Good morning Wilmington!

I thought I was ready for a September 11 edition of Port City Pulse, but nothing could have prepared me for the shocking news yesterday: Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a student event in Utah. Charlie was as articulate as he was intelligent, often dominating debates and championing civil discourse.

I have always enjoyed the sport of debate—even to a fault. What I admired most about Charlie was his quick, articulate responses; they always impressed me and set a standard for civil discourse.

This tragic moment feels pivotal for our nation. Ironically, the name of his movement was Turning Point USA. My hope is that, as a country, we can rise above violence and retaliation, honoring the principle of civil discourse to resolve disagreements—a principle Charlie stood for. My heart breaks for his wife and two children. Rest in peace, Charlie.

Today, President Trump attended the September 11 ceremonies at the Pentagon. You can watch the event C-SPAN as the nation pauses to remember those we lost and honor the first responders and heroes of that day.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Volunteer to Care for Wilmington’s Trees

• Keep North Carolina Clean During Biannual Litter Sweep

Become a Tree Steward: Volunteer to Care for Wilmington’s Trees

The Cape Fear region is looking for dedicated volunteers to join the 2025 Tree Stewards program. Training will be held on Saturday mornings in October and covers essentials of tree care, including planting, pruning, mulching, and watering, under guidance from Bartlett Tree Experts. Volunteers must attend at least three of four sessions and commit to a minimum of four hours per month. Tree Stewards support planting teams in fall and winter and care for trees throughout the spring and summer, helping ensure the city remains cooler, greener, and healthier for years to come.

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Help Keep North Carolina Clean During Biannual Litter Sweep

North Carolina’s 2025 Fall Litter Sweep runs September 13-27, inviting residents to help clean up roadsides statewide. Organized by the N.C. Department of Transportation, the initiative provides volunteers with supplies including orange/blue trash bags, gloves, and safety vests, available at local NCDOT County Maintenance offices. In addition to volunteers, NCDOT maintenance crews dedicate a week to assist with litter collection. Participants are encouraged to share unusual or interesting finds using the hashtag #StrangeLitter on social media. The event is part of a biannual effort to keep North Carolina’s roadways clean and beautiful.

Read More »

News Roundup

What You Should Know

Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect who assassinated Charlie Kirk remains at large, though investigators have recovered a high-powered rifle and obtained security footage of the gunman. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety, continue an active manhunt while analyzing evidence from the scene. Fox News

A juvenile student fatally shot himself after wounding two classmates at Evergreen High School in Colorado, leaving one student in critical condition. Hundreds of law enforcement officers responded to the active shooter incident on September 10, 2025. The Denver Post

President Trump called for the death penalty for Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of brutally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska to death on a Charlotte light rail train. Brown faces both federal and state murder charges, with North Carolina officials vowing to pursue the maximum penalty. New York Post

What Might Surprise You

France was plunged into political crisis after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in parliament, forcing his government’s resignation. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within days, marking France’s fifth in less than two years. BBC News

Nepal’s army imposed curfews and took control of Kathmandu after violent protests toppled the government, leaving citizens uncertain about who will lead next. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned and fled, while residents rushed to buy essentials during a brief lifting of restrictions. AP News

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