Good morning Wilmington!

The forecast is calling for gusty winds and scattered showers this weekend along the coast. While Wilmington’s events are ready to roll, make sure to confirm schedules before stepping out. Safety first, fun always!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Bob Ross’ Works Help Public TV Stations Survive Budget Shortfalls

• New Hanover High School Set for Multi-Phase Renovation

Bob Ross’ Works Help Public TV Stations Survive Budget Shortfalls

WWAY-TV — Thirty Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned to help public television stations affected by federal funding cuts. Proceeds will support licensing fees for popular programs like “The Best of Joy of Painting,” “America’s Test Kitchen,” and “This Old House.” Small and rural stations, hit hardest by funding losses, will benefit from the sales, preserving Ross’ legacy of making art accessible to everyone.

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New Hanover High School Set for $230M Multi-Phase Renovation

WWAY-TV — New Hanover High School will undergo a $230 million, multi-phase renovation after the school board approved a hybrid master plan. The plan prioritizes safety upgrades and new learning spaces, with construction occurring in phases over the next 12 years. Board Chair Melissa Mason emphasized the phased approach allows manageable progress while addressing immediate campus safety concerns.

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News Roundup

Local News

Pender County is warning residents about scam emails pretending to be from its Planning and Community Development Office, emphasizing that official communications only come from verified county emails, phone calls, or mailed correspondence. WWAY

What You Should Know

Donald Trump announced that Israeli hostages held by Hamas will begin returning home on Monday as part of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas. The agreement includes a prisoner exchange of roughly 2,000 Palestinians, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and was brokered with help from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Daily Mail

NC Democratic Party is calling on State Rep. Cecil Brockman to resign after he was charged with sexual offenses involving a minor. Brockman faces two counts of a statutory sex offense and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, and he is currently held in Guilford County jail while awaiting court proceedings. WRAL

New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The Democrat, known for her legal battles with former President Donald Trump, denied the allegations and called the charges “baseless” and politically motivated. NBC News

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against dictatorship in Venezuela. Living in hiding after being blocked from running for president in 2024, she dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people and U.S. President Donald Trump for his support of her cause. Reuters

What Might Surprise You

Dolly Parton, 79, reassured fans she is doing well despite some unspecified health issues, saying “I ain't dead yet!” and asking, “Do I look sick to you?” Daily Mail

Costco now sells Ozempic and Wegovy at its pharmacies, offering a one-month supply for $499 with a prescription. These prices match those on Novo Nordisk’s website and at other retailers like CVS and Walmart, and Costco members or cardholders receive an additional 2% discount. WWAY

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