Good morning Wilmington!

It’s Election Day in North Carolina. Primaries are often overlooked, but they’re a powerful step in shaping what happens in November. Today’s votes will determine party nominees for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly, and key local races.

Before heading out, use the official search tool from the North Carolina State Board of Elections to:
1️⃣ Check your voter registration status
2️⃣ Review your sample ballot
3️⃣ Confirm your polling place

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Another Top Official Departs

• Battle Replacing Retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis

Another Top Official Departs Wilmington City Hall Following Federal Lawsuit

WHQR Wilmington’s human resources director Clayton Roberts has resigned, marking the latest departure in a wave of high-level exits at City Hall since last fall. Roberts submitted his resignation a day before being named in a federal lawsuit filed by former DEI director Kimberly Carson, who alleges wrongful termination and systemic racism within city leadership; the city has declined to comment on the lawsuit as turnover among senior staff continues.

Read More >>

NC Senate Primaries Ignite High-Stakes Race to Replace Thom Tillis

WWAY TV3 North Carolina’s primary elections have launched a fierce and potentially record-breaking battle to replace retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, creating a major opportunity in a key battleground state. Democrats are rallying behind former Gov. Roy Cooper, while Republicans are expected to nominate former RNC Chair Michael Whatley, who carries an endorsement from President Donald Trump; the race is projected to be one of the most competitive and expensive Senate contests of 2026.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

Pender County Clerk Elizabeth Craver's trial reaches jury deliberations. After a full day of testimony on felony charges of obtaining property by false pretenses, the jury began deliberations. WECT

New sheepshead fishing regulations take effect March 1 in North Carolina. The NC Division of Marine Fisheries reminds anglers of updated rules for the popular coastal species. WWAY

NC Azalea Festival appoints Melissa Lasarsky as new executive director. Lasarsky brings experience to lead the annual Wilmington event. WWAY

What You Should Know

U.S. closes embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait amid Iran retaliation. The State Department ordered nonessential staff to leave several Middle East posts due to heightened tensions. NYT

Iraq shuts major oil field production amid regional tensions. West Qurna 2 field output of 460,000 bpd halted, spiking oil prices in ongoing geopolitical strife. ZeroHedge

What Might Surprise You

South Carolina House advances bill requiring Ten Commandments in public classrooms. Legislation passed second reading 84-31, mandating displays K-12. WRAL

Bill and Hillary Clinton's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein ties released publicly. Includes references to leaked photos, hot tub, and Pizzagate; Hillary reportedly upset during deposition. BBC

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday