Good morning Wilmington!

Wilmington made national headlines Tuesday after a powerful gas explosion on New Centre Drive. According to police, a car crashed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral building, rupturing a gas line and sparking the blast. One person suffered serious injuries and four firefighters were hurt. Wilmington Police have arrested 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach in connection with the incident. While the road has reopened, cleanup crews, investigators, and the community are still piecing together the events.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Gov. Stein Declares State of Emergency

• Impaired Driver Causes Massive Explosion at Veterinary Center

Gov. Stein Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Erin Threatens NC Coast

[Office of the Governor] Governor Josh Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina as Hurricane Erin approaches, bringing threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for Ocracoke and Hatteras islands, with local emergency declarations also in place in Dare and Hyde counties. A media briefing is scheduled for this morning at 10:15 a.m. State shelters—including one in Warrenton that accepts pets—are being mobilized, and residents are urged to prepare emergency kits, plan evacuation routes, and avoid driving through floodwaters.

Go to ReadyNC.gov for the latest on Erin

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Impaired Driver Causes Massive Explosion at Veterinary Center Under Construction

[WECT] A driver crashed into a gas meter feeding the nearly completed Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center in Wilmington, causing a powerful explosion that injured four firefighters and damaged the building. The facility, still under construction and set to open in September, was evacuated before the blast. Officials say the impaired driver fled the scene but was quickly apprehended. Immediate damage control closed the area as crews worked to secure the site.

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News Roundup

Local News

• The City of Wilmington appointed a new police chief during a city meeting, marking a leadership change aimed at improving community policing and safety strategies. WECT

• North Carolina DMV announced the addition of 40 new driver’s license examiner positions to reduce wait times and improve customer service across the state. WECT

What You Should Know

• The FDA is investigating frozen shrimp sold at Walmart that may have been exposed to radioactive material during transport from Indonesia, warning consumers to avoid affected products. NBC News

What Might Surprise You

• Tulsi Gabbard revoked 37 officials’ security clearances tied to an Obama-era intelligence report that helped launch the Russiagate investigation. NY Post

Penguin’s 22nd Birthday

WED AUG 20: 6:00 PM @ Savard Beer and Board - DT
Come celebrate 22 years of The Penguin on Wednesday Aug. 20th at Savard Beer and Board! We will have the 2nd release of "A Different Kind of Bird" beer, full bar, Kimchi Taco Food truck (from 5-8pm), and some chances to win some concert tickets. Come hang with your favorite DJs and the whole Penguin Fam, and celebrate 22 years of keeping the music down cold!

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