Good morning Wilmington!

Looking for weekend plans? Check out this list of 16 things to do in Wilmington this weekend. There's something for everyone!
 

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC State Study Finds High PFAS Levels at Cape Fear Beaches

• Wilmington to End Red-Light Camera Program

NC State Study Finds High PFAS Levels at Cape Fear Beaches

[WECT] ​Recent research from North Carolina State University has revealed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) along Cape Fear beaches. PFAS, often termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, pose potential health risks to both wildlife and humans. The study underscores the need for continued monitoring and remediation efforts to address contamination in coastal regions.

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Wilmington to End Red-Light Camera Program

[WECT] The City of Wilmington plans to end its red-light camera program by not including it in the upcoming fiscal year's budget, pending City Council approval. The program's contract is set to expire on June 30. Wilmington is the last city in North Carolina to operate such a program, following Raleigh's termination last year. Critics argue the initiative is financially unviable and ineffective in enhancing safety, while supporters highlight its role in funding New Hanover County Schools, which may lose approximately $1.4 million in revenue.

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News Roundup

Local

• Surf City Plans Temporary Boat Ramp Closure for Renovations – The Surf City boat ramp will close for renovations starting in early 2025. Town officials say the upgrades will improve accessibility and enhance safety for boaters, with work expected to last several months. WECT

• Local Fire Crews Assist in Battling Black Cove Wildfire in Western NC – Firefighters from southeastern North Carolina have joined efforts to contain the Black Cove wildfire, which has burned hundreds of acres in Western NC. Strong winds and dry conditions have made containment efforts challenging. WECT

• Porters Neck Village Donates Renovation Materials to Western NC Communities – A senior living community in Porters Neck is giving back by donating renovation materials to help rebuild homes in Western North Carolina. The effort supports families recovering from recent natural disasters. WWAY

What You Need to Know

• MS-13 Gang Leader Arrested in Virginia – Authorities have captured a high-ranking MS-13 gang leader in Virginia, following an extensive investigation. The suspect is accused of orchestrating violent crimes and drug trafficking operations across multiple states. USA Today

• Gold has reached an all-time high. Goldseek

• Magnitude 6.0 Earthquake Shakes Thailand, Felt in Bangkok – A powerful earthquake struck northern Thailand, causing buildings in Bangkok to sway. No major damage or casualties have been reported, but authorities continue to monitor aftershocks. AP News

• Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has declared that the nation's traditional relationship with the United States is "over." Carney, a former central banker with globalist ties, criticized Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian auto imports as a direct attack on workers. He emphasized the need for Canada to reduce reliance on the U.S. and reimagine its economy by strengthening domestic industries and diversifying trade. The Gateway Pundit

What Might Surprise You

• CIA Used ‘Remote Viewing’ to Confirm Ark of the Covenant’s Existence, Declassified Docs Claim – Newly resurfaced declassified documents suggest the CIA used remote viewing techniques to locate the legendary Ark of the Covenant. The revelation has sparked renewed debate over government involvement in paranormal research. New York Post

Weather

SUMMARY

Wilmington, NC, will experience pleasant weather over the next three days starting Friday, March 28. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 70°F, followed by partly cloudy skies on Saturday with a high of 71°F. Sunday will see mostly cloudy conditions with a high of 70°F. Precipitation chances remain low, ranging from 2% to 13%, with winds shifting from south to southeast at moderate speeds.

WEATHER FORECAST

Fri Mar 28: Mostly Sunny | 70° / 59° | 2% | S 14 mph
Sat Mar 29: Partly Cloudy | 71° / 60° | 8% | SSW 14 mph
Sun Mar 30: Mostly Cloudy | 70° / 62° | 13% | SSE 13 mph

TIDE FORECAST

Fri Mar 28:
7:08am: 4.56 ft (High Tide)
1:21pm: -0.76 ft (Low Tide)
7:28pm: 4.78 ft (High Tide)

Sat Mar 29:
1:52am: -0.83 ft (Low Tide)
7:54am: 4.57 ft (High Tide)
2:07pm: -0.96 ft (Low Tide)
8:15pm: 5.07 ft (High Tide)

Sun Mar 30:
2:44am: -0.90 ft (Low Tide)
8:41am: 4.46 ft (High Tide)
2:53pm: -1.03 ft (Low Tide)
9:05pm: 5.18 ft (High Tide)

SURF FORECAST

Fri Mar 28:
Knee-high SE short period wind swell with occasional thigh-high sets. Glassy conditions in the early morning with SSE winds less than 5mph. Semi-choppy conditions develop during the morning hours as winds shift to S at 5-10mph, peaking at SSW 13mph by evening. Swell remains consistent at 1.5-1.6 ft with a 7-second period from the SE.

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY