Good morning Wilmington!

From the garden to the galaxy to the racetrack, this week delivers a little of everything: May Day traditions, May the 4th fandom, Cinco de Mayo flavor, and Kentucky Derby flair. In other words? It's a good week to say yes to plans.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• 5 of 6 UNC International Students Win Back Visas After Revocations

• NC State Parks to Raise Camping and Entrance Fees Starting Tomorrow

5 of 6 UNC International Students Win Back Visas After Revocations

[ABC11] Five of six UNC international students who recently had their visas revoked are having them reinstated, following swift campus advocacy and legal scrutiny. Student leaders called the original cancellations unfair, with minor infractions like speeding tickets cited. Although the reversal brings relief, immigration experts warn that risks remain for international students. Leaders across UNC, Duke, and Wake Forest are pushing back against government overreach that threatens student rights.

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NC State Parks to Raise Camping and Entrance Fees Starting Tomorrow

[NC Parks] Starting May 1, 2025, visitors to North Carolina’s state parks will see increased fees for campsites, entrance passes, and marina rentals. Tent sites will range from $20-$30, and RV sites with hookups will be $45. Vehicle entrance fees at Falls, Jordan, and Kerr Lakes will rise to $10, though seniors, veterans, and active-duty military will pay just $5. Annual passes are also getting more expensive, with full-access passes reaching up to $200. The changes are intended to reflect rising maintenance costs.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Wrightsville Beach is getting safer for cyclists and pedestrians as bike lanes, crosswalks, and stormwater upgrades are completed. The improvements come after two years of planning and construction and are part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure and sustainability. WECT

• ​A 20-year-old has been charged for not having a kill switch after a boating accident near Masonboro Inlet left three people injured. The incident occurred when the driver lost control of the skiff after hitting a wake, ejecting all occupants into the water. Authorities emphasize the importance of using engine cut-off switches to prevent such accidents. ​WECT

• ​Brunswick County Schools has suspended a bus driver following allegations of threatening behavior towards students. Parents reported that the driver made alarming comments and drove off the road to scare children, prompting an investigation by the school district and local authorities. ​WECT

What You Should Know

• Virginia Giuffre’s father is calling for a full investigation into her recent death, rejecting claims that she died by suicide. He’s demanding answers and transparency, reigniting public interest in the Epstein-related case. The Gateway Pundit

• Trump Marks 100 Days in Office - Speaking at Rally in Macomb County, Michigan. C-SPAN

• China’s exports to the U.S. have dropped sharply, falling by nearly 20% in the first quarter of 2025. Analysts cite shifting supply chains, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions as key drivers of the decline. CBS News

What Might Surprise You

• Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that would effectively ban fluoride in public water systems, making it the second state to do so if signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. SB 700, the so-called "Florida Farm Bill," doesn't mention fluoride by name but prohibits certain additives in water systems. NBC

• A student rescued from Mt. Fuji attempted to climb back up after forgetting his phone—and had to be rescued again. The incident has sparked a wave of online reactions about the lengths people go to for their devices. Xataka On

Wednesday

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