TUESDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

Good morning Wilmington!

Stop by and treat yourself to a Stanley Cup full of Boombalatti’s Ice Cream Today!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Tide’s Taproom’s Grand Opening Tomorrow

• NHC Schools Safe From Immigration Enforcement

Ready for a Night Out? Tides Taproom’s Grand Debut Promises a Fresh Twist on Wilmington’s Bar Scene

[Star News] Tides Taproom is set to open on February 26 at 615 S. 17th St. in Wilmington, replacing Bull City Ciderworks. Spearheaded by AJ Nelson and managed by Bree Peterson-Resnick, the new venue will serve a broad selection of beverages—including hard lemonades, seltzers, teas, beer, and cider—and feature a full-bar with creative cocktails. Emphasizing a sports-bar vibe, Tides will offer games like darts, pool, and table-top activities, along with sports betting. A separate restaurant, Zeke Smash, offering smash burgers, hot dogs, and more classic American fare, is expected to open later in 2025.

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NHCS Interim Superintendent Barnes: Schools Safe From Immigration Enforcement

[WECT] NHCS Interim Superintendent Christopher Barnes reassured New Hanover County families that immigration enforcement will not disrupt school activities. After meeting with the regional Homeland Security Investigations agent, Barnes confirmed that enforcement actions will focus solely on public safety risks and not target law-abiding individuals. He acknowledged the anxiety surrounding immigration issues but emphasized the district’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

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Local News

• Wilmington’s film industry is set to welcome the comedy film 'Driver’s Ed', with production beginning in March. The film is expected to bring attention to the area’s thriving film scene.

• The Wilmington arts community is mourning Francine DeCoursey, a filmmaker and arts leader who championed the city’s film industry before passing away from ovarian cancer.

• A downed aircraft was discovered in Pender County, with emergency responders working to assess the situation and determine the cause of the crash.

• Pender County sheriff’s deputies have been training with K-9 units and drones in downtown Burgaw, aiming to improve their ability to respond to emergencies and criminal activity.

• Tickets go on sale Friday for upcoming concerts at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, bringing big-name artists to Wilmington’s popular outdoor venue.

• North Carolina student-athlete Avery Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in both academics and sports, earning the title of Student-Athlete of the Week.

• The Brooklyn Arts District is set to host its inaugural music and arts festival, highlighting local talent and fostering cultural growth in Wilmington.

What You Should Know

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has floated the idea of eliminating property taxes, arguing it would benefit homeowners, though critics say it could severely impact public services.

• North Carolina Rep. Deb Butler has filed a marriage equality bill aimed at protecting same-sex marriage rights in the state amid shifting national legal debates.

• Several states are pushing to make daylight saving time permanent, citing health and economic benefits, but federal approval remains a hurdle.

• A cyberattack has hit Maryland’s Anne Arundel County, home to the NSA headquarters, raising concerns about national security vulnerabilities.

What Might Surprise You

• Lester Holt has announced he will be stepping down from NBC Nightly News, marking the end of an era in television journalism.

• A signed love letter from Michael Jordan is up for auction, with bidding starting at $10,000 for the personal memorabilia.

• The cafeteria screens at the Department of Housing and Urban Development were hacked to display a video of Trump kissing Elon Musk’s feet, sparking laughter and confusion among employees.

• The National Security Agency’s internal chatrooms have become a hotbed of discussion about transgender surgeries, polyamory, and social issues, prompting concerns about workplace culture.

National News

• Roberta Flack, the legendary singer behind "Killing Me Softly with His Song," has passed away at 86, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.

• MSNBC host Rachel Maddow publicly criticized her network for firing Joy Reid, calling it a mistake that will alienate progressive viewers.

• At town halls across the country, Republicans are facing backlash over former President Trump's bold political moves, with constituents voicing concerns about policy shifts.

• Trump has appointed Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director, a move seen as an attempt to reshape the agency’s leadership with loyalists.

• US measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 ill in Texas and New Mexico

World News

• Pope Francis has been hospitalized with pneumonia and sepsis, sparking concerns about his health and the future leadership of the Vatican.

• Germany's centre-right CDU/CSU leads the election, positioning Friedrich Merz as the likely next chancellor, while the far-right AfD gains ground. Coalition talks will determine the final government amid economic and migration debates.