Looking for something fun to do while supporting Wilmington’s young music community? Head to Fermental this Saturday afternoon, February 28th, as the talented students (and a few adults!) from Steele Music Studios take the stage for a special showcase beyond their downtown studio walls.

From solo performers to full bands, the music kicks off at 12PM — so don’t miss a chord. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and there’s free parking. Come out, grab a drink, and cheer on the next generation of Port City musicians. 🎶

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• WPD Officers Train with High-Tech Drones

• Lumbee Tribe's Federal Recognition Celebrated

WPD Officers Train on High-Tech Drones for Safer Response

WWAY – Wilmington Police are honing skills with DJI Avata drones (4K camera, thermal imaging, tethered models) for indoor searches, barricades, missing persons, fire scenes, and evacuations like Independence Mall. Adds safety layer pre-officer arrival; future auto-deploy program eyed to boost situational awareness without risk.

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Lumbee Tribe's Federal Recognition Celebrated

WRAL – Gov. Josh Stein joined the Lumbee Tribe's celebration of federal recognition (signed Dec 2025), unlocking health, education, housing, and disaster aid for 68,000 NC members. State-tribal partnerships will ramp up to deliver benefits, boosting collaboration on health care, economic development, and more—relevant for eastern NC communities.

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News Roundup

Local News

Elaine Hendrix named 2026 Queen Azalea. Actress from "The Parent Trap" headlines Wilmington's April 8-12 festival with receptions, parade, Airlie events. WECT

"Don't say anything" text enters Craver trial. Pender clerk faces felonies; witnesses cite personal devices, unauthorized post-Florence buys. WECT

What You Should Know

Mortgage rates dip below 6% first time in 3+ years. 30-year fixed at 5.98%; boosts median buyer power ~$30k, eases lock-in effect. CNN

Hillary demands Trump testify under oath on Epstein. Cites withheld DOJ files alleging abuse; pushes full file release. Mirror

WEF chief Brende resigns over Epstein contacts. Post-conviction ties in files; review clears but steps down amid scrutiny. NYT

What Might Surprise You

Ice Age humans etched proto-writing 40k years ago. Swabian artifacts' repetitive signs mirror early cuneiform, challenging writing origins. Metro UK

Bill Gates admits 2 affairs with Russian women, apologizes for Epstein ties. Met financier post-conviction, socialized abroad; denies illicit acts, regrets impact on foundation staff/ex-wife. NY Post

National News

Shia LaBeouf gets bail terms after Mardi Gras battery. $100k bond, substance treatment for alleged punches/slurs at NOLA bar. Guardian

✅ Get Ground Beef for $3.99/lb at Food Lion until MAR 3.

✅ Get Porterhouse T-Bone Steak at Teeter for 10.99/lb. until MAR 3.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday