TOGETHER WITH

I didn’t know much about MJ Lenderman until a generous reader offered up a pair of tickets to see him at DPAC this Wednesday. That sent me down a rabbit hole — and at the bottom was a music video where he drives a truck straight thru Durham’s infamous “can opener” bridge… hitting it on purpose.

Today’s issue has more about Lenderman’s wild rise (and wreck), plus some very Wilmington ways to enjoy your week.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• MJ Lenderman Interview with WHQR

• 43% of NC Floods Happened Outside FEMA Flood Zones

MJ Lenderman on His Breakout Year, Bridge Crashes & Burgers

[WUNC] Asheville-native MJ Lenderman has had a whirlwind year — from selling out shows and appearing on The Tonight Show, to working with Jackass director Lance Bangs for a wild music video stunt under Durham's "can opener" bridge. With his band The Wind, Lenderman continues to gain national recognition, all while staying grounded in North Carolina roots, community recording spaces, and late-night Cook Out runs. As he nears the end of a major tour, he's looking forward to writing and recording at home.

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Kid’s Open Gym on Wednesdays @ Wilmington Rock Gym!

Wednesdays | June 18 to Aug 13, 2025 | $15 PER VISIT | Ages up to 13 | 1 - 4PM

Are you looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? Bring them to the climbing gym! On Wednesdays, we'll have open gym time for them to climb and have fun! We'll have staff available each Wednesday to help them with the ropes if they want to climb higher. This isn't a class/camp but is a great way for children to join in the fun of indoor rock climbing! This is great for first time climbers and more advanced gym monkeys alike! Parents must stay with their kids.

Learn More »

New Study: 43% of NC Floods Happened Outside FEMA Flood Zones

[WUNC] A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill researchers shows that 43% of North Carolina properties that flooded between 1996 and 2020 were outside FEMA's designated flood zones. This means many homeowners face serious financial risks—without being required to carry flood insurance. The report, published in Earth’s Future, uses advanced mapping and machine learning to track under-reported and repeat flooding across the state. As intense storms grow more frequent, researchers and policymakers call for updates to outdated flood zone maps—and possibly subsidized insurance for those living just outside high-risk areas.

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News Roundup

Local News

• NC health officials have unveiled a new action plan to address the alarming rise in suicide among Black youth, aiming to improve access to care, bolster community support, and reduce stigma. The initiative comes as suicide rates among this group have surged by 65% over the past decade.
  WECT

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has finalized a plan to protect Surf City from future coastal storms, proposing a 50-year beach nourishment and dune-building project. Construction could start as early as 2026, pending funding.
  WECT

• Several Carolina Beach parking lots are temporarily closed this week due to a film production, though town officials have not disclosed which project is filming. The closures include areas near the boardwalk and Hamlet Avenue.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• A commercial airline pilot had to make an ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid a mid-air collision with a U.S. B-52 bomber, according to an internal FAA report. The incident occurred over the Midwest during routine military maneuvers.
  MSN

What Might Surprise You

• Sen. Marco Rubio is pushing legislation to strip U.S. visas from eight Brazilian judges, accusing them of unfairly targeting former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. The move escalates tensions between U.S. conservatives and Brazil’s judiciary.
  The Guardian

• Coca-Cola will launch a U.S. cane sugar version of its classic soda this fall, marking a shift from the usual high-fructose corn syrup amid public pressure and presidential remarks. The move expands their product lineup and caters to demand for “Mexican Coke”-style options.
  Insider Paper

National News

• Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at 54, his family confirmed. The Emmy-nominated star was remembered for his contributions to television and music.
  Fox Wilmington

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday