The federal government is flipping the food pyramid (literally). Released this week, the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines focus on whole foods, healthy fats, protein, and vegetables while limiting sugar and processed foods—aiming to combat diet-driven chronic disease across the nation.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• North Carolina Receives an ‘F’ for Education Funding

• Chick-fil-A Shipyard Celebrates Grand Opening

Report Gives North Carolina an ‘F’ for Education Funding Despite Strong Economy

WECT North Carolina received failing grades for education funding in the Education Law Center’s 2025 Making the Grade report, ranking near the bottom nationally in both per-student spending and funding effort despite its strong economy. The state spends just over $12,000 per student compared to a national average of nearly $18,000, forcing school leaders to make difficult choices on staffing and services. Education advocates warn that outdated funding formulas and underinvestment could have long-term consequences for students statewide.
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Chick-fil-A Shipyard Celebrates Grand Opening with Free Meals and Community Giving

WWAY A new Chick-fil-A location opens today at 604 Shipyard Blvd in Wilmington, inviting guests to celebrate by dressing in cow spots to receive a free entrée or kids’ meal. Operated by North Carolina native Bennett Goss, the restaurant will create 90 jobs and mark its debut with a $25,000 donation to Feeding America, along with participation in the Shared Table program to fight local hunger.
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News Roundup

Local News

Wrightsville Beach is moving forward with a $105 million project to replace three aging bridges in partnership with NCDOT. The project, expected to begin in spring 2028, will rebuild the Causeway Drive and West Salisbury Street bridges to improve safety and pedestrian access, while a newly formed Bridge Replacement Committee will gather public input and help guide planning and traffic management. WECT

Satellite Bar and Lounge in Wilmington has reopened one week after a fatal incident in its parking lot. The bar resumed service as the mother of victim Alec Chambers met with patrons, while the driver accused in the crash faces felony death by vehicle and DWI charges and community members continue to honor Chambers’ memory. WWAY

What You Should Know

U.S. forces have seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic as part of enforcement of sanctions on vessels linked to Venezuela and illicit oil shipments. The tanker, previously known as Bella 1 and tracked for weeks after refusing a U.S. boarding attempt, was taken under control under a U.S. federal warrant amid broader efforts to disrupt sanctions-evasion networks involving oil transport. Reuters

ICE agents fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis after she allegedly attempted to drive her car at them, an action DHS officials labeled as “domestic terrorism.” Local leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, disputed that characterization, calling the federal narrative misleading, while the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the incident. CNBC

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