Good morning Wilmington!

Great news for Wilmington weekend planners: Bigger's Market officially opens this weekend — and they’re kicking things off with live music all three days. Friday features Paige Bacon, followed by Nimara Gillcrist and Forrest Tabor on Saturday – Josh Lewis & Delia Stanley wrapping things up Sunday. If you’ve been looking for a new spot to shop local, grab food, and catch live music, this might quickly become a weekend favorite.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Leland's $470K Travel Budget Under Scrutiny

• Otter Pups Debut at Fort Fisher Aquarium

Leland's $470K Travel Budget Under Scrutiny

WECT – Leland town leaders defended a $470K travel budget amid resident concerns at a budget forum, with spending on conferences and training drawing calls for more transparency. The proposed budget prioritizes infrastructure but highlights ongoing debates over fiscal accountability in growing Brunswick County communities near Wilmington.
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Otter Pups Debut at Fort Fisher Aquarium

WECT – Three Asian small-clawed otter pups at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher are entering their public habitat pool this week, delighting visitors with playful swims. The milestone marks a key step in their development, boosting family-friendly attractions along the Wilmington-area coast during spring break season.
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News Roundup

Local News

New Hanover school board Republican switches to Libertarian party. David Perry, elected as GOP in 2024, announces the change amid local education debates. Shift could influence board dynamics serving Wilmington families. WECT

Wilmington warns planning applicants of permit fee scam emails. City alerts recent submitters to fraudulent messages targeting Development Services. Victims urged to verify via official channels amid rising cyber threats. WECT

Cape Fear River Watch oyster roast fundraiser returns this weekend. Environmental group's annual event supports waterway conservation efforts vital to Wilmington's coastal ecosystem. Tickets on sale for seafood and fun. WECT

What You Should Know

DOJ approves $175M in Camp Lejeune water contamination settlements. The DOJ has paid over $421 million in 649 Elective Option settlements to compensate service members exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune since Jan. 20, 2025. Impacts thousands in the Wilmington region long-term. WECT

About 140 U.S. service members have been wounded during the first 10 days of Operation Epic Fury as the U.S. and Israel conduct strikes against Iran, according to the Pentagon. Most injuries were minor with many troops returning to duty, though eight remain severely injured, while the conflict has also resulted in at least seven American fatalities amid continued retaliatory attacks. Military Times

Rand Paul warns of 'midterm disaster' for GOP amid internal rifts. The senator cautions party fractures could lead to losses, influencing NC congressional races and coastal district representation for Wilmington voters. The Hill

What Might Surprise You

FBI searches Epstein's New Mexico Zorro Ranch in renewed probe. Agents comb the property for evidence in ongoing investigations, drawing national scrutiny with potential ties to high-profile figures impacting public trust. NYT

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