Debra Worley 1x5x2d

Enterprise Digital Content Manager 6u723x
Wilmington, NC 217025
Debra Worley

Debra Worley ed Gray Television's corporate digital team as the Enterprise Digital Content Manager in May 2021. She had previously overseen all things digital at WECT and Fox Wilmington since 2007. 635n1

Under her direction, the website has won several awards, including best website from the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas.

When she's not behind a computer, Debra is in a different kind of studio – teaching dance at A Leap Above. She is an award-winning choreographer with more than 15 years of teaching experience.

She was the coach of the Wilmington Hammerheads dance team for several years and was captain of the UNCW dance team her senior year.

In her free time, Debra enjoys working out, going to the beach to relax and spending time with her friends and family. She likes to travel when she can and is always eager to learn and try new things.

If you have a story idea, Debra at [email protected]

Education 623x6s
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington, Communication Studies/Journalism
    • Awards 181946
  • RTNDAC Division II Best Website 2016
  • 2019 Edward R Murrow Award

    • National
    President Donald Trump tells White House Correspondent Jon Decker, he's very disappointed in...

    Trump is ‘disappointed’ in Musk’s opposition to the ‘big, beautiful bill’ 6k243a

    Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    President Donald Trump appeared to confirm the deterioration of his relationship with Elon Musk Thursday.

    National
    Deputies with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office were called to respond to a home in...

    Deputies use Narcan to save dog from drug overdose r4w6s

    Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 2:10 PM EDT
    |
    By Arianna Bertolotti and Debra Worley
    First responders in Southeastern North Carolina used Narcan to save a dog who was found unresponsive from a drug overdose.

    National
    The video released shows Travis Decker prior to a planned visit with his three daughters.

    Video released of father days before he’s accused of killing his 3 daughters 3t4a5k

    Updated: Jun. 5, 2025 at 6:34 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Law enforcement officials in Chelan County, Washington, have released doorbell camera video of 32-year-old Travis Decker.

    National
    FILE - A high school junior track runner used some quick thinking and skills from another...

    High school runner trips on hurdle and somersaults her way to gold 3z3u2o

    Updated: Jun. 4, 2025 at 12:36 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A high school junior track runner used some quick thinking and skills from another sport to win gold during a state championship meet.

    National
    An arrest warrant was issued for Cody Goble on charges of child neglect, and deputies pursued...

    Dad found hiding in arcade more than a week after toddler found alone in the woods t71w

    Updated: May 30, 2025 at 1:36 PM EDT
    |
    By TMX News Staff and Debra Worley
    More than a week after a toddler was found wandering alone near the woods, authorities found the child's father hiding in an arcade and took him into custody on multiple charges.

    National
    Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab, was found dead Wednesday inside a state vehicle at the...

    State comfort dog dies in hot government vehicle 6y66i

    Updated: May 30, 2025 at 12:28 PM EDT
    |
    By WABI News Desk and Debra Worley
    Maine’s first official comfort dog died after he was left unattended in a hot car.

    National
    Doctors at the hospital confirmed Barton’s wound looked like a shark bite.

    Man bitten by shark during beach vacation with family, authorities say 6f2t52

    Updated: May 29, 2025 at 1:44 PM EDT
    |
    By WECT Staff and Debra Worley
    A man vacationing with his family was hospitalized after likely having been bitten by a shark.

    National
    The couple won $2 million playing the Diamonds & Gold instant game.

    Lucky couple celebrating wedding anniversary wins $2M on scratch-off 1e3448

    Updated: May 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A couple celebrating their wedding anniversary ended up with a gift of a lifetime after picking up a scratch-off lottery ticket.

    National
    A 1-year-old died after being left inside a hot car Sunday, according to authorities with the...

    ‘Hard to fathom:’ 1-year-old dies in hot car, police say p3013

    Updated: May 28, 2025 at 12:38 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A 1-year-old died after being left inside a hot car Sunday, according to authorities with the Albuquerque Police Department.

    National
    The gator rolled in the water and was able to dislodge the ball on its own before any action...

    Alligator spotted on a golf course with a soccer ball stuck in its mouth 2o2v72

    Updated: May 28, 2025 at 10:56 AM EDT
    |
    By WECT Staff and Debra Worley
    An alligator in southeastern North Carolina was spotted on a golf course with a soccer ball stuck in its mouth over the weekend.

    National
    FILE - Musician Billy Joel performs during his 100th lifetime performance at Madison Square...

    Billy Joel cancels remaining tour dates amid rare medical diagnosis 5z2h4w

    Updated: May 23, 2025 at 1:02 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Billy Joel announced Friday he is canceling all scheduled concerts after a recent brain disorder diagnosis.

    National
    Kelly Garcia has been charged with second-degree murder and allowing a minor access to an...

