Good morning Wilmington!

Kim Ratcliff, a familiar face to Wilmington viewers, is stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on her health. After an unexpected diagnosis, she’s sharing her story to raise awareness and remind us all to take care of ourselves and each other.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Gov. Josh Stein Launches NC Energy Policy Task Force

• Duke Energy Shelves Offshore Wind Plans

Gov. Josh Stein Launches NC Energy Policy Task Force to Tackle Grid Reliability and Clean Energy Growth

[Carolina Journal] Gov. Josh Stein has announced the creation of the North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force, a 26-member panel focused on strengthening the state’s electricity infrastructure, improving affordability, and promoting renewable energy growth. With AI-driven data centers and rapid population growth increasing energy demands, Stein warns higher utility costs could hit consumers unless action is taken. While Stein highlights over $24 billion in clean energy investments statewide, critics argue his policies could raise rates and compromise grid reliability. The task force will guide energy planning as North Carolina balances economic growth with sustainability.

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Duke Energy Shelves Offshore Wind Plans, Citing High Costs

[Carolina Journal] Duke Energy informed the North Carolina Utilities Commission that, following a state-mandated Acquisition Request for Information (ARFI), offshore wind projects off North Carolina’s coast are not currently cost-competitive compared to solar plus battery storage. This conclusion was validated by an independent evaluator. As a result, Duke will not issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for these wind developments at this time. The finding will inform Duke’s 2025 Carolinas Resource Plan, due October 1. Supporters cite economic and environmental concerns, while clean energy advocates warn this halts momentum toward diversifying energy and meeting emissions goals.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Congressman Rouzer discusses surface transportation reauthorization, infrastructure during visit to the Port City. WWAY

• A Wilmington man, James Yokeley, 66, was arrested for allegedly trying to drug his two granddaughters by placing illegal pills in their ice cream. Video evidence reportedly confirmed his actions, and preliminary tests showed the substances were controlled narcotics. WWAY

What You Should Know

• Two children were killed and 17 others injured after a gunman opened fire during a Catholic school Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, forcing students, parents, and teachers to hide behind pews and barricade doors. AP News

• White House Says New CDC Director Fired, but She Refuses to Leave
  The White House announced the firing of Susan Monarez, the recently appointed CDC director, after a clash with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccination policy. NY Times

• Russian Missiles Pound Kyiv, Damage EU and British Offices
  Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv early Thursday, killing at least 18 people, including four children, and injuring dozens. Yahoo

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