Seahawks Soar into March Madness! 🏀

For the first time since 2017, UNCW men’s basketball is heading to the NCAA Tournament! The Seahawks secured their spot in the Big Dance with a thrilling 76-72 victory over Delaware in the Coastal Athletic Association championship Tuesday night. Head coach Takayo Siddle and his team fought hard, proving once again that Wilmington is a basketball town.

With a new trophy in hand and momentum on their side, the Seahawks now turn their eyes to Selection Sunday, where they’ll find out their next challenge.

Read more on their victory here.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• CFCC Hosts Open House for Vet Tech Program This Month

• Exciting New Nonstop Destinations from Wilmington Airport!

Interested in Veterinary Medicine? CFCC Hosts Open House for Vet Tech Program This Month

[CFCC] Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) will host an open house for its Veterinary Medical Technology program on Monday, March 24, at 6 p.m. at the NV Building on its North Campus in Castle Hayne. Attendees can meet faculty, tour the facilities, and learn about the application process. Program Director April Lehmann encourages prospective students to explore the field and its career opportunities.

Read More »

Exciting New Nonstop Destinations from Wilmington Airport! ✈️

[WECT] Avelo Airlines is expanding service at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) with four new nonstop routes starting in June. Travelers will soon be able to fly directly to Houston, Detroit, Long Island, and Washington, D.C. This expansion increases ILM’s nonstop destinations to 28. Airport officials are preparing for increased passenger traffic by adding 300 new parking spaces and expanding rental car facilities. ILM Director Jeff Bourk says more growth is on the horizon as the airport continues to expand to accommodate additional airlines and routes.

Read More »

News Roundup

LOCAL

• Lincoln County commissioners voted against adding fluoride to the county’s water system, citing concerns over health risks and government overreach, despite state health officials advocating for its benefits in preventing tooth decay. North Carolina Health News

• Pender County invites the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for Central Pender Park, a new recreational space that will feature trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas, marking a significant investment in community outdoor activities. WECT

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Former President Trump has threatened to support a primary challenger against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) after the congressman criticized Trump's proposed policies, further escalating tensions within the Republican Party. The Hill

• Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Moscow, targeting key infrastructure just days before scheduled peace talks, increasing tensions between the warring nations. Metro

• Ukraine has signaled willingness to accept a U.S.-led ceasefire plan, but only if Russia agrees to its terms, marking a potential breakthrough in negotiations after months of stalled diplomacy. CNBC

• US Congressman Nick Begich to introduce Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation in the House today to buy 1 million Bitcoin. Bitcoin Magazine

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• The Texas Senate is set to pass a bill requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a move supporters say promotes moral clarity while critics argue it violates religious freedom. Texarkana Gazette

• The Department of Education unexpectedly ordered all staff to vacate offices and work remotely for one day due to “security reasons,” fueling speculation amid reports that President Trump may soon issue an order to begin dismantling the agency. CBS News

NATIONAL

• Rahm Emanuel is reportedly considering a 2028 presidential bid, with political insiders debating whether his experience as Chicago mayor and U.S. ambassador to Japan positions him as a viable Democratic contender. Politico

WORLD

• Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was reportedly forced onto a plane bound for The Hague, sparking speculation that he may face charges at the International Criminal Court for his controversial war on drugs. ZeroHedge

Weather

SUMMARY
Expect pleasant weather over the next few days with mild temperatures and low rain chances. Wednesday and Thursday will be sunny to mostly sunny with highs in the low 70s and steady SSW winds. Friday brings a slight cooldown with more clouds and an easterly breeze. Tides will fluctuate with morning highs and afternoon lows, while surf conditions remain small, favoring longboarders.

WEATHER FORECAST
Wed Mar 12: Sunny | 71° / 52° | 1% | SSW 14 mph
Thu Mar 13: Mostly Sunny | 72° / 51° | 5% | SSW 14 mph
Fri Mar 14: Partly Cloudy | 67° / 53° | 9% | ENE 9 mph

TIDE FORECAST
Wed Mar 12:
7:00am: 4.06 ft (High Tide)
1:21pm: -0.10 ft (Low Tide)
7:16pm: 3.87 ft (High Tide)

Thu Mar 13:
1:28am: -0.29 ft (Low Tide)
7:38am: 4.04 ft (High Tide)
1:57pm: -0.19 ft (Low Tide)
7:56pm: 4.02 ft (High Tide)

Fri Mar 14:
2:09am: -0.29 ft (Low Tide)
8:14am: 3.95 ft (High Tide)
2:30pm: -0.24 ft (Low Tide)
8:33pm: 4.10 ft (High Tide)

SURF FORECAST
Wed Mar 12: The surf is slow and mushy, with knee-high waves best suited for longboards. Winds are SSW at 5-10 mph, and the water is fairly clean at 52.5°F. The tide is dropping through mid-afternoon, which may improve conditions slightly.

Weather data from weather.com, tide data from marineweather.net, and surf data from wblivesurf.com.

Wednesday

Thursday