    Man kills stepson during argument over Fortnite, police say 5s5g3f

    Updated: May 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A man is accused of killing his stepson Wednesday night when an argument over Fortnite escalated into a shooting, police said.

    National
    FILE -- The outlook predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an...

    NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season 2x6q68

    Updated: May 22, 2025 at 1:40 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration predicts it will be an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    National
    A 57-year-old man from the Netherlands riding a BMW cross country motorcycle in Utah died...

    Motorcyclist crashes into the back of a tanker on the highway and dies 6s693x

    Updated: May 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A 57-year-old man from the Netherlands riding a BMW cross country motorcycle in Utah died Wednesday after crashing into the back of a tanker on an interstate highway.

    National
    FILE - Ranking member Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-Va., speaks, April 19, 2023, on Capitol Hill in...

    Rep. Gerry Connolly dies at 75 after a battle with cancer 4o6124

    Updated: May 21, 2025 at 8:52 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia died Wednesday morning from his battle with cancer.

    National
    Gary C. Price, second on top row, was apprehended Monday (May 19). He s Robert Moody,...

    Jail maintenance worker accused of helping New Orleans inmates escape, sources say 8596b

    Updated: May 20, 2025 at 10:21 AM EDT
    |
    By FOX 8 Staff and Debra Worley
    An Orleans Parish jail maintenance worker was arrested on Monday on allegations he helped facilitate the escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center last Friday.

    National
    with the Laurel Co. Fire Dept. mourn the loss of Major Leslie Roger Leatherman, who...

    Firefighter dies responding to devastating tornado damage 2p4d2d

    Updated: May 19, 2025 at 10:47 AM EDT
    |
    By WKYT News Staff and Debra Worley
    A firefighter in Kentucky died Saturday morning after being injured while responding to storm damage.

    National
    Former President Joe Biden responded on social media Monday to his recent prostate diagnosis.

    Former President Joe Biden responds to cancer diagnosis on social media 6v1x1

    Updated: May 19, 2025 at 8:40 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Former President Joe Biden responded on social media Monday to his recent prostate diagnosis.

    National
    A father died in Colorado Wednesday afternoon after trying to save several children who were...

    53-year-old father dies trying to save struggling children in lake 531l39

    Updated: May 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM EDT
    |
    By Aspen Andrews, Lauren Watson and Debra Worley
    Officials said four children were swimming in the lake and began struggling as the wind and waves picked up.

    National
    Prolific actor Joe Don Baker, known for his roles in the “James Bond” films died May 7, his...

    Actor Joe Don Baker, known for roles in ‘James Bond’ movies, dies at 89 563w3b

    Updated: May 15, 2025 at 12:59 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Prolific actor Joe Don Baker, known for his roles in the “James Bond” films died May 7, his family announced in his obituary.

    National
    State and County responders searched for a 12-year-old believed to have been swept away in...

    Body found believed to be 12-year-old who was swept away in floodwaters 4n3543

    Updated: May 14, 2025 at 1:43 PM EDT
    |
    By Gabby Womack, Maggie Glass, Forrest Holt and Debra Worley
    Search crews in Albermarle County, Virginia have found a body they believe could be a missing boy who was swept away by floodwaters Tuesday.

    National
    Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers

    Igloo rolling cooler recall expanded to 1.2M after more reports of amputations, injuries 5z3f4c

    Updated: May 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    The now-recalled coolers were sold at major retailers like Costco, Target, Dick’s and Amazon between 2019 and January 2025 for between $80 and $140.

    National
    The teen was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital where he died three days later.

    13-year-old dies after hitting braided cable while riding electric bike 442xm

    Updated: May 8, 2025 at 11:52 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A 13-year-old in Washington state died from injuries he sustained while riding an electric bike.

    National
    A diamond hunter got a sweet surprise when what he thought was a candy wrapper on the ground...

    Diamond digger mistakes nearly 4-carat gem for candy wrapper q6u2n

    Updated: May 7, 2025 at 11:40 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A diamond hunter got a sweet surprise when what he thought was a candy wrapper on the ground turned out to be the biggest diamond he’s ever found.

    National
    Patrick Gordiski and his wife were planning a vacation when they decided to buy a few lottery...

    Retired firefighter and 9/11 first responder wins top prize in lottery 4s3e6r

    Updated: May 6, 2025 at 1:37 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A retired firefighter and 9/11 first responder won the top prize on a lottery scratch-off ticket in Connecticut.

    National
    Wildlife officials killed a bear a few hundred feet away from the home where an 89-year-old...

    89-year-old man, dog killed in suspected bear attack, authorities say 1d2v2v

    Updated: May 6, 2025 at 5:47 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    An 89-year-old man and a dog were found dead in Florida Monday morning after a suspected bear attack.

