TOGETHER WITH

Good morning Wilmington!

Enjoy the beautiful autumn weather this weekend with Wilmington’s many outdoor events! From live music at Waterline Brewing and Jengo’s Playhouse to vendor markets at Fermental, there’s plenty to do. Before you head out, make sure to check the Ironman road closures so you don’t get stuck in traffic.

Want to skip all of that traffic and get out of town?
This is the last weekend for the NC State Fair and here are some highlights:

Friday, Oct. 24

• Music: Josh Daniel (Singer-Songwriter) – 10 a.m. & Noon, Heritage Circle

• Music: Satellite Dog (Jam/Rock) – 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Heritage Circle

• Fireworks – 9:45 p.m. (bring 6 cans of food for free admission!)

• Culinary Fun: N.C. State Fair Home Chef Challenge – 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 25

• Music: Tennessee Jed Fisher (Country Rock/Soul/Newgrass) – 10 a.m. & Noon

• Music: Marcel Portilla Band (Latin/Salsa) – 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., & 2 p.m.

• Andy Rotz – Wild West Showdown – 3:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.

• Fire Safety Show – ongoing throughout the day

Sunday, Oct. 26

• Music: Evan Blackerby (Americana) – 10 a.m. & Noon

• Music: Pickard Mountain (Bluegrass) – 2 p.m., 4 p.m., & 8 p.m.

• Music: Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (Covers) – 3:30 & 5:30 p.m.

• JBC Pumpkin Carving – 3 p.m.

Bonus: The Birdman – World Class Bird Show occurs daily at multiple times and is fun for all ages!

Full NC State Fair Daily Schedule

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Army Corps Evaluates Wrightsville Beach Storm Damage

• NC Erases $6.5 Billion in Medical Debt

Army Corps Evaluates Wrightsville Beach Storm Damage, May Speed Up Re-Nourishment

WWAY - The Wilmington Army Corps is assessing Wrightsville Beach for storm damage after a recent Nor’easter, which left steep sand cliffs along the coast. While the beach was previously protected by a nourishment project, officials will determine whether repairs should be accelerated and if additional federal funding is needed. Experts question the long-term sustainability and cost of repeated re-nourishment projects, as the town and taxpayers weigh the financial impact of maintaining the beach amid increasingly frequent storms. Findings from the assessment are expected later this week.

Read More >>

HALLOWEEN at Wilmington Rock Gym!

Halloween's coming around the bend and that can only mean one thing... costume party!! 👻

Members, punch card, and semester pass holders are invited to bring a first-timer for free, and be sure to wear a costume for a shot at one of three marvelous prizes!

See you there! 🎃

NC Erases $6.5 Billion in Medical Debt for 2.5 Million Residents

WRAL - More than 2.5 million North Carolinians are seeing $6.5 billion in medical debt erased, thanks to a state initiative that rewards hospitals with extra Medicaid funds for forgiving low- and middle-income patient debts and changing billing practices. Gov. Josh Stein called the move “life-changing,” giving families financial breathing room and improving access to care. The program—first launched under Gov. Roy Cooper—has now exceeded expectations, reaching nearly a quarter of the state’s population and wiping an average of $2,600 per person.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

North Carolina has passed sweeping criminal justice reforms following the death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. House Bill 307, known as “Iryna’s Law,” tightens pre-trial conditions, mandates mental health evaluations, and revives the death penalty with accelerated procedures, aiming to prevent violent crimes and better address mental health issues. WECT

What You Should Know

New York Attorney General Letitia James is set to be arraigned in federal court in Norfolk, Virginia, on two counts of bank fraud and making false statements tied to a 2020 home purchase. Prosecutors allege she misled a bank to secure better loan terms, while James denies wrongdoing and claims the charges are politically motivated. Fox News

What Might Surprise You

NASA’s planetary defense group has activated a campaign to track comet 3I/ATLAS after detecting unusual behavior suggesting it could contain alien technology. The Manhattan-sized interstellar object has displayed abnormal traits, such as emitting nickel without iron and moving in an unexpected orbit, prompting NASA’s International Asteroid Warning Network to begin a focused observation effort from November through January. Daily Caller

National News

Two people were taken into federal custody after allegedly ramming an ICE vehicle during a traffic stop in Avondale, Arizona, leading to a standoff and FBI investigation. Authorities say the suspects barricaded themselves inside a home before surrendering, while family members dispute the claim that they struck the ICE car, saying agents initiated the collision. The Gateway Pundit

Blankets & Bonefires Live Music: Phantom Playboys

FRI OCT 24: 7-10 Pm @ Carolina Beach Pier - CB

🍂 Blankets & Bonfires Concert Series 🍂

Cozy up on the beach patch and enjoy live music under the autumn sky! Every Friday evening, our beach pumpkin patch transforms into the perfect fall hangout spot — with music, bonfires, s’mores, and seasonal vibes you don’t want to miss.

Oct 24 – Phantom Playboys

🔥 Bonfires & S’mores

We'll be providing two communal fire pits and open for everyone to gather around. S’mores kits available for purchase — no advance reservations.

🌙 What to Bring

Pack your blankets & chairs to make your own cozy spot in the patch.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

Seasonal bites and drinks available for purchase at our pier house & tiki bar. NO OUTSIDE FOOD & BEVERAGES PERMITTED. Pumpkins will also be for sale 🙂

🚗 Parking & Transport

Free customer parking available in our private parking lot (fills up quickly though). We recommend Uber or Carolina Beach Adventure Taxi for a hassle free experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Bring your kids, friends, date — even your pup — for a magical fall night by the fire!

Learn More »

Today

Saturday

Sunday

✅ Best Buy is offering a Ring Doorbell Camera + a Ring Floodlight Camera packaged for just $149.99. That’s a savings of $449.99!