Good morning, Wilmington.

Tonight, Widespread Panic takes the stage at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Tomorrow, Porchfest turns the Castle Street, Brooklyn Arts, and Carolina Place districts into an outdoor gallery and concert crawl. It’s a good weekend to be in this city.

Inside today’s issue: Cape Fear Community College is partnering with Flying Machine Brewing to train the next class of craft brewers, New Hanover County just blocked one of the region’s biggest proposed developments, and the Wilmington Police Department picked up a statewide honor. Plus: what’s happening nationally that’s worth a few minutes of your attention.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• CFCC and Flying Machine Brewing launch a craft brewing program

• WPD named Agency of the Year by NC Law Enforcement Women’s Association

TOGETHER WITH

Speaking of fall in Wilmington — if you’re looking for a way to shake off the end-of-summer slowdown, the Wilmington Rock Gym’s Fall Semester Pass is now available for high school and college students. Unlimited climbs at a discounted rate, Aug. 12 through Dec. 31. Bring your student ID. Details at wilmingtonrockgym.com.

CFCC Is Teaching Craft Brewing Inside a Real Brewery

[WECT] Cape Fear Community College has partnered with Flying Machine Brewing Company to bring its 10-week Commercial Craft Brewing program inside the brewery’s Randall Parkway facility. Students get hands-on time with commercial equipment — brewing, kegging, canning — alongside classroom study covering brewing science, flavor profiles, and quality control. The program is open to beginners, industry workers, and hobbyists alike. CFCC President Jim Morton called it “an exceptional, hands-on learning environment.” Classes start Oct. 5; you must be 21 to enroll. Registration is open now at cfcc.edu.

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School's back in session and Fall Semester Passes are now available! 📚

With a semester pass, high school and college students get unlimited climbs at a discounted rate between August 12th and December 31st.
📌 Must be able to present a valid student ID to qualify!

Learn More »

WPD Named Agency of the Year — and Chief Zuidema Hits His One-Year Mark

[WECT] The Wilmington Police Department has been named the 2026 Agency of the Year by the North Carolina Law Enforcement Women’s Association, recognized for its support of professional development and collaboration for women in law enforcement. More than 20 WPD members attended the association’s conference this year, and Sgt. Kameko Howell was named NCLEWA’s Woman of the Year. “We need more women,” Howell said. “The 30 by 30 initiative is a nationwide push to get 30% of women in all of these agencies by 2030.” The honor lands as Chief Ryan Zuidema marks his first full year leading the department. Zuidema came from Lynchburg, VA with nearly 30 years of experience including seven as chief, and WHQR and Port City Daily both ran extended conversations with him this week on staffing, morale, downtown crime, and the Flock camera debate.

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News Roundup

Local News

New Hanover County has rejected the proposed 1,800-home Hilton Bluffs development in the Sledge Forest area. County Manager Chris Coudriet denied the plans citing safety risks — a significant decision for a corridor that’s seen growing pressure from developers. WECT

What You Should Know

Check your freezer: Walmart is recalling Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend over possible E. coli contamination. The 10-oz bags (lot code 6040 01-6, best-by Feb. 9, 2028) were shipped to select stores in 16 states including North Carolina. Toss it or return to Walmart for a full refund. Today.com

National News

Trump threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if he doesn’t get “recognition” for his renovation efforts — and a federal judge stepped in within hours. Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to give 30 days’ notice before any demolition moves forward, after Trump was photographed holding a “Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED” poster. NPR

What Might Surprise You

A truck driver spent 20 years building a scale model of New York City with over 800,000 structures out of balsa wood and foam board — and it’s now a museum exhibit. Joe Macken’s basement project went viral on TikTok (10 million views in a week), and the Museum of the City of New York reached out. “He Built This City” runs through Oct. 12. The Empire State Building was the hardest part. “I wanted to make it perfect,” he said. WECT / AP