    National
    The league and Gray Media announced Monday that seven Gray Broadcast Sports Networks will air...

    Watch the Women’s Hockey semifinals on Gray Broadcast Sports Networks 5b543v

    Updated: May 5, 2025 at 11:13 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    The league and Gray Media announced Monday that seven Gray Broadcast Sports Networks will air the games starting Wednesday.

    National
    Zelle reported an outage Friday with the money transferring network, impacting many bank...

    Zelle outage impacting some customers trying to pay rent 50622

    Updated: May 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Zelle reported an outage Friday with the money transferring network, impacting many bank customers trying to make payments.

    National
    James Farthing

    Man arrested days after winning $167M Powerball jackpot 731p59

    Updated: May 2, 2025 at 10:44 AM EDT
    |
    By Kelsey Souto and Debra Worley
    A man from Kentucky who won a $167 million lottery prize Saturday was arrested early Wednesday morning in Florida.

    National
    A teacher in North Carolina won $172,302 from a $1 lottery ticket she bought on her way home...

    Lucky teacher wins $172K off $1 lottery ticket she bought on the way home from school 1p735h

    Updated: May 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM EDT
    |
    By Connor Lomis and Debra Worley
    A teacher in North Carolina won $172,302 from a $1 lottery ticket she bought on her way home from school last Thursday.

    National
    Kendrix Brehmer

    9-year-old with autism drowns after running away from school during recess 1pw41

    Updated: Apr. 30, 2025 at 1:32 PM EDT
    |
    By Bella Caracta and Debra Worley
    A 9-year-old boy with autism died this week after he got away from his school and was later found in nearby lagoon.

    National
    Former Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson was arrested by Minnesota State Patrol early Friday...

    Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson arrested for DWI m2j5j

    Updated: Apr. 25, 2025 at 10:52 AM EDT
    |
    By KTTC Staff and Debra Worley
    Former Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson was arrested by Minnesota State Patrol early Friday morning, the day after the first night of the 2025 NFL draft.

    National
    The car seats included in the recall are model numbers: CC321GYU, CC321GYUD, CC321GYY,...

    Nearly 180,000 Safety 1st car seats recalled for choking hazard 6tz3n

    Updated: Apr. 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Dorel Juvenile Group, the manufacturer, will mail a replacement headrest pad assembly kit, free of charge.

    National
    Authorities said the tree had fallen on top of the woman who was working in her garden at the...

    Woman working in garden killed by falling tree on Easter, police say 2d1z3g

    Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM EDT
    |
    By 12 On Your Side Digital Team and Debra Worley
    A woman in Virginia died in a freak accident at her home on Easter Sunday.

    National
    A Delta flight from Orlando to Atlanta caught fire on Monday.

    Delta plane catches fire in Orlando, forcing engers to evacuate 2s2ag

    Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM EDT
    |
    By Atlanta News First staff and Debra Worley
    A Delta Airlines plane burst into flames on the tarmac in Orlando Monday morning. Video shows smoke and flames billowing from the side of the aircraft.

    National
    Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Virginia, held a Mass on April 21 to "pray for the...

    Trump orders flags at half-staff as a mark of respect to the Pope 1p5631

    Updated: Apr. 21, 2025 at 12:58 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    President Donald Trump responded to the death of Pope Francis by ordering the United States flag be flown at half-staff.

    National
    One of the front tires of the plane broke off during the landing and then caught on fire.

    Frontier Airlines wheel breaks off, catches fire a1822

    Updated: Apr. 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    The Federal Aviation istration is investigating a rough landing at a Puerto Rican airport.

    National
    A South Fulton and Fulton County police officer were shot Friday and a suspect was killed.

    2 Georgia officers shot, suspect killed during gunfire exchange 4s5n30

    Updated: Apr. 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM EDT
    |
    By Atlanta News First staff and Debra Worley
    Two officers were shot in Fulton County, Georgia Friday and a suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire at a Budgetel Inn and Suites.

    National
    The lawsuit was filed in 2022, accusing the company of improperly collecting and storing...

    Meta is sending out money. Payouts begin in $90M Facebook lawsuit over like button issue 4g1l2u

    Updated: Apr. 18, 2025 at 12:48 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    You could soon be getting money from a years-old $90 million class action lawsuit filed against Facebook.

    National
    A train crashed into the funeral home limousine carrying the family of 6 to the funeral,...

    Funeral home limo hit by a train while taking family of 6 to funeral 322k56

    Updated: Apr. 18, 2025 at 11:11 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A train crashed into the funeral home limousine carrying the family of 6 to the funeral, pushing the vehicle over 100 feet up the tracks.

    National
    Lowe’s President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison believes the acquisition will allow the company to...

    Lowe’s makes $1.3 billion acquisition deal to compete with Home Depot 3g432o

    Updated: Apr. 18, 2025 at 7:49 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Lowe’s Companies announced earlier this week it would make a $1.3 billion acquisition in an effort to compete with Home Depot.

    National
    A mother in California is facing murder charges after being accused of taking a bath while...

    Mom found taking bath while her 4-year-old daughter drowned after crash, officials say 5j5i

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 2:15 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A mother in California is facing murder charges after being accused of taking a bath while letting her 4-year-old drown after a crash.

    National
    The investigation revealed the child had been communicating with Matthew Macatuno Naval...

    Man accused of kidnapping 10-year-old he met on Roblox, Discord 1fy3a

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 1:18 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A 27-year-old man is facing charges after being accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old he met online through Roblox and Discord.

    National
    Lyrids don’t leave behind a glowing dust train as they streak through the air but can...

    Lyrids Meteor Shower to peak Monday 94eh

    Updated: Apr. 17, 2025 at 11:37 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    The Lyrids Meteor Shower is underway and will be active through April 26, according to NASA.

    National
    Video from WGAL shows that a FedEx double semitruck crashed into the workers.

    Worker killed when FedEx semitruck hits construction vehicle 5d5q47

    Updated: Apr. 15, 2025 at 1:57 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A construction worker was killed early Monday morning in a three-vehicle crash in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

    National
    The packaging of the Safetussin is not child-resistant because a tablet can be pushed through...

    Cough, cold and flu medicine being recalled for faulty packaging 4k5y60

    Updated: Apr. 11, 2025 at 2:01 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A cold medication sold at Harris Teeter, HEB and other regional grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide has been recalled for faulty packaging.

    National
    Chicco is recalling thousands of car seats that fail to properly restrain a child and...

    Thousands of Chicco car seats recalled over safety concerns 4o4169

    Updated: Apr. 11, 2025 at 12:07 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Chicco is recalling thousands of car seats that fail to properly restrain a child and increase the risk of injury in a crash.

    National
    Gary Day, the 40-year-old man she was believed to be with, is now in custody.

    Amber Alert canceled for missing pregnant teen suspected to be with 40-year-old man 6h5m4c

    Updated: Apr. 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
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    By Emily Beier and Debra Worley
    An Amber Alert for a missing, pregnant teen from Wisconsin was canceled early Thursday morning.

    National
    The blades of the Vivitar Blender Bottles can continue to operate when the bottle is not...

    Nearly 200,000 blenders sold at Target recalled for laceration hazard 2t466i

    Updated: Apr. 3, 2025 at 11:57 AM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    Nearly 200,000 blenders sold at Target have been recalled for a potential laceration hazard.

    National
    Giovanni Impellizzeri recorded videos of himself during the months of October and November...

    Custodian sentenced after itting to putting cleaning products, bodily fluids in food for students, staff 4w3c

    Updated: Apr. 1, 2025 at 2:39 PM EDT
    |
    By Debra Worley
    A former school janitor in New Jersey was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to tampering with food served to students and staff.

    Latest News 4n6s6i

    The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in searching for a...
    Orangeburg County deputies searching for missing teen 10262f
    55-year-old Theresa Carr was last seen on Thursday. She is a black female standing about 5...
    Orangeburg investigators searching for missing 55-year-old woman 6p3ze
    Georgia Historical Society presented the Congregation of Children of Israel synagogue Sunday...
    Congregation of Children of Israel Synagogue receives historical marker 1ha36
    A shooting at Five Chop Road is under investigation, according to the Orangeburg County...
    Orangeburg County sheriff holding press conference for man wanted for murder 122823
    PHOTO: Water faucet, Photo Date: 10/07/2017
    Parts of Columbia County experiencing water problems following Saturday’s storm 25216p

    Latest News 4n6s6i

    Job Corps is closing down centers across the U.S., including the one in Bamberg, the program...
    Judge temporarily blocks Job Corps Center closures 1q6bh
    Columbia County Parks, Recreation, and Events held its Beach Summer Blast event on Saturday.
    Columbia County hosts Beach Summer Blast event for community 486f54
    The Truett McConnell University board of trustees placed the university’s President, Dr. Emir...
    Truett McConnell University president on leave amid sexual abuse allegations investigation 1r4019
    In honor of Gun Violence Awareness month, Jeremiah’s Sports Foundation held the Youth Fun...
    Youth Fun Festival brings awareness to gun violence in Aiken 2d172b
    Crews deal with damage after a storm blew through on the night of June 7, 2025.
    Deadly storm leaves a path of damage through CSRA 31c23
    Former Braves first-round pick Cameron Caminiti shines in Greenjackets season debut
    Former Braves first-round pick Cameron Caminiti shines in Greenjackets debut 1c2a66