Good morning Wilmington!

Yesterday marked the official start of hurricane season—something all of us in coastal Carolina should keep top of mind. The Red Cross offers great tips on hurricane safety and preparation. They also have a FREE Emergency App to help you prepare in advance for hurricanes and other types of disasters while keeping you informed of alerts in your area while keeping you informed of where you can find where shelters are located.

Don't forget to update emergency plans and gather essential documents. Stay safe and informed!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Cape Fear Bridge Funding Gap May Mean Tolls Ahead

• High PFAS Levels Found at Landfills Across Southeastern NC

Cape Fear Bridge Funding Gap May Mean Tolls Ahead, But Debate Continues

[WECT] Drivers could one day pay a toll to cross the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, as regional leaders voted 8-4 to keep the toll option on the table to help fund its billion-dollar replacement. While federal and state funds cover $327 million, a significant shortfall remains. Some local leaders, including Wilmington Councilmembers Luke Waddell and Kevin Spears, oppose the toll—citing affordability concerns and precedent. Supporters say the vote doesn’t lock in tolling, but allows continued exploration while seeking better funding alternatives before construction begins.

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High PFAS Levels Found at Landfills Across Southeastern NC, Data Shows

[WECT] New data from the NC Department of Environmental Quality shows dangerous levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” at landfill sites across Southeastern North Carolina, including New Hanover, Brunswick, and Columbus counties. One closed Bladen County landfill had GenX levels 65 times the federal drinking water limit. New Hanover stands out for its investment in double reverse osmosis treatment—unique statewide—but rural counties relying on well water remain especially vulnerable. Advocates are calling for stronger enforcement and upstream solutions to halt PFAS pollution at its source.

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News Roundup

Local News

• North Carolina Wildlife Commission is warning farmers to protect livestock and poultry from hungry black bears, which become more active in the summer months. Officials recommend electric fencing and securing outdoor food sources. WECT

• Venus flytraps, iconic and native to the Wilmington area, are facing multiple threats, including poaching, development, and environmental stress, according to park officials in Carolina Beach. Removing them from the wild is illegal and punishable by law. WECT

• Southport police captured an alligator that had taken a swim in a resident’s backyard pool, prompting a lighthearted warning for residents to stay alert during gator season. Wildlife officials safely relocated the reptile. WECT

What You Should Know

• Ukraine’s intelligence service claims drones have struck more than 40 Russian aircraft, mostly long-range bombers, at airfields deep inside Russian territory. If verified, this would be a major blow to Russia’s air capability. Kyiv Independent

• A dangerous parasite that eats animals and humans alive is spreading rapidly across North America, experts warn. The “flesh-eating” organism causes intense pain and tissue destruction, and authorities are urging heightened caution in freshwater areas. The Gateway Pundit

  What Might Surprise You

• Astronomers have detected a mysterious object flashing in deep space every 44 minutes, and they’re unsure whether it's a neutron star, white dwarf, or something entirely new. The source is located 15,000 light-years away. Study Finds

• Elon Musk revealed new plans to build a futuristic city around SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas, calling it a “launch pad for humanity.” The proposed development includes homes, schools, and rocket-themed attractions. CNBC

• Trump also repeated the claim that Joe Biden had died and been replaced by a clone, doubling down in recent social media posts. Critics say this rhetoric could escalate threats against public officials. The Independent

National News

• Maryland Governor Wes Moore made a surprise appearance in South Carolina, signaling a potential early start to a 2028 presidential campaign. Moore has gained national attention for his progressive policies and military background. Politico

Monday

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