FRIDAYS TOGETHER WITH YOU

22-Year-Old UNCW Student Tom Nguyen Launches Pho 68, Bringing Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine to Port City

[WECT] 22-year-old UNCW student Tom Nguyen has launched his own Vietnamese restaurant, Pho 68, in Ogden just two weeks ago. The name “68” symbolizes prosperity in Vietnamese culture. Nguyen, one semester from earning his business degree, is pausing his studies to gain hands-on experience. Drawing on cherished memories of his mother’s cooking in Saigon, he aims to deliver authentic flavors to the community. With his parents relocating from Vietnam to support his venture, Pho 68 is already attracting loyal customers, and Nguyen is excited to share his passion with Port City.

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One Tree Hill' Star Bethany Joy Lenz Named the 78th Queen of the NC Azalea Festival

[Star News] Bethany Joy Lenz, best known as Haley James Scott from "One Tree Hill," has been named the 78th queen of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. A longtime Wilmington favorite, Lenz will preside over Wilmington’s iconic spring celebration from April 2-6, which features a parade, concerts, street fairs, fireworks, and more. Her coronation is free and will be held at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Beyond her celebrated TV roles, Lenz has appeared in series like "Dexter" and "Grey’s Anatomy," co-hosts the "Drama Queens" podcast, and is a best-selling author. Her appointment brings star power and community pride back to the festival.

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News Roundup

Local

• Edward Teach Brewery in Wilmington will host an "End on a High Note Music Fest" to close out operations following a defamation lawsuit that impacted the business, marking a bittersweet farewell for the local favorite.
  Source: WECT

• A North Carolina representative has introduced two bills aimed at protecting same-sex marriages, seeking to solidify legal protections in the state amid ongoing national debates on the issue.
  Source: WWAYTV3

• New Hanover County Schools are set to review their sex education curriculum, prompted by community feedback and a desire to ensure the material aligns with current standards and needs.
  Source: WWAYTV3

Western NC

• Interstate 40 near the state line is set to partially reopen this weekend after repairs, detailing how the closure had disrupted travel, making the swift progress a welcome surprise to drivers.
  Source: WWAYTV3

What you need to know

• The Wuhan Institute of Virology is reportedly planning new bat experiments, raising concerns among experts about potential risks, which notes the lab's history with controversial research amid ongoing global scrutiny.
  Source: The Telegraph

• Newly released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein reveal further details about his activities and connections, reigniting public interest and debate in February 2025.
  Source: The Gateway Pundit

• Mass firings at the National Weather Service and NOAA have sparked outrage among scientists worldwide, explaining how the abrupt layoffs have disrupted critical weather forecasting operations.
  Source: MSN

• The Utah Legislature has approved a bill banning cities from adding fluoride to public water supplies, shifting the decision-making power to individual households. Supporters argue it upholds personal choice, while critics warn of potential public health consequences.
  Source: Utah News Dispatch

• New FBI director Kash Patel addressed agent concerns about a Justice Department list of Jan. 6 investigators, a reassignment of 1,500 staff, and a termination threat email, while proposing UFC training assistance.
  Source: ABC News

What Might Surprise you

• A surprising policy shift at a New York City McDonald’s now requires teenagers to show ID to enter, a response to rising crime and fights, catching many locals off guard. 
  Source: Fox News