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  • PCP Mon Sep 22: Chancellor Reflects on UNCW Lockdown + Local Life Highlights

PCP Mon Sep 22: Chancellor Reflects on UNCW Lockdown + Local Life Highlights

UNCW Chancellor shares thoughts after last week’s false alarm, plus a look at local life and events in Wilmington.

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning Wilmington!

We had a great time with family visiting this weekend and as a family we enjoyed a “Local’s Summer” day at the beach with perfect early autumn weather. We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful area!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • UNCW Leader Reflects on Frightening False Alarm

  • UNCW Suspends Freedom of Expression Events

UNCW Leader Reflects on Frightening False Alarm, Communication Concerns

WECTUNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety sheltered in place with students and staff during Thursday night’s lockdown after false reports of a gunman on campus. Volety said he learned of the threat alongside the campus community, describing it as “unsettling” but expressed confidence in law enforcement. While parents and students voiced frustration over limited updates during the ordeal, Volety explained that frequent communication requests could have impeded police work. After a three-hour search involving hundreds of officers, the incident was declared a false alarm. Volety asked for “grace” as the university reviews its response.

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

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

UNCW Suspends Freedom of Expression Events, Restricts Spirit Rock Painting

WECTUNCW has temporarily paused all freedom of expression events and banned painting on its spirit rocks after tensions flared over a tribute to Charlie Kirk being painted over. The university says the move is part of broader safety measures that include increased police presence on campus, expanded patrols, and additional security staffing. Officials emphasize that the pause is meant to de-escalate conflict and ensure student safety, not censor speech content. Events already permitted will be rescheduled, and violations of the pause will be handled under existing campus rules. UNCW leaders expressed hope the break will foster reflection and more respectful dialogue when activities resume.

News Roundup

What You Should Know

Donald Trump publicly blasted Attorney General Pam Bondi for failing to prosecute his political enemies, leaking a private message calling her “all talk, no action,” before walking back his criticism and announcing Lindsey Halligan as his pick for U.S. Attorney in Virginia’s Eastern District. Daily Mail

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the “No Secret Police Act” banning ICE agents from wearing masks in LA, framing it as a direct rebuke of Trump’s policies and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Deadline

What Might Surprise You

Erika Kirk forgave her husband Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin during his memorial service, telling thousands at State Farm Stadium that “the answer to hate is not hate,” and receiving a 46-second standing ovation. Mediaite

Jimmy Kimmel and Disney are in talks to reach a compromise that could bring Jimmy Kimmel Live! back to ABC, though insiders caution no agreement is yet in sight. Variety

Don’t Miss

Bigfoot Seek and Find

THURS SEPT 28: 5:30 Pm @ Abbey Nature Preserve in Pender County
Come out to Abbey Nature Preserve on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 PM for a Storytime and exciting hunt for Bigfoot! 👣 Children 5 and up will love searching for clues and hearing the Bigfoot tale.

No Water, No Beer

THUR SEPT 25: 4Pm @ Hi-Wire - SPD
Join your friends and colleagues to learn more about the value of clean water and some of the amazing things local utilities and non-profit organizations are doing to ensure water quality is maintained. Come out to support these nonprofits and get the chance to take home some great outdoor gear, local art, and recreational tours. $25

Weather

Mon Sep 22: ☁️ Cloudy | 80° / 68° | 9% | NE 9 mph
Tue Sep 23: 🌥️ Partly Cloudy | 82° / 69° | 24% | E 8 mph
Wed Sep 24: 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 84° / 72° | 13% | SSW 9 mph

Live Music

Today

Maren Morris

6:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL

Open Mic

7:00 PM-Midnight @ Bazarre - ILM

Cro-Mags

7:00 PM @ Reggie's on 42nd Street - DT

Tuesday

Stu Cru Jamaru

7:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD

Open Mic

7:00-10:00 PM @ Lulua's, A Pub

Maren Morris Afterparty w/Rose Rebellion

9:00 PM @ Greenfield Lake Yacht Club - GFL

Wednesday

Open Mic

7:00-10:00 PM @ Celtic Monkey - ILM

Chris Cliine

7-9:00 PM @ Slice of Life - PN

Hump Day Ham Jam

8:00 PM-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - ILM

I caught some of the Charlie Kirk memorial on Sunday and was truly moved when Erika Kirk forgave Charlie’s suspected killer.
-Jason