TOGETHER WITH

Good morning Wilmington!

Please join me in welcoming Wilmington Rock Gym to the Port City Pulse family! Whether you're planning a birthday party, looking for a new summer adventure for your kids, or just want to try something new—this local spot is climbing to the top.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Dredging Set for Carolina Beach Inlet

• Cheerwine Faces Threat from Food Dye Legislation

Dredging Set for Carolina Beach Inlet Ahead of July 4^th Rush

[WWAY] Carolina Beach Inlet will finally see relief from dangerous shallow conditions as the Dredge Merritt is scheduled to restore safe navigation through June 30. Delayed due to resource constraints, the project was pushed by local leaders after reports of groundings and safety concerns in one of the county’s most critical recreational and economic waterways. Mayor Lynn Barbee stressed the urgency, calling the inlet “unsafe” at the height of boating season. Dredging is expected to be completed ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend.

Read More »

Kid’s Open Gym @ Wilmington Rock Gym!

June 18 to Aug 23, 2025 | $15 PER VISIT | Ages up to 13 | 1 - 4PM

Are you looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? Bring them to the climbing gym! On Wednesdays, we'll have open gym time for them to climb and have fun! We'll have staff available each Wednesday to help them with the ropes if they want to climb higher. This isn't a class/camp but is a great way for children to join in the fun of indoor rock climbing! This is great for first time climbers and more advanced gym monkeys alike! Parents must stay with their kids.

Learn More »

Soda Showdown: NC’s Iconic Cheerwine Faces Threat from Food Dye Legislation

[NC Health News] A new bill in the North Carolina House aims to ban synthetic food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5—potentially altering or even outlawing the recipes for beloved local sodas Cheerwine and Sun Drop. While public health advocates cite cancer and behavioral concerns, critics argue the move could harm NC-based beverage manufacturers. The legislation reflects a broader push to align U.S. food safety with European standards, but it comes with cultural and economic implications—especially in a state where cherry-red and citrus-green sodas are practically sacred.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News

• The husband killed in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting was a Raleigh native who attended both UNC and NC State. Jake O’Kane, 37, was the spouse of Minnesota State Sen. Lindsey Port and is being remembered for his deep ties to North Carolina. WECT

• A Wilmington man was arrested after a bomb threat shut down the New Hanover County Courthouse on Monday morning. Benjamin Deon Patrick was charged with making a false report about a destructive device, misuse of 911, and filing a false report to law enforcement. The courthouse and historic courthouse were evacuated, swept by the bomb squad, and later deemed safe, allowing county commissioners to reconvene. WECT

• A hidden camera was discovered in a Duke Hospital bathroom, with a search warrant revealing video footage of staff and patients. Authorities are investigating whether more recording devices exist and if other locations were affected. WRAL

• Federal investigators are examining a deadly small-plane crash near Tabor City, where two people were killed after the Beech BE-58 aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Myrtle Beach. WECT

What You Should Know

• Israel's Iron Dome defense system is facing new scrutiny amid escalating regional tensions. While once hailed as nearly impenetrable, recent attacks by Iranian forces have highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the much-lauded missile shield. Yahoo Finance

• A former Coast Guard sharpshooter identifying as transgender has been charged in a politically charged case involving weapons and threats. The individual allegedly expressed intentions to “protect democracy” through force and was found with a cache of weapons. The Gateway Pundit

Tuesday

Wednesday