Good morning Wilmington!

Seahawks over Patriots, 29-13, but not your usual halftime. Bad Bunny made history with a vibrant Latin cultural celebration, featuring Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, and a parade of Puerto Rican traditions.

I heard from a friend that the messaging was good but I’ll have to take his word for it because I’m not fluent in Spanish. 🤷‍♂️

How did you feel about the halftime show? See poll below 👇️ 

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Ferry Incident Prompts Coast Guard Investigation

• Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

Bald Head Island Ferry Incident Prompts Coast Guard Investigation

WECT – The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding of the Bald Head Island ferry “Patriot,” which left 105 passengers stranded Thursday morning. Officials suspect a cable wrapped around the propeller may have caused the incident. No injuries occurred, and the ferry was freed the next morning. The Coast Guard is conducting a causal investigation, reviewing vessel logs, navigation systems, site conditions, and crew credentials to determine the cause and whether safety regulations need updates.

Read More >>

Wilmington Native and NFL Legend Sonny Jurgensen Dies at 91

WWAY News Sonny Jurgensen, a Wilmington native and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, has died at the age of 91. Known for his powerful arm, sharp wit, and lasting impact on Washington football, Jurgensen rewrote franchise records after arriving in Washington in 1964 and became one of the most beloved figures in team history. A multi-sport standout at New Hanover High School, he went on to Duke University and a legendary NFL career with Washington and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Read More >>

Judge Blocks Effort to Add Early Voting Sites at NC Universities

Associated Press A federal judge has declined to order early voting sites at three public North Carolina universities ahead of the March 3 primary, siding with Republican-controlled elections boards. The ruling affects Western Carolina University, UNC Greensboro, and North Carolina A&T State University, with challengers arguing the decision unfairly burdens student voters. The judge cited the proximity to the start of early voting and the risk of voter confusion, though the decision can still be appealed.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

Bald Head Island ferry Patriot has returned to service after running aground near the marina entrance, with crews freeing the vessel from a shoal and towing it back to Deep Point Marina in Southport. No injuries were reported, 105 passengers were safely evacuated, and ferry service was temporarily suspended but has since resumed.
WWAY News

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the pause in the Carolina and Kure Beach renourishment project was planned, though not clearly communicated to the public. Officials explained the more than $20 million project temporarily stopped in December to allow dredging equipment to be switched to another job, with sand still set to be pumped from offshore to combat erosion. WWAY News

National News

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings publicly offered to pay for the safe return of their mother, Nancy Guthrie, amid an ongoing kidnapping investigation. In an emotional Instagram video posted on the seventh day of her disappearance, the family pleaded directly with the alleged captors as police continue to investigate and maintain a $50,000 reward for information. The Jerusalem Post

Lindsey Vonn’s bid for a historic Olympic medal ended abruptly after she crashed just 13 seconds into the downhill final, suffering a broken left leg. Competing while already wearing a brace following a recent ACL injury, Vonn was attempting to become the oldest Alpine skier to medal before the devastating fall in Cortina d’Ampezzo. NBC NewsDon’t Miss

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday