WEDNESDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

Good morning Wilmington!

“Norm!” Whether you knew him from Cheers or just as that guy who made barstool wisdom an art form, George Wendt brought comfort and laughs for decades. RIP to a legend—and here’s what else is going on around town.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• North Carolina Is a Battleground for Bitcoin Mining

• Surf City Music Festival Returns Nov. 7-8

Crypto Clash: Why North Carolina Is a Battleground for Bitcoin Mining

[Carolina Public Press] As cryptocurrency mining gains favor with lawmakers in Raleigh and D.C., many North Carolina counties are saying “not in our backyard.” Attracted by cheap land and power, crypto companies have quietly established high-powered, noisy operations in rural areas—often without community input. Residents describe the constant fan noise as unbearable, prompting a wave of zoning laws and outright bans. Meanwhile, state legislators are working to legitimize cryptocurrency, deepening the divide between local pushback and national ambition.

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Surf City Music Festival Returns Nov. 7-8 with Star-Studded Lineup

[Surf City Live NC] Surf City’s annual Surf City Live NC festival is back and bringing major acts to the Carolina coast on Nov. 7-8. The legendary Beach Boys will headline alongside country stars Josh Turner and Craig Morgan, with support from NC native Paige King Johnson. With a blend of surf rock and country charm, this fall festival promises big crowds and beachside vibes. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 23 at 10 a.m.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Brunswick County officials addressed residents' concerns during a special meeting about the Leland house explosion that killed one man and injured another. Investigators confirmed natural gas was involved but say the exact cause is still under investigation. WECT

• Developers presented a proposed 66-foot-tall hotel in Carolina Beach, which would exceed the town’s current height limit. While some officials support the plan for its economic potential, others expressed concern about setting a precedent. WECT

What You Should Know

• Moody’s downgraded the long-term deposit ratings of major U.S. banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, following a downgrade of U.S. sovereign credit. The ratings were lowered by one notch to Aa2, reflecting concerns about the government's diminished capacity to support these institutions amid rising deficits. NDTV Profit

• U.S. intelligence reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a potential military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The preparations coincide with ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and any military action could disrupt diplomatic efforts. CNN

What Might Surprise You

• Young male capuchin monkeys on a Panamanian island have started kidnapping baby howler monkeys, seemingly for amusement rather than survival or care. The disturbing trend, which began with a single male known as "Joker," has since spread to several others, raising questions about the origins of seemingly purposeless or cruel behaviors in intelligent species. NPR

• Russian military developments have drawn comparisons to Star Wars, with reports of advanced weaponry and defense systems that seem reminiscent of science fiction. These advancements have sparked discussions about the future of warfare and international security dynamics. Daily Star

• The FDA is set to restrict access to COVID-19 vaccines, limiting availability to adults over 65 and those with certain medical conditions starting this fall. This policy shift aims to prioritize high-risk populations amid evolving pandemic conditions. NY Times

• During a House subcommittee hearing, Representative Nancy Mace displayed a nude photo of herself, which she claimed was used in a blackmail attempt. The incident highlighted concerns about privacy violations and the misuse of personal images in political contexts. Newsweek

Wednesday

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