Good morning Wilmington!

We haven’t watched too many Olympic events this year. My wife convinced me to get up early for this one — I’ll admit, I slept in — but I did catch the second and third periods. I’m glad I did. It turned into an an amazing game!

Golden goals. Overtime drama. And a rivalry reborn.
Team USA stunned Canada 2–1 in overtime to claim its first men’s Olympic hockey gold since 1980. From Connor Hellebuyck’s historic performance in net to Jack Hughes’ unforgettable OT winner, this was a championship Sunday for the ages. The Games are officially closed — and here’s how the medal count stacked up.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Up to 27 Plaintiffs May Exit NC Bar Owners’ COVID Shutdown Lawsuit

• New Hanover County Unveils Castle Hayne Fire Station

Up to 27 Plaintiffs May Exit NC Bar Owners’ COVID Shutdown Lawsuit

Carolina Journal A six-year legal battle over North Carolina’s COVID-era bar shutdowns could shrink, as attorneys seek to remove 27 plaintiffs they say they’ve been unable to contact since 2024. The case returned to trial court after the N.C. Supreme Court ruled bar owners could proceed with constitutional claims against former Gov. Roy Cooper, rejecting sovereign immunity defenses under the precedent allowing “Corum claims.” Settlement discussions may be forthcoming as a special superior court judge now oversees the case.

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New Hanover County Unveils Castle Hayne Fire Station to Address PFAS Concerns

Port City Daily – New Hanover County opened a modern fire station in Castle Hayne, replacing a site tainted by PFAS chemicals. This infrastructure upgrade improves emergency response for Wilmington-area residents while mitigating environmental health risks from contaminated groundwater near residential zones. Enhances safety and water quality protections in the community.

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News Roundup

Local News

Pender County Schools marked a construction milestone at the new J.H. Lea Schools campus. Officials held a topping ceremony Friday, placing the final structural steel beam, signaling progress on the project. WECT

Town of Leland proposed a $50 million budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The plan was submitted to the Town Council on Feb. 19, outlining spending priorities for the coming year. WECT

Bicyclist died after being struck by vehicle on Wilmington's Market Street. The Friday afternoon crash in the 6900 block prompted a police response; no further details on the driver released. WECT

Moores Creek Battlefield hosts immigrant naturalization ceremony. Event on Feb 24 features 50 new citizens sworn in amid historical site significance; open to public for patriotic celebration. WECT

What You Should Know

Jalisco authorities declared a statewide “Code Red” following a law enforcement operation in Tapalpa that reportedly killed CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, triggering armed confrontations and roadblocks. Schools and mass events have been suspended, public transit disrupted in affected areas, and residents in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are urged to stay indoors as security incidents spread to neighboring states, though Guadalajara International Airport continues operating normally. Mexico News Daily

A man was shot dead by U.S. Secret Service agents after allegedly attempting to unlawfully enter Mar-a-Lago while armed with a shotgun and gas canister. The suspect, described as a white male in his 20s from North Carolina, tried to breach a secure perimeter around Donald Trump’s Florida residence around 1:30 a.m., though the president was in Washington, D.C. at the time. Daily Express

US jets intercept Russian warplanes near Alaska. Fighter aircraft conducted routine intercepts in the region, underscoring ongoing aerial tensions. No shots fired; incident highlights defense monitoring in the Arctic amid geopolitical strains. The Hill

What Might Surprise You

Trump calls SC justices 'disloyal' after tariff block. President blasts court post-ruling; signals executive push—watch for economic ripple to local businesses/consumers. NBC

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