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PCP Tue Oct 14: Interstellar Alert: 3I/ATLAS is Passing Through

Traveling millions of miles from beyond our solar system, 3I/ATLAS offers a rare glimpse of cosmic wanderers.

Good morning Wilmington!

Have you heard about 3I/ATLAS? This interstellar object/comet is passing through our solar system, and astronomers worldwide are tracking its journey. It’s a rare celestial visitor — the third known object from outside our solar system — and it will be observable again from Earth starting in early December 2025.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Mike Pence Talks Leadership and Lessons

  • Thom Tillis Pushes for Federal Cannabis Legalization

Mike Pence Talks Leadership and Lessons from Trump Era at UNCW Event

WECT — Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke at UNC Wilmington as part of the university’s Dare to Learn Lecture Series, discussing leadership, faith, and his time in the Trump Administration. Pence emphasized that adversity reveals character and encouraged students to engage in politics and civil discourse. He reflected on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and America’s growing political division, expressing optimism about the nation’s future and unity beyond Washington’s gridlock.

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GOP Senator Thom Tillis Pushes for Federal Cannabis Legalization

The Marijuana Herald — At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, GOP Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to address the federal-state conflict over marijuana legalization. Tillis highlighted the growing trend of legalization in red states, the need to capture tax revenue, and the importance of consistent enforcement. While Bondi did not commit to policy changes, Tillis’ remarks signal rising bipartisan pressure in Congress to modernize federal cannabis laws and resolve regulatory inconsistencies across states.

News Roundup

Local News

Topsail Beach has temporarily closed two beach accesses due to large and hazardous drop-offs created by recent weather. Town officials say crews are working to restore safe conditions at Access #19 (McLeod) and Access #20 (Godwin). WECT

Flaming Amy’s is closing its Carolina Beach location on October 31. After the closure, the restaurant will continue serving Churkeychangas as a to-go option from Thursday to Saturday evenings. WECT

What You Should Know

Hamas executed eight men in public in Gaza just hours after signing a peace treaty with Israel, releasing graphic footage showing the blindfolded victims shot before cheering crowds. The group claimed the killings targeted “criminals and collaborators with Israel” as it moved to reassert control in Gaza following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. New York Post

What Might Surprise You

Powerball winner Edwin Castro is using part of his $2 billion jackpot to buy and rebuild homes on fire-ravaged lots in Altadena, California. Castro has reportedly spent around $10 million purchasing 15 properties destroyed in January’s wildfires, saying his goal is to help families return to the community. New York Post

Don’t Miss

Yoga Birthday Bash

WED OCT 15: 6-8:30 Pm @ Battleship North Carolina - DT
Join us on the USS Battleship to celebrate our 12th birthday! 🎉

There will be a live DJ set, yoga practice, food, and exciting raffle prizes. We hope to see you there ♥️ $23+

Social Club Meetup

Today: 6:30 Pm @ Waterline Brewing - DT
HEY UR INVITED 👋

This month’s October Social Club meetup is HERE! 🍂

URINVITEDILM + Waterline Brewing are teaming up for a night of good vibes, new faces, and local fun.

Science: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

WED OCT 15: 6PM @ Hi-Wire - SPD
FREE EVENT! Meet us at Hi-Wire Brewing, grab a drink, and join Jeff Hren from GE-Hitachi as we learn about the actions that led to the largest marine oil spill in history. The presentation reviews the actions of the operators of the oil rig and the engineering support staff as they designed and drilled the well that eventually led to the largest offshore oil spill.

Fermental Bike & Brew

WED OCT 15: 6:30 Pm @ Fermental - CD
Join us for our Fermental Bike & Brew Ride, where we bike a small section of the River to Sea Trail then loop around UNCW’s Chancelors Walk. This 10-11 mile, no-drop ride will end back at Fermental Beer & Wine for some friendly chit-chat and a beverage!

Weather

Tue Oct 14: 🌥️ Mostly Cloudy | 72° / 60° | 5% | NNW 15 mph
Wed Oct 15: ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 75° / 57° | 6% | N 12 mph
Thu Oct 16: ☀️ Sunny | 76° / 53° | 4% | NNW 11 mph

Live Music

Today

Stu Cru Jamaru

7:00 PM @ The Bend - OGD

Open Mic Night w/ David Ament

06:30 PM @ Greenfield Lake Yacht Club - GFL

Eric Johnson

7:30 PM @ Kenan Auditorum - UNCW

Wednesday

CircleSinging with Nate

6:00 PM @ Unity of Wilmington - ILM

Laura McLean's Songwriter Showcase

07:00 PM @ Live at Teds - ILM

Hump Day Ham Jam

8:00 PM-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery - ILM

Thursday

Brian Gross

6:00 PM @ Cameron Art Museum - ILM

Open Mic with Tatianna Matthews

7:00 - 11:00 PM @ Tempo.33 - DT

Adam Carswell

7:00 PM @ Seven Mile Post - OG

One deep dive into 3I/ATLAS will lead you down a rabbit hole of discoveries, theories, and cosmic mysteries. It’ll be fascinating to watch and learn more about this interstellar traveler as it gets closer to the inner solar system.

-Jason