Good morning Wilmington!

After an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally home. The duo, who initially launched on Boeing’s troubled Starliner capsule, made a safe return aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, splashing down off the coast of Florida. Their return marks the end of a long wait and yet another milestone for private space travel.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Seahawks Set for March Madness

• New 86-Home Development Proposed for Gordon Road

Seahawks Set for March Madness—Tipoff vs. Texas Tech Thursday

[UNCW] UNCW men’s basketball is officially heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017! After defeating Delaware 76-72 in the CAA Championship, the Seahawks secured their seventh conference title and a spot in March Madness. Fans gathered Tuesday to send off the team as they prepare to face Texas Tech in the first round. The game tips off at 10:10 p.m. tomorrow–Thursday, March 20 on TruTV.

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New 86-Home Development Proposed for Gordon Road

[Wilmington Biz]Several development projects in New Hanover County are under review, with community meetings scheduled for public input. Heron Cove, an 86-home subdivision off Gordon Road, seeks rezoning for higher density. Paws4People, a service dog training center, plans to expand its Castle Hayne campus. Meanwhile, a Castle Hayne Road property is proposed for commercial use expansion. Residents can attend meetings on March 18, 25, and 26 to learn more. After community discussions, rezoning requests will be reviewed by county officials.

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News Roundup

LOCAL

• NC State has named a new chancellor to lead the state’s largest public university. The new appointee will oversee the university’s academic and administrative direction at a crucial time for higher education in North Carolina. WRAL

• North Carolina officials have introduced a new transportation tax for ride services. The tax aims to fund infrastructure improvements, but critics argue it could increase costs for ride-share users. WECT

• An artificial oyster reef near Carolina Beach State Park has been completed. The project is expected to improve water quality and support marine life by providing a habitat for oysters and other species. WRAL

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The National Archives has released new JFK assassination files, reigniting debates over the case. Some documents remain classified, fueling speculation about government transparency. The Hill

• The Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest decision on interest rates amid inflation concerns. Investors are watching closely as the Fed navigates economic pressures. Wall Street Journal

• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says he is open to discussions with Trump amid ongoing Russian strikes. The comment comes as Ukraine continues to push for Western support in its war effort. CNBC

WHAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU

• A viral video shows whales appearing to protect a diver from an approaching shark. Experts say whale behavior like this is rare but has been observed before. The Sun

• Starbucks has been ordered to pay millions after a customer was severely burned by spilled hot coffee. The case echoes previous lawsuits over coffee temperatures and consumer safety. CNN

NATIONAL NEWS

• Donald Trump is calling for the impeachment of Judge Boasberg, accusing him of bias. His remarks come amid ongoing legal battles involving the former president. The Hill

• Tesla’s California facility was vandalized with political graffiti, including references to Trump. Authorities are investigating whether the act was politically motivated. AP News

WORLD NEWS

• A Canadian airline has canceled all flights to Tennessee, citing regulatory issues. The move has disrupted travel plans and left passengers seeking alternatives. The Hill

Weather

SUMMARY
Wilmington, NC, will enjoy mostly sunny skies on Wednesday with mild temperatures, followed by a shift to rainy and windy conditions Thursday afternoon, cooling off by evening. Friday brings clear, sunny weather with breezy northwest winds. Expect pleasant surf conditions Wednesday, with increasing wave heights by evening, while tides remain moderate throughout.

WEATHER FORECAST
Wed Mar 19: Mostly Sunny | 68° / 53° | 3% | E 8 mph
Thu Mar 20: PM Rain/Wind | 71° / 45° | 66% | SSW 21 mph
Fri Mar 21: Sunny | 61° / 48° | 0% | NW 19 mph

TIDE FORECAST
Wed Mar 19:
5:07am: 0.41 ft (Low Tide)
11:25am: 3.02 ft (High Tide)
5:04pm: 0.34 ft (Low Tide)
11:55pm: 3.67 ft (High Tide)

Thu Mar 20:
5:53am: 0.63 ft (Low Tide)
12:07pm: 2.87 ft (High Tide)
5:47pm: 0.51 ft (Low Tide)
12:41am: 3.59 ft (High Tide)

Fri Mar 21:
6:56am: 0.80 ft (Low Tide)
12:50pm: 2.76 ft (High Tide)
6:48pm: 0.63 ft (Low Tide)
12:41am: 3.59 ft (High Tide)

SURF FORECAST
Wed Mar 19:
Surf starts at 1+ ft in the morning with clean conditions and light NNW winds at 4 mph, backed by a 1.4 ft, 11s E swell. By noon, waves build to 2 ft, staying clean with calm E winds at 3 mph and a 1.9 ft, 11s E swell. By 6pm, surf rises to 2-3+ ft with choppy conditions due to S winds at 8 mph, supported by a 2.4 ft, 12s E swell.

Weather data derived from: weather.com, tide data from marineweather.net, and surf data from surfcaptain.com

Wednesday

Thursday

FRIDAY