Good morning Wilmington!

Each fall, a group of local legends put down their razors and pick up a cause — growing mustaches to raise money for kids across the Cape Fear region. Mustaches for Kids Wilmington has supported over a dozen nonprofits, from Make-A-Wish and The Children’s Museum to The Miracle League and Ocean Cure. This year, they’re chasing a milestone: $1 million raised for local children’s charities.

Want to get involved? You can donate, join the challenge, or just come cheer on the growers as they sport their finest fuzz all month long.

👉 Learn more or sign up here.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• North Carolina Insurance Companies Seek 68% Increase

• Home Depot: Path to Pro

North Carolina Insurance Companies Seek 68% Increase in Dwelling Policies

North Carolina Department of Insurance The North Carolina Rate Bureau has requested a 68.3% increase in dwelling insurance rates over two years, starting July 1, 2026, with an average first-year increase of 28.3%. Proposed changes adjust coverage for fire, extended protection, windstorm and hail, and mobile homes. If approved by the state Department of Insurance, the new rates would apply to all new and renewal dwelling policies across the state.

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Path to Pro: Home Depot’s Push to Train the Next Generation of Tradespeople

Path to Pro is The Home Depot’s nationwide initiative to close the skilled trades gap by training and connecting people to careers in home improvement and construction. Through partnerships with organizations like the Home Builders Institute and Atlanta Technical College, the program has already trained over 60,000 people—surpassing its original goals years ahead of schedule. With nearly 400,000 open trade positions across the U.S., Path to Pro offers certifications, advanced training, and a networking platform to help workers and employers build better futures together.

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News Roundup

Local News

New Hanover County will host events throughout November to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and Coup d’état. The observances aim to honor the victims and reflect on the lasting impact of the violent overthrow that reshaped Wilmington’s history. WECT

Governor Josh Stein highlighted North Carolina’s Medical Debt Relief Program, which has erased over $6.5 billion in medical debt for more than 2.5 million residents. The initiative, launched in 2024, partners with hospitals and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to relieve and prevent medical debt, easing financial and emotional strain on low-income families. WECT

Cape Fear Community College will host a Financial Aid and FAFSA Night on Nov. 18 to help students and families complete the FAFSA form. Attendees will receive personalized guidance, document preparation support, and information on scholarship opportunities during the free event. WECT

What You Should Know

The FAA will reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 major U.S. markets starting Friday to maintain safety amid staffing shortages and fatigue among unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. The move could affect thousands of flights nationwide, with no timeline for when restrictions will be lifted as the agency works to prevent a potential crisis. Associated Press

What Might Surprise You

Pope Leo XIV condemned the U.S. policy of mass deportation and urged “deep reflection” on how migrants are treated, marking some of his strongest criticism yet of President Trump’s administration. The first American-born pope also warned that U.S. bombings of Venezuelan ships risk escalating regional tensions and reaffirmed that Christians will be judged by how they welcome foreigners. BBC News

Surf City Rocks the Coast with Beach Boys, Josh Turner & More This Weekend

WECT Surf City’s biggest weekend of the year is almost here! The Surf City Live NC Music Festival returns Nov. 7–8, featuring performances by The Beach Boys, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, and Paige King Johnson. Alongside the live music, guests can enjoy a variety of local food trucks and good coastal vibes. The event celebrates Surf City’s growing music scene and draws fans from across the region to the waterfront.

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Today

Friday

Saturday

✅ Domino’s customers can get a large 1-topping pizza for $6.70 by using the promo code 67