Good morning Wilmington! Spring is officially here — but she's got a moody side today, so keep an umbrella close. Those afternoon storms aren't kidding. In today's issue: a local election office in turmoil (with a board meeting happening tonight), a big state win for Cape Fear clean water, a Grammy-winning bluegrass band coming to Greenfield Lake on Wednesday, and a missing Air Force general with a very strange story. A lot to unpack. Let's get into it.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NHC Elections Board Suspends Newly Hired Director

• Governor Commits $17M to Clean Water

News Roundup

Local News

Cape Fear Bulkhead Replacement Moves Forward: The City of Wilmington is advancing plans to replace a 59-year-old bulkhead near the former Coast Guard Cutter Diligence site on the downtown waterfront — aging infrastructure that quietly matters for the health of the riverfront corridor. WECT

Repairs to equipment used in Carolina Beach’s ongoing beach nourishment project will temporarily limit access to Freeman Park. Officials say delays are expected on March 20, with vehicles only allowed to enter and exit the park at scheduled intervals while crews fix a dredging engine issue that has also been causing visible smoke. WWAY

Mayor Saffo Takes Wilmington's Priorities to Washington: Mayor Bill Saffo and council members recently held meetings in DC with Congressman David Rouzer, Senators Tillis and Budd, and federal agencies including the EPA. They were pushing for local infrastructure funding, clean water support, and other Cape Fear priorities. (WHQR)

What You Should Know

The Trump administration is moving to deploy ICE agents to assist with airport security amid a TSA staffing crisis caused by a government shutdown. The plan, aimed at easing long lines and shortages, has sparked backlash from unions and critics who argue ICE agents lack proper aviation security training and could create safety risks. The Hill

Two pilots were killed and dozens injured when an Air Canada regional jet collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, prompting a major emergency response and airport shutdown. The crash involved a plane carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, with many taken to hospitals, and is now under investigation by federal authorities as officials examine possible air traffic control and runway safety issues. AP News

President Donald Trump has suggested the U.S. may begin winding down its war with Iran even as military strikes and tensions continue in the region. His comments come amid ongoing conflict, disruptions to global oil supplies, and uncertainty over whether the U.S. will fully secure key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about mixed messaging and the broader strategy moving forward. Financial Post

World News

Cuba Goes Dark — Again: Cuba's national power grid collapsed for the third time this month, leaving millions without electricity. The island is deep in an energy and humanitarian crisis, squeezed by aging infrastructure, severe fuel shortages, and economic pressure. AP via NPR

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Wednesday