Good morning Wilmington!

Hey there, Wilmington. If you live near Masonboro Loop, you’ll want to check today’s lead story—Cape Fear Public Utility Authority has issued a boil water advisory for around 150 homes. WECT has the details, plus your usual mix of music, headlines, and upcoming events.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Drone Food Delivery Gains Ground in North Carolina

• Permitless Concealed Carry Bill Advances in NC House

From Jetsons to Reality: Drone Food Delivery Gains Ground in North Carolina

[Spectrum 1] DoorDash and drone company Wing have launched Charlotte’s first drone-based food delivery service, starting at the Arboretum Shopping Center. Residents within a 4-mile radius can now have small orders flown directly to their homes. The drones, capable of flying up to 65 mph in light rain and wind, aim to reduce traffic and speed up delivery times. While not a replacement for human drivers, DoorDash says the technology will allow drivers to focus on more complex deliveries. Drone food delivery is also expanding in Holly Springs and Raeford, signaling broader adoption across North Carolina.

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Permitless Concealed Carry Bill Advances in NC House, Faces Likely Veto

[Carolina Journal] North Carolina’s controversial “Freedom to Carry NC Act” (Senate Bill 50) narrowly passed a House Judiciary Committee vote, bringing the state closer to allowing permitless concealed carry for adults 18 and older. If passed, NC would become the 30th state with so-called “constitutional carry.” While Republicans support the bill, Democrats—including Wilmington’s Rep. Deb Butler—voiced strong opposition, citing safety concerns and recent mass shootings. Governor Josh Stein has already signaled a likely veto, setting up a potential override showdown in the coming weeks.

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News Roundup

Local News

• New Hanover County is conducting mosquito spraying this week to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The spraying will occur during the evening hours, weather permitting.
  WECT

• Wilmington city staff recommends restoring the historic Kenan Fountain rather than removing or relocating it. The proposed plan includes structural repairs and improvements to lighting and plumbing.
  WWAY

What You Should Know

• Tomatoes recalled in the Carolinas and Georgia now pose a potentially fatal risk, according to the FDA, which warns the contaminated produce may carry a strain of Salmonella linked to severe illness or death. Customers are urged to dispose of the tomatoes immediately.
  WBTV

• A Florida weatherman warned he won't be able to reliably forecast hurricanes this summer due to federal budget cuts that have limited access to key satellite data and modeling tools. The concern comes ahead of what's expected to be an above-average hurricane season.
  Mediaite

• Two Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling a dangerous fungus into the U.S., raising concerns over potential agroterrorism. Yunqing Jian, a research fellow at the University of Michigan, and her partner, Zunyong Liu, allegedly brought Fusarium graminearum—a pathogen harmful to crops and livestock—into the country without proper authorization. The fungus, considered a potential agroterrorism weapon, was intended for study at a university lab lacking necessary federal permits.
  The Times

What Might Surprise You

• A Texas bill would require warning labels on foods with ingredients banned or flagged abroad, such as Skittles and Mountain Dew. Senate Bill 25, backed by RFK Jr., targets over 40 additives including synthetic dyes and bleached flour, and could influence food labeling nationwide as companies adapt for Texas’ massive market.
  MSN

Wednesday

Thursday