Good morning Wilmington!

It was a big weekend on the world stage: Trump ordered strikes in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro, and announced the U.S. will “run” the country until a safe transition. Back at home in North Carolina, House Bill 805 takes effect redefining sex and gender.

BREAKING: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Redefining Sex and Gender in North Carolina

• Inside the NC Lottery Audit

House Bill 805 Takes Effect, Redefining Sex and Gender in North Carolina

CBS 17 North Carolina will begin officially defining sex as only male and female starting this week, as a provision of House Bill 805 takes effect with the new year. The law states sex is based on biological characteristics, not gender identity, and also defines mothers and fathers as female and male parents. The bill sparked heated debate, was vetoed by Gov. Josh Stein for being divisive, and later overridden by Republican lawmakers. It also blocks state funding for gender transition procedures.

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More Tickets Sold, Less for Schools: Inside the NC Lottery Audit

WRAL A new state audit shows that despite record-breaking lottery sales, the North Carolina Education Lottery is sending a shrinking share of revenue to public schools. In the 2025 fiscal year, only 16 cents of every dollar spent went to education, down from 23% in 2023. Auditors point to higher payouts to players, especially from digital instant games, and fewer billion-dollar jackpots as key reasons. Critics say the trend raises concerns about transparency and public expectations for education funding.

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News Roundup

Local News

North Carolina is offering thousands of free radon test kits to help residents identify and reduce exposure to the cancer-causing gas. Beginning Jan. 1, NCDHHS will distribute 8,000 kits as part of National Radon Action Month, urging households to test for radon, which is linked to an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually and is elevated in 90% of NC counties. WECT

A 24-year-old man was arrested for breaking into a Novant Health medical diagnostic facility in Wilmington and stealing employee property. Police say Theodore James took about $100 worth of items, ran from officers and gave a false name, leading to multiple charges including felony breaking and entering and resisting a public officer. WECT

A 44-year-old Wrightsville Beach man has been charged with kidnapping and assaulting a child in downtown Wilmington. Police say Daniel Jason Summers restrained and terrorized a child without parental consent, resisted arrest, and is now being held without bond pending his first court appearance. WWAY

What You Should Know

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro made his first appearance in a U.S. courtroom on narco-terrorism charges. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were transported under heavy security to Manhattan Federal Court, marking the start of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle over whether he can be tried in the United States. Associated Press

FBI foils ISIS-inspired New Year’s Eve attack in Charlotte, arresting an 18-year-old. Christian Sturdivant allegedly planned to attack a Burger King and grocery store in Mint Hill using hammers and knives, but was stopped after communicating online with undercover agents; he faces charges of attempted material support of a foreign terrorist organization. Spectrum News

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