Good morning Wilmington!

Halfway to the weekend, and fully on the clock if you haven’t figured out Father’s Day yet. Luckily, we’ve rounded up local events, gift ideas, and last-minute inspiration to help you pull off something meaningful—and fun.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Fluoride Bans Gain Ground Across NC and U.S.

• Neighbors Push Back in Carolina Beach

Coast Guard: Cape Fear Bridge Replacement Must Offer 135-Foot Clearance

[WWAY] The U.S. Coast Guard has recommended that the proposed replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge include a vertical clearance of at least 135 feet to support both current and future river traffic. This guidance, aligned with input from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to shape the NCDOT’s formal bridge permit application. The recommendation does not yet carry binding authority and will expire in three years if no application is submitted. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the estimated $1 billion price tag and potential displacement of nearby residents.

Read More »

From Tap to Debate: Fluoride Bans Gain Ground Across NC and U.S.

[WHQR] Florida recently became the second state to ban fluoride in public water systems, and North Carolina counties like Union and Lincoln are following suit. Once hailed as a major public health milestone, water fluoridation is now under scrutiny, driven by political shifts and misinformation. Dental professionals warn of a resurgence in tooth decay, particularly among children, if these trends continue. The debate pits “medical freedom” against proven health benefits, and it’s already impacting public health initiatives across the state.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News

• Ocean Cure is calling for volunteers to help host a special “Senior Day” beach outing for older adults with mobility challenges. The event, part of the nonprofit’s mission to provide accessible beach experiences, will take place in Carolina Beach on June 22 and includes beach wheelchairs and community bonding.
  WECT

• A squirrel knocked out power for nearly 5,000 customers in Carteret County after coming into contact with electrical equipment at a substation. The outage lasted about an hour and impacted several local towns.
  WECT

• Bladen County Schools has launched its summer meals program, offering free breakfasts and lunches to children and teens under 18 at various schools and community locations. The program aims to combat food insecurity during the summer months when school meals aren’t available.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• Marines have been deployed to support ICE operations in Los Angeles amid ongoing protests, a move raising serious legal and political concerns about the military's role in domestic law enforcement.
  HuffPost

• The Department of Homeland Security will forgive “failure to depart” fines for undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the country, as part of a shift toward encouraging self-deportation.
  DHS

What Might Surprise You

• Elon Musk admitted he regrets some of his social media posts made during the Trump-related political battles, calling some of his past behavior “impulsive” and “unhelpful.”
  CNBC

• Yosemite National Park has banned the display of all flags and banners on El Capitan, threatening violators with fines and up to six months in jail. The crackdown follows a series of high-profile political protests, including a “Stop the Genocide” banner, an upside-down U.S. flag during staffing cuts.
  SFGate

✅ Save 30% when you go shopping for Dad at Stevens ACE Hardware

✅ Save 25% on this Sonos Roam 2 bluetooth speaker at Amazon

✅ Save 30% at the Famous Toastery restaurant

✅ Save 43% on a 21” EGO Power+ Mower at Amazon (lowest price in over a year)

✅ Save 25% on Amazon’s best selling Stanley Insulated Tumbler

✅ Costco is selling gift cards valued at $100 to Top Golf for $79.99

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday