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  • PCP Mon Jun 30: NC’s Political Shakeup & a Weather Shift Ahead

PCP Mon Jun 30: NC’s Political Shakeup & a Weather Shift Ahead

With possible thunderstorms on the horizon and a U.S. Senate seat opening up, here’s what’s coming our way.

Good morning Wilmington!

We had friends in town last week, which gave us the perfect excuse to experience Wilmington like tourists. One of the highlights? Renting a boat from Entropy Boat Rentals off Pages Creek on Middle Sound Loop. If you're an experienced boater and craving a day on the water, give Terri and Chris a call at 910-686-7677. You'll spend the day making memories—and cap it off with a popsicle!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Thom Tillis Announces Retirement

  • UNC Researcher Teams Up with Ex-Fishermen to Protect Tiger Sharks

Thom Tillis Announces Retirement from U.S. Senate

[WECT] Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced he will not seek re-election, citing a desire to spend more time with family and his distaste for Washington’s partisan gridlock. The decision comes after his opposition to former President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," making him the third Republican senator to break with Trump on the issue. Tillis reflected on his rise from humble beginnings and highlighted achievements including tax reform and his tenure as NC House Speaker. His retirement could shift the balance in the Senate as Democrats eye potential GOP vulnerability in upcoming elections.

UNC Researcher Teams Up with Ex-Fishermen to Protect Tiger Sharks in Indonesia

[WUNC] A UNC-Chapel Hill shark scientist is working with former Indonesian shark fishermen to conserve tiger sharks. Chelsea Black partnered with Project Hiu, which retrains fishermen for eco-tourism work, and discovered a previously unknown tiger shark hotspot—only the third known location in the world. With fishermen using their traditional knowledge, the team tagged 55 sharks in days. The project highlights the power of citizen science and the vital role sharks play in ocean health. Now, Black hopes the data collected will lead to stronger protections before overfishing causes irreversible damage.

News Roundup

Local News

  • NCDMV offices statewide will adjust operations starting July 1, including reduced walk-in availability and a push toward online services. The changes aim to improve efficiency and reduce long wait times.
    WECT

  • Law enforcement agencies will ramp up patrols as part of the “Operation Firecracker” Booze It & Lose It campaign, beginning July 1 across North Carolina. The initiative aims to curb impaired driving during the Fourth of July holiday.
    WECT

What You Should Know

  • Two firefighters were killed and a third critically injured in an “ambush” shooting while responding to a brush fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Authorities say the fire was likely set intentionally to lure first responders, and the suspected gunman was later found dead on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby. Around 300 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers responded, and no further threat to the community remains.
    NBC News

  • Senate Republicans face a high-stakes showdown Monday as they race to pass President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package. The bill, which extends the 2017 tax cuts and slashes some Medicaid benefits, faces internal GOP tensions—especially with moderates like Sens. Collins and Murkowski—and a flood of Democratic amendments during a marathon “vote-a-rama” session. Passage hinges on tight vote margins and backroom deals over Medicaid cuts, rural healthcare, and tax policy.
    The Hill

Don’t Miss

Try It! Summer Workshops

TUE JUL 1: 2-2:45 PM @ Cape Fear Museum - ILM
Workshops are 45 minutes and pre-registration is required. Geared toward children ages 6 to 12 and adult helpers are required. Each workshop is first come, first serve and limited to the first 25 people. Registration fee includes museum admission, workshops are free for members. July 1 & 3: Lego Dot Printmaking

Monday Mindfullness

MON JUN 30: 6-7Pm @ Fronting Life - ILM
Whether you're brand new to meditation or deep in your practice, these sessions are for everyone. 🌍 Let’s transform the mind, body, and spirit — one breath at a time.

“Power of Pigment” Art Show by Todd Lengyeltoti

MON JUN 30: 10AM - 4PM @ Burwin-Wright House - ILM
The Burgwin-Wright House is pleased to welcome back Todd Lengyeltoti for his show “Power of Pigment.” The Opening reception, in conjunction with Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, is on Friday, June 27 from 6-9PM. His artwork will be on display and for sale in our art gallery through Jul

Digital Marketing Drop-In

TUE JUL 1: 5:30-8:30 PM @ The Mermaid Lounge - ILM
Bring your business dreams, side hustles or burning questions to this relaxed, drop-in consulting session - complimentary for Mermaid Lounge members. Caroline, a seasoned marketing pro, offers personalized advice on social media, branding, websites, and more.

Weather

Mon Jun 30: 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 86° / 79° | 24% | S 17 mph
Tue Jul 01: ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 87° / 79° | 13% | SSW 19 mph
Wed Jul 02: ⛈️ Scattered Thunderstorms | 84° / 75° | 57% | SW 14 mph

Live Music


Check out today’s issue of Port City Jams to find out who is playing at House of Blues in Myrtle Beach this fall—we’ve got the scoop!

-Jason