Good morning Wilmington!

A wintry mix is expected to move into the Wilmington area this weekend, bringing the potential for icy conditions and travel disruptions. State officials are urging residents to prepare now as colder temperatures and mixed precipitation approach.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• State of Emergency Issued as Wintry Weather Approaches

• NOAA Grants Boost Oyster Education and Aquaculture Awareness in North Carolina

North Carolina Braces for Hazardous Winter Weather Under State of Emergency

WWAY News North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a statewide State of Emergency as a winter storm is expected to impact the region beginning Saturday. State emergency teams have been activated to support local communities, while residents are urged to prepare in advance, avoid travel if possible, and plan for potential power outages. Officials warn that hazardous road conditions could develop early Saturday and persist for days as temperatures drop, with a mix of precipitation expected across the state.

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NOAA Grants Boost Oyster Education and Aquaculture Awareness in North Carolina

National Fisherman NOAA-backed grants are helping expand public understanding of aquaculture in North Carolina through the state’s Oyster Trail project, led by North Carolina Sea Grant and local partners. The initiative used storytelling, professional photography, teacher workshops, and a traveling oyster exhibit to spotlight shellfish farming and its role in coastal economies and ecosystems. Displayed at 15 events statewide, the exhibit reached about 3,000 people and included hands-on learning at Carteret Community College’s aquaculture lab, strengthening connections between growers, educators, and coastal communities.

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News Roundup

Local News

Warming Shelter Wilmington will reopen for a seven-night stretch beginning Jan. 24 to help people stay safe amid extreme cold and forecast freezing rain. The volunteer-run shelter can accommodate up to 125 guests, is seeking additional volunteers and donations, and will operate with strict rules prohibiting drugs, alcohol, and weapons. WECT

North Carolina authorities have released new surveillance footage of a suspect accused of breaking into the late Greg Biffle’s home and stealing $30,000 along with NASCAR memorabilia, prompting a public call for help in identifying the individual. The theft has sparked outrage given Biffle’s legacy as a NASCAR figure and his heroic efforts during Hurricane Helene, when he personally flew rescue missions and delivered supplies to stranded residents. Matt Van Swol on X

What You Should Know

The House Oversight Committee voted on bipartisan resolutions to hold former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Committee leaders said the votes send a message that no one is above the law, advancing the contempt measures to the full House for consideration. Daily Caller

Special prosecutor Jack Smith is set to testify before the House Judiciary Committee, using a public hearing to defend his Trump investigations and rebut claims of political persecution. Smith is expected to argue that his actions were driven by evidence of criminal conduct tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, marking his first major public forum since the cases were dismissed after Trump’s return to office. The New York Times

A potentially catastrophic winter storm is expected to blanket much of the South with dangerous ice this weekend, threatening widespread power outages and hazardous travel. Forecasters warn freezing rain, sleet and snow from Texas to the Carolinas could weigh down trees and power lines, with lingering cold keeping ice on roads into next week. Associated Press

Trae Crowder

SAT JAN 24: 8PM @ The Wilson Center - CFCC
Trae Crowder first gained international attention in 2016 for his immensely viral series of “Liberal Redneck porch rant” videos. Since then, Trae has written a best-selling book, The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin Dixie Outta The Dark, toured the country thrice, played sold-out shows under the WellRED Comedy Tour banner, appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher, Nightline, The View, NPR, and in the Veronica Mars reboot, as “Chattanooga Charlie,” among many others.

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