Good morning Wilmington!

We can’t control the forecast — but we can recommend indoor fun. If you haven’t checked out the new Dave & Buster’s at Mayfaire yet, now’s your chance. From music to events to neon-lit arcade nights, here’s what’s happening around town this week.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Hopper Report Names Wilmington #3 in the Nation for Trending Travel

• Southport Seeks Art Submissions for New Specialty License Plate Design

Hopper Report Names Wilmington #3 in the Nation for Trending Travel

[WWAY] Wilmington has landed at No. 3 on Hopper’s list of trending domestic travel destinations. With expanded marketing, new flight routes, and its unique combo of coastal charm and historic downtown, Wilmington’s tourism economy has grown to over $1 billion annually. Tourists cited the city’s welcoming vibe, historical appeal, and pop culture fame (One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek) as top reasons for visiting. Local tourism leaders say improved signage and infrastructure are next steps as visitor numbers rise.

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Southport Seeks Art Submissions for New Specialty License Plate Design

[WECT] The City of Southport is inviting artists of all skill levels and mediums to submit designs for a new specialty license plate. The artwork must be Southport-themed and fit the size requirements, with key design elements on the left side of the plate. The winning design will be featured on a plate available through the NC DMV, with proceeds benefiting city initiatives. Artists have until June 1 to apply, and a $10 application fee is required. The selected artist will also receive a cash prize.

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News Roundup

Local News

• NC DMV to open select offices on Saturdays this summer to accommodate high demand. The walk-in-only weekend hours will begin June 1 and run through August 31 at 16 driver license offices across North Carolina. Appointments will still be honored on weekdays.
  WECT

• Carolina Beach Town Council backs efforts to restore park shoreline and address PFAS pollution. The council voted in support of a bill that would help fund shoreline stabilization projects and PFAS mitigation at Freeman Park, a popular beach destination.
  WWAY

What You Should Know

• Covid-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, according to an announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. CNN

• New COVID-19 strain from China, linked to hospital surges, has arrived in the U.S. The variant has already caused a spike in cases abroad and is now spreading in several U.S. cities, prompting renewed health alerts. New York Post

• Four people remain hospitalized after a car plowed into Liverpool FC fans in Spain. The crash, which occurred during Champions League festivities, left several seriously injured and has sparked an investigation. Metro UK

What Might Surprise You

• National Public Radio has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over his executive order cutting all federal funding to the broadcaster. CNBC

• Crypto entrepreneur kidnapped and tortured by business partner in shocking betrayal. John Woeltz was allegedly held captive in a remote cabin for three days while his partner demanded access to crypto wallets. The Sun

• Scientists discover mysterious metallic sphere in Colombia, sparking UFO theories. The strange object was found in a rural area and is now being examined by researchers who say it doesn't match any known aircraft or satellite debris. New York Post

Wednesday

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