Good morning Wilmington!

Winter weather is approaching, and with a mix of sleet and freezing rain possible, preparation matters. Before temperatures drop, experts recommend disconnecting outdoor hoses, protecting pipes, checking seals around windows and doors, and bringing or covering sensitive plants. Check out this article for more tips on WWAY

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• New Thrive Lab at UNCW Helps Small Businesses Scale and Succeed

• NC Sets National Model With Reentry 2030 Online Progress Tracker

New Thrive Lab at UNCW Helps Small Businesses Scale and Succeed

UNC Wilmington — UNC Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has launched the Thrive Lab, a multi-month program designed to equip local business owners with mentorship, strategic tools, and leadership skills to scale their ventures. The initiative aims to strengthen coastal North Carolina’s economy, potentially creating thousands of jobs and nearly $1 billion in wages annually, while providing entrepreneurs hands-on support, peer networks, and guidance in finance, sales, product strategy, and leadership.

Read More >>

NC Sets National Model With Reentry 2030 Online Progress Tracker

WECT North Carolina has become the first state in the nation to launch an online dashboard tracking outcomes for people reentering society after incarceration as part of the Reentry 2030 initiative. The tool monitors progress in economic mobility, healthcare access, housing stability, and removal of reentry barriers for nearly 20,000 people released from prison each year. Advocates say it improves coordination among agencies, highlights service gaps, and increases government accountability as formerly incarcerated people transition back into their communities.
Read More >>

🔗 Reentry 2030 Dashboard: https://ncdac.shinyapps.io/Reentry2030_Dashboard/

News Roundup

Local News

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is marking 10 years of inclusive employment by rescheduling its anniversary celebration due to winter weather, as the Wilmington-founded company continues to be recognized nationally for employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in visible, customer-facing roles. The celebration has been moved to Feb. 1 at the flagship Wilmington location and will include music, dancing, complimentary coffee and opportunities to meet team members. WECT

What You Should Know

The U.S. is escalating its military presence in the Middle East as tensions with Iran grow, including deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional air defenses, moves President Trump described as sending a “big flotilla” to deter Tehran amid threats of possible strikes over Iran’s crackdown on protesters. The War Zone

What Might Surprise You

A mysterious, triangle-shaped aircraft was spotted flying at night near the highly classified Area 51, after an off-grid videographer recorded footage of what he described as a “Dorito-shaped” craft unlike known aircraft. The object, filmed around 3 a.m., appeared different from a B-2 stealth bomber but may still be a classified military aircraft due to limited video resolution.
New York Post

Badfish: Sublime Tribute

SUN JAN 25:7-10Pm @ Bowstring - SPD
For almost 25 years, the Rhode Island-based band have successfully paid tribute to Sublime, the influential California group that brought ska-punk and reggae-rock to the mainstream. Badfish’s heartfelt celebration of Sublime’s musical spirit and legacy is so sought-after that they’ve headlined theaters, sold out shows, and played 15-20 gigs a month. $32

Learn More »

Friday

Saturday

Sunday