Good morning Wilmington!

Tax Day is here! The IRS took in nearly $4.4 trillion in gross taxes last year. Whether you’re feeling broke or boosted, here’s something free: a rundown of where to catch music and fun around Wilmington this week.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• State Auditor Dave Boliek to Address New Hanover Republicans on Government Efficiency Bill

• Wilmington-Made Film ‘Drought’ Now Streaming on Peacock After 11-Year Journey

State Auditor Dave Boliek to Address New Hanover Republicans on Government Efficiency Bill

[Star News] State Auditor Dave Boliek will headline a New Hanover GOP town hall on April 17, where he'll preview expected changes to North Carolina’s election laws. The event also highlights the proposed DAVE Act—legislation that would create a new division to track government efficiency using AI and financial oversight. Boliek, who’s endorsed by former President Trump, is poised to lead the State Board of Elections in May, adding urgency to the discussion. The town hall begins with networking at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. at 829 South Kerr Ave.

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Wilmington-Made Film ‘Drought’ Now Streaming on Peacock After 11-Year Journey

[WWAY] After more than a decade in the making, the Wilmington-based coming-of-age film Drought is now streaming on Peacock. Created by local filmmakers Megan Petersen and Hannah Black, the story follows southern siblings — including Carl, a young autistic brother — as they chase a storm in an ice cream truck during a regional drought. With April marking Autism Awareness Month, the film’s authentic casting, including an autistic actor in a lead role, has made its debut even more meaningful. Drought was backed by the local community and its national release is being celebrated as a shared success for Wilmington.

Read More »

News Roundup

Local

• A Laney High School coach reunited with the EMTs who saved his life after collapsing from a heart attack last fall. The emotional meeting served as a powerful reminder of how critical emergency response teams are to survival. WECT

• The former Sweet n Savory spot in Wilmington will soon become a new breakfast and lunch restaurant. Owners of Drift Coffee are behind the venture and plan to open the new eatery this summer. WECT

What You Need to Know

• China has suspended rare earth exports, dealing a major blow to U.S. industries that rely heavily on these critical minerals. The move escalates economic tensions between the two countries. New York Post

• A 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California Monday morning, centered just south of Julian in San Diego County. It was followed by eight aftershocks, one of which measured 4.0, and the tremors were felt as far north as Santa Clarita. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.SFGate

• AOC and Bernie Sanders are teaming up for a nationwide campaign tour aimed at energizing young voters and backing progressive candidates ahead of the 2026 midterms. The tour kicks off later this month. The Hill

What Might Surprise You

• Meta could be forced to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp as a landmark antitrust trial begins in Washington, D.C. The U.S. government alleges Meta acquired both platforms to suppress competition, and if successful, the case could reshape the entire social media landscape. The Independent

• Vice President JD Vance accidentally broke the college football national championship trophy during Ohio State’s celebratory visit to the White House. The trophy split in half after Vance mishandled it on stage, though running back TreVeyon Henderson caught the top portion mid-air. Even President Trump winced at the moment. The Sun

• A health startup is hosting the world's first sperm race in Los Angeles—yes, seriously. The bizarre-sounding event is designed to raise awareness for fertility issues and sperm quality research. XatakaOn

Weather

Summary

Wilmington, NC, will enjoy pleasant weather over the next three days. Tuesday, April 15, brings partly cloudy skies with a high of 77°F and breezy WSW winds at 19 mph. Wednesday, April 16, will be sunny, cooler at 69°F, with WNW winds at 13 mph. Thursday, April 17, remains sunny with a high of 68°F and light ENE winds at 9 mph. No significant precipitation is expected, ensuring clear conditions for outdoor activities, with tides and surf offering consistent patterns for coastal recreation.

Weather Forecast

Tue Apr 15: Partly Cloudy | 77° / 51° | 8% | WSW 19 mph
Wed Apr 16: Sunny | 69° / 51° | 0% | WNW 13 mph
Thu Apr 17: Sunny | 68° / 59° | 0% | ENE 9 mph

Tide Forecast

Tue Apr 15:
3:33am: 0.14 ft (Low Tide)
9:34am: 3.33 ft (High Tide)
3:29pm: 0.15 ft (Low Tide)
9:58pm: 4.14 ft (High Tide)

Wed Apr 16:
4:09am: 0.28 ft (Low Tide)
10:14am: 3.16 ft (High Tide)
4:01pm: 0.30 ft (Low Tide)
10:40pm: 4.01 ft (High Tide)

Thu Apr 17:
4:46am: 0.45 ft (Low Tide)
10:58am: 3.02 ft (High Tide)
4:35pm: 0.45 ft (Low Tide)
11:25pm: 3.91 ft (High Tide)

Surf Forecast

Ankle to knee-high SSW short-period wind swell in the morning, shifting south and building to occasional thigh-high sets by afternoon. Conditions start sideshore/choppy with WSW winds at 15-20 mph, improving to semi-clean/sideshore with W winds midday, and clean by late afternoon with NW winds at 15-20 mph.

Weather data derived from: weather.com. Tide data from: marineweather.net. Surf data from: surfcaptain.com

Tuesday

Wednesday