Good morning Wilmington!

Bitcoin is moving from the digital world into North Carolina wallets. More than 400 businesses across the state — from distilleries to barber shops — now accept Bitcoin, thanks in part to a Square feature that simplifies transactions. Payments are processed via QR code and instantly converted to cash for everyday spending.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Bitcoin Gains Ground in North Carolina

• Stein Task Force Weighs Data Center Safeguards

From Whiskey to Haircuts: Bitcoin Gains Ground in North Carolina

Spectrum News More than 400 North Carolina businesses — including about 90 in Charlotte — now accept Bitcoin as payment, fueled in part by a new Square feature that simplifies crypto transactions. Merchants like Great Wagon Road Distilling Company say accepting bitcoin helps attract new customers, with payments processed via QR code and instantly converted to cash for everyday expenses.

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Stein Task Force Weighs Data Center Safeguards as NC Energy Demand Surges

WUNC A state energy task force convened by Gov. Josh Stein has released a 49-page report outlining recommendations to manage soaring electricity demand driven largely by proposed data centers. The group suggests new large-load tariffs, possible tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and greater transparency to protect residents and businesses, warning that without expanded power generation, the surge — much of it tied to Duke Energy’s pipeline — could worsen outages across North Carolina.

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News Roundup

Local News

Josh Stein is touring North Carolina ski resorts to spotlight the state’s winter sports industry during the Winter Olympics. Visiting Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, Stein highlighted North Carolina’s reputation as the “Winter Capital of the South,” noting the industry draws nearly 800,000 visitors annually, supports about 2,000 jobs and generates roughly $250 million in economic activity. Spectrum News

Strickland’s Surplus, a longtime military and first responder supply store in Wilmington, is set to close after 25 years in business. The shop on Carolina Beach Road will be demolished in March to make way for a new storage facility, according to the owner. WWAY

The NAACP New Hanover County is hosting a ‘Souls to the Polls’ event to encourage voter participation. Participants will gather at St. Stephen AME Church on Feb. 22, march to vote at Cape Fear Community College, and conclude with food and community fellowship, as part of ongoing efforts to promote voter education and empower local residents. WWAY

What You Should Know

Ukraine and Russia have begun another round of U.S.-brokered peace talks in Switzerland, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low. Despite previous negotiations yielding only limited progress such as prisoner exchanges, major sticking points — including control of eastern Ukrainian territory and postwar Western security guarantees — remain unresolved as fighting continues. The New York Times

William Stevenson, the first husband of Jill Biden, has pleaded not guilty to murdering his second wife in Delaware. Stevenson, 77, is accused of killing Linda Stevenson at their Wilmington home in December and is being held on $2 million bail after being charged with murder earlier this month. Fox News

A shooter opened fire during a youth hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, killing his ex-wife and adult son before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Authorities identified the suspect as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito; three others were injured, and investigators have interviewed nearly 100 witnesses while crediting a bystander with helping bring the attack to a swift end. ABC7

What Might Surprise You

Michael Jordan is now a Daytona 500 champion as a team owner after 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick captured the victory with a last-lap pass. Jordan celebrated in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway as Reddick secured his first Daytona 500 win, giving the six-time NBA champion another major milestone—this time in NASCAR. WUNC

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