Good morning Wilmington!

Let’s begin today’s issue honoring the life and legacy of George Foreman, the legendary two-time heavyweight boxing champion and successful entrepreneur, who passed away this past Friday at the age of 76. His legacy as a formidable athlete, innovative businessman, and charismatic personality will continue to inspire generations to come.​

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Stein’s Budget Prioritizes Public Schools, Freezes Tax Cuts & Phases Out Vouchers

• Wildfires Burn Thousands of Acres in Western NC

Stein’s Budget Prioritizes Public Schools, Freezes Tax Cuts & Phases Out Vouchers

[WRAL] North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein has proposed a budget that freezes upcoming tax cuts and phases out private school vouchers to fund public education, teacher raises, child care, and affordable housing. His plan, totaling $33.65 billion, also includes tax breaks for lower- and middle-income families. Republicans, who control the legislature, are pushing back, arguing that halting tax cuts is equivalent to raising taxes. With the GOP just one seat shy of a veto-proof majority, Stein may have more influence than his predecessor. The budget does not yet address Hurricane Helene recovery, but Stein promises additional funding soon.

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Wildfires Burn Thousands of Acres in Western NC, Evacuations Ordered

[Citizen Times] Wildfires continue to spread across Western North Carolina as dry conditions fuel the flames. The Deep Woods and Black Cove fires in Polk County have burned over 4,600 acres and remain at 0% containment, forcing evacuations. Additional fires in Burke County and South Carolina’s Upstate have consumed thousands more acres. A statewide burn ban is in effect, including in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stay updated with the interactive wildfire map.

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News Roundup

Local

• North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban due to increased wildfire risk, prohibiting all open burning until further notice. Authorities urge residents to comply to prevent potential fires. WWAY

• Governor Josh Stein has launched a new website to assist federal workers affected by layoffs. The site connects impacted employees with job opportunities and resources to ease financial strain. WECT

• Governor Stein discussed crime prevention strategies at a recent commission meeting, emphasizing the need for community engagement and law enforcement cooperation to reduce violent crime. WWAY

Western North Carolina

• Students spend spring break rebuilding homes in WNC: Instead of heading to the beach, a group of young volunteers used their spring break to help rebuild homes in Western North Carolina. The effort is part of a larger initiative to support communities still recovering from past storms and economic hardship. (RedState)

What You Need to Know

• Boxing legend and entrepreneur George Foreman has passed away at 76. Known for his dominance in the ring and later for his successful grill brand, Foreman leaves behind a lasting legacy in sports and business. People

• Trump has announced plans to strip the legal status of 532,000 immigrants who received protections under previous administrations. The policy change is expected to face legal challenges and protests. Yahoo

• Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber found dead at 43: Jessica Aber, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia under President Biden, was found deceased in Northern Virginia. Police are investigating the circumstances of her death, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause. Trending Politics

National News

• A Taiwanese company has signed a letter of intent to invest in Alaska's LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry. This agreement could bring significant economic growth to the state and expand energy exports. Must Read Alaska

• Mississippi is considering eliminating its state income tax after the House passed a bill supporting the move. If approved, the legislation could make Mississippi one of the few states without an income tax. WAPT

• Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of Joe Biden, his family, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and other political opponents. The move is seen as a controversial step in his ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. intelligence access. New York Post

Weather

SUMMARY

Wilmington, NC, will experience varied weather over the next three days. Monday, March 24, will be mostly cloudy with a high of 71°F and a low of 53°F, accompanied by a 15% chance of precipitation. Tuesday, March 25, brings sunny skies with a high of 66°F and a low of 54°F, with minimal precipitation chances. Wednesday, March 26, will be mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 67°F to 46°F and a low 3% chance of rain, offering pleasant conditions throughout the period.

WEATHER FORECAST

Mon Mar 24: Mostly Cloudy | 71° / 53° | 15% | SW 20 mph
Tue Mar 25: Sunny | 66° / 54° | 6% | SE 13 mph
Wed Mar 26: Mostly Sunny | 67° / 46° | 3% | NW 12 mph

TIDE FORECAST

Mon Mar 24:
10:09am: 0.49 ft (Low Tide)
3:51pm: 2.94 ft (High Tide)
10:12pm: 0.20 ft (Low Tide)

Tue Mar 25:
4:37am: 3.90 ft (High Tide)
10:59am: 0.19 ft (Low Tide)
4:58pm: 3.32 ft (High Tide)
11:08pm: -0.10 ft (Low Tide)

Wed Mar 26:
5:33am: 4.17 ft (High Tide)
11:47am: -0.14 ft (Low Tide)
5:53pm: 3.83 ft (High Tide)

SURF FORECAST

Mon Mar 24:
Surf conditions start at 2 ft and choppy at 9am with SSW winds at 15 mph. The primary swell is from the south (181°) at 2.7 ft with a 5-second period, and a secondary swell from the ESE (113°) at 0.5 ft with a 9-second period. Expect 1-2 ft waves in the AM, increasing to 1-3 ft in the PM.

Tue Mar 25:
Surf remains consistent with 1-2 ft waves in the AM, dropping to 1 ft in the PM under sunny conditions and lighter SE winds.

Wed Mar 26:
Waves hold at 1-2 ft in the AM, settling to 1 ft in the PM with mostly sunny skies and NW winds providing calmer surf conditions.

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday