Good morning Wilmington!

For decades, the assassination of John F. Kennedy has been shrouded in secrecy. Today, that could change. President Trump has vowed to release all remaining classified JFK files this afternoon. What will they reveal?

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Lumbee Tribe Seeks Federal Recognition

• GE Aerospace to Invest $52M

Lumbee Tribe Seeks Federal Recognition, Facing Opposition from Eastern Band of Cherokee

[Carolina Public Press] The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, with 60,000 members, has long fought for federal recognition, which would grant them benefits such as healthcare and housing programs. Recently, President Trump issued a directive supporting Lumbee recognition, which could reverse a 1956 law denying them federal benefits. However, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians opposes the move, fearing it could open the door for non-legitimate tribes to claim federal status, especially for gaming purposes. Despite this, Lumbee leaders remain hopeful, calling it an issue of fairness for a tribe with a diverse heritage and centuries of history in the region.

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GE Aerospace to Invest $52M in Wilmington Plant Expansion

[WWAY] GE Aerospace is investing nearly $1 billion in its U.S. operations, with $52 million earmarked for its Wilmington facility. The upgrades will enhance manufacturing efficiency, increase capacity, and support rising demand for commercial, military, and energy-sector aerospace components. The investment includes new machinery, crane systems, and tooling improvements. GE Aerospace leaders say this move will strengthen the local economy and job market. The company also recently donated $100,000 to Cape Fear Community College, funding scholarships and a machining bootcamp for students.

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News Roundup

Local

• Brunswick County is seeking bids for the construction of a new animal adoption center. The planned facility aims to improve animal care and adoption services, with proposals due soon for potential contractors. WECT

• Construction on Wilmington’s Riverwalk will begin this week, causing temporary disruptions. The project, aimed at enhancing pedestrian access and waterfront appeal, is expected to take several months. WECT

• A swimmer was rescued off Oak Island after being pulled 300 yards into the ocean. Emergency responders quickly intervened to bring the individual safely back to shore. WECT

What You Need to Know

• NASA’s “stuck” astronauts finally have replacements after nine months in space. A SpaceX capsule has delivered a fresh crew to the International Space Station, allowing two astronauts left behind due to Boeing capsule failures to prepare for their long-delayed return to Earth. AP News

• Tensions escalate in the Middle East as Israeli airstrikes target Hamas positions in Gaza. The strikes come in response to recent rocket attacks, with casualties reported on both sides. CNN

What Might Surprise You

• Former President Donald Trump claims President Biden's recent auto-signed pardons are void. He argues that Biden’s use of an autopen, a device that replicates signatures, renders the pardons invalid. New York Post

National News

• Massive wildfires fueled by high winds have spread across Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Thousands of acres have burned, forcing evacuations and prompting disaster declarations. AP News

• The Trump administration has deported hundreds of migrants despite a judge’s order halting removals. Immigration advocates argue the move defies legal protections, while officials cite national security concerns. AP News

Weather

SUMMARY
Wilmington, NC, will experience pleasant weather today with sunny skies and mild temperatures, followed by mostly sunny conditions on Wednesday with a slight increase in warmth. Thursday brings a shift to rainy and windy conditions in the afternoon, with a higher chance of precipitation and stronger winds, cooling slightly by evening.

WEATHER FORECAST
Tue Mar 18: Sunny | 66° / 46° | 0% | NNW 16 mph
Wed Mar 19: Mostly Sunny | 68° / 53° | 2% | SE 9 mph
Thu Mar 20: PM Rain/Wind | 70° / 45° | 75% | SSW 22 mph

TIDE FORECAST
Tue Mar 18:
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)

Thu Mar 20:
5:53am: 0.63 ft (Low Tide)
12:07pm: 2.87 ft (High Tide)
5:47pm: 0.51 ft (Low Tide)

SURF FORECAST
The surf forecast for Wrightsville Beach, NC, shows 2 ft waves in the morning, clean and ideal for surfing, decreasing slightly to 1-2 ft by the afternoon with continued favorable conditions.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday