Good morning Wilmington!

“A heart-stopping game turned into a life-saving moment.” Pickleball player Richard Lander collapsed mid-game, but thanks to CPR-trained friends and a nearby AED, he’s back on the court. Wilmington’s YMCA celebrated the quick-thinking trio who made it possible.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Multiple Blood Drives in Wilmington

• Free CPR Class Offers Life-Saving Skills

Multiple Blood Drives Scheduled Across Wilmington in February

WECT The American Red Cross is hosting multiple blood drives in Wilmington throughout February. Locations range from malls, churches, and hospitals to community centers, making it easy for residents to give back. Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled online or by phone. Donating blood helps ensure hospitals have the supply they need for emergencies, surgeries, and everyday care across the region.

You can make an appointment online here or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Wilmington

• Feb. 19: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Independence Mall, 3500 Oleander Dr.

• Feb. 20: 12:30 to 5 p.m. at Warner Temple AME Zion Church, 620 Nixon St.

• Feb. 23: 1 to 5 p.m. at New Hanover County Democratic Party, 5041 New Centre Dr.

• Feb. 24: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, 2131 S. 17th St.

• Feb. 26: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1939 Independence Blvd.

• Feb. 26: 12 to 4 p.m. at Church of the Servant - Sactuary, 4925 Oriole Dr.

Read More >>

Free CPR Class Offers Life-Saving Skills to Wilmington Community

WWAY TV3 Multiple local organizations are partnering to offer a free CPR class for the Wilmington community on February 15 at the Earl Jackson Pool. The class is designed for parents, caregivers, swimmers, coaches, and anyone interested in learning emergency response skills, including adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, and choking assistance. While registration is optional, attendees may purchase an official American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/AED eCard during sign-up.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

The Town of Carolina Beach is warning residents about phishing emails that falsely appear to come from local government officials. Officials urge recipients to verify sender addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use caution to protect personal information from scams. WWAY TV3

The second annual CB MuralFest will return to Carolina Beach this May, showcasing live art and celebrating the town’s coastal culture. The two-day event will feature dozens of North Carolina artists creating murals in real time, with finished works displayed through the summer and later auctioned to support participating artists. WWAY TV3

What You Should Know

A sharp cryptocurrency selloff has erased nearly $470 billion in market value in less than a week, led by a steep decline in Bitcoin. Bitcoin fell to its lowest level since Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election before modestly rebounding, though it remains down about 40% from its October peak amid ongoing liquidations and persistent selling pressure despite a pro-crypto US administration. Bloomberg

What Might Surprise You

Prince Andrew has reportedly been forced to leave Royal Lodge earlier than planned, beginning what is described as an “exile” amid renewed scrutiny linked to Epstein-related claims. According to the report, King Charles grew increasingly concerned by the fallout, prompting Andrew’s quiet nighttime departure as clearance work began at the Windsor property. The Sun

Newly released FBI documents claim Jeffrey Epstein was trained as a spy for Israeli intelligence and maintained ties with US and allied intelligence services. The unclassified files have renewed speculation about the true source of Epstein’s wealth and suggest his fortune may have been linked, at least in part, to intelligence-related work rather than finance alone. Daily Express

Thursday

Friday

Saturday