Good morning Wilmington!

They fought hard until the final buzzer, and while the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, the Seahawks gave us a season to remember. UNCW men’s basketball fell to Texas Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, 72-82, but not without putting up a fight worthy while proving they belong on the national stage. The Hawks gave us a season worth celebrating!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC Moves Closer to Allowing Permitless Concealed Carry

• "Air Angels" Reality Show to Film in Wilmington This Summer

NC Moves Closer to Allowing Permitless Concealed Carry, Sparking Debate

[Newsline] North Carolina’s Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced Senate Bill 50, which would allow permitless concealed carry for U.S. citizens 18 and older who are not legally prohibited from owning firearms. Supporters argue it upholds constitutional rights, while opponents, including law enforcement and public health officials, warn it could increase gun violence. If passed, North Carolina would become the 30th state with "constitutional carry" laws. The bill now moves to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

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New Wilmington-Based TV Show Highlights Pilots Who Flew Into Disaster Zones

[Star News] A new reality series, Air Angels: Flight Helene, will be filmed in Wilmington this summer, highlighting private pilots who risked their lives to aid victims of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Produced by Just Do Good Entertainment, the show follows heroic missions that delivered food, medicine, and rescues. Hosted by Emmy-winner Gilbert Baez, the series will include a live event honoring these pilots. The production follows the company’s previous Wilmington-filmed series, Divine Renovation.

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News Roundup

Local

• Brunswick County Schools bus driver charged after child abuse case: A bus driver for Brunswick County Schools has been charged following allegations of child abuse. The incident has raised concerns among parents and the community regarding student safety within the school transportation system. WWAY

• Future of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project remains uncertain after Trump cuts: The replacement project for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge faces uncertainty after President Donald Trump's recent budget cuts. Local officials are now exploring alternative funding options to ensure the project's continuation. WWAY

Western North Carolina

• Western North Carolina restaurants on their next chapters after Hurricane Helene: Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024, several restaurants in Western North Carolina are navigating challenges in their recovery efforts. Establishments like "Noodle Hole" and "12 Bones Smokehouse" are adapting their operations to overcome the storm's impact. ​Southern Living

What You Need to Know

• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education: President Trump has issued an executive order to begin shutting down the Department of Education, a long-standing conservative goal. While the administration claims the move will return education control to states, legal challenges and congressional approval are expected obstacles. BBC

What Might Surprise You

• Greenpeace ordered to pay over $660 million for defaming oil company: A North Dakota jury has ruled that Greenpeace must pay Energy Transfer more than $660 million for defamation related to the Dakota Access pipeline protests of 2016-2017, a decision that could discourage environmental activism. ​The Guardian

National News

• Wes Moore's presidential ambitions: Maryland Governor Wes Moore is gaining national attention, sparking discussions about potential presidential aspirations. His recent policy initiatives and public appearances have fueled speculation about his future in national politics.​ The Hill

• Zelenskyy and Putin have agreed to a limited ceasefire, but implementation is work in progress: Ukraine and Russia have agreed in principle to a limited ceasefire focusing on protecting energy infrastructure; however, details regarding implementation remain under discussion, with both sides accusing each other of violations. ​AP News

Weather

SUMMARY

Wilmington, NC, will see sunny skies from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23, 2025. Highs will range from 61°F to 69°F, with lows between 47°F and 56°F. Precipitation chances are near zero, with winds shifting from northwest at 18 mph on Friday to southwest at 17 mph on Saturday, then easing to east at 8 mph on Sunday. Ideal conditions for outdoor activities await.

WEATHER FORECAST

Fri Mar 21: Sunny | 61° / 47° | 0% | NW 18 mph
Sat Mar 22: Sunny | 69° / 49° | 3% | SW 17 mph
Sun Mar 23: Sunny | 66° / 56° | 1% | E 8 mph

TIDE FORECAST

Fri Mar 21:
12:41am: 3.59 ft (High Tide)
6:56am: 0.80 ft (Low Tide)
12:50pm: 2.76 ft (High Tide)
6:48pm: 0.63 ft (Low Tide)

Sat Mar 22:
1:29am: 3.56 ft (High Tide)
8:09am: 0.83 ft (Low Tide)
1:39pm: 2.72 ft (High Tide)
8:04pm: 0.61 ft (Low Tide)

Sun Mar 23:
2:24am: 3.58 ft (High Tide)
9:13am: 0.72 ft (Low Tide)
2:39pm: 2.75 ft (High Tide)
9:12pm: 0.45 ft (Low Tide)

SURF FORECAST

Fri Mar 21:
Surf will be 1-2 ft and clean at 2pm, with NW winds at 11 mph. Primary swell from the east (101°) at 1.4 ft with a 10-second period, and secondary swell from SSW (199°) at 0.8 ft with a 7-second period. Tide will be outgoing high at 2.2 ft. Forecast shows 1-2 ft waves AM and PM.

Sat Mar 22:
Expect 1 ft surf in AM and PM, with clean conditions likely under SW winds at 17 mph and sunny weather.

Sun Mar 23:
Surf drops to 0-1 ft AM and PM, with light E winds at 8 mph keeping conditions calm and clean.

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY