HI WILMINGTON» I THOUGHT I HAD SCHEDULED THIS MESSAGE TO SEND AT 10:30 AM THIS MORNING. SORRY YOU ARE RECEIVING IT NOW!!

TO ALL THE MOTHERS: HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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We talk a lot about what makes Wilmington great—but we also have to talk about what needs fixing. This week, a “C” grade for New Hanover’s top hospital has locals demanding better care and accountability.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Novant gets a C

• Tillis breaks with Trump

Leapfrog Gives Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center a C Grade as Petition Demands Better Care

[SOURCE] Leapfrog’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades reveal that Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington received a “C” with a safety score of 0.714 — slightly worse than the national average of 0.719 and far behind the safest hospitals, which scored 0.000. Meanwhile, Novant’s Brunswick Medical Center earned an “A.” The score reflects persistent issues over a five-year period, including MRSA infections — dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria often spread through poor hand hygiene.

Frustrated by the low rating and a 2-star Medicare score, residents are rallying for change. A petition on Change.org demanding higher standards has already gathered over 1,850 verified signatures. Organizers stress that these ratings reflect real harm, not just statistics.

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Tillis Breaks With Trump Over Controversial U.S. Attorney Nominee for D.C.

[Roll Call] Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has announced he won’t support President Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., Ed Martin—citing Martin’s defense of Jan. 6 defendants and concern over future attacks on the Capitol. Martin, who served as acting U.S. attorney, faces mounting opposition from Democrats and now uncertainty among Republicans, including key figures like Sen. Chuck Grassley. Trump remains vocal in his support, calling the nomination “imperative.” But the nomination may stall in committee following Tillis' statement, with even some GOP lawmakers suggesting the process is finished.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local News

• The first day of REAL ID checks at Wilmington International Airport went smoothly, with most passengers prepared and TSA agents exercising some flexibility for those who weren’t. WECT

What You Should Know

• Pakistan's defense minister warned that nuclear war could break out “at any time” as tensions escalate with India following recent missile strikes. The Sun

• American Robert Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV, making history as the first U.S. citizen to lead the Catholic Church. AP News

What Might Surprise You

• Amazon has revealed new AI-powered robots that could revolutionize warehouse work, including machines capable of picking up items and navigating autonomously. Mirror

• A secretive UK government agency is researching ways to dim the sun as a radical approach to mitigating climate change, stirring controversy among scientists. The Telegraph

• U.S. Life Expectancy Study Shows Southerners Barely Living Any Longer Than Those Born In 1900, pointing to deepening regional disparities tied to income and healthcare access. Study Finds

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