Good morning Wilmington!

Azalea Festival weekend is here! Wilmington’s biggest spring celebration brings concerts, parades, street fairs, and more. Whether you’re looking for live music, garden tours, or just an excuse to soak up the energy downtown, there’s something for everyone.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NCDOT's WB Bridge Expansion Plans Threaten Condominiums

• White Lotus' Star Spotted Filming in Wilmington

NCDOT's Bridge Expansion Plans Threaten Wrightsville Beach Condominiums

[WECT] The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) plans to replace several aging bridges in Wrightsville Beach, including an expansion of the Causeway Drive bridge. This expansion will require acquiring additional property, potentially displacing residents of nearby condominiums, such as the Harbor Inn. Longtime resident Kent Hardin and about 20 neighbors face relocation from their homes. The new bridge design includes a four-lane structure with a divided median, multi-use paths, and dedicated bike lanes.​

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White Lotus' Star Sam Nivola Spotted Filming in Wilmington

[StarNews Online] Actor Sam Nivola, known for his role in The White Lotus, was in downtown Wilmington filming scenes for the feature film Driver’s Ed March 31-April 3. The shoot took place near Sixth and Orange streets, with one house on Orange Street dressed as a fraternity house for the film. Wilmington’s film industry continues to thrive, with more productions choosing the city as a filming location.

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News Roundup

Local

• Pender County Family Sues After SWAT Team Wrongfully Raids Home – A SWAT team mistakenly raided a Pender County home, traumatizing the family inside. The family is now suing the sheriff’s department, alleging a violation of their civil rights. WECT

• NC Attorney General sues federal government over a $230 million healthcare funding cut, arguing the decision will negatively impact low-income residents. The lawsuit seeks to restore the funds and prevent future reductions. WECT

• Bethany Joy Lenz crowned Queen Azalea at this year’s Azalea Festival, bringing star power to the event known for celebrating Wilmington’s cultural heritage. The actress, known for her role in One Tree Hill, will participate in multiple festival events. WECT

• Azalea Festival kicks off today with a lineup of parades, concerts, and community events. The annual celebration draws thousands to Wilmington and showcases local arts, music, and culture. WECT

What you should know

• Chinese Diplomat Accused of Running "Honeypot" Spy Operation in the U.S. – A Chinese official in Beijing has been linked to a covert intelligence operation targeting U.S. diplomats using honeytrap tactics. The FBI is investigating the extent of the espionage network. AP News

• Iran considers a preemptive strike on a U.S. base following threats from Trump, raising fears of escalating conflict in the region. Military analysts warn of potential retaliatory actions. Fox News

• Florida Senate considers 'chemtrails' bill as Governor Ron DeSantis backs a proposal to investigate alleged weather modification programs. Scientists dismiss the claims, but the bill gains traction among conspiracy theorists. WFLA

  
  National News

• Russell Brand charged with rape and sexual assault following a lengthy investigation into allegations spanning several years. The actor-comedian denies the claims, calling them a media attack. Deadline

• Trump's 'Gold Card Visa' sparks controversy, offering fast-tracked citizenship to high-net-worth individuals. Critics argue the policy favors the wealthy and undermines immigration fairness. Irish Star

Weather

Summary

Wilmington, NC, will experience mild weather from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6, 2025. Friday begins with morning clouds giving way to afternoon sun, followed by partly cloudy skies on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will range from highs of 76°F to 78°F and lows of 65°F to 68°F. Precipitation chances stay low, between 7% and 11%. Winds from the SSW will increase from 15 mph on Friday to 20 mph by Sunday, adding a breezy feel.

Weather Forecast

Fri Apr 04: AM Clouds/PM Sun | 78°F / 65°F | 11% | SSW 15 mph
Sat Apr 05: Partly Cloudy | 76°F / 67°F | 9% | SSW 16 mph
Sun Apr 06: Partly Cloudy/Wind | 77°F / 68°F | 7% | SSW 20 mph

Tide Forecast

Fri Apr 04:
12:49 AM: 4.42 ft (High Tide)
7:38 AM: 0.27 ft (Low Tide)
1:18 PM: 3.39 ft (High Tide)
7:34 PM: 0.14 ft (Low Tide)

Sat Apr 05:
1:48 AM: 4.14 ft (High Tide)
8:48 AM: 0.36 ft (Low Tide)
2:17 PM: 3.29 ft (High Tide)
8:46 PM: 0.23 ft (Low Tide)

Sun Apr 06:
2:50 AM: 3.90 ft (High Tide)
9:47 AM: 0.36 ft (Low Tide)
3:23 PM: 3.29 ft (High Tide)
9:49 PM: 0.23 ft (Low Tide)

Surf Forecast

Fri Apr 04:
Surf will feature knee to thigh-high S short-period wind swell, with wave heights around 2+ ft in the morning, dropping to 2 ft by afternoon. Conditions will be semi-choppy with SSW winds at 10-15 mph in the morning, easing to 5-10 mph later.

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

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY