Happy Cinco de Mayo!

If your weekend was too short or too quiet, Wilmington's music scene is here to spice up your Monday. From traditional Mayan cuisine at Dram Tree Tavern to a nine-act musical fiesta at Barzarre, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate. Plus, in case you missed it, Sovereignty galloped to victory in the Kentucky Derby, outpacing favorite Journalism.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Only 5% of Homes Are Affordable to Median Earners in New Hanover County

• House Bill 171 Would Eliminate DEI Efforts in NC State, Local Government

Only 5% of Homes Are Affordable to Median Earners in New Hanover County

[WWAY] At a joint planning meeting Thursday, New Hanover County commissioners reviewed data showing a widening housing affordability gap. While a median income earner could afford roughly half the county’s homes in 2020, that number has plummeted to just 5%. Meanwhile, the average monthly rent has climbed to $1,415—above what many can reasonably afford. Homelessness is also on the rise. To meet demand over the next decade, the county would need to add 21,000 housing units, including 7,400 affordable units for low-income residents.

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House Bill 171 Would Eliminate DEI Efforts in NC State, Local Government

[WWAY] The North Carolina House has passed House Bill 171, which would ban all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the state and local government levels. Sponsored by Rep. Brendon Jones of Columbus County, the bill prohibits government agencies from promoting, supporting, or funding DEI initiatives. It also includes potential job loss for employees who violate the law. The bill passed strictly along party lines—69 Republicans in favor, 45 Democrats opposed—and now moves to the Senate for further debate.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Carolina Beach police are investigating a shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon near the 200 block of Charlotte Avenue. Officers say one person was taken to the hospital and the suspect has not been identified. WWAY

• A UNCW student has been charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a dorm room in Seahawk Crossing. Campus police said the incident caused significant smoke damage but no injuries. WWAY

• JetBlue has officially launched nonstop service between Wilmington and Boston, marking the airline’s first-ever route to ILM. Local officials celebrated the inaugural flight as a milestone for regional connectivity. WWAY

What You Should Know

• Donald Trump sparked backlash by posting an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope, just days after attending Pope Francis’s funeral. The image appeared on Truth Social, Instagram, and even the official White House X account, prompting criticism from both supporters and critics. The Mirror

What Might Surprise You

• Trump has issued an executive order to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison, claiming it will house “the most dangerous criminals and traitors.” The move is largely symbolic, sparking legal and logistical questions. The Telegraph

• Dozens were rescued from a sinking yacht off the coast of Miami Beach, with Coast Guard crews responding quickly to a mayday call. No injuries were reported. MSN

• More than 2 million fans filled Copacabana Beach in Rio for Lady Gaga's free concert, one of the largest crowds ever for a musical performance. The show was part of her global "Mayhem" tour and funded by local authorities. MSN

• Warren Buffett announces surprise retirement after 60 years leading Berkshire Hathaway. The 94-year-old billionaire told shareholders he’ll step down at the end of 2025 and recommended Greg Abel as his successor, shocking even Abel, who had no advance notice. Buffett will remain chairman and said he won’t sell a single share, declaring confidence in Berkshire’s future. Associated Press

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