Good morning Wilmington!

As we head into the holidays, one story stands out for its humanity. Spectrum News 1 takes a closer look at Greg Biffle’s quiet heroism after Helene — flying his own helicopter into cut-off mountain communities to deliver life-saving aid.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Wilmington Housing Authority Rent Hikes Could Double or Triple Costs for Some Tenants

• New Hanover Library Bridges Language Gaps with “Hola, Hello” Program

Wilmington Housing Authority Rent Hikes Could Double or Triple Costs for Some Tenants

WHQR More than 500 Wilmington Housing Authority apartments are set for steep rent increases next year after a compliance review shifted rents from tenant income-based pricing to area median income (AMI). The change means some tenants could see rents double or even triple, with two-bedroom units rising as high as $975 or more. WHA says the adjustments correct long-standing issues tied to past management and Low Income Housing Tax Credit rules, but residents worry about affordability, communication gaps, and displacement as Wilmington’s AMI continues to rise.

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New Hanover Library Bridges Language Gaps with “Hola, Hello” Program

WHQR The newly renovated Main Library in Downtown Wilmington is helping residents overcome language barriers through Project Grace, which includes the “Hola, Hello” adult literacy program. The program connects English and Spanish speakers to learn from each other, building camaraderie while improving language skills. Beyond books, the library offers unique resources like ukuleles, sewing machines, and family board games, making it a vibrant hub for education, culture, and community engagement.

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News Roundup

Local News

C’sar, the North Carolina Zoo’s longest-tenured resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the U.S., died peacefully at age 51 after age-related health issues. Orphaned in Kenya and arriving at the zoo in 1978, C’sar became a conservation ambassador, made medical history with groundbreaking cataract surgery, and helped millions of visitors connect with the importance of protecting African elephants. WECT

Nine teachers from Swansboro Elementary School in Onslow County are sharing a $100,000 Powerball prize after playing together for years as a group. Calling themselves the “Nine Lucky Pirates,” each teacher will take home about $7,972 after taxes from the ticket purchased at a Swansboro Walmart. WWAY News

What You Should Know

Gold and silver prices are surging again, prompting investors to look for the cheapest places to buy precious metals as values hit new highs. Gold is up nearly 70% and silver more than 120% since the start of 2025, with both metals increasingly viewed as safe-haven investments during economic uncertainty. The Sun

National News

Barry Manilow has revealed he was diagnosed with lung cancer after an MRI discovered a cancerous spot on his left lung. The 82-year-old singer said the cancer was found early following weeks of bronchitis and will require surgery to remove it, calling the discovery “pure luck” and the outcome hopeful. New York Post

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