Good morning Wilmington!

A beautiful Wilmington sunrise this morning — and possibly some cautiously optimistic news for homeowners.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• “RJ Decker” to Shoot in ILM

• NC Lawmakers Weigh Property Tax Relief as Homeowner Costs Rise

Lights, Camera, Market Street: “RJ Decker” to Shoot in ILM

WECT A new TV series, “RJ Decker,” will film at The Suites on Market in Wilmington on Wednesday, Feb. 25, bringing more than 130 cast and crew members to the area. Production includes 35 cast members, 85 crew members and 10 extras, with filming scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. both inside and outside the hotel. Streetlights may be temporarily shut off for night scenes, and a police officer will be on site for security. Backup filming dates are set for Feb. 26 or 27.

Read More >>

NC Lawmakers Weigh Property Tax Relief as Homeowner Costs Rise

WECT North Carolina lawmakers are studying potential property tax relief options as rising home assessments strain residents and local governments. Ideas discussed include capping annual tax increases and requiring voter approval for certain hikes, though no formal bills have been filed. Officials also warned that possible federal funding cuts could shift more financial pressure onto municipalities, potentially complicating efforts to lower taxes.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

A New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputy resigned after being arrested and charged with DUI in Carolina Beach, where he was allegedly driving 60 mph in a 35 mph zone and registered a .25 BAC — more than three times the legal limit. Deputy Eric Paul Williams stepped down two days after his January arrest; his case remains pending in county court. WHQR

The City of Wilmington has taken its public-facing media mailbox system offline as a precaution following recent cyberattacks in the Cape Fear region. Officials say there has been no breach of the city’s system, but the move comes after nearly $488,000 was stolen from Carolina Beach in December and more than $650,000 was taken from Pender County in a separate scam. WWAY

A former Wilmington police officer was sentenced to 30 days in jail and one year of probation after pleading guilty to hitting his girlfriend with a car while driving impaired, entering an Alford plea in the 2023 case. Darryl Warren will begin serving his sentence Feb. 20 and is subject to a no-contact order, while several other charges against him were dismissed. WECT

What You Should Know

The Supreme Court struck down most of former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, ruling 6-3 that he exceeded his authority by using a national emergency law to impose them, dealing a significant setback to his administration. The court held that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize presidents to unilaterally implement tariffs, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing the majority opinion. NBC News

What Might Surprise You

Actor Eric Dane has died at 53 following a battle with ALS, his family confirmed, saying he passed away surrounded by loved ones after becoming an advocate for awareness and research during his illness. The “Grey’s Anatomy” star publicly revealed his diagnosis in April 2025 after a lengthy search for answers. TMZ

Friday

Saturday

Sunday