Good morning Wilmington!

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit this weekend? Stop by Waterline for a Randy McQuay Christmas Show this Friday, Dec. 12 from 7–9 PM. Free and all ages welcome!

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• New NC Law Allows Concealed Handguns on Private School Campuses

• Hands-Free NC?

New NC Law Allows Concealed Handguns on Private School Campuses

WECT – A newly enacted North Carolina law now allows concealed handgun permit holders to carry firearms on private school campuses with written permission, igniting strong debate among parents, educators, and gun rights advocates. Supporters say the measure could deter violent threats, while critics warn it increases risk, confusion for responding officers, and emotional harm to students. The law—House Bill 193—was vetoed by Governor Josh Stein before being overridden by the legislature, leaving individual private schools to set their own policies and post prohibitions if they choose.

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WRAL Debunks Fake ‘Hands-Free NC’ Law Circulating on Social Media

WRAL A viral Facebook post falsely claimed that North Carolina’s “Hands-Free NC Act” went into effect on Dec. 1, banning drivers from holding or using their phones. The post sparked widespread misinformation, including inaccurate reports from media outlets and even an AI-generated overview on Google. In reality, no such law exists—Senate Bill 526 has not passed the General Assembly or gone up for a vote. Lawmakers and state offices confirmed there is no new phone ban, though texting while driving remains illegal. The bill’s sponsor says he regularly sees distracted driving but regrets having to tell voters the law hasn’t been enacted.

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News Roundup

Local News

Wilmington’s holiday drone shows will continue on December 13, 20, and 27 after the initial event was canceled due to weather, with 150 illuminated drones scheduled to light up the sky above the Cape Fear River at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. WWAY

Wilmington is hosting an interactive Senior Scam Prevention Workshop to help older residents recognize and avoid real-world financial scams, offering hands-on scenarios and safety tools in partnership with the N.C. Department of Justice. The event takes place Dec. 9 at the MLK Jr. Center and requires advance registration. WECT

What You Should Know

The Supreme Court is weighing whether to grant President Trump expanded authority to fire leaders of independent federal agencies, a move liberal justices warn could “destroy” long-standing government structure. Conservative justices showed openness to strengthening presidential control, while the case raises broader concerns about Trump’s expanding executive power amid other controversies. The Independent

The Trump administration is quietly preparing “day-after” plans in case Nicolás Maduro is removed from power in Venezuela, drafting options for how the U.S. could fill a potential power vacuum and stabilize the country. Officials are divided on whether to escalate militarily, and while Trump continues to issue threats and preserve regime-change options, he has not yet decided how far he will go. CNN

What Might Surprise You

Australia has begun enforcing a world-first ban that will deactivate more than 1 million social media accounts belonging to users under 16, requiring platforms to prevent minors from creating accounts as part of a push to protect youth mental health. The move has sparked legal challenges and cultural backlash, with supporters calling it the “first domino” other countries may follow. NBC News

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