Good morning Wilmington!

Political tensions are running high in NHCS leadership. A special meeting is set for Aug. 4 to address board member David Perry’s alleged policy breaches, while Superintendent Dr. Barnes just secured a contract extension through 2029.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NHCS Commits to Barnes’ Leadership

• NHCS Schedules Special Meeting Over Policy Violations

New Hanover County Schools Commits to Barnes’ Leadership Until 2029

[WECT] The New Hanover County Board of Education has voted to extend Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes’ contract through June 2029. Barnes, who began his tenure in March 2025, has been praised for his leadership in strengthening academic performance, supporting educators, and improving community engagement. Board Chair Melissa Mason called him the right leader to continue the district’s progress. Barnes said the extension is a promise to students and staff that NHCS will continue striving for excellence.

Read More »

💸 Ready to start your crypto journey?

Sign up using this referral link. Or enter code: cc3389gs during signup.
Once you trade $200, we both get $50. No catch—just crypto!

NHCS Board Schedules Special Meeting Over Policy Violations by David Perry

[WECT] The New Hanover County Board of Education voted 6-1 to hold a special meeting on Aug. 4 to discuss alleged policy violations by board member David Perry. Perry, the lone dissenter, is accused of breaching confidentiality by notifying a parent about a student assignment decision discussed in closed session. He called the situation “overkill,” arguing that political tensions were driving the move. The meeting could result in penalties, including censure or the removal of committee assignments. Perry has also faced criticism for inflammatory remarks at recent meetings, raising concerns among fellow board members.

Read More »

News Roundup

LOCAL

• Wilmington City Council is proposing board elections and additional early voting sites as part of an effort to improve voter access and participation. The proposal aims to make elections easier for residents. WECT

• The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Independence Mall focusing on sickle cell disease awareness. The blood drive will be held at Independence Mall, located at Aveda Institute Wilmington in the Dillard’s Wing on Aug. 8 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.WECT

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Donald Trump is calling for Congress to be banned from trading individual stocks, reviving a debate about lawmakers profiting from insider knowledge while in office. The proposal is part of his broader push for ethics reforms. Daily Mail

• Twenty-five people were hospitalized after severe turbulence hit a Delta flight. Delta Air Lines Flight 56, with 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board, diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul and landed safely shortly before 8 p.m. local time. ABC News

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• Virginia City Councilman J. Lee Vogler was doused with gasoline and set on fire in a shocking attack at his office by 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, police said. Authorities confirmed the assault stemmed from a “personal matter” and was not connected to Vogler’s public role. Daily Mail

• Pete Hegseth, a former Trump administration official and Fox News host, discussed running for office in Tennessee, signaling his growing political ambitions ahead of the next election cycle. NBC News

Thursday

Friday

Saturday