Good morning Wilmington!

Good morning, Wilmington. Two gator encounters in Southport this week—driveway and drive-thru. 🐊
NC has a few thousand; SC has ~100,000. They’re closer than you think.
Love OC3ANS? Catch them Fri at Pier 33 at Port City Marina + Sun at Bowstring Burgers and Brewyard.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Carolina Beach Faces $2–3 Million Budget Shortfall

• Roy Cooper Brings “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour to Wilmington

Carolina Beach Faces $2–3 Million Budget Shortfall

WECT Carolina Beach is facing a projected budget deficit between $2 million and $3 million, prompting town leaders to consider difficult choices ahead of the next fiscal year. Officials say rising costs are driving the gap, and potential solutions include cutting spending, delaying projects, freezing hires, or increasing property taxes—which could rise significantly if no other fixes are found. Town leaders hope to reduce or eliminate the shortfall before finalizing the budget.

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Roy Cooper Brings “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour to Wilmington

WECT Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper stopped in Wilmington as part of his “Make Stuff Cost Less” tour, focusing on strategies to lower everyday expenses for residents. During the visit, Cooper highlighted issues like housing affordability, healthcare costs, and grocery prices, while engaging with locals and emphasizing the need for policies aimed at easing financial pressure on working families across the state.

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News Roundup

Local News

A former Burgaw finance officer has pleaded guilty in a case involving assault, DWI, and a hit-and-run incident. The charges stem from a crash that injured a motorcyclist, bringing closure to a high-profile local case. WECT

North Carolina has secured a 10-year agreement with the federal government expected to bring around 400 jobs to the Global TransPark. Officials say the deal will boost economic development and expand opportunities in the region. WRAL

What You Should Know

A federal commission has approved early designs for President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch and related White House projects. The plans also include painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and building a new underground visitor screening center, though all face public opposition and further review. AP News

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons has submitted his resignation amid leadership changes within the Department of Homeland Security. His departure comes as immigration enforcement policies remain a major focus for the administration. Fox News

President Trump has expressed openness to holding public hearings related to Jeffrey Epstein, signaling potential renewed scrutiny of the case. The move could revive political and legal debates surrounding Epstein’s network and past investigations. The Hill

What Might Surprise You

A series of deaths and disappearances involving scientists has raised concerns about potential links to sensitive research, including nuclear secrets or unexplained phenomena. Authorities are investigating the incidents as speculation grows over possible national security implications. Firstpost

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