Good morning Wilmington!

This weekend’s weather looks decent, and the lineup of events is even better. From a slow roll through downtown to a backyard-style luau with biker games, Wilmington’s got something for everyone. And if you’ve got a kid who’s bouncing off the walls, sign them up for Wilmington Rock Gym’s climbing clinic—just one spot left.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• New NC Law Protects Parents Who Oppose Child’s Gender Transition

• Avelo Airlines extends its Wilmington flight schedule through mid-February 2026

New NC Law Protects Parents Who Oppose Child’s Gender Transition

[WUNC] A new law in North Carolina declares that a parent’s refusal to support their child’s gender transition is not grounds for child abuse or neglect investigations. Governor Josh Stein signed the bill—Senate Bill 442—even as he vetoed other legislation targeting transgender rights. The law protects parents who raise children “consistent with their biological sex,” retroactive to July 1. While Stein defended the decision as support for parental rights, opponents worry it could lead to broader consequences and misinterpretations about gender nonconformity. The vote passed largely along party lines, though a few Democrats crossed the aisle in support.

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Youth Summer Clinic - One Opening Left!

SESSION 2 AVAILABLE: July 21-25 | Mon-Fri 9AM - Noon | $200 | Ages 6–13

Five fun filled mornings, each focused on new challenges and lessons for kids of all levels. Campers will work on footwork and route reading to develop efficiency and competence in bouldering and top-rope climbing

Learn More »

Avelo Airlines extends its Wilmington flight schedule through mid-February 2026

[Avelo Airlines extends its Wilmington flight schedule through mid-February 2026

] Avelo Airlines announced Wednesday it is extending its Wilmington International Airport (ILM) flight schedule through mid-February 2026.

The following destinations are now available for booking through February 10, 2026:

• Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)

• Detroit, Mich. (DTW)

• Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (FLL)

• Fort Myers, Fla. (RSW)

• Houston, Texas (Hobby) (HOU)

• Long Island / Islip, N.Y. (ISP)

• Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)

• New Haven, Conn. (HVN

• Orlando, Fla. (MCO)

• Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)

• Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)

• Tampa, Fla. (TPA)

• Washington, D.C. / Baltimore, Md. (BWI)

• Washington, D.C. – Dulles (IAD)

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News

• New Hanover County Schools are bracing for a budget shortfall that could exceed $6 million, following cuts from both local and federal sources. The district lost nearly $1 million in Pre-K funding and is no longer eligible for over $2 million in state supplement support. Additional federal cuts may impact key programs, including support for beginning teachers and migrant education.
  WWAY

• NCDOT is preparing equipment and crews in advance of hurricane season, with over 300 maintenance workers in southeastern North Carolina ready to respond. Division Three, which includes New Hanover and five surrounding counties, is one of the most storm-prone areas in the state, prompting thorough preparation of trucks, barricades, and chainsaws.
  WWAY

What You Should Know

• Newly released audio reveals Donald Trump told donors he threatened to bomb Moscow and Beijing if Russia invaded Ukraine or China moved on Taiwan. The recordings also show Trump boasting about deporting student protesters and coercing a billionaire into giving $25 million to his campaign.
  Raw Story

What Might Surprise You

• TSA will no longer require. After nearly two decades, passengers going through airport security in the United States will no longer have to take their shoes off. all passengers to take shoes off at airport security checkpoints
  CNN

• Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) after two years in the role. Yaccarino thanked Musk but gave no reason for her departure.
  X

Thursday

Friday

Saturday