Good morning Wilmington!

Want a holiday outing the whole family will love? Head to Poplar Grove tomorrow night for Merry & Bright—and enjoy live bluegrass from Dear MariBella & The Pigkickers 5:30 - 7:30 PM under the twinkle of thousands of lights ($10 admission).

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Southport Welcomes Santa for Winterfest “Light Up The Night” Parade

• UNCW Eyes First In-State Tuition Hike in a Decade

Ride the Ferry with Santa This Friday in Southport

WWAY News — Santa Claus is sailing into Southport by ferry Friday afternoon, offering families a festive ride and photo opportunities. The 4 p.m. ferry departs from Southport to Fort Fisher, returning at 4:45 p.m., ahead of the 6:30 p.m. “Light Up The Night” Christmas Parade at Waterfront Park. After the parade, Santa will be available at the Southport Fire Station for additional visits. One-way ferry fares are $7 per vehicle and $2 per pedestrian; children under five ride free.

Read More >>

UNCW Eyes First In-State Tuition Hike in a Decade

Port City Daily — UNCW is preparing to vote on a 3% tuition increase, marking the first hike for in-state undergraduates in 10 years. The proposal comes after the UNC System ended its moratorium on raising in-state tuition, citing financial pressures. With added housing and meal plan adjustments, UNCW estimates the cost of attendance could rise by nearly $750 for resident undergrads in 2026–27. If approved Friday, UNCW would join UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. State, and ECU in enacting similar increases.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

Battleship North Carolina will feature special lighting displays throughout December to celebrate the Space Force anniversary, Christmas, and the New Year. The colorful lights will shine nightly at sunset and be visible from the Riverwalk, nearby parks, and across the Cape Fear River. WECT

What You Should Know

Silver prices have surged to a historic record above $60 per ounce, more than doubling in value this year, driven by a weakened dollar, supply shortages, tariff pressures, and expectations of another Federal Reserve rate cut that could further boost safe-haven demand. The Washington Post

What Might Surprise You

Authorities intercepted a drone delivering crab legs, Old Bay seasoning, marijuana, and other contraband to inmates at Lee Correctional Institution, after discovering the items bundled together in an apparent attempt to smuggle in an illicit holiday meal; officials have not confirmed any related arrests. WKRC

Democrat Eileen Higgins won Miami’s mayoral race, ending nearly 30 years of Republican control and becoming the city’s first female mayor, defeating Trump-backed Emilio Gonzalez by a wide margin after campaigning on immigration concerns and a shift away from divisive rhetoric. AP News

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday