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Good morning Wilmington!

We’re heading into the biggest weekend of the summer, and Wilmington’s calendar is stacked. This issue includes all the Independence Day happenings plus an intriguing opportunity: a local casting call for a documentary on a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. Even if you’ve never acted before, this might be your moment.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Actors Wanted for Battle of Moores Creek Bridge Film

• Bill Could Strip Job Protections from 25 Election Officials in NC

Actors Wanted for Battle of Moores Creek Bridge Film, Shooting in Wilmington

[NC Filmmakers and Actors] A new historical documentary about the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge (1776) is casting actors for several speaking and featured roles. The film will be shot in Wilmington, NC, this November, with exact dates to be announced. Roles include real and fictional characters from the Revolutionary War era, such as Patriot militia soldiers and Loyalist officers. The project seeks emotionally grounded performances, and the roles are paid. Submissions should include a headshot and reel and be sent to [email protected] with the subject line: “BOM-Audition.”

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Kid’s Open Gym @ Wilmington Rock Gym!

Every Wednesday until Aug 23, 2025 | $15 PER VISIT | Ages up to 13 | 1 - 4PM

Are you looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? Bring them to the climbing gym! On Wednesdays, we'll have open gym time for them to climb and have fun! We'll have staff available each Wednesday to help them with the ropes if they want to climb higher. This isn't a class/camp but is a great way for children to join in the fun of indoor rock climbing! This is great for first time climbers and more advanced gym monkeys alike! Parents must stay with their kids.

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Controversial Bill Could Strip Job Protections from 25 Election Officials in NC

[WUNC] A new bill advancing in North Carolina would let newly appointed State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes fire and replace 25 staffers without cause—more than one-third of the agency. Republicans say it's necessary to realign leadership after a recent DOJ lawsuit and Supreme Court race controversy. Critics argue it invites political purges of nonpartisan staff. The bill also proposes new voting rule changes, like banning ranked-choice voting and requiring overseas voters to submit photo ID—possibly clashing with federal law. A full legislative vote won't come until after the summer recess.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Miraculous recovery: Surf City restaurant owner Trevor Dostie has returned to work two months after suffering a life-threatening traumatic brain injury from an e-bike accident on April 16. Doctors had warned his family to prepare for the worst, but after a remarkable recovery, he’s back at his business, Maine Lobstah Shack, continuing to heal with community support.
  WECT

• Man struck by lightning near Scotts Hill: 53-year-old Jason Gurganus was hospitalized after being struck by lightning while idling on a boat along the Intracoastal Waterway Sunday afternoon. Bystanders performed CPR and got him to the marina, where he was transported to the UNC Burn Center. This is the second lightning-related boating incident on the N.C. coast this year.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• Several Latino-majority cities in Southern California have canceled Fourth of July events over fears tied to ICE raids and resident safety. Cudahy, Bell Gardens, and Huntington Park have all scrapped celebrations, citing rising tensions amid federal immigration enforcement, including recent protests and confrontations with agents.
  SF Gate

• Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed the FBI is reviewing “tens of thousands of videos” of Jeffrey Epstein involving children or child pornography. A 2023 court filing hints Epstein’s estate may have found sensitive videos, but the contents remain sealed by a protective order.
  AP News

What Might Surprise You

• The Pentagon will stop sharing critical overnight hurricane-tracking satellite data by July 31, a move meteorologists say could set storm forecasting back decades. The Defense Department’s microwave data helps detect rapid hurricane intensification — often overnight — which is crucial for issuing timely warnings.
  MSN

• A young girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream cruise ship on Sunday morning, prompting a swift rescue operation in the Atlantic Ocean as the vessel returned to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas. The girl plunged from the fourth deck, and her father jumped in after her in a desperate attempt to save her. Crew members responded within minutes, deploying a rescue boat amid the alarm of “Mr. M.O.B.” (Man Overboard).
  Daily Mail

City of Wilmington’s 4th of July Celebration!

FRI JUL 4: 5Pm @ Riverfront Park - DT
This City of Wilmington’s family friendly event will include music featuring the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, other entertainment, kids activities, food, fireworks and more!

• Friday, July 4, 2025 (rain or shine)

• Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

• Firework Display at 9:00 p.m.

• Free Event – Tickets are not required.

Stage Schedule:

• 5:00 p.m. – Gates Open

• 5:30 p.m.– Opening performance

• 7:00 p.m. – Wilmington Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert

• 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks Display

Food:

Food and beverages (soft drinks, beer and wine) will be sold at the park. No outside food or drink can be brought inside the park with the exception of water up to 1 gallon in a factory sealed or empty bottle.

Cashless Payments:

This is a cashless event – no cash accepted. All food and beverage sales will ONLY accept debit, credit or mobile pay (Apple Pay or Google Pay).

Seating for Lawn Area:

Beach chairs (with legs no longer than 9 inches) and blankets will be allowed in the Great Lawn.

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday