Good morning Wilmington!

I hope you had a relaxing Labor Day weekend and soaked up that perfect early autumn weather! The good news? The mild temps and sunny skies are sticking around, and Wilmington’s serving up plenty to do this week — from live music to local events and more.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Watch the 1on1 with Jon Evans podcast interview with The Runarounds

• NC Teachers Ordered to Hide Classroom Libraries

New Teen Band Drama The Runarounds Celebrates Real Music and Wilmington Roots

[WECT] Kick off fall with something local and exceptional: The Runarounds—a new Prime Video teen music drama by Outer Banks creator Jonas Pate—premieres September 1, set and filmed entirely in Wilmington. Pate aimed for 100% authenticity by recruiting real high school musicians via social media; only one had acting experience. Shot across Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, the series follows these grads as they form a rock band chasing dreams, and their on-screen performances are actual takes—mistakes and all. Watch the 1on1 with Jon Evans podcast interview!

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NC Teachers Ordered to Hide Classroom Libraries Under New Law

[WHQR] Educators across New Hanover County were instructed this past week to immediately remove, cover, or restrict access to classroom books—sometimes even disallowing students from touching them—until each title is logged in a new online database. This directive stems from House Bill 805, which mandates public inventory of both school and classroom libraries and grants parents the power to exclude books from their children’s access. The law, vetoed by Gov. Stein but overridden July 30, has raised concerns over its logistical burden and uneven enforcement.

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News Roundup

Local News

Cape Fear Community College student Luke Basso, 20, traveled to Afghanistan to interview Taliban fighters, making him one of the first Americans to visit since the U.S. withdrawal in 2021. His goal is to document both sides of history and pursue a future as a war correspondent.
WWAY

A North Carolina firefighter was shot while responding to a fire alarm call in Ellerbe on Monday morning and was airlifted to UNC Chapel Hill’s trauma center; a suspect is in custody facing multiple assault charges.
WWAY

What You Should Know

China is set to unveil what it claims to be the “world’s most powerful laser air defense system” during a military parade in Beijing, attended by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. U.S. analysts will closely watch to determine whether the weapon is genuine or propaganda. Metro

Gold prices have surged to a record high above $3,500 an ounce as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global economic uncertainty and concerns over Donald Trump’s policies. Analysts predict prices could climb to $3,700 or even $4,000 if geopolitical or economic risks worsen. The Guardian

A federal judge barred President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops in California for law-enforcement actions, ruling the move violated the federal Posse Comitatus Act. The decision stems from California’s lawsuit over Trump’s response to immigration-related protests in Los Angeles and is stayed until Sept. 12 to allow for appeal. CNBC

What Might Surprise You

Howard Stern has delayed his much-anticipated SiriusXM return until Monday, September 8, after weeks of speculation about his show’s possible cancellation. The announcement comes after promos teased a major reveal about Stern’s future, following reports of stalled contract negotiations.
Hollywood Reporter

Today

Wednesday

Thursday