Good morning Wilmington!

Took the dogs out this morning and saw what I thought was smoke. Turns out, it was just springtime in Wilmington—pollen season has arrived!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• From Wilmington to the Ocean: How UNCW is Saving Coral Reefs

• Career Opportunities at CFCC’s Construction Trade and Apprenticeship Fair

From Wilmington to the Ocean: How UNCW is Saving Coral Reefs

[UNCW] UNCW’s Center for Marine Science is making strides in coral reef research, despite being far from a natural reef. Faculty and students are studying coral reproduction, sea sponges, and environmental stressors affecting reefs worldwide. Recent funding, including a $1.5 million grant from CORDAP, supports groundbreaking projects such as genetic modifications to improve coral resilience and probiotic treatments for coral disease. UNCW’s interdisciplinary approach, with experts in biology, chemistry, and even history, is solidifying its reputation as a leader in coral research.

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Explore Career Opportunities at CFCC’s Construction Trade and Apprenticeship Fair on March 25

[CFCC] Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) will host a Construction Trade and Apprenticeship Career Fair on March 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the NA Building on CFCC’s North Campus in Castle Hayne. The event will feature over 40 local trade companies, such as Bateman Civil Survey Company, Brady Services, and Thomas Construction. Attendees can meet hiring managers, learn about job and internship opportunities, and explore CFCC’s construction trade programs. Representatives from CFCC’s Career Resource Center will also be available.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local

• A new NC bill seeks to increase transparency in hospital pricing by requiring more public reporting on hospital charges and ensuring price guarantees for patients. Supporters argue it will help patients make informed healthcare decisions. NC Newsline

• A North Carolina House committee has advanced a bill to raise property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, increasing financial relief for those who have served. The proposal aims to ease housing costs for affected veterans and their families. NC Newsline

Western North Carolina

• Communities in Western North Carolina face ongoing challenges reopening after severe weather and infrastructure issues. Officials are working on recovery efforts, but road damage and power outages have slowed progress. Spectrum News

What You Need to Know

• A House Democrat has called for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down, citing concerns about party leadership and direction. The push for change highlights tensions within the Democratic Party. Axios

• Heavy Police Presence at CIA Due to Armed Suspect: A significant police and SWAT response was initiated at the CIA headquarters after reports of an armed man at one of the entry gates. The incident led to road closures and heightened security measures in the area. The suspect was taken into custody without any shots fired. The Sun

What Might Surprise You

• Hackers targeting Elon Musk and Tesla have leaked names and addresses of Tesla owners in the U.S., raising concerns about privacy and potential security risks. The attack was reportedly carried out to protest Musk's business practices. Daily Mail

• Florida lawmakers are debating major property tax changes that could significantly impact home prices, particularly in high-demand areas. The proposed tax shifts are sparking debate over affordability and state revenue. Wall Street Journal

National News

• Donald Trump has pulled $175 million in federal funding from the University of Pennsylvania, citing concerns over the institution's handling of free speech and alleged political bias. The decision has sparked backlash from university officials and political figures. Gateway Pundit

Weather

SUMMARY
Wilmington, NC, will experience varied weather over the next three days. Thursday brings rainy and windy conditions with a high of 71°F, transitioning to sunny skies on Friday with a cooler high of 61°F and strong northwest winds. Saturday warms up slightly to 68°F under continued sunny skies with moderate southwest winds. Precipitation is minimal after Thursday, promising clear conditions for outdoor activities.

WEATHER FORECAST
Thu Mar 20: PM Rain/Wind | 71° / 45° | 66% | SSW 22 mph
Fri Mar 21: Sunny | 61° / 48° | 0% | NW 19 mph
Sat Mar 22: Sunny | 68° / 49° | 3% | SW 16 mph

TIDE FORECAST
Thu Mar 20:
12:07pm: 2.87 ft (High Tide)
5:47pm: 0.51 ft (Low Tide)

Fri Mar 21:
12:41am: 3.59 ft (High Tide)
6:56am: 0.80 ft (Low Tide)
12:50pm: 2.76 ft (High Tide)
6:48pm: 0.63 ft (Low Tide)

Sat Mar 22:
1:29am: 3.56 ft (High Tide)
8:09am: 0.83 ft (Low Tide)
1:39pm: 2.72 ft (High Tide)
8:04pm: 0.61 ft (Low Tide)

SURF FORECAST
Thu Mar 20:
Surf conditions on Thursday will feature 2-3+ ft waves, choppy due to strong SSW to SW winds ranging from 9-24 mph. Swell remains consistent at 2.1-2.4 ft with an 11-12s period from the east. The Critical Slide Hermit board is recommended for these conditions.

Weather data derived from: weather.com, tide data from marineweather.net, and surf data from surfcaptain.com

Thursday

FRIDAY

SATURDAY