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  • PCP Wed Mar 25: End of an Era 🎙️ + Classic Cars Roll Into The Bend

PCP Wed Mar 25: End of an Era 🎙️ + Classic Cars Roll Into The Bend

A bittersweet goodbye and a weekend full of local events

Good morning Wilmington!

Today marks the end of an era. After 27 years on Rock 92’s Two Guys Named Chris, Chris Demm is signing off for the final time. My wife and I have spent countless mornings listening to the banter, the laughs, and the kind of radio that just felt like home. Wishing Chris nothing but the best in this next chapter—he’s definitely earned it.

Today’s Two Guys Named Chris show ends at 10:00 AM but will replay after the live airing. You can catch the replay here.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • Chris Demm Retiring After Decades on Air

  • A Private Company Wants to Replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

End of an Era: Chris Demm Retiring After Decades on Air

WFMY News 2 Longtime radio host Chris Demm is retiring after nearly three decades on Rock 92’s “Two Guys Named Chris” morning show, marking the end of an era for Triad listeners. Demm, who has been a staple of Greensboro radio alongside co-host Chris Kelly, says the decision came after careful consideration and feels it’s the right time to step away. Important to note: The 2 Guys Named Chris show will continue under same name but with only one Chris and a different lineup.

A Private Company Wants to Replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge — With Tolls Paying the Bill

WECT The Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization took up a new proposal yesterday from a company called Delivering Bridges LLC, which is offering to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain a replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge — with tolls covering the project's cost. The company says it has worked with NCDOT Division 3 and WMPO staff over several years to develop the proposal and frames the approach as a way to "accelerate delivery through an innovative, proven approach." The proposed replacement carries an estimated cost of $1.1 billion. This isn't the first time a private toll proposal has come before WMPO — the board voted 7-5 in 2021 to reject exploration of a similar unsolicited plan. The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown Wilmington to the Eastside, is aging and has been a priority infrastructure item for years. Whether WMPO moves forward with further evaluation of this proposal is still to be determined.

News Roundup

Local News

Wilmington city leaders halted discussion on a proposal to replace police shotguns with rifles after the mayor removed the item from the council agenda. The police department had requested over $250,000 to purchase 90 rifles, but officials unanimously agreed to postpone the debate with no clear timeline for revisiting it. WECT

What You Should Know

Talks for a cease‑fire in the ongoing Israel‑Iran conflict surfaced as the U.S. presented a 15‑point proposal to Iran, even as strikes and regional hostilities continue. Tehran has dismissed negotiating with Washington, and fighting persists across the Middle East, keeping tensions high and uncertainty over an end to the war unresolved. Associated Press

What Might Surprise You

China is conducting an effort to map the ocean floor to strengthen its submarine warfare capabilities against the United States, using research vessels and sensors to gather critical undersea data. Experts say the project—spanning key strategic waters and blending civilian research with military goals—could improve submarine navigation, detection, and battlefield preparation, raising concerns about shifting naval power. Air Force Times

A proposed Senate deal to fund the Department of Homeland Security is faltering as disagreements between Donald Trump and Senate Democrats—led by Chuck Schumer—stall progress over immigration enforcement and policy demands. While Republicans have floated a compromise to reopen DHS, divisions over ICE reforms and Trump’s insistence on linking the deal to broader legislation have left negotiations uncertain and prolonged the shutdown. The Hill

Don’t Miss

Cruise-In at The Bend Car Show

SAT MAR 28: Noon - 4PM @ The Bend - OGD
LPL Financial Carolinas presents Cruise-In at The Bend on March 28th 12-4pm. Featuring customs, cruisers, classics, & trucks. All makes and models welcome. $25 entry fee. Awards, raffles, food, drinks, & fun! All proceeds go to The Boys and Girls Home of NC.

Click here to register or TEXT 910.617.1535

BULLEIT Private Select Barrel Release Party

Wed Mar 25 · 6 PM @ Rebellion NC – DT
US Military Vets hand-selected this Bulleit Private Barrel on Veterans Day 2025. Celebrate its release at Rebellion NC with a tasting flight, 'Welcome Cocktail,' passed hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to win a bottle. Tickets via Eventbrite.

Massive Grass at Thalian Hall's Bluegrass Bash

Fri Mar 27 · 6 PM @ Thalian Hall – DT
Thalian Hall's ninth annual Bluegrass Bash returns with an evening of great BBQ, local brews, and toe-tappin' music from Massive Grass, Tideline String Band, and Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers.

Family Eggstravaganza!

Fri Mar 27 · 6–8 PM @ Nir Family YMCA – ILM
Egg Hunt in the Family Pool plus games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Families rotate between a pool egg hunt and dry games so no one misses out. Registration required. Free with YMCA membership or small fee.

Weather

Wed Mar 25: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 69° / 52° | 0% | E 12 mph
Thu Mar 26: đźŚ§ď¸Ź Partly Cloudy, Stray Shower / Storm | 77° / 60° | 10% | SW 12 mph
Fri Mar 27: đźŚ§ď¸Ź Partly Cloudy, Stray Shower / Storm | 84° / 49° | 10% | SW 15 mph

Live Music

Wednesday

The Infamous Stringdusters

6PM @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater - GFL

Rounds on the River w/ CB Johnson, Matt Donnelly & Nate Gerry

7-9PM @ Live at Ted's - ILM (Doors 6PM; $10+ fees

Jazz Night @ The Rusty Nail

7PM @ The Rusty Nail - DT

Hooked on Sonics - The Existential Core

8PM @ The Barzarre - CD

Saturdays at Your Place w/ Retirement Party & Kerosene Heights

5PM @ Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern - ILM

Thursday

Open Mic

6:00-9:00 PM @ Wilmington Wine - ILM

Open Mic

6:00 PM @ Grinders - ILM

Thursday Night Live

6:00-8:00 PM @ South Front Tavern - ILM

Aaron Keener

6:00 PM @ Cameron Art Museum - ILM

Two Picky Guys

6-9PM @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery - SG

Open Mic with Tatianna Matthews

7:00 - 11:00 PM @ Tempo.33 - DT

Jesse Stockton

8-11:00 PM @ Wilmington Distillery  - DT

Friday

Duo Karolina and Iwo

7:30-8:30PM @ UNCW Beckwith Recital Hall - UNCW

Dan Kelly of Fortunate Youth & Friends

7-10PM @ Bowstring - SPD

Two Picky Guys

6-9PM @ Wrightsville Beach Brewing - SG

Massive Grass at Thalian Hall's Bluegrass Bash

6PM @ Thalian Hall - DT (9th annual Bluegrass Bash; BBQ, brews & bluegrass w/ Massive Grass, Tideline String Band & Dear MariBella and the Pigkickers; Tickets: thalianhall.org/bluegrass-26)

Emo Night Karaoke Wilmington

7-11PM @ The Eagle's Dare - DT

AFROBEATS & CHILL – SLIM DELUXE BDAY PARRRTAYYY

9PM-2AM @ Wilmington Distillery - DT To-Do!

Don’t forget to register your classic car for the Cruise-In at The Bend Car Show happening this Saturday. Click here to register or TEXT 910.617.1535

-Jason