Good morning, Wilmington.

The rain cleared out and this week is looking mild — mid-60s through Thursday with plenty of sun. Two good things happening in the next 48 hours: The Infamous Stringdusters play Greenfield Lake Amphitheater tomorrow night, and the Wilmington Big Band takes over The Eagle's Dare Thursday with a free swing lesson at 6:30PM before the show.

Also — if you've been waiting for this — Doobie Brothers tickets are available now for their Live Oak Bank Pavilion show this fall. They were teased in Port City Jams yesterday; now you can actually grab them.

In today's Port City Pulse:

• NCDMV just launched a live wait-time tracker — you can check your local DMV before you even leave the house

• Wilmington Airport Supports TSA Staff with Free Meals During Shutdown

No More Guessing at the DMV: NC Launches Live Walk-In Status Tracker

WUNC The North Carolina DMV has quietly launched something a lot of drivers are going to appreciate: a live wait-time tracker for all driver license offices across the state. Head to visitDMV.nc.gov and you'll see each office marked with one of three real-time statuses — walk-ins OK, busy, or at capacity. The data pulls directly from the office's terminal and active customer count, so it updates as people walk in and out. No more driving across town only to find a 90-minute backup. NCDMV says the tool is live for all offices statewide.

Read More >>

Wilmington Airport Supports TSA Staff with Free Meals During Shutdown

WECT Wilmington International Airport is stepping in to support TSA workers affected by the federal government shutdown by providing meals during their shifts. With many federal employees working without pay, the airport’s initiative aims to ease the financial burden and show appreciation for their continued service. Local partners and airport staff have contributed to the effort, ensuring workers have access to food while maintaining security operations for travelers.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

A Leland town council member is speaking out after he violated procurement policy by contacting a laptop vendor directly — and now says the town manager's decision to cancel the order was a personal vendetta. Councilman Frank Pendleton reached out to the vendor on his own, bypassing the town's standard purchasing process. The town attorney reviewed the situation and found no laws were broken, but Town Manager David Hollis canceled the order. Pendleton disputes that characterization, alleging the cancellation was retaliatory. Town officials say the policy language will be clarified going forward. WECT

Part of the Oak Island Pier is closing for two to three weeks of repairs starting now. The end section of the pier and all King Fishing Stations are closed while crews replace a damaged piling. Beach access near 801 Ocean Event Center is also temporarily closed to stage equipment. The Pier House and the front section of the pier remain open. WECT

What You Should Know

Washington State has become the first in the country to ban law enforcement — including ICE agents — from wearing opaque face coverings while on duty. Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 5855 into law, which prohibits officers from using balaclavas, tactical masks, or gaiters during official operations. The law takes effect immediately. Under the new statute, anyone detained by a masked officer has the right to sue for damages. Supporters say the measure is about accountability; critics argue it puts officers at risk during sensitive operations. KOMO News

A second U.S. amphibious assault ship — USS Boxer — is now heading to the Middle East, joining USS Tripoli already in the region. The Boxer departed San Diego on March 19 alongside USS Comstock and USS Portland, carrying roughly 2,500 Marines of the 11th MEU. The group is equipped with F-35B jets, V-22 Ospreys, and landing craft. It's the second large-deck amphibious deployment to the area since the US-backed campaign against Iran began in late February. The War Zone

Don't Miss

🎨 Drawing People

Wed Mar 25: 1:00 PM @ Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S 17th St — ILM
A hands-on workshop focused on drawing the human figure. Instructors guide participants through proportion, gesture, and line work using live reference. Open to all skill levels. Part of Cameron Art Museum's ongoing studio programming. CAM Member $232 / Not-yet-member $290, $25 model fee payable to instructor.

Details & Registration >>

🍵 Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk

Thu Mar 26: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Burgwin-Wright House, 224 Market St — DT
A guided walking tea experience through downtown Wilmington's historic district, beginning at the 1770 Burgwin-Wright House. Participants explore the city's colonial history while enjoying tea stops along the route. A lovely midweek outing.

Learn More >>

👨‍👩‍👧 WWAY Family & Kids Expo

Sat Mar 28: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM @ Independence Mall — ILM
WWAY's annual Family & Kids Expo brings together local vendors, activities, and community organizations geared toward families with children. Free admission. Good rainy-day backup or a Saturday anchor if the kids need something to do.

Details >>

Tue Mar 24: 🌤️ Partly Sunny | 66° / 54°
Wed Mar 25: ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | 64° / 54°
Thu Mar 26: ☀️ Sunny | 63° / 48°

Live Music

Tuesday Mar 24

Wednesday Mar 25 🎸

Thursday Mar 26