Good morning Wilmington!

It’s Monday in the Port City, and while the tide rolls in steady here, the national waters are choppier. From calls for presidential emergency powers to California unrest, we’re keeping an eye on the headlines. Meanwhile, North Carolina inches closer to cannabis reform—and it could change everything.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Gov. Josh Stein to Explore Cannabis Legalization in North Carolina

• Raleigh-to-Richmond Rail Project Presses On

Gov. Josh Stein Forms Advisory Council to Explore Cannabis Legalization in North Carolina

[WUNC] Governor Josh Stein has created a 24-member State Advisory Council on Cannabis to recommend a framework for legalizing and regulating marijuana in North Carolina. While cannabis remains illegal for both medicinal and recreational use in the state, Stein says the rise of unregulated hemp-derived THC products—often available to minors—demands immediate action. The council will present preliminary recommendations by March 2026 and is tasked with crafting a policy focused on adult sales, safety, health, expungement, and revenue reinvestment. This move could increase pressure on the General Assembly to address cannabis reform.

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Raleigh-to-Richmond Rail Project Presses On Despite Federal Funding Freeze

[WUNC] Despite a funding freeze from the Trump administration, the North Carolina Department of Transportation says work on the Raleigh-to-Richmond passenger rail line continues. The S-Line, backed by over $1 billion from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to speed up travel between major East Coast cities. NCDOT expects the project to stay on schedule for a 2030 opening. Local leaders in towns like Wake Forest and Apex are planning new or potential transit stations in anticipation of the rail line’s arrival or future expansion.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Day Two of the Carolina Beach Music Festival was canceled due to weather, disappointing attendees and cutting the event short despite strong turnout on opening day. Organizers cited safety concerns due to forecasted storms.
  WECT

• A man died after Wilmington police executed a search warrant for drugs, prompting an internal investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether the death was related to the search.
  Fox Wilmington

• Students at Carolina Beach Elementary celebrated the last day of school with a water balloon fight, with teachers and staff joining the fun in what has become a beloved annual tradition.
  WECT

What You Should Know

• Donald Trump is exploring using the Insurrection Act and emergency powers to impose sweeping immigration and tariff policies if re-elected. Critics warn it could represent a significant expansion of presidential authority.
  AP News

• Trump’s former acting ICE director Tom Homan blasted California leaders, accusing them of undermining federal immigration enforcement amid ongoing border tensions.
  The Daily Beast

• A George Soros-backed group plans to spend millions to flip Texas blue, ramping up its ground game and voter outreach ahead of the 2026 midterms.
  Wall Street Journal

What Might Surprise You

• Trump is considering selling his Tesla after feuding with Elon Musk, fueling speculation as the Trump-Musk feud continues to escalate.
  Business Insider

Monday

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Wednesday