Good morning Wilmington!

With March in full swing, it’s time to prep your garden for the growing season. If you're in Zone 8, this weekend is perfect for:

• Planting cool-season veggies like lettuce, spinach, and carrots.

• Starting warm-season crops (like tomatoes and peppers) indoors.

• Dividing perennials and refreshing mulch to keep weeds at bay.

• Checking for pests as the weather warms up.

Here's a handy guide to help you plan. Happy planting! 🌿

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC Eyes Crypto ETFs for Pension Fund

• GSA Cuts Wilmington Leases, Saves $324K Annually

NC Senate Targets AG Jackson's Legal Powers

[WUNC] The state Senate is advancing a bill that would bar NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson from joining or initiating legal challenges related to presidential executive orders. The measure comes after Jackson filed lawsuits against President Trump’s orders on birthright citizenship and federal grant funding, actions defended by some Democrats but criticized by Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones and other GOP senators argue that Jackson and other statewide officials have too much power, while Democrats warn that restricting his legal recourse undermines checks and balances. The bill now awaits further Senate review.

Read More »

GSA Cuts Wilmington Leases, Saves $324K Annually

[Star News] The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is terminating leases on two Wilmington properties—the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at 3340 Jaeckle Dr. and a former Army Corps of Engineers warehouse at 68 Darlington Ave.—as part of a federal cost-saving initiative. The move is expected to save about $323,612 annually, with the IRS center alone saving approximately $239,678 per year. This decision is part of a broader strategy to optimize the federal footprint and reduce operating expenses nationwide, contributing to overall federal savings estimated at $105 billion through various cutbacks.

Read More »

News Roundup

LOCAL

• A Wilmington woman employed by USAID voiced concerns over a funding freeze affecting her work, highlighting the broader implications for humanitarian aid programs amid budget uncertainties. WECT News

• The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced a pause in federal funding for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project, with costs now escalating to an estimated $1.1 billion, raising questions about future infrastructure priorities. WECT News

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Lawmakers are debating a controversial policy shift that could reshape national security frameworks, though details are inconclusive and require further scrutiny. The Hill

• President Trump has issued an order to shut down the Department of Education, sparking intense political debate over the future of federal education oversight and state autonomy. CNN

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• Archaeologists uncovered an ancient skeleton in a remote cave, offering potential insights into early human history, though the discovery’s full significance remains under investigation. Daily Star

• A new film, UFO: Age of Disclosure, explores the growing public fascination with extraterrestrial life, featuring interviews that delve into both skepticism and belief surrounding UFO phenomena. The Hollywood Reporter

NATIONAL

• Representative Pete Sessions is set to introduce the Make Elections Secure Act, aiming to bolster election integrity, though the proposal has already stirred partisan reactions. The Gateway Pundit

WORLD

• China has increased its defense spending by 7.2%, signaling readiness for potential conflict with the U.S., as tensions escalate over global influence and military posturing. The Telegraph

• Growing calls in Germany to reinstate military service reflect rising concerns over national defense, though public and political support for the move remains divided. Barron’s

Weather

Summary

Over the next three days in Wilmington, NC, starting today, March 6th, expect varied weather. Today brings mostly cloudy skies with a chance of showers, mild temperatures around 64°F, and breezy northeast winds. Friday, March 7th, shifts to partly sunny skies with a slight chance of showers, cooler highs near 60°F, and steady north winds. Saturday, March 8th, promises mostly sunny conditions, highs around 58°F, and lighter northwest winds, offering the clearest day for outdoor plans like surfing or beach walks.

Weather Forecast

• Thu 06: Mostly Cloudy, Chance of Showers | 64° / 48° | 40% | NE 10-15 mph

• Fri 07: Partly Sunny, Slight Chance of Showers | 60° / 42° | 20% | N 10-15 mph

• Sat 08: Mostly Sunny | 58° / 38° | 10% | NW 5-10 mph

Tide Forecast

Thu 06

• 4:19 AM: 4.2 ft (High Tide)

• 10:41 AM: -0.2 ft (Low Tide)

• 4:43 PM: 3.5 ft (High Tide)

• 10:59 PM: -0.4 ft (Low Tide)

Fri 07

• 5:09 AM: 4.3 ft (High Tide)

• 11:31 AM: -0.3 ft (Low Tide)

• 5:33 PM: 3.6 ft (High Tide)

• 11:49 PM: -0.5 ft (Low Tide)

Sat 08

• 5:59 AM: 4.4 ft (High Tide)

• 12:21 PM: -0.4 ft (Low Tide)

• 6:23 PM: 3.7 ft (High Tide)

Surf Forecast

• Thu 06: 2-3 ft waves, E swell, NE wind 10-15 mph, fair, choppy conditions

• Fri 07: 2-4 ft waves, NE swell, N wind 10-15 mph, good, cleaner waves

• Sat 08: 1-3 ft waves, E swell, NW wind 5-10 mph, fair-good, smooth early

Thursday

FRIDAY