Good morning Wilmington!

Saturday’s looking sunny, Sunday a little stormy—but either way, there’s fun ahead. Snag that last climbing clinic spot while you can, and let ‘em know Port City Pulse helped you find it!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Disney’s New Housing Project “Asteria” Gets Green Light

• Planning New Hanover High’s Future

Disney’s New Housing Project “Asteria” Gets Green Light in Chatham County

[Carolina Journal] The Town of Pittsboro has approved Disney’s latest master-planned residential development: Asteria. Located about 30 minutes from Raleigh, this will be only the second Disney “Storyliving” community in the U.S., offering over 490 homes, exclusive memberships, and Disney-themed programming. While local officials praise the project as a boon to the region’s economy and prestige, a growing number of residents are voicing concerns over its potential environmental impact and threat to small businesses. Sales are expected to begin in 2027.

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Youth Summer Clinic - One Opening Left!

SESSION 2 AVAILABLE: July 21-25 | Mon-Fri 9AM - Noon | $200 | Ages 6–13

Five fun filled mornings, each focused on new challenges and lessons for kids of all levels. Campers will work on footwork and route reading to develop efficiency and competence in bouldering and top-rope climbing

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Safety and Space Drive Debate Over New Hanover High’s Future

[WWAY] New Hanover County School Board is weighing two costly options for the future of New Hanover High School: a $280 million new facility on 70 acres or a $230 million phased renovation of the current campus. Both proposals address critical safety concerns, overcrowding, and aging infrastructure. Meanwhile, six pre-K classrooms were saved after the board voted to reallocate $750,000 in leftover federal Title 1 funds following a budget cut from county commissioners. The historic Mary Washington Howe Pre-K Center will remain open, a relief for staff and community members. However, the district still faces over $5.3 million in total funding losses from local, state, and federal sources.

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News Roundup

Local News

• A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of New Hanover County due to a water main leak affecting about 200 customers. Impacted areas include Peiffer Avenue, Emerald Cove Court, Labrador Lane, Camelot Court, and two mobile home parks. Officials warn that low or no pressure may increase the risk of bacterial contamination.
  WECT

• Two people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their small boat began sinking near Bald Head Island. One person was found clinging to a cooler in the water, while the other remained aboard the 12-foot jon boat. Both were safely brought to shore along with the vessel.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• The EPA has launched new public resources to address concerns and conspiracy theories about contrails and geoengineering, promising full transparency about what it knows on these topics. The agency’s new web pages will explain the science behind contrails, debunk myths about chemical spraying, and offer links to the latest research.
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What Might Surprise You

• NASA is bracing for a significant loss of institutional knowledge, as nearly 2,700 civil staff — including over 2,000 senior and mission-critical employees — have agreed to leave under a workforce reduction program. Experts warn the departure could hinder NASA’s strategic goals and set back progress on projects like the Artemis Moon mission.
  The Independent

• The DOJ now says Jeffrey Epstein had over 1,000 victims, a massive increase from earlier estimates of "dozens," yet no client list has been produced, fueling bipartisan frustration and fresh scrutiny. Donald Trump, who once praised Epstein and partied with him, dodged questions this week, calling them a "desecration" in light of the Texas flood tragedy.
  Ken Klippenstein

Friday

Saturday

Sunday