Good morning Wilmington!

Hello December! Cryptos took a sharp dive while silver hit an all-time high above $57 an ounce. Analysts warn that high leverage, exchange liquidations, and global supply tightness could keep markets volatile in the weeks ahead.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• North Carolina Ranks 4th in the U.S. for Homeschooled Students

• Protesters Gather at Wilmington Airport Over Avelo Airlines ICE Contract

North Carolina Ranks 4th in the U.S. for Homeschooled Students

Carolina Journal North Carolina ranks fourth in the nation for homeschooling, with over 10% of students (404,036 children) learning at home, according to the US Census Bureau. Organizations like North Carolinians for Home Education provide resources, mentoring, sports, and community events to support families. The trend has grown steadily over the last decade, with a spike during the pandemic, driven by convenience, local policies, and school choice. Experts note that NC balances flexibility for parents with quality assurance through standardized testing and recognition of homeschool programs as non-public schools.

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Protesters Gather at Wilmington Airport Over Avelo Airlines ICE Contract

WWAY Dozens of protesters gathered outside Wilmington International Airport on Sunday to oppose Avelo Airlines’ $150 million partnership with ICE for deportation flights. The Wilmington Boycott Avelo Coalition argues the contract is unethical and seeks either its termination or for the airline to leave the community. While no ICE flights currently operate in Wilmington, organizers say the protest is part of a broader national movement with demonstrations at 17 airports across 12 states. Airport officials maintain a positive relationship with Avelo, noting the airline’s community engagement programs.

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News Roundup

Local News

A WECT reporter and her father took a thrilling tandem skydive from 11,000 feet over Oak Island, N.C., experiencing the adrenaline rush of freefall at 120 mph with guidance from instructors at the family-run Skydive Coastal Carolinas. The jump offered a unique winter activity alternative for locals and visitors alike. WECT

The Healing Place served hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need, continuing its tradition of supporting the Wilmington community since opening in 2023, providing not only food but a sense of connection and community for attendees. The center also hosts biweekly drive-through food distributions in partnership with the local food bank. WECT

What You Should Know

NATO may consider launching preemptive strikes against Russia to counter Vladimir Putin’s expanding “shadow war” across Europe, according to Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who says the alliance may need to shift from reactive defense to first-strike capability as tensions rise. Meanwhile, U.S. and Ukrainian diplomats are reportedly working in Florida to refine a potential peace proposal. The U.S. Sun

The White House delivered a stark ultimatum to Nicolás Maduro, telling him he must leave Venezuela immediately in exchange for safe passage as the U.S. moves closer to launching land operations inside the country, while Maduro’s regime insisted on keeping control of the armed forces despite offering to transfer political power. Non-public sources say the call underscored Washington’s escalating campaign against the “Cartel de los Soles,” with multimillion-dollar bounties still hanging over top Venezuelan leaders. Miami Herald

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a pardon to halt his corruption trial mirrors key tactics used by Donald Trump, including denying wrongdoing, attacking investigators, and portraying himself as a political victim. His brief petition and his lawyers’ 111-page filing echo Trump’s approach, arriving just weeks after Trump personally urged Israel’s president to grant Netanyahu clemency. The New York Times

What Might Surprise You

Bitcoin and Ethereum tumbled sharply as December’s crypto sell-off resumed, driven by broad risk-off sentiment and heightened pressure from China’s warning about illegal digital currency activities, which also dragged down Asia-based crypto stocks. Analysts say the drop was worsened by high leverage and a $400 million exchange liquidation, with major tokens like Solana and Dogecoin also sliding. CNBC

Silver hit a new all-time high above $57 an ounce, driven by severe global supply tightness and rising expectations of a U.S. interest-rate cut this month, with borrowing costs for the metal still elevated and inventories in key markets like Shanghai at decade lows. Gold dipped slightly, while palladium and platinum also saw gains. Bloomberg

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