TOGETHER WITH

Two weekends, two epic music experiences! 🎸 Port City Blitz 2025 hits Waterline Brewing with 50+ bands, multiple stages, and a Punk Flea Market you won’t want to miss. Meanwhile, The Beach Boys are bringing their classic surf rock to Surf City Friday night — grab your tickets and your spot for an unforgettable weekend!

Be sure to check in and check out Wilmington Rock Gym. They’re located behind PT’s Grille and the ABC Store in Porter’s Neck. Tell them that Port City Pulse sent you and get your climbing gear rental for FREE!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Netflix’s #1 Comedy Special Was Filmed at The Wilson Center

• Flags at Half-Staff in NC for Dick Cheney

• Two Top Officials Exit Wilmington City Administration

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Netflix’s #1 Comedy Special Was Filmed Right Here in Wilmington 🎥

WECT Wilmington’s Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College just scored a national spotlight after comedian Leanne Morgan’s Netflix special, “Unspeakable Things,” hit #1 on Netflix. The special was filmed during one of four sold-out shows in June, showcasing the Wilson Center’s growing reputation as a premier venue for live performance and production. CFCC officials celebrated the milestone as a major win for both the college and the Wilmington arts community.

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Gov. Josh Stein Orders Flags to Half-Staff After Death of Former Vice President Dick Cheney

CBS17 Governor Josh Stein has ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff following the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney served as vice president under President George W. Bush (2001–2009) and previously held key federal roles including Secretary of Defense, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Representative for Wyoming. Stein expressed condolences to Cheney’s family, honoring his decades of public service. Flags will remain lowered through his interment.

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Wilmington Deputy Manager and Economic Development Director Resign

WHQR Wilmington’s deputy city manager Chad McEwen and economic development director Aubrey Parsley are resigning effective this Friday, creating openings at the top of the city administration. City officials say the departures coincide with an ongoing assessment of the organizational structure, though no further decisions have been made. McEwen joined from Pender County in 2022, and Parsley had led Wilmington’s rail realignment project before becoming economic development director. The moves follow broader leadership changes over the past six months, including the arrival of City Manager Becky Hawke and a new chief of staff.

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News Roundup

Local News

Wilmington International Airport’s main terminal is currently without water due to a waterline failure, disrupting access to restrooms and fountains. ILM is working with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority and Monteith Construction to complete emergency repairs as quickly as possible. WECT

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has ordered U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half‑staff in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney. The directive takes effect immediately and will remain in place through Cheney’s interment. CBS17

What You Should Know

Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection to the U.S. House, ending her nearly 40-year career and historic tenure as the first female Speaker of the House. She plans to complete her final year in office and encouraged voters to continue advancing the policy legacy she helped shape domestically and internationally. Associated Press

The FAA will reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports starting Friday to maintain safety amid the ongoing government shutdown. The cuts, affecting some of the country’s busiest hubs, are intended to prevent air traffic disruptions as controllers face staffing pressures and fatigue. The Sun

What Might Surprise You

Kanye West met with Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto to apologize for his antisemitic statements, including a song titled “Heil Hitler,” attributing his behavior to his bipolar disorder. The meeting, described as unusual, follows Pinto’s own controversial history, including a bribery conviction and time served in an Israeli prison. Yeshiva World News

A federal appeals court has allowed Texas to enforce a law criminalizing “sexually oriented” performances on public property, a measure critics say unfairly targets drag shows. The 5th Circuit Court’s divided ruling lifted a previous block, arguing the law only applies to acts with explicit sexual content and should be reconsidered under updated legal standards. Yahoo News

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