Good morning Wilmington!

Today I learned that North Carolina has its own Santa School. From retired lawyers to career Santas, participants gather for Advanced Santa Studies to perfect their craft—vintage suits, reindeer etiquette, and all. It’s a glimpse into a world where holiday magic meets meticulous professionalism.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Five Popular Fish Species Now Require Mandatory Harvest Reporting in NC

• Two Wilmington Heart Surgeons Named Among America’s Best

Five Popular Fish Species Now Require Mandatory Harvest Reporting in NC

NC Division of Marine Fisheries Beginning December 1, 2025, North Carolina will require both recreational and commercial fishermen to report harvests of Red Drum, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, and Weakfish. The new law applies across Coastal, Joint, and adjacent Inland Fishing Waters. Recreational anglers must submit reports for each catch they keep, while commercial license holders must report all harvested fish—whether sold or not—directly to the Division of Marine Fisheries. The update is designed to improve fisheries data, strengthen conservation efforts, and ensure better-informed management decisions statewide.
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Two Wilmington Heart Surgeons Named Among America’s Best

WWAY Two Novant Health cardiothoracic surgeons in Wilmington—Dr. Peter Kane and Dr. Hank Marks—have been named to Newsweek’s “America’s Leading Doctors” list. Dr. Kane ranked 12th nationally and highest among North Carolina surgeons, while both doctors were praised for their exceptional outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They were selected based on physician performance data, peer recommendations, certifications, and quality scores. Novant Health leaders also credited the broader cardiac care teams whose support ensures strong patient outcomes.

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News Roundup

Local News

CFPUA has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for parts of South Lumina Avenue and Waynick Boulevard in Wrightsville Beach beginning Thursday, Dec. 4, while crews replace broken valves. About 100 customers are asked to boil water for one minute or use bottled water until testing confirms it is safe to drink. WECT

The filing period for North Carolina’s 2026 elections officially opened on Monday, with candidates announcing runs for state, county, and local offices, including state House, state Senate, school board, sheriff, and district attorney races. Key local developments include Rep. Ted Davis endorsing Dane Scalise for his state House seat and several incumbents filing for reelection, with major campaign issues expected to focus on development, affordability, clean water, education funding, and health care. WECT

What You Should Know

Former military lawyers say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may have committed war crimes by allegedly ordering a commander to “kill everybody” aboard a suspected drug vessel, including survivors of an initial strike. The Former JAGs Working Group argues the follow-up strike that killed two people clinging to wreckage was unlawful and reflects a broader erosion of legal safeguards within the military. Military Times

What Might Surprise You

Costco has sued the Trump administration seeking a full refund of tariffs it paid, anticipating that the Supreme Court may strike down Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose the duties. The retailer joins dozens of companies filing similar lawsuits to secure refunds, as the Court weighs whether Trump overextended the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The Hill

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