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In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NHC Schools Is Weighing a Weekly Off-Campus Bible Study Program

• Epic Games Cuts 20% of Its Workforce

NHC Schools Is Weighing a Weekly Off-Campus Bible Study Program ✝️

The New Hanover County School Board is considering a partnership with LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit that sends students off-campus once a week — during school hours — for about 45 minutes of Christian Bible study instruction.

Participation would be voluntary with parental opt-in required, and LifeWise operates in hundreds of school districts nationally. But "voluntary" doesn't settle the debate here. Board members Tim Merrick, David Perry, and Judy Justice have publicly expressed skepticism. Merrick was direct: religion doesn't belong in schools.

There's also the logistics question — kids leaving campus mid-day, transportation, who supervises, what happens to the kids who don't go. No vote has been scheduled yet, but the proposal is actively under discussion.

Read more at WECT →

Epic Games Cuts 20% of Its Workforce — and Fortnite Is to Blame 🎮

Cary, NC-based Epic Games announced this week it's laying off roughly 1,000 employees — about 20% of its total workforce. The company will have around 4,000 employees remaining after the cuts.

CEO Tim Sweeney pointed directly at Fortnite: monthly engagement on PlayStation dropped from 21 hours in February 2025 to 16 hours in February 2026 — a 24% decline. Rising competition, weaker consumer spending, and slower console sales all piled on. Sweeney was explicit that the cuts are not AI-related.

Epic is one of North Carolina's most prominent tech employers. The Cary headquarters remains the center of operations, but 1,000 fewer people will be working there.

Read more at Carolina Journal →

News Roundup

Local News

A vehicle crash on the northbound lane of Snow's Cut Bridge on Friday damaged concrete barriers and is causing delays for the Carolina Beach corridor. No major injuries were reported. Expect lane restrictions while repairs are made. WECT

James Osborne, a registered sex offender, has been charged federally with casting an illegal ballot in the 2024 presidential election and filing false voter registration forms in 2025 and 2026. Osborne shares an address with Rick Southerland, who withdrew from the NHC school board race earlier this month after public pressure. Southerland had been among the top four vote-getters in the March 3 Democratic primary. Osborne was previously convicted in Virginia on multiple child sexual abuse imagery charges. WECT

Two employees at Childcare Network in Leland have been suspended following allegations of child abuse. One worker is accused of spraying soapy water into a 3-year-old's mouth; another allegedly locked a child in a closet until he stopped crying. The closet incident was captured on video. The incidents occurred in December 2025 and January 2026. The Leland Police Department is investigating. WWAYTV3

What You Should Know

Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested Friday afternoon on Jupiter Island, FL, after his Land Rover collided with a truck and rolled onto its side. He was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. A breathalyzer showed no alcohol; investigators suspect medication or drug impairment. Woods appeared "lethargic" at the scene and was held for about 8 hours before being released on bail Friday night. WWAYTV3

The IRS is exploring the use of Palantir technology to enhance audit selection by using advanced data analytics to better identify potential tax violations. The move aims to improve efficiency and targeting of enforcement efforts, but also raises concerns about privacy, transparency, and how algorithm-driven decisions could impact taxpayers. DNYUZ

The U.S. is deploying additional Marines and military resources to the Middle East as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The buildup is intended to strengthen regional security and protect U.S. interests, while raising concerns about a broader and prolonged military engagement. The New York Times

What Might Surprise You

Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a federal class-action lawsuit brought by Jeffrey Epstein victims, who alleged the bank ignored red flags in financial transactions tied to Epstein. BoA admitted no wrongdoing. It's the fourth major bank settlement linked to Epstein — JPMorgan previously paid a combined $365 million; Deutsche Bank paid $75 million. Settlement still requires court approval. WWAYTV3

Donald Trump is proposing a major expansion of the White House, including plans tied to the military-industrial complex and a new ballroom project. The idea reflects broader ambitions to reshape federal infrastructure and defense-related operations, while drawing scrutiny over cost, purpose, and political implications. The Hill