Good morning Wilmington!

Forget flying cars and perpetual energy—LEGO® is starting out 2026 with interactive SMART Play^TM bricks that contain mini computers, sensors, and sound, all inside a classic 2×4 brick.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC Republicans Overtake Democrats

• NC Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Approved

Republicans Overtake Democrats on North Carolina Voter Rolls for First Time

Carolina Journal For the first time in North Carolina history, registered Republicans now slightly outnumber registered Democrats, according to the latest data from the State Board of Elections. Republicans lead by just over 2,000 voters, while unaffiliated voters remain the state’s largest and fastest-growing group. Analysts say the change reflects a long-term political realignment driven by population growth, declining Democratic registration, and a surge in voters opting out of party affiliation as the 2026 election cycle approaches.

Read More >>

Interested in Crypto? Kraken is one of the most trusted U.S.-based crypto exchanges out there. Use my referral link and you’ll get $50 when you trade your first $200. I get $50 too—it’s a win-win.

👉 Or enter code: cc3389gs

Bonus: Once you’re in, you can share your own referral code and earn up to $1,000. Let’s ride this wave together!

Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Approved, Made in North Carolina, Coming Soon

WRAL The FDA approved a pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy, the first daily oral medication to treat obesity, previously available only as injections. Manufactured entirely in North Carolina’s Triangle region, the pill is expected to reach patients within weeks, offering a more convenient alternative to weekly injections. While pricing and insurance coverage remain unclear, experts say the oral formulation could broaden access and reduce treatment costs for millions struggling with obesity, potentially expanding the GLP-1 weight-loss market significantly.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

Two airplanes collided on the ground at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on New Year’s Day. An Avelo Airlines plane being towed clipped the wing of a parked Southwest Airlines plane, but no one was on board and no injuries occurred; airport operations were unaffected and the extent of the damage is still unclear. WBTV

The Indochine Express location in Southport has permanently closed. The closure, effective Jan. 1, comes as the Indochine Group undergoes strategic reorganization and remodeling following the recent death of founder Solange “Niki” Thompson, while other locations in the region remain open. WECT

Friends and the skateboarding community are mourning Alec Chambers, who was killed when a woman allegedly crashed her car into a Wilmington bar. Chambers, 31, was known as a mentor and positive influence in the local skateboarding scene, with friends remembering his talent, kindness, and habit of expressing love to those around him. WECT

Senator Thom Tillis has named Daniel Keylin as his new Chief of Staff. Keylin, a longtime advisor and former Senior Advisor to Tillis, replaces Shil B. Patel, who is leaving to become President of Ranger Global, bringing over a decade of experience in campaigns, legislative strategy, and communications. WWAY

Western North Carolina

A 74-year-old Helene survivor, Sherry Housley, received a new tiny home built by Mountain Heritage High School students and local volunteers. The community-led project, organized by Stephanie Johnson and Rebuilding Hollers, allowed Housley to rebuild after losing everything in the storm, marking the organization’s 131st completed project while 400 more homes still need assistance. Spectrum News

What You Should Know

The Pentagon will cut Sen. Mark Kelly’s military retirement pay following what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called “seditious” statements in a video addressing service members. Hegseth also issued a formal letter of censure and initiated proceedings to reduce Kelly’s retirement rank, citing misconduct related to a video asserting troops have the right to refuse illegal orders. CNBC

Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly taunted President Donald Trump with a defiant warning amid escalating tensions over U.S. anti-drug operations in Latin America. Petro’s remarks followed the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and came after Trump hinted at possible military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of enabling cocaine trafficking into the United States. The Express

What Might Surprise You

Apple is reportedly cutting production of its Vision Pro headset due to poor sales. Despite hopes that the $3,499 device would lead a new era of “spatial computing,” sales have been sluggish, marketing was heavily reduced, and Apple plans to focus on AI-enabled wearables while a cheaper Vision Pro model may arrive later. The Guardian

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday