Good morning Wilmington!

A new year brings a fresh slate — and plenty going on around Wilmington. Here’s what’s happening as the Port City kicks off 2026.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NHCS Superintendent Addresses Teacher-Student Incidents

• Toyota Battery Plant Opens

NHCS Superintendent Addresses Teacher-Student Incidents, Stresses Accountability and Safety

WWAY News New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes addressed recent teacher-student altercations at local elementary schools, emphasizing that all incidents are investigated under established policies with student safety as the priority. Barnes outlined procedures requiring administrative leave during investigations, stressed adult responsibility in student interactions, and acknowledged that state funding cuts have reduced the number of exceptional student teacher assistants. While one employee has been terminated, another case now moves through the justice system, as parents continue to raise concerns about transparency, staffing, and protections for vulnerable students.

Read More >>

North Carolina Scores Big in Clean Energy: Toyota Battery Plant Opens

NC Voices Gov. Josh Stein celebrated the launch of Toyota’s first North American battery plant in Liberty, NC, which will create 5,100 new jobs and produce batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The plant will also support local STEM education through a $2.7 million donation to Guilford County Schools, Asheboro City Schools, and Shift_ed. This milestone reflects North Carolina’s growing clean energy economy and the Stein administration’s ongoing investments in job creation, clean energy, and regional economic growth.

Read More >>

News Roundup

Local News

More than 1,000 people rang in the new year with a chilly plunge into the Atlantic Ocean at Wrightsville Beach on New Year’s Day. About 1,500 participants took part to raise $60,000–$70,000 for Communities in Schools of Cape Fear, supporting local students, including first-time plungers like 78-year-old Toni Dewey who joined after years of watching. WECT

A Wilmington man was killed after being struck by a vehicle outside Satellite Bar and Lounge, prompting criminal charges against the driver. Police say 31-year-old Alec Chambers was fatally hit by a Jeep driven by 34-year-old Michelle Lane Masiello, who is charged with felony death by vehicle and other offenses, while the bar announced a temporary closure to grieve the loss. WECT

A Southport nonprofit has raised more than $346,000 to support victims of a September mass shooting that killed three people and injured six others at the American Fish Company. Southport Cares has already distributed about $265,000 to victims and families, with remaining funds reserved for ongoing medical care, survivor support and efforts to honor those affected, fueled by donations from across the country and local grassroots fundraisers. WECT

What You Should Know

At least 40 people were killed and more than 115 injured in a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a crowded bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Authorities say many victims are young and critically injured, families are awaiting identifications, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation as the nation mourns one of its worst recent tragedies. BBC News

Tensions escalated between the U.S. and Iran as both sides exchanged threats amid deadly protests over inflation inside Iran. President Trump warned the U.S. would “rescue” protesters if Iran’s government cracked down further, while Iran’s parliament speaker said American forces across the region would be considered legitimate targets in response. The Hill

Friday

Saturday

Sunday