Good morning, Wilmington.

It's a gray, cool Wednesday — highs in the low 50s — but this is the last gray day for a while. The sun is back tomorrow, Friday is Spring Equinox at 68°F, and the weekend climbs all the way to 80°F. If you've been waiting for the right moment to get outside, this is it.

Speaking of which: Airlie Gardens is holding its Blooms & Brews event this Friday evening — tulips are at peak bloom right now, azaleas are coming in right behind them, and the weather could not be more perfect for a walk through the gardens under the evening sky. More on that in the Don't Miss section.

In today's Port City Pulse:

• Wrightsville Beach's walking loop is getting a redesign as bridge replacement plans take shape

• North Carolina adults can now skip the DMV for their road test — here's how

NC Adults Can Now Skip the DMV Line for Their Road Test

WCNC As of March 16, adults 18 and older seeking a first-time Class C driver's license in North Carolina can take their road test at a certified private driving school rather than waiting at a DMV office. The expansion builds on a 2025 program that allowed certified schools to test teen drivers upgrading from learner's permits. Adults who pass the road test at a private school will still complete the final licensing transaction at an NCDMV office, but the change is expected to significantly reduce congestion at DMV locations statewide. Costs vary by school; a list of certified providers is available at ncdmv.gov.

Read More >>

Big Changes Coming to WB's Walking Loop Ahead of Three-Bridge Replacement Project

WWAY Wrightsville Beach's iconic 2.45-mile walking loop is set for both improvements and some significant changes as the town prepares for a three-bridge replacement project slated to begin in spring 2028. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will replace the US 76 Causeway Drive Bridge over Banks Channel and two bridges on West Salisbury Street crossing Lees Cut and Banks Channel. Ahead of construction, the town has already hired a contractor to evaluate the loop's design, lighting, and pedestrian safety — and plans to create "mini loops" so walkers, joggers, and cyclists maintain access to and from the beach during construction. The next bridge replacement committee meeting is June 15.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

New Hanover County is hosting a free Community Safety Day this Saturday, March 21, from 10AM to 1PM at the Senior Resource Center (2222 S College Rd). Services include a medication take-back, a shred-a-thon (two boxes or bags per person, while the truck is full), and AARP's CarFit vehicle safety check. Participating organizations include NHC Fire Rescue, the Sheriff's Office, Novant Health, and the Wilmington Fire Department. Free and open to the public. WECT

More than 409,000 Camp Lejeune water contamination claims remain unresolved — three and a half years after the PACT Act was signed into law. The federal government has paid roughly $530 million through its Elective Option program, but the vast majority of claimants have not received a dollar, and many are dying while waiting. The first trials are now expected to begin later this year. WECT

What You Should Know

The Senate voted 51-48 to advance the SAVE America Act — but Senate Republicans are now publicly fighting each other over what to do next. Sen. Mike Lee triggered backlash from colleagues by suggesting that any Republican senator who won't force a "talking filibuster" should be primaried. Rural state senators from Montana, Alaska, and North Carolina are pushing back hard on the provision to eliminate no-excuse mail-in voting, calling it a political liability at home. Sen. Thom Tillis missed Tuesday's vote entirely due to a travel delay. No resolution is in sight. The Hill

If you're flying for spring break, budget extra time — the DHS partial shutdown is pushing U.S. airports toward a breaking point. The acting TSA deputy administrator warned Tuesday that airports may need to "literally shut down," particularly smaller ones, as 366 TSA workers have quit and callout rates have spiked over 50% in Houston and 30% in Atlanta and New Orleans. Security lines are stretching three to four hours at major hubs. Airports in Denver and Seattle are now asking travelers to donate groceries and gift cards to unpaid agents. The Sun

A preliminary Department of Defense investigation has confirmed U.S. military involvement in the March strike on a school compound in Minab, Iran, that killed 175 people — at least 108 of them children. The Iranian elementary school was on a U.S. target list and may have been mistakenly identified as a military site. President Trump publicly blamed Iran for the strike and claimed Iran "also has some Tomahawks" — an assertion contradicted by weapons experts and open-source video evidence. NPR

What Might Surprise You

Spring break chaos has overtaken parts of Florida's coast — and some of those arrested were from right here in North Carolina. In Volusia County (Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach), police arrested 133 people and seized six weapons over the weekend. The county sheriff is threatening to sue social media "takeover" promoters for every asset they own, and a "special event zone" with elevated fines goes into effect Friday through Sunday. Tuesday was the busiest spring break day yet in New Smyrna Beach, with traffic, crowds of juveniles, and "increased activity" spreading across the city. The Independent

World News

Afghanistan says 400 people were killed when Pakistani airstrikes hit a hospital compound in Kabul, in what Afghan officials are calling a devastating escalation of cross-border hostilities. Pakistan has not officially confirmed the strikes, and details remain disputed, but the reported death toll — including medical staff and patients — has drawn international condemnation. The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation. The Guardian

Don't Miss

Airlie Gardens Blooms & Brews

Fri Mar 20: 6:00 - 10:00 PM @ Airlie Gardens - ILM
Airlie's tulips are at peak bloom and azaleas are right behind them — and Blooms & Brews lets you experience it all under the evening sky on the Oak Lawn. The event features special beer pairings with desserts, food stations, a live band, and a social station — with full garden access to walk the grounds while the birds roost over the lake. Proceeds support the care of Airlie's 75,000 azaleas, 4,000 camellias, and 60,000+ tulip bulbs across the 67-acre historic garden. Individual tickets $100; couple passes $175.

Get Tickets >>  |  Learn More >>

Kids Night Out — St. Patrick's Day Theme

Fri Mar 20: 5:00 PM @ Bounce Parties and Games - ILM
Drop-off kids night packed with bouncing, crafts, games, and the Pot of Gold challenge — all in green. $40/child, spots are limited. Book online or call 910-769-5065.

Learn More >>

Water Street Market

Fri Mar 20: 5:00 PM @ Downtown Wilmington - DT
Sunny Day Markets returns for Year Two every third Friday, March–May. Browse 30+ outdoor vendors: fresh flowers, a charm bar, local artisans, and small-business makers celebrating downtown Wilmington.

Learn More >>

Wed Mar 18: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 53° / 35° | 0% | N 9 mph
Thu Mar 19: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 63° / 40° | 0% | N 9 mph
Fri Mar 20: ☀️ Sunny | 68° / 50° | 0% | E 8 mph 🌸 Spring Equinox

Live Music

Wednesday Mar 18

Thursday Mar 19

Friday Mar 20 🌸