Good morning Wilmington!

Sun on your face, surf in your ears, mint julep in hand — this Saturday, Wilmington's got it all. Ocean Fest is in full swing in Surf City, Anna’s Concert kicks off a full day of music for a cause, and the Derby gives you one more reason to wear a ridiculous hat. Sunday? Might be a washout, so let’s make the most of Saturday.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC State Auditor Dave Boliek Pushes for More Oversight

• NC DMV to Spend $1.2M on Plan to Improve Customer Service

NC State Auditor Dave Boliek Pushes for More Oversight and Efficiency Measures

[WECT] Dave Boliek, now over 110 days into his term as North Carolina’s State Auditor, is pushing for greater government accountability through the proposed DAVE Act. The bill would expand the auditor’s power to track spending and review job vacancies in state agencies, aiming to improve efficiency. Boliek also discussed the recent court ruling blocking an attempt to transfer Board of Elections control to his office, emphasizing he’s committed to serving wherever needed.

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NC DMV to Spend $1.2M on Plan to Improve Customer Service and Employee Retention

[WUNC] The NC Department of Transportation will pay Boston Consulting Group $1.2 million to create a roadmap for improving customer service and employee retention at the Division of Motor Vehicles. The project, expected to wrap up by July, will assess services like license renewals and appointment systems, and recommend action steps. This follows a 2019 $2.9 million effort that led to modest improvements but ongoing challenges. DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin plans to step down once a successor is found.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo has announced he will run for re-election, seeking a record-breaking tenth term after nearly two decades in office. Saffo emphasized ongoing projects like affordable housing and downtown revitalization. WECT

What You Should Know

• Rep. Mike Waltz is reportedly being considered for U.N. ambassador under a potential second Trump administration, while Sen. Marco Rubio may be tapped to lead the National Security Council. These moves signal a more assertive foreign policy direction. The Hill

• Donald Trump will celebrate his 79th birthday with a military parade, with plans reportedly underway for a public show of force reminiscent of his 2019 July 4 event. The parade could serve as a campaign rallying point ahead of the Republican convention. AP News

What Might Surprise You

• Harvard University is facing calls to lose its tax-exempt status if it reinstates pro-Palestinian student groups, according to a letter endorsed by Trump. The move highlights ongoing political tensions over free speech and campus activism. Wall Street Journal

• Man in critical condition after plunging from stands at Pirates game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The incident is said to be accidental in nature. Hope he pulls through. NBC News

To-Do!

✅ Make a trip to the Pig! Piggly Wiggly is selling Whole Boneless Beef Butt Tenderloin for $12.99/lb.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY