Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️

Today is the perfect excuse to indulge in a classic corned beef and cabbage dinner. And if you really want to take it up a notch, try adding cloves and a brown sugar-mustard glaze—it brings out the rich, savory flavors of the meat and gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

If you’re ready to give it a try, here’s a fantastic recipe to follow: Simply Recipes.

However you’re celebrating, may the luck of the Irish be with you! 🍀

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NHCS Weighs High-Tech Safety Program

• Raleigh Man Faces 20 Years for Attempted Military Tech Sale to China

AI in Schools? NHCS Weighs High-Tech Safety Program

[WHQR] New Hanover County Schools is considering an AI-powered security system to monitor surveillance footage for potential threats like weapons, smoke, or crowd surges. The school board will soon vote on a pilot program funded by a $3.2 million state grant, with AI vendor Eviden already chosen due to a prior decision in Davidson County. Superintendent Christopher Barnes assured that facial recognition would be disabled unless safety demanded otherwise. While some worry about privacy, many administrators support the program as a tool to enhance school security. A town hall on March 18 will provide more details.

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Raleigh Man Faces 20 Years for Attempted Military Tech Sale to China

[DOJ] David C. Bohmerwald, owner of Raleigh-based Components Cooper Inc., pleaded guilty to attempting to illegally sell military-grade accelerometers to China without a U.S. government license. The devices, which can aid missile guidance, were intercepted by federal agents before shipment. Bohmerwald falsely listed the package’s value as $100 instead of $20,000 and admitted to knowingly violating export laws. He faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for May. Authorities say stopping the sale prevented unauthorized military use.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local news

• Construction of an artificial oyster reef near Carolina Beach State Park is nearing completion, aiming to improve water quality and marine habitats. The project is part of a broader effort to restore oyster populations and enhance coastal resilience. WECT

• ​The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down near Herrings Chapel Road and Mulberry Branch in Rocky Point, Pender County, on Sunday evening around 7:30 p.m. The tornado caused several snapped trees and downed power lines, leading to temporary road closures; however, there were no reported structural damages or injuries. WECT

• Two children were killed after a tree fell on a home during an intense storm in Pender County. Officials reported that the storm, which swept through the area Sunday night, brought powerful winds that caused widespread damage. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the children were pronounced dead at the scene. WECT

• The Pender County School Board has approved the purchase of 2,000 Chromebooks to support student learning. The new devices will help ensure students have access to digital resources both in and out of the classroom. WECT

• Wilmington City Council will discuss a major road maintenance contract and other key infrastructure projects at its upcoming regular meeting. Officials will also review budget allocations and potential funding for future improvements. WECT

What You Need to Know

• A new documentary, Age of Disclosure, explores the U.S. government’s evolving stance on UFOs and the impact of declassified military reports. The film features interviews with former intelligence officials and whistleblowers. The Guardian

• NASA’s two stuck astronauts finally have their replacements aboard the International Space Station. A SpaceX capsule delivered four new crew members, allowing astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams—who have been stranded for nine months due to Boeing Starliner issues—to prepare for their long-awaited return to Earth. Their SpaceX return capsule is set to undock Tuesday, with splashdown planned off Florida’s coast. AP News

• Severe tornadoes and wildfires have caused multiple fatalities and widespread destruction across several states. Emergency responders are assessing damage and assisting displaced residents. AP News

• U.S. airstrikes target Houthi positions in Yemen, resulting in significant casualties: The United States conducted extensive airstrikes across Yemen, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in provinces including Bayda, Dhamar, Saada, Hajjah, and the capital, Sanaa. Houthi sources report at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries, predominantly among civilians, though these figures remain unverified. The operation aims to dismantle Houthi missile capabilities threatening Red Sea shipping, eliminate key leaders, and serve as a caution to Iran amid escalating regional tensions. Ynetnews

Weather

SUMMARY
Wilmington, NC, will see varied weather over the next three days starting Monday, March 17. Monday brings rain with a high of 67°F and strong NNW winds at 18 mph. Tuesday clears up to sunny skies, with a high of 66°F and lighter NNW winds at 13 mph. Wednesday stays mostly sunny, warming slightly to 68°F, with gentle SE winds at 8 mph. Expect cooler nights and minimal precipitation after Monday.

WEATHER FORECAST
Mon Mar 17: Rain | 67° / 42° | 99% | NNW 18 mph
Tue Mar 18: Sunny | 66° / 47° | 2% | NNW 13 mph
Wed Mar 19: Mostly Sunny | 68° / 54° | 2% | SE 8 mph

TIDE FORECAST
Mon Mar 17:
10:04am: 3.41 ft (High Tide)
4:00pm: -0.03 ft (Low Tide)
10:30pm: 3.91 ft (High Tide)

Tue Mar 18:
4:29am: 0.19 ft (Low Tide)
10:44am: 3.20 ft (High Tide)
4:30pm: 0.15 ft (Low Tide)
11:12pm: 3.78 ft (High Tide)

Wed Mar 19:
5:07am: 0.41 ft (Low Tide)
11:25am: 3.02 ft (High Tide)
5:04pm: 0.34 ft (Low Tide)
11:55pm: 3.67 ft (High Tide)

SURF FORECAST
Mon Mar 17:
Surf at Wrightsville Beach is 4-5 ft and semi-clean/textured in the AM, dropping to 3-4+ ft in the PM. Conditions remain decent for surfing despite the rainy weather.

Weather data derived from: weather.com, tide data from marineweather.net, and surf data from surfcaptain.com

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday