TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to Oktober! 🍂 Wilmington’s weekend lineup is packed with fall fun, music, and community celebrations. Riverfest kicks off Saturday with street fairs, a kid zone, car displays, BMX shows, and live band performances—all leading to a spectacular drone show along the Riverwalk at 8:30 PM.

For those craving local flavor, Apple Annie’s 40th-anniversary party on Saturday offers prizes, mini bites, sips, and, of course, cake to celebrate four decades of fun. And beer lovers, raise your steins at Oktoberfest Under the Bridge or Topsail Island Brewing, featuring German-style eats, live music, contests, and festive brews—perfect for welcoming the season.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• How the Shutdown Could Affect Southeastern NC

• Breeze Airways Adds Tampa and Long Island Routes

From Parks to Programs: How the Shutdown Could Affect Southeastern NC

WECT — The federal government shutdown that began Wednesday is already impacting southeastern North Carolina, closing Moores Creek National Battlefield and suspending staff. Experts warn that longer-term effects could include disruptions to SNAP and WIC benefits, small business loans, mortgage processing, and even airport operations as TSA employees face missed paychecks. While essential services like Social Security and student loans will continue, the shutdown adds uncertainty to the economy and everyday life. Local political science professors note this shutdown could be more disruptive than past ones due to federal workforce cuts earlier this year.

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Ladies’ Climbing Night

Friday, October 10 | Reserve your spot between 5:50-10PM
(Second Friday of Each Month)

At Wilmington Rock Gym, we’re dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming space for every climber. We understand that starting out or honing your climbing skills can feel challenging, so we’re thrilled to host a special monthly event just for women of all backgrounds. Come climb, connect with others, and enjoy a supportive atmosphere. Our team will be on hand to help with belaying and offer climbing advice. Reserve your spot between 5:30 and 10 PM. Climbers of all skill levels are welcome, and gear rental is included.

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Breeze Airways Adds Tampa and Long Island Routes from Wilmington

WWAY — Breeze Airways is expanding its Wilmington International Airport service with new nonstop flights to Tampa, FL, and Long Island-Islip, NY, starting at $39 one-way. Flights to Tampa will run Tuesdays and Sundays, while Long Island-Islip flights operate Thursdays and Sundays. Breeze already offers eight destinations from Wilmington, with more routes planned in November, giving travelers more affordable options for both business and leisure trips.

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News Roundup

Local News

The new main branch of the New Hanover County Public Library in downtown Wilmington is set to open next week at 230 Grace St, Suite A, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Oct. 6. WECT

What You Should Know

Senators say the government shutdown is expected to last at least another week, with both parties digging in and little sign of compromise despite growing pressure over expiring health subsidies and looming federal worker layoffs. The Hill

A suspected terrorist killed two people and injured three others in a car and knife attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur before being shot dead by police, who also investigated a possible bomb strapped to him. The Telegraph

What Might Surprise You

Two Delta subsidiary planes collided on a LaGuardia Airport taxiway, with the wing of Flight 5155 striking the fuselage of Flight 5047 from Charlotte, injuring a flight attendant but leaving all passengers unharmed. WBTV

A federal judge approved Holtec International’s plan to release 45,000 gallons of radioactive water into the Hudson River, ruling that New York’s ban on such discharges was unconstitutional. Daily Mail

Walmart will remove artificial dyes and 30 other additives from its U.S. private-brand food and beverage products by 2027, responding to consumer demand for simpler, healthier ingredients. CNN

Today

Friday

Saturday