TOGETHER WITH

Get ready for some stormy weather. Forecasters are tracking a coastal low that could bring gusty winds, rain, and possible flooding to parts of the North Carolina coast this weekend. While Wilmington’s exact impacts remain uncertain, now’s a good time to keep an eye on the forecast and plan ahead — especially if you’re heading toward the Outer Banks.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• UNC Football in Turmoil

• UNCW Introduces Reservation System for Campus Spirit Rocks

UNC Football in Turmoil: Players, Parents Cite Coaching Chaos Under Belichick

WRAL
UNC football is experiencing turmoil under Bill Belichick, with players and parents citing a divided locker room, inexperienced coaching staff, and poor communication as reasons for the team’s poor performance. Since Belichick’s arrival, preferential treatment of transfers and internal discord have fueled tension, while some parents report no direct contact with coaches. Despite Belichick’s NFL pedigree, critics question his ability to manage a college program, noting nepotism and a lack of structure. The Tar Heels have struggled on the field, ranking near the bottom nationally, and losses like a 38-10 defeat to Clemson highlight the program’s ongoing challenges.

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Young Aspiring Climbers now booking for fall!

This 6-week course will teach your child the basics of climbing, with plenty of climbing time, climbing games, and personal coaching from our highly-trained and enthusiastic staff.

YAC classes for youth between the ages of 6-9 are offered on Monday evenings with two different timeslots available. Classes for ages 10 to 13 are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Learn More »

UNCW Introduces Reservation System for Campus Spirit Rocks

WWAY — UNCW is launching a structured reservation system for its campus spirit rocks, restoring access to these iconic spaces while supporting freedom of expression. Students and community members can reserve rocks via the Campus Reservation System using university credentials, with a strict 24-hour limit for messages. The update also aligns with the university’s Freedom of Expression policies and encourages civility through the Seahawk Respect Compact, ensuring consistent and respectful use of campus expression spaces.

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News Roundup

Local News

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after a barge pushed by a tugboat struck a private dock Tuesday morning in the Intracoastal Waterway near Bolivia, leaving debris in the water but causing no injuries. Residents remain concerned about safety as the debris has yet to be cleared. WWAY

What You Should Know

Thousands of Israelis filled Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square in emotional celebration after news broke of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, marking what many hope is the beginning of the end to the two-year war. The agreement—brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar—could free the remaining captives within days. Yahoo News UK

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has been arrested for allegedly starting the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, which burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and killed 12 people; investigators say he used ChatGPT to generate images of a city on fire prior to the blaze. Surveillance footage and phone data place him at the ignition site moments before the fire began. RAWs Alerts

Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress in 2020 about authorizing leaks to reporters, a case pursued at the request of former President Donald Trump; Comey’s attorneys plan to challenge the prosecution and accuse the government of misconduct. A trial is tentatively set for January 5, 2026. The Independent

What Might Surprise You

Gold remains above $4,000 an ounce while silver hits a record $50, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of U.S. rate cuts, and strong investor demand, continuing a historic safe-haven rally. Reuters

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