Good morning Wilmington!

The skies are clearing and your weekend just got an upgrade. We've got sunshine, outdoor events — and even free mulch. Seriously. Wilmington’s giving it away this Friday at Legion Stadium. Details below.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• EOG Testing Halted in New Hanover County

• nCino Announces Layoffs

Superintendent Puts Students First as EOG Testing Halted in New Hanover County

[WECT] New Hanover County Schools suspended End-of-Grade testing on Wednesday due to software issues from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The glitch, which affected students statewide, made it impossible for local students in grades 3 through 12 to continue testing. Superintendent Christopher Barnes made the call to halt testing for the day, citing student well-being and a desire to avoid added stress. While some districts resumed testing, NHCS chose to prioritize a supportive environment over a rushed restart.

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Wilmington-Based nCino Announces Layoffs Affecting 7% of Global Workforce

[Wilmington Biz] Wilmington-based fintech firm nCino announced Tuesday it will lay off approximately 7% of its global workforce as part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and drive innovation. The company employs around 700 people locally and 1,833 worldwide. This is the second 7% workforce reduction since early 2023. The news comes on the heels of several major acquisitions and a leadership change earlier this year. It remains unclear how many Wilmington-based employees will be affected.

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News Roundup

Local News

• New Hanover County man arrested on human trafficking charges
  A Porters Neck man was arrested on multiple serious charges including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. Authorities also charged him with obstruction of justice and possession of a firearm by a felon. WECT

• Ashley women’s soccer advances to 3rd straight state title game
  Ashley High defeated Millbrook 2-0 to reach their third consecutive 4A state championship match. Kieran Bradley and Savannah Manset scored, and keeper Morgan Tucker secured a clean sheet despite stormy conditions. WECT

• Over 17,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged into Cape Fear River
  Brunswick County Public Utilities reported a major overflow event, discharging over 17,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into the Cape Fear River. The discharge occurred after hours on May 27, with crews working into the morning to contain the issue. WECT

What You Should Know

• U.S. and Russia clash publicly as Ukraine war intensifies
  As the war in Ukraine escalates, tensions between the U.S. and Russia spilled over into a public war of words, with each side accusing the other of prolonging the conflict. The diplomatic breakdown underscores growing global anxiety over the war’s trajectory. MSN

• Elon Musk exits Trump administration after criticizing 'big beautiful bill'
  Elon Musk resigned from his government post overseeing efficiency efforts, calling Trump’s sweeping new legislation fiscally irresponsible. His departure marks a public split from the administration over budget priorities. Associated Press

What Might Surprise You

• Dawn Richard denies shocking claims from Day26's Que
  R&B artist Dawn Richard strongly denied accusations from Day26 member Que, who alleged she and Diddy tried to drug him. Richard called the claims fabricated and dangerous. Urban Hollywood 411

• Delta flight descends into chaos as pigeons fly loose in cabin
  Passengers on a Delta flight were stunned when two pigeons began flying inside the main cabin shortly after boarding. The flight crew eventually guided the birds out before takeoff. NBC News

• Secret Service officers suspended after brawl outside Obama’s D.C. home
  Two Secret Service officers were caught on camera in a physical altercation just outside former President Obama’s home. Both were suspended pending an internal investigation. New York Post

World News

• A massive landslide triggered by a glacier collapse has buried 90% of the Swiss village of Blatten, according to officials. The glacier broke apart in the Swiss Alps on Wednesday, sending ice and rock cascading downhill; fortunately, the village had been evacuated earlier this month due to known risk. Jerusalem Post

Thursday

FRIDAY