Good morning Wilmington!

Tonight’s Powerball drawing is one for the history books — the jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion, making it the fourth-largest ever! The drawing kicks off at 10:59 PM, and with more than half of ticket proceeds staying local, it’s not just a chance to win big — it’s a win for the community too.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Gov. Stein Unveils ‘NC Strong’ Blueprint, Locking in AI

• Axes and Allies in Wilmington Gets New Owners

Gov. Stein Unveils ‘NC Strong’ Blueprint, Locking in AI and Education Investments

[ABC 11 Governor Josh Stein introduced the “NC Strong” initiative focusing on long-term growth and resilience for North Carolina. His plan includes creating an AI Accelerator and leadership council to guide responsible AI integration, a strategic blueprint to make NC public schools the best by 2030, and a sharp emphasis on disaster preparedness—especially in areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The push is also supported by investments in economic development and requests for more federal support for storm recovery.

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Axes and Allies in Wilmington Gets New Owners

[Wilmington Biz] Wilmington axe-throwing business Axes and Allies has a new owner, local couple Bill and Lauren Symanski, who purchased it from founder Mia Troy. Opened in 2018, the venue features multiple throwing lanes, a bar, and a cabin-style lounge popular for parties, group outings, and corporate events. The Symanskis plan to build on the existing community while enhancing the experience. Troy expressed gratitude to patrons and employees and is confident in the new owners’ vision. Operations will continue at the current location.

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News Roundup

Local News

Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue is adjusting lifeguard stand staffing as summer winds down, with stands 1, 3, 7, 9, 12, and 14 staffed daily and additional stands opened based on weather conditions. Lifeguards will continue working from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and ocean rescue vehicles will keep patrolling. WECT

Novant Health received two Gold Plus awards from the American Heart Association for excellence in heart failure care and stroke awareness, recognizing the hospital’s high-quality patient outcomes and community impact. WWAY

What You Should Know

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a rare military strike in the southern Caribbean, destroying a drug-carrying vessel linked to Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang and killing 11 people. No U.S. forces were harmed during the operation, which Trump framed as a warning to drug traffickers.
AP News

Rep. Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on releasing all Jeffrey Epstein case files, with bipartisan support from Rep. Ro Khanna and backing from Epstein survivors who plan to hold a news conference. GOP leadership opposes the move, but the petition would allow lawmakers to bypass their control if 218 signatures are gathered. NBC News

What Might Surprise You

President Donald Trump dismissed viral rumors about his death as “fake news,” joking during a press conference while announcing the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama. He emphasized that he had been “very active” over the weekend despite online speculation about his health.
The Sun

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joked about viral rumors claiming President Donald Trump had died, telling a Labor Day crowd that while the reports were false, “there will be news, sometime,” drawing laughter from attendees. The remarks came amid recent online speculation over Trump’s health following his light holiday schedule. Mediaite

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