Good morning Wilmington!

Food Network crews filmed in Leland and Wilmington, and now the country gets to see our breakfast creations shine this Sunday. Meanwhile, Pee-wee fans can celebrate all week long at Thalian Hall with memorabilia raffles and a costume contest that’s guaranteed to bring smiles.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wilmington and Leland featured in the Great Food Truck Race

• North & South Carolina Duke Energy Utilities Could Combine

Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race Rolls Into Cape Fear With Southern Breakfast Challenge

[WWAY] The Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race is rolling into the Cape Fear, with Leland and Wilmington featured in Sunday’s episode. Filmed in March, the competition will spotlight southern breakfast creations at the Best Western Plus Westgate Inn & Suites. Host Tyler Florence welcomes guest judge Lauren Krall-Ivey, Wilmington’s own James Beard-nominated chef and co-owner of Olivero, to decide which team takes home the $15,000 prize. The episode premieres Sunday at 10 p.m., putting Wilmington’s food scene on the national stage.

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North & South Carolina Duke Energy Utilities Could Combine by 2027

[WRAL] Duke Energy has formally requested approval from regulators to merge its North and South Carolina subsidiaries—Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress—into one entity. The company projects the move will save customers more than $1 billion by 2038 through streamlined operations, simplified rate structures, and reduced infrastructure costs. Currently serving 4.7 million customers across 52,000 square miles, Duke says the merger will not immediately change rates or services but will gradually align rate structures between regions. If approved, the merger would take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, pending approval from state and federal regulators.

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News Roundup

Local News

• A tornado touched down near Holden Beach Thursday evening, It caused minor damage to trees and beach furniture and no injuries were reported.
  WECT

• A Wilmington business is turning to drones for pressure washing, offering a safer and faster way to clean buildings in downtown. The technology is gaining traction as a more efficient alternative to traditional cleaning methods.
  WWAY

• Carolina Beach Town Council has rejected a proposal from Uncle Vinny’s Pizzeria to allow motorized, electric-powered carts for vending on the beach strand. Senior Planner Gloria Abbots said fire and police officials raised safety concerns, citing potential conflicts with existing emergency and service vehicles, cart speeds, and difficulties maneuvering through crowded areas.
  WWAY

What You Should Know

• Three people were killed and nine others injured after a shootout erupted inside Taste of the City Lounge, a hookah bar in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights. Police say the violence began with a dispute between a 19-year-old and a 35-year-old suspected gang member, escalating into crossfire involving up to four shooters. Investigators recovered 42 shell casings as the NYPD continues searching for suspects.
  New York Post

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the White House with key European allies including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and leaders from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, and the European Commission to discuss ending the war with Russia.
  BBC News

• Attorney General Pam Bondi announced 68 arrests in Washington, D.C. overnight as part of President Trump’s federal crime crackdown, which includes deploying the National Guard and taking control of the city’s police. The White House touted firearm seizures and graffiti removal, while Democrats like Sen. Chris Murphy criticized the move as a political stunt to distract from other controversies.
  The Hill

What Might Surprise You

• Healthcare system has agreed to a $1 million settlement and offered reinstatement to employees who were terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds.
  Shaw Local

• Wellington, Utah, is considering a 225% property tax increase, the largest proposed in the state, to cover a $400,000 budget shortfall after years without rate hikes.
  Newsweek

• Thieves steal $2 million in jewelry from Seattle store in just 90 seconds. Police said the suspects were armed with a Taser and bear spray.
  CBS News

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday