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Today’s Port City Pulse brings you a mix of breaking music news and community action. Michael Franti has canceled the remainder of his Welcome to the Family Tour, including his Wilmington shows, following serious allegations from former touring musician Victoria Canal.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Michael Franti Cancels Tour

• Wrightsville Beach Faces Sand Loss

Michael Franti Cancels Tour, Including Wilmington Dates, Amid Grooming Allegations

[WECT] Michael Franti and Spearhead have canceled the remainder of their Welcome to the Family Tour, including the Wilmington shows slated for September 11 and 12, following serious sexual grooming allegations from former touring musician Victoria Canal. Franti took to Instagram calling the events "disheartening," citing the need to pause and be with his family. Canal alleges non-consensual behavior during their time touring together when she was 19. Franti acknowledges a consensual affair but denies misconduct, attributing it to a power imbalance. The fallout has also led to the cancellation of the Soulshine at Sea cruise and a severed relationship with his management team.

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School's almost back and Fall semester passes are now available! 📚

With a semester pass, high school and college students get unlimited climbs at a discounted rate between August 13th and December 31st.

📌 Must be able to present a valid student ID to qualify!

Learn More »

Wrightsville Beach Faces Sand Loss and Steep Dune Drop-offs Amid Hurricane Erin

[WECT] As Hurricane Erin passes offshore, Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency while Wrightsville Beach braces for worsening erosion. Town officials report dangerous surf, steep dune drop-offs, and the loss of sand from the area’s most recent renourishment project, completed in March 2024. There are concerns that parts of the beach may temporarily vanish. Officials hope for more frequent renourishment efforts but remain dependent on federal funding and approval timelines.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Jason Lee Beach, 46, appeared in court today after being charged in connection with yesterday’s gas explosion on New Centre Drive that injured four Wilmington firefighters. He is being held on a $1 million bond due to safety concerns and prior out-of-state convictions. One firefighter remains hospitalized with third-degree burns, and Beach’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. WECT

• Gary Walker, administrator of the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Center, called the gas explosion that destroyed the facility “surreal” and expressed relief that no staff, animals, or patients were inside at the time. He vowed to rebuild and continue serving the Wilmington community, emphasizing the center’s commitment to providing essential animal healthcare. WECT

What You Should Know

• Israel is preparing for a full-scale move into Gaza City, with troops reaching the outskirts and additional reservists being mobilized to support the operation. The upcoming offensive is described as “gradual, precise, and targeted,” aiming to dismantle Hamas strongholds nearly two years into the ongoing conflict. NY Times

• The U.S. and Venezuela are edging closer to a potential confrontation after President Nicolás Maduro mobilized over 4.5 million militia members in response to U.S. naval deployments near Venezuelan waters. Three U.S. Navy missile destroyers have been stationed off the coast, with the White House citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. President Trump reaffirmed his stance against Maduro, calling him a “dictator” and threatening to leverage “every element of American power.” Time

What Might Surprise You

• Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, announced a sweeping restructuring of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), cutting more than 40% of staff as part of “ODNI 2.0.” The move, backed by President Donald Trump and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, aims to eliminate redundancies, root out “deep state” influence, and save taxpayers over $700 million annually. Daily Mail

‘Comedy for a Cause’ Raises Funds for Firefighters Hurt in Gas Explosion

SUN AUG 24: 7PM @ Station No. 2 - 602 S. 5th Ave

Wilmington comedians are coming together to support four firefighters injured in a gas explosion on Aug. 19. Comedy for a Cause will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Station No. 2, located at 602 S. 5th Avenue. Comedians Brayden Fitts, Paul Baeza, Brad Allred, Ellie Coleman, and Lex Hunt will perform, with AJ Weaver hosting. Tickets are $23, with VIP tickets already sold out and an additional 9:30 a.m. show added after the first sold out. All proceeds go directly to the injured firefighters.

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