Good morning Wilmington!

We’re heading into one of the most meaningful weekends of the year — a time to honor our heroes, gather with our neighbors, and soak up all the sunshine Wilmington has to offer.

Whether you’re throwing it back at the 70s Day Party, soaking up tunes and sun at Tap Yard, celebrating the grand opening of Dave & Busters or just relaxing with family, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. Port City Pulse is taking Monday off — I’ll catch you again on Tuesday with the latest!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• WB Drawbridge Closures May 27 & 28

• Memorial Day Events Set for Wilmington

Notice from the Town of Wrightsville Beach:

Please be advised that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will be conducting critical repairs on the westbound lanes of the Causeway Drawbridge. The work involves replacing a failed steel angle iron joint on the bridge.

This joint has sustained significant damage due to prolonged saltwater exposure, primarily from boats being hauled out of the nearby boat ramp. As a result, both the metal angle iron and the concrete counterweight have been compromised. Given the severity of the damage, this joint is considered to be in critical condition and requires immediate replacement.

Repair Schedule:

• Dates: May 27 and 28

• Time: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (overnight work)

• Contingency Date: May 29 (in case of weather or unforeseen delays)

We appreciate your patience and understanding as this essential maintenance is completed to ensure the continued safety of our community and functionality of the bridge.

Memorial Day Events Set for Wilmington: Ceremonies, Tributes, and a Special Luncheon

[WECT] Multiple Memorial Day events are planned in Wilmington to honor fallen service members. On Monday, May 26, the New Hanover County Veterans Council will host a ceremony at Wilmington National Cemetery at 11 a.m., and Battleship North Carolina will hold its observance at 10 a.m.—both free and open to the public. A Women Veterans Luncheon will take place Saturday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the DREAMS Center for Arts Education.

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News Roundup

Local News

• Carolina Beach officials issued a reminder that fireworks are illegal within town limits without proper permits. The warning comes ahead of Memorial Day weekend to prevent injuries and property damage. WECT

• Governor Josh Stein ordered U.S. and N.C. flags to fly at half-staff through Memorial Day to honor fallen military personnel. The order is in effect from sunrise Friday, May 24, through sunset Monday, May 27. WECT

• One person was killed in a boating accident near Wrightsville Beach, prompting an ongoing investigation. Wildlife officers responded to reports of a capsized vessel near Masonboro Inlet. WECT

What You Should Know

• Bitcoin reached an all-time high following a string of political wins for the crypto industry. Analysts credit favorable regulatory signals and bipartisan support as key catalysts. PBS NewsHour

• Federal charges have been filed against Elias Rodriguez, 31, for the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a young couple reportedly about to be engaged. Two other staffers witnessed the attack but were unharmed; the Israeli Embassy is reviewing its security protocols. CNN

• A small plane crashed into a residential neighborhood in San Diego, causing a massive fire and damaging homes. Emergency crews responded quickly, but at least one fatality was reported. Metro

• St. Louis emergency official Sarah Russell is under investigation after tornado sirens failed during a recent storm. Officials revealed the sirens had been inoperable for some time, and Russell is now on paid administrative leave. FOX 2 News

• Harvard University is suing the federal government over new rules that could drastically reduce foreign student enrollment. The policy, issued under the Trump administration, would bar most foreign students from attending U.S. schools unless classes are fully in-person. Associated Press

What might surprise you

• Presidents Trump and Ramaphosa clashed over claims of genocide against white farmers in South Africa. Ramaphosa rejected the accusation but acknowledged ongoing criminal violence and expressed willingness to discuss the matter further with the U.S. administration. C-SPAN

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