Good morning Wilmington!

If you were wondering about Monday’s poll on Bad Bunny’s halftime show — it ended in a tie here at Port City Pulse. Five out of twelve voters liked it, five didn’t. Interestingly, when I ran the same poll over on Port City Jams, our live-music-focused newsletter, the sentiment dipped a bit, with “Nah” taking the lead. Same show, different crowds, different vibes.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Longtime Owner of Jimbo’s Dies at 91

• Duke Professor Appears in Epstein Files

Jimmy “Jimbo” Patsalos, Beloved Breakfast Icon, Dies at 91

WECT Jimmy “Jimbo” Patsalos, longtime owner of Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch House, has died at the age of 91. Patsalos and his wife, Anna, opened the South College Road restaurant in the 1970s after relocating from New York, and the family-run establishment went on to serve Wilmington for nearly 48 years. Known as a local staple, Jimbo’s became a cherished gathering spot for generations. Funeral services are scheduled for Feb. 12 and 13.

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Duke Professor Appears in Hundreds of Times in Newly Released Epstein Files

The News & Observer Newly released Justice Department records show Duke University professor Dan Ariely is referenced more than 700 times in the latest tranche of Epstein files, revealing years of email correspondence between the two. The documents include messages about conferences, academic networking, and introductions to high-profile figures, though Ariely says his contact with Epstein was limited and logistical, with no financial or ongoing relationship. Duke University says it is reviewing the information as part of an internal evaluation.

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News Roundup

Local News

A boat owner is facing felony littering charges after abandoning a vessel near Carolina Beach that later washed ashore at Freeman Park. The boat was left unregistered and drifting in December before harbormasters removed it, and officials say a tip generated from a Facebook post helped identify the owner, whose name has not been released. WECT

What You Should Know

A large surge of U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft is heading toward the Middle East, raising concerns among analysts about a potential major military buildup involving Iran. Open-source flight trackers report at least 112 C-17s already en route or arrived—levels compared to Desert Storm—capable of rapidly moving troops and heavy equipment, as tensions remain high despite recent indirect U.S.-Iran talks that failed to resolve key disputes over Iran’s missile program. ZeroHedge

What Might Surprise You

Athletes at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are reporting medals breaking or falling off their ribbons just hours after winning them. Gold medalist Breezy Johnson said her medal snapped while she was celebrating, while TV footage showed a German biathlete’s bronze clattering to the floor during a team celebration. Olympic organizers say they are investigating the issue with “maximum attention” following multiple incidents during opening weekend festivities. Associated Press

National News

Savannah Guthrie publicly pleaded for help in the search for her missing mother, saying the family has reached an “hour of desperation” as the ordeal enters a second week. In an emotional video, the Today co-host urged anyone with information—no matter how small or how far from Tucson—to contact law enforcement as authorities continue investigating the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Deadline

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