PCP - Mon Apr 6: Artemis II lunar flyby today

Britt's Donuts is now open. Catch Artemis II live at 1PM

Author

Jason @ Port City Pulse
April 06, 2026

Happy Monday, Wilmington.

Two quick items before we get to the news. First: Britt's Donuts opened Friday — first season since Bobby Nivens passed last October at 86. If you haven't made the trip to Carolina Beach yet, now you have a reason.

Second: the Artemis II crew is making their lunar flyby today — swinging around the moon as you read this. They launched April 1 and have been en route since. First crewed mission to the moon's vicinity in 50+ years. If you have the NASA YouTube stream up, it's worth a few minutes.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Wilmington City Council to consider $17.5M riverfront grant

  • New Hanover County seeks design firms for former Cape Fear Museum repurpose

Wilmington City Council to consider $17.5M riverfront grant, rezoning of former hotel

WECT – Wilmington City Council votes Monday on major waterfront upgrades: $17.5M grant plus $14M for Riverfront Bulkhead Replacement Project to bolster infrastructure. Also on agenda: rezoning a former hotel site and April 9 Local News Day proclamation by Chair LeAnn Pierce. These steps aim to enhance public access and resilience along our key riverfront areas—watch for impacts on parks, paths, and daily use.

New Hanover County seeks design firms for former Cape Fear Museum repurpose

WECT – New Hanover County issued RFQs for redesigning the former Cape Fear Museum, transitioning it from public-facing exhibits to a secure collections and internal operations facility. The shift preserves valuable artifacts while optimizing the historic building for behind-the-scenes work like storage and staff functions. Public input may shape the RFQ process—key for local history stewards.

News Roundup

Local News

New Monkey Junction Target sets opening date. Wilmington's latest retail addition preps for doors-open next month, expanding shopping options in busy corridor. WECT

YWCA Lower Cape Fear hosts 5th annual Maternal Health Summit with UNCW. April focus on health services, education amid regional needs. WECT

Britt’s Donuts opens for 2026 season Friday at Carolina Beach. Iconic hot-now donuts return ahead of summer crowds. WECT

What You Should Know

NC Supreme Court tosses Leandro education funding plan. Multibillion-dollar school finance overhaul rejected, reshaping state ed priorities. WECT

Drought worsens; rain chances grow this week. First Alert urges flame caution, conservative irrigation as conditions dry. WECT

What You Should Know

US fighter pilot rescued after Iran shoot-down in Strait of Hormuz. F-15 pilot ejected safely post-missile hit amid escalating conflict—Trump admin boosts naval presence as tensions peak. Critical for global oil routes near NC ports. Axios

Artemis 2 moon mission live: NASA astronauts orbit prep. Watch crew test Orion spacecraft—key step toward lunar return, boosting US space edge. Mirror

National News

Young people delaying or skipping kids amid economic pressures. Surging costs, housing woes fuel fertility drop—UK data shows trend hitting millennials hardest, echoes US patterns. Telegraph

What Might Surprise You

Angels' Jo Adell robs THREE homers in one game. Outfield wizardry stuns MLB—coach calls it "greatest defensive game ever seen." Viral highlight reel. Fox News

Don’t Miss

Zines! Mini Art Journal Workshop

TUE APR 7: 10AM - 4Pm @ Art in Bloom - ILM
Zines are mini art journals made from a single sheet of paper that can be collaged, stenciled, painted and customized in a variety of shapes. Combine your art-making and journaling skills with teaching artist Kirah Van Sickel! No experience required! $125

Agentic AI w/Claude Code & Open Claw

TUE APR 7: 7-8Pm @ Cape Fear Makers Guild - dT
Are you ready to move beyond simple chat prompts and start building agents that actually do work? Join us for an evening diving into the architecture and implementation of agentic AI systems. $15

Vinyl Night

WED APR 8: 6-9Pm @ Waterline - DT
Join us for a night celebrating our favorite format. We will be taking over the house system at 6, and there will be vendors on-site. Come find your next favorite record, commune with fellow music lovers, and enjoy all of the hospitality Waterline has to offer.

Vietnamese Spring Roll Class

WED APRL 8: 6:30 Pm @ Hi-Wire - SPD
Learn to make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, bold sauces, and perfect wraps in this fun, hands-on class. Get ready to roll, dip, and devour. This high-energy, hands-on class is all about building fresh, flavor-packed spring rolls that look impressive and taste even better. $65.86

Weather

Mon Apr 6: 🌤️ Warm, Partly Cloudy | 78° / 55° | 10% | SW 8 mph
Tue Apr 7: 🌥️ Increasing Clouds | 75° / 52° | 20% | S 10 mph
Wed Apr 8: 🌧️ Showers Likely | 72° / 58° | 60% | SE 12 mph

Live Music

Monday

Folkstone Stringband

6:00 PM @ Perennial Harbor - SPD

Open Mic

8:00 PM-11:00 PM @Barzarre - ILM

Open Mic with Delia Stanley

8-11:30 PM @ Mad Katz - MJ

Frank Grant & Friends

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

Tuesday

Tuesday Drum Jam

6:30 PM-11PM @Barzarre - ILM

Open MIc

7:00-10:00 PM @ Island Beverage - CB

From China to Appalachia

7:30 PM @ Kenan Auditorium - UCNW

Cape Fear Blues Jam

8:00-11:00PM @ The Rusty Nail - ILM

Open Mic

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

Wednesday

Ben & Heather

8:00 PM @ Elijah’s - DT

Jackyl

7:00 PM @ Bowstring - SPD

Moonbdreeze Jazz Combo

7:00-10:00 PM @ The Rusty Nail - DT

Hump Day Ham Jam

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

Open Mic Night

9:00 PM - Midnight @ Bottega - BAD


The Artemis II NASA Youtube Stream goes live today at 1:00 PM

-Jason