Easter is almost here—and the big question: what’s on the table?

Ham is the classic move, and Food Lion is making it easy with prices down to 89¢/lb with an MVP card.

But if you’re thinking about changing it up this year, Lowes Foods has beef tenderloin at $12.99/lb with a digital coupon—a pretty compelling reason to go steak instead.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• A New Independent Film Studio Just Set Up Shop in Wilmington 🎬

• NC 4th of July Festival Gets Official Nonprofit Status

A New Independent Film Studio Just Set Up Shop in Wilmington 🎬

WWAYTV3 Just Do GOOD Entertainment has opened a new production facility in Wilmington, adding another chapter to the city's long relationship with independent film.

The company is co-founded by Monty Hobbs, a longtime Wilmington resident. They're not starting from scratch — Just Do GOOD recently wrapped their documentary Air Angels: Flight Helene, which follows volunteer pilots who assisted relief efforts across western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. The film aired on WWAY in February 2026.

With the new Wilmington facility now open, the company has a permanent home base to develop and produce future projects. Hobbs describes the studio as built around meaningful storytelling — the kind of content that serves communities, not just audiences.

Read more

NC 4th of July Festival Gets Official Nonprofit Status — Unlocking New Fundraising 🎆

WWAYTV3 The North Carolina 4th of July Festival has been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by the IRS, a milestone that opens up grants, corporate sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations for the Southport-based event.

Festival President Hugh Fosbury called it a game-changer: "This new status will allow our nonprofit to better encourage fundraising through donations and sponsorships."

The festival draws more than 65,000 visitors annually to Southport and is one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state. With the new nonprofit designation, organizers say they're better positioned to grow programming, support local infrastructure during the event, and sustain operations long-term.

Read more

News Roundup

Local News

"No Kings" rally in downtown Wilmington was the largest public demonstration in city history — Thousands turned out Saturday, March 28, as part of a coordinated nationwide day of protest. Three separate marches converged on downtown, with a main rally at Innes Park running from 11AM to 2PM. Chants of "Impeach Trump" filled the streets; demonstrators cited immigration policy, US military action in Iran, and executive overreach as their primary concerns. Wilmington's turnout was part of more than 3,000 similar events held across the country that day. WECT

NC statewide burn ban remains in effect — All 100 North Carolina counties are under a burn ban that went into effect Saturday at 6PM and has no stated end date. The cause: a severe drought (rainfall is 10 inches below average since September 1, 2025) combined with high wildfire risk. Open burning, campfires, and fireworks are all prohibited. Grills and barbecues are still OK. Violation carries a $100 fine plus $183 in court costs. WECT

NC launches "Little Lose Lot" speed enforcement campaign — A statewide week of heightened speed enforcement runs through April 5. The numbers behind it: 335 North Carolinians died in speed-related crashes in 2025, and 41 already in 2026. GHSP Director Mark Ezzell: "Speeding is not just a bad habit — it's a dangerous choice." Extra patrol presence through the weekend. WECT

Coast Guard Auxiliary offering one-day boating safety course in Supply — With boating season approaching, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is holding a one-day safety certification course in Supply, NC. If you're putting a boat in the water this spring, this is a solid refresher — or a first-time certification. Course finder at cgaux.org/boatinged. WECT

What You Should Know

US-Israel-Iran conflict enters Day 31 — The conflict that began in late February continues to escalate. As of Monday, Trump has threatened to "completely obliterate" Iran's energy sources if a deal is not reached soon. Iran denies any direct negotiations are taking place, with only back-channel communications through intermediaries. At least two people were killed in a US-Israeli strike on what Iran says was an orphanage. Hezbollah activity in southern Lebanon is also intensifying. CNN

What Might Surprise You

Palm Beach International is becoming Donald J. Trump International Airport — code: DJT — Gov. DeSantis signed a bill renaming PBI effective July 1, 2026. Estimated taxpayer cost: $5.5 million. The Trump Organization collects no royalties or fees. Still requires FAA approval, and the new airport code — DJT — still needs to clear federal hurdles. The Hill

Trump is reportedly considering revoking the Rolling Stones' US visas — The band's "Gimme Shelter" was used in a Melania Trump documentary without authorization. Trump's response: float the idea of pulling the Stones' visas. The band says the licensing was handled through their label, ABKCO, without band approval. This is the third Trump-Stones conflict dating back to 2016. Irish Star

National News

Laura Dern to star in scripted Epstein series — Dern will play Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown in a limited series based on Brown's book Perversion of Justice — the investigation that identified 80 Epstein victims and led to his 2019 arrest. Adam McKay executive produces; Sharon Hoffman is writing and showrunning. Sony is taking it to buyers. It would be the first scripted drama about the Epstein case. Hollywood Reporter

Thursday