of severe thunderstorms.

Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amidst Reported US-Iran Deal Progress
Public Safety

Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Amidst Reported US-Iran Deal Progress

Lebanese state media reports Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, coinciding with claims from Iran that a deal with the US is nearing finalization.

Pea-Sized Hail, Strong Winds Possible in Eastern NC Storms
Public Safety

Pea-Sized Hail, Strong Winds Possible in Eastern NC Storms

The National Weather Service issued alerts for strong thunderstorms bringing potential pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph to parts of Eastern North…

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Independent local news for Wayne County, Duplin County, and the greater Mount Olive community in eastern North Carolina. Founded to serve the people and neighborhoods that deserve consistent, credible coverage.

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