Good morning Wilmington!

Wrightsville Beach just made a move that could make your next beach day a little easier — and a little cheaper.

Here’s what you need to know.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wrightsville Beach Lowers Parking Rates

• Streets Cleared After Train Derailment

Wrightsville Beach Lowers Parking Rates, Adds Real-Time Parking Map

Wrightsville Beach officials have approved lower daily parking rates and announced plans for a new real-time parking availability system. Non-premium spaces will drop from $30 to $25 per day, while premium spaces will decrease from $35 to $30.

The town is also partnering with Pivot Parking to launch a live online mapping tool expected in May, allowing visitors to check parking availability before arriving. A new standing Parking Committee will oversee data, operations, and future policy recommendations to improve transparency and long-term management.

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Downtown Wilmington Streets Cleared After Late-Night Train Derailment

WECT Two empty train cars derailed just before 11 p.m. Friday near the South Front and Kidder Street rail crossing in downtown Wilmington, temporarily blocking multiple streets as crews worked to clear the scene. Police shut down roads from S. Front to S. 8th streets, with most reopening overnight and the final stretch of S. Front Street reopening Saturday evening after the derailed cars were removed. No injuries were reported.

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News Roundup

Local News

The Wilmington City Council will consider approving a $2.449 million contract to rehabilitate the Front Street bridge during its upcoming meeting. The project would replace the 1965 bridge’s concrete deck, repair and recoat its steel structure, and install updated safety railings to meet NCDOT standards, with the council also set to discuss a Black History Month proclamation and receive an update on nCino Park activity. WECT

What Might Surprise You

Former President Barack Obama said in a recent podcast interview that aliens are “real, but I haven’t seen them,” while dismissing conspiracy theories about secret government cover-ups. Speaking with YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen, Obama cast doubt on claims that extraterrestrials are being hidden at Area 51, even as public interest in UFOs and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena continues to grow. New York Post

National News

The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its third week as the FBI analyzes male DNA found on a glove discovered near her Tucson home. Authorities say the glove may match one worn by a suspect seen on doorbell footage, while her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, shared a public message saying the family “still has hope” and urging anyone involved to come forward. WRAL

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