Good morning Wilmington-

It’s with sadness that I learned Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic strip, has passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. I have always enjoyed the antics of Dilbert and his co-workers. I also learned a great deal from Adam’s perspectives and methods of reframing. Perhaps what I’ll miss most is Scott’s Simultaneous Sip where he shares the pleasure of a sip of your favorite morning beverage with you during his live feed.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• ‘RJ Decker’ Among Film Projects Bringing Millions to NC Economy

• UNCW Researchers Pioneer New Methods to Study Sea Turtles

‘RJ Decker’ Among Film Projects Bringing Millions to NC Economy

WECT North Carolina officials announced new Film and Entertainment Grant awards for TV and movie projects that will generate more than 4,900 jobs and over $113 million in spending statewide. Locally, the first season of the Wilmington-filmed series RJ Decker received up to $11.6 million, with filming underway in New Hanover County. State leaders say the grants help strengthen North Carolina’s reputation as a top destination for film and television production.
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UNCW Researchers Pioneer New Methods to Study Sea Turtle Physiology and Age

UNCW Graduate researchers at UNCW are advancing sea turtle conservation through innovative studies of physiology and age. Caroline VanDuzer is exploring how rising ocean temperatures impact diving and migration in juvenile Kemp’s ridley and green turtles, while Jamie Clark is developing cutting-edge techniques to accurately determine the age of living and stranded turtles. Their work provides vital insights for monitoring population health, understanding climate change impacts, and informing conservation strategies for threatened and endangered sea turtles.

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News Roundup

Local News

Ben & Jerry’s is opening a new location at Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington. The Vermont ice cream company will be located at 951 International Drive, though an official opening date has not yet been announced. WWAY

Wilmington’s Girls with Dough has earned national recognition after being selected to appear on the YouTube series “America’s Best Restaurants.” The pizzeria, which opened in 2021 after owner Tammy Tilghman overcame a brain tumor and pandemic setbacks, is being spotlighted for its food, teamwork, and inspiring story. WECT

What You Should Know

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over whether he misled Congress about a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s Washington headquarters, escalating President Trump’s long-running pressure campaign against him. Powell has called the inquiry “unprecedented,” warning it threatens the Fed’s independence as prosecutors review his statements and spending records amid ongoing political tensions over interest rate policy. The New York Times

Russian state media figures have escalated rhetoric by threatening NATO and suggesting Moscow could support Donald Trump in a bid to seize Greenland, fueling renewed World War III fears. The comments come as Russia’s war in Ukraine drags into a fourth year with heavy losses and limited gains, alongside Kremlin-backed attacks on British leaders and renewed tensions with Western allies. The Express

National News

Scott Adams, the creator of the long-running “Dilbert” comic strip, has died at 68 after battling metastatic prostate cancer. Adams, who later became a prominent conservative commentator and podcaster, saw his comic dropped by U.S. newspapers in 2023 over controversial remarks before relaunching it online as “Dilbert Reborn.”
Variety

MLK Day Parade Returns to Downtown Wilmington in 2026

StarNews Online Wilmington will once again celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the return of its annual downtown parade, marking a major highlight of the 2026 observance. The parade, canceled last year due to security concerns tied to the presidential inauguration, will step off at 11 a.m. on Third Street and feature bands, churches, youth groups, and community organizations. Wilmington native and former WNBA player Tamara “Ty” Young will serve as grand marshal, alongside additional community events honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
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