Good morning Wilmington!

Whether you're heading offshore to fish, cruising the Intracoastal, or spending the day at Masonboro Island, boating season is in full swing.

If you—or someone in your family—still need a North Carolina boating safety certificate, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering its Boating America course on Saturday, Aug. 15 in Supply. The one-day class covers navigation rules, weather, emergency procedures, and safe boating practices. Even experienced captains can pick up a few helpful tips before their next day on the water. To register: [email protected].

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• 3.7% Energy Increase

• Psychedelic Therapy

Duke Energy Carolinas agrees to 3.7% rate increase — could hit bills in January

WRAL Duke Energy Carolinas has reached a settlement agreement on an average annual 3.7% rate increase over two years — a significant reduction from the originally proposed 18% hike. The company, which serves western NC counties including Guilford and Mecklenburg, says the money goes toward infrastructure upgrades. The NC Utilities Commission votes in the fall; new rates would take effect January 1, 2027. Duke Energy Progress customers could still face the full 18% increase under a separate proceeding.

Read More >>

NC Lawmakers Are Funding Psychedelic Therapy Research

NC Health News The NC General Assembly has approved funding for psychedelic-assisted therapy research — a sign of shifting attitudes toward treatments long written off as fringe medicine. Veterans like Ben Ingraham, a former Navy corpsman medically retired with TBI and PTSD, have been among the most vocal advocates, crediting psilocybin with improvements that traditional care couldn't provide. Researchers and lawmakers are taking a careful but increasingly open approach to understanding how these therapies could help veterans and others with treatment-resistant conditions.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local

The Islamic Center of Wilmington is bolstering security after a man was caught on surveillance video making threats against the mosque on July 12. Imam Safwan Salman said the man threatened to tear the building down, made profane remarks, and pulled on the door. The NHC Sheriff's Office initially denied a 24/7 deputy request but has since deployed a mobile surveillance trailer to the property. WWAY

The second floor of the New Hanover County Main Library reopened Wednesday after flooring repairs. The upper level — which houses the Teen Space, Main Collections, Local History Room, and study and meeting rooms — has been closed since July 13. The first floor and lobby remained open throughout. WECT

A CO2 leak from the refrigeration system forced a brief evacuation at the Gingerwood Drive Costco on Tuesday afternoon. Wilmington Fire Department responded around 1:15 p.m. About 30 minutes later, employees and customers were allowed to return. No injuries were reported; Costco declined to comment on the cause. WWAY

Production on Season 2 of "RJ Decker" closed a stretch of downtown Wilmington to traffic Wednesday. North Water Street between Princess and Market Streets was scheduled to close 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for filming. WECT

What you need to know

License plate reader cameras are now a permanent, statewide fixture in North Carolina after the state budget officially absorbed the SBI's pilot program. Thirty-two agencies — including Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender County sheriffs — participated in the April pilot. NHC cameras alone captured more than 35 million plates in seven months. The SBI's goal: cameras at every state entrance and exit. Privacy advocates and the DeFlock opposition group call it "unconstitutional government overreach." The SBI presents to the General Assembly on October 1. WECT Investigates

National and world news

IRS Commissioner Frank Bisignano is denying a Wall Street Journal report that he used software to spy on colleagues' emails and keep dossiers on rival executives during his time at JPMorgan. The WSJ reported Bisignano directed security staff to monitor fellow executives — including current Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf — and stashed files on staff who might show disloyalty. Bisignano told CNBC Tuesday: "None of it's true." WSJ

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress Tuesday that the U.S.-Iran war has cost $37.5 billion to date, as the Pentagon requests a $1.5 trillion defense budget including $70 billion for continued Iran operations. Hegseth offered no timeframe for the end of the war. Analysts have estimated the conflict costs more than $890 million per day when all operational expenses are included. ms.now

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani reversed course Tuesday on a campaign pledge to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the city lacks independent authority to execute an ICC warrant. Mamdani nonetheless called Netanyahu a "war criminal" and said he is "not welcome in New York City." Netanyahu may travel to the city in September for the UN General Assembly. The ICC issued its warrant in November 2024. NYT

What might surprise you

For the first time ever, the Miami metro area has surpassed New York City in cost of living, according to new Bureau of Economic Analysis data. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach region is now the second most expensive metro in the country, behind only the San Francisco Bay Area. Home prices have climbed 79% since the pandemic, average homeowner's insurance hit $8,292 last year — roughly four times what New Yorkers pay — and property taxes have jumped 62% since 2019. NY Post