TOGETHER WITH

Good morning Wilmington!

The Fed has its FOMC meeting today, and all eyes are on Chair Jerome Powell. If the central bank announces a rate cut, it could shake up markets from Wall Street to crypto exchanges and even gold traders. Investors and traders alike are watching closely and so should you!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• UNCW Political Groups React After Spirit Rock Confrontation

• NCDEQ Expands PFAS Well Testing

UNCW Political Groups React After Spirit Rock Confrontation Over Charlie Kirk Tribute

WWAY After UNCW’s Turning Point USA chapter hosted a vigil for Charlie Kirk, students painted the campus spirit rock with his image and quote. The following day, tensions rose when other students tried to repaint the rock, leading to physical confrontations and paint being thrown. Leaders from both College Republicans and College Democrats condemned the repainting, stressing the importance of respecting the informal 24-hour courtesy rule. Students voiced frustration at the lack of enforcement and said the incident underscores the broader political divide on campus. Since the tribute was painted over a new painting has been applied in honor of Black Lives Matter.

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Experience a Day on the Rocks.

🗓️ Mark your calendars, we're hosting FOUR new outdoor climbing dates on beautiful Pilot Mountain!

A Day on the Rocks is tailored to meet climbers where they are and introduce them to the outdoor climbing community.

Learn the nuances of outdoor climbing etiquette while we get outside and touch some real rocks! No outdoor climbing experience is needed. We will provide all gear and handle all safety and setup.

Upcoming Dates:

📌 Saturday, October 11^th
📌 Sunday, October 12^th
📌 Saturday, December 13^th
📌 Sunday, December 14^th

Reservations cover one day, however, climbers are more than welcome to sign up for both days if desired!

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NCDEQ Expands PFAS Well Testing in Lower Cape Fear, Covering 14,000 More Homes

[WECT] The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is requiring Chemours to expand private well testing for PFAS contamination in the Lower Cape Fear region. The expansion now covers parts of New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender counties, adding eligibility for approximately 14,000 additional residences. Residents relying on private wells as their primary drinking water source can request testing from Chemours, and a virtual public meeting on the expanded testing will be held on October 7. The move follows ongoing assessments and actions under the 2019 consent order with DEQ and Cape Fear River Watch.

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News Roundup

Local News

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has asked Congress for an additional $13.5 billion in Hurricane Helene recovery aid, citing record damage and slow federal reimbursement processes nearly a year after the storm. WRAL

What You Should Know

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announces several charges, including aggravated murder, against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Gray also says he will seek the death penalty. C-Span

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time in 2025, lowering the benchmark rate by 25 basis points amid weakening job growth and persistent inflation, while facing pressure from the Trump administration to ease policy. Fox Business

President Donald Trump has arrived in the UK for an unprecedented second state visit, staying with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle as part of a trip aimed at strengthening UK-US ties. BBC News

What Might Surprise You

Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, announced he is leaving the company after 47 years, saying its independence to speak out on social issues has been stifled under Unilever’s ownership. WWAY

Fall Fest Under the Oaks

SUN SEPT 21: Noon - 4PM @ The Bend - OGD

Join us at The Bend in Wilmington this September 21st from 12 - 4 PM for a super, fun afternoon with lots of autumn activities and fall-related goodies from local vendors! Our event will feature 👇🏼

• 🍔 Good eats from local food trucks

• 🍻 Craft beers + cocktails from The Bend

• 🎸 Live jams from local musicians

• ✨ Face painting + fairy hair

• 🛍️ Shopping from local, small businesses

Interested vendors can apply at: https://downtownilmmarket.org/the-bend

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