Good morning Wilmington!

Art, mystery, and meaning — it’s all happening this week in Wilmington. Let’s dive in.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• How North Carolina's $10B Pork Industry Faces New Threats

• NC House Bill 774 Pushes for Universal School Breakfast and Farm-to-Table Meals

Tariff Tensions: How North Carolina's $10B Pork Industry Faces New Threats

[Carolina Journal] North Carolina, a top-three pork producer in the U.S., is bracing for the financial impact of escalating tariffs amid ongoing trade wars. With more than $10 billion in annual economic contribution, the state's pork industry — largely composed of family farms — could see export markets shrink and equipment costs rise. Leaders are cautiously hopeful for better trade negotiations but warn of long-term risks if U.S. pork loses ground to global competitors.

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NC House Bill 774 Pushes for Universal School Breakfast and Farm-to-Table Meals

[WWAYTV] A proposed North Carolina bill could make breakfast free for every public school student, Pre-K through 12th grade. Advocates gathered in Wilmington to discuss the potential impact of House Bill 774, which also promotes partnerships with local farmers through a "Farm-to-Table" initiative. Supporters stress the connection between hunger and learning, pushing for better student outcomes and family relief.

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News Roundup

Local News

• The City of Wilmington is trying a new environmentally friendly method to fight algae blooms at Greenfield Lake. Officials are using "beneficial bacteria" pellets to break down excess nutrients and help improve water quality without chemicals. WECT

• A New Hanover County School Board member has filed a motion to censure fellow board member Pat Bradford Barnhart. The move follows concerns over Barnhart’s alleged behavior on social media and during public meetings. WWAY

You Should Know

• The FBI’s arrest of a Milwaukee judge is raising concerns about judicial interference in immigration cases. The charges involve tipping off individuals targeted for ICE raids, a rare case of alleged judicial misconduct. NBC News

• Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, unveiled an affordable electric truck that can transform into a small SUV, starting at around $20,000 after federal incentives. The truck, called the Slate Truck, is designed and assembled in the U.S. and emphasizes simplicity over luxury. NBC News

• Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent accusers, has died by suicide at age 41 in Western Australia, her family announced. Reuters

Monday

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