Good morning Wilmington!

Looking for a family-friendly way to spend your weekend? Port City Rock Jam has it all—live music from bands like The Hatch Brothers and Oc3ans, live painting, local vendors, and more. Grab your tickets today and save $10!

Interested in volunteering? Fill out this form!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• USA TODAY Honors The Blind Elephant

• Petition Calls for Surf-Only Zones at Wrightsville Beach

USA TODAY Honors The Blind Elephant in Top Bar Rankings

[Star News Online] The Blind Elephant, a popular downtown Wilmington speakeasy, has been named one of USA TODAY’s 2025 Bars of the Year. The list, released July 30, recognizes 29 bars nationwide, ranging from neighborhood dives to upscale cocktail destinations. Owner Ashley Tipper noted that when the bar opened over a decade ago, Wilmington had few craft cocktail options, making the honor especially meaningful. Known for both classic and inventive drinks, The Blind Elephant has become a staple in the city’s nightlife scene and is now receiving national recognition.

Read More »

Petition Calls for Surf-Only Zones at Wrightsville Beach to Improve Safety

[WWAY] A new petition with over 400 signatures is calling for the creation of surf-only zones along Wrightsville Beach. Currently, about 10 no-surfing zones exist near lifeguard stands, but petition creator Grayson Spendiff says the rest of the beach is a “free-for-all,” putting swimmers and surfers at risk. Fellow surfers say surf zones would allow safer surfing during peak hours instead of waiting until lifeguards leave at 5 p.m. Spendiff hopes to present the petition to the Board of Aldermen once it reaches 1,000 signatures.

Read More »

News Roundup

LOCAL NEWS

• WHQR raised more than $169,000 from listeners after federal funds were cut, helping the local public radio station offset the sudden loss and maintain operations.
  WWAY

• Living Hope Day Center has extended its hours to help the homeless escape dangerous heat, providing a safe, air-conditioned space during extreme temperatures.
  WWAY

• NCDOT is seeking public input on its 10-year transportation plan. The goal of the 10-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is to increase safety, reduce congestion and promote economic growth.
  WECT

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Trump administration has launched a program to let Americans share personal health data across systems and apps run by major tech and health care companies, aiming to improve access to medical records and wellness tools.
  AP News

• The White House is building a new ballroom, which will seat 650 people and replace the need for large tents at state events. Funded by President Trump and private donors, the project will modernize the East Wing and is expected to be completed before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029.
  The Hill

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• High Noon is recalling some vodka seltzers packaged in Celsius energy drink cans, citing a packaging mix-up that could pose safety risks.
  CNBC

• A radioactive wasp nest was discovered near a South Carolina nuclear facility, raising alarms about contamination risks and sparking an investigation.
  The Gateway Pundit

Friday

Saturday

Sunday