Good morning Wilmington!

We swung by Outer Dunes Brewing Company last night to try our hand at Music Bingo—and left with our hearts full thanks to George and Loretta—two massive and lovable St. Bernards making their debut with Coastal Carolina St. Bernard Rescue. Their story is a reminder that rescue efforts are alive and well in the Port City.

Curious about adoption? Contact Tom Pentescu at (910) 520-7104 or by email at [email protected]

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Genentech Breaks Ground on Massive Drug Manufacturing Plant in NC

• Surfrider Foundation Plans Post-July 4 Cleanup at Carolina Beach

Genentech Breaks Ground on Massive Drug Manufacturing Plant in North Carolina

[Spectrum 1] A $700 million investment by biotech giant Genentech is set to bring 400 jobs and a major economic boost to Holly Springs. The company will build a 700,000-square-foot drug manufacturing plant, with support from a $9.8 million state grant. North Carolina officials project the facility will contribute more than $3 billion in economic growth over 12 years. Governor Josh Stein welcomed Genentech, emphasizing the state’s highly skilled life science workforce. Genentech’s CEO says the new plant will serve growing medicine demand and deliver on the promise of life-changing science.

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Surfrider Foundation Plans Post-July 4 Cleanup at Carolina Beach

[WECT] The Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is calling on volunteers for a beach cleanup at Freeman Park in Carolina Beach on Saturday, July 6, from 8 to 10 a.m. Known as the “Dirtiest Beach Day of the Year,” the cleanup aims to remove debris left behind after Independence Day celebrations. Bags and tools will be provided. Organizers hope for a strong turnout to protect the ocean and coastal environment.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Wilmington Police held a National Night Out event at Pointe at Barclay, strengthening ties with the community through family-friendly activities and crime prevention discussions. The event featured officers, local organizations, and neighbors gathering to promote public safety.
  WECT

• Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced protections for North Carolinians' genetic data, following a lawsuit against 23andMe over a major data breach. The settlement includes commitments to improved security and transparency from the genetic testing company.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• Federal officials announced the largest health care fraud takedown in U.S. history, with charges filed against hundreds of defendants accused of submitting $14.6 billion in false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and other public programs.
  C-Span

• Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to killing four Idaho college students in 2022, avoids death penalty. Former criminology Ph.D. student Bryan Kohberger admitted to the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students as part of a plea deal that spares him from the death penalty.
  BBC News

• 21-year-old intern for Rep. Ron Estes killed by stray bullet in Washington, D.C. Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a congressional intern for Kansas Rep. Ron Estes and rising senior at UMass Amherst, died after being hit by a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting Monday night in D.C. He was not the intended target. Estes called him a kind-hearted young man who "always greeted anyone with a cheerful smile."
  New York Post

What Might Surprise You

• Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs acquitted of sex trafficking charges, convicted on prostitution counts. After a high-profile two-month trial, hip-hop mogul Sean Combs was found not guilty of federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have carried a life sentence. However, a Manhattan jury convicted him on two counts under the Mann Act related to transporting escorts across state lines for prostitution, which could result in up to 20 years in prison. Combs, 55, showed visible relief in court as he was cleared of the most serious allegations.
  New York Post

Thursday

Friday, July 4th

Saturday

Sunday