Good morning Wilmington!

A polar vortex may bring some raw winter weather to our area later this week. While details are still coming into focus, keep an eye out for sharply colder temperatures and the potential for ice heading into the weekend.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Imported Crab Could Be Blocked as NOAA Enforces New Seafood Rules

• Court Orders FEMA to Release Emergency Preparedness Funds to NC and 11 States

Imported Crab Could Be Blocked as NOAA Enforces New Seafood Rules

National Fisherman — New federal seafood rules could significantly impact crab markets affecting coastal communities tied to ports like Wilmington and across North Carolina. NOAA Fisheries will begin blocking seafood imports from countries that fail to meet U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act standards started Jan. 1, 2025. While seafood industry groups warn of shortages, North Carolina crab businesses say limits on imported crab could ultimately benefit U.S. fishermen by easing unfair competition and raising dockside prices. The dispute highlights growing tension between domestic harvesters, processors, and global seafood suppliers.

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Court Orders FEMA to Release Emergency Preparedness Funds to NC and 11 States

WUNC North Carolina and 11 other states have won a federal lawsuit against FEMA, restoring millions in emergency preparedness funding the Trump administration had withheld. The court ruled FEMA unlawfully imposed new conditions on congressionally approved grants, including immigration-related certifications. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson said the decision will return $17 million critical for hurricane response, disaster readiness, emergency management staffing, and law enforcement support, ensuring the state is better prepared for future crises.

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News Roundup

Local News

North Carolina State Parks are conducting a prescribed burn near the Fort Fisher aquarium in New Hanover County to support forest and wildlife management and reduce wildfire risk. Officials say residents may see smoke, fire, helicopters, forestry crews, and temporary closures of parking areas and bike trails during the burn, which began at 2 p.m. on Jan. 20. WECT

What Might Surprise You

AI-powered humanoid “RoboCops” are being deployed in Chinese cities to manage traffic and enforce basic road safety rules. The robots, equipped with cameras, voice systems, and AI algorithms, can identify violations, issue warnings, monitor roads in real time, and operate around the clock, reflecting China’s broader push to integrate embodied AI into everyday urban management. Xinhua (People’s Daily Online)

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