Good morning Wilmington!

We're fortunate to have the UNC System, which continues to prioritize affordability for students across North Carolina. For the ninth year in a row, in-state tuition is staying the same—a rare win for students and families. Read more here.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• UNC Tuition Freeze Continues for Ninth Year

• Surf’s Up Mini Golf Arrives in Carolina Beach

UNC Tuition Freeze Continues for Ninth Year

[ABC 11] The University of North Carolina System will keep in-state tuition frozen for the ninth consecutive year, ensuring that North Carolina residents enjoy consistent, affordable higher education. Since 2016, the UNC Board of Governors has maintained flat tuition rates for resident undergraduates. UNC System President Peter Hans emphasized that a UNC degree is both a valuable investment and accessible. Currently, the average in-state tuition across 12 of 16 UNC schools is $4,553 per year with additional student fees averaging $2,784. The tuition freeze has contributed to a drop in the percentage of graduates with debt, falling from 61% in 2018-19 to less than 50% in 2023-24.

Read More »

Surf’s Up Mini Golf Arrives in Carolina Beach

[WWAY] Construction has begun on the Surf’s Up Mini Golf Course in Carolina Beach, NC, a new family-friendly attraction located on Bridge Barrier Road. This outdoor course features 18 holes, with water hazards on 12 holes and a striking 10-foot waterfall. Visitors will also enjoy a weekly food truck and an on-site tiki bar serving alcoholic beverages. Owner Mike Matsinger says the new venue fills a gap in local entertainment, complementing nearby attractions like the aquarium and Fort Fisher. The course is expected to open by the end of spring.

Read More »

News Roundup

LOCAL

• UNCW faces potential loss of over $600,000 in NIH grants: The University of North Carolina Wilmington could lose significant NIH funding, a situation that has seen little public discussion. (WECT)

• NC Forest Service battles wildfire season amid staff shortage: The North Carolina Forest Service is confronting wildfire season while dealing with a shortage of staff, raising concerns about effective response capabilities. (WECT)

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

• FEMA fires three supervisors following investigation: Following an official investigation, FEMA has terminated three supervisors, though specific details of the investigation remain undisclosed. (Gateway Pundit)

• Free instruments for musicians affected by Helene at Warren Wilson College: Warren Wilson College is providing free instruments to musicians impacted by Helene, supporting the local music community's recovery efforts. (WLOS)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Putin reportedly ready to agree to Ukraine truce with conditions: Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to be prepared to consent to a truce in Ukraine, contingent upon certain conditions, signaling potential shifts in the conflict. (Bloomberg)

• US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say: The CDC is reportedly planning a study to investigate potential links between vaccines and autism, addressing ongoing public concerns. (MSN)

• South Carolina wildfire arrest in Carolina Forest: An individual has been arrested in relation to a wildfire in Carolina Forest, underscoring the challenges of wildfire management in the region. (WCNC)

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• US to cease all future military exercises in Europe, reports: Reports indicate that the United States plans to halt all upcoming military exercises in Europe, a move that could have significant geopolitical implications. (Telegraph)

NATIONAL

• Trump administration cancels $400 million in grants to Columbia: The Trump administration has announced cancellations, though specific details were not provided in the summary. (The Free Press)

• Secret 'Resistant' agreement between blue states and the left revealed: A confidential agreement termed 'Resistant' between blue states and left-leaning groups has been uncovered, shedding light on coordinated political strategies. (Gateway Pundit)

• Kristi Noem says 2 leakers accused of disclosing ICE operations ID'd, put law enforcement lives in jeopardy: Governor Kristi Noem stated that two individuals accused of leaking information about ICE operations have been identified, actions that allegedly endangered law enforcement personnel. (Fox News)

• South Carolina man executed by firing squad, first US prisoner killed this way in 15 years: A South Carolina inmate has been executed by firing squad, marking the first use of this method in the U.S. in 15 years, reigniting debates over capital punishment practices. (WWAY)

• Anger at Elon Musk turns violent with Molotov cocktails and gunfire at Tesla lots: Frustration directed at Elon Musk has escalated to violence, with incidents involving Molotov cocktails and gunfire at Tesla properties. (MSN)

Weather

Forecast

Today: Rain/Wind | 57° / 48° | 96% | NE 23 mph
Tue 11: Sunny | 68° / 47° | 8% | NNW 16 mph
Wed 12: Sunny | 70° / 51° | 4% | SW 13 mph

Tides

Monday, March 10

• 11:55 AM | 0.11 ft | Low Tide

• 5:49 PM | 3.39 ft | High Tide

• 11:54 PM | -0.20 ft | Low Tide

Tuesday, March 11

• 6:18 AM | 4.01 ft | High Tide

• 12:40 PM | 0.00 ft | Low Tide

• 6:35 PM | 3.65 ft | High Tide

Wednesday, March 12

• 12:43 AM | -0.25 ft | Low Tide

• 7:00 AM | 4.06 ft | High Tide

• 1:21 PM | -0.10 ft | Low Tide

• 7:16 PM | 3.87 ft | High Tide

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday