Good morning Wilmington!

When the weather dips below freezing, Wilmington’s emergency Warming Shelters see more neighbors seeking safety and warmth. Volunteers are crucial — whether it’s serving meals, making coffee, or simply offering a presence that matters. Learn more about The Warming Shelter ILM and sign up to help here.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• UNCW Goes Plastic-Free With Reusable Takeout Containers

• Wilmington Warming Shelters Call on Community Support

• Statewide Crackdown Targets Impaired Driving During Holiday Travel

UNCW Becomes First NC University to Launch Plastic-Free Takeout Program

WWAY UNCW has launched a plastic-free takeout program for residential dining, becoming the first higher education institution in North Carolina to partner with USEFULL. The program replaces plastic containers with reusable stainless steel ones, offering students a healthier and more sustainable dining option. Available at Wagoner and The Shore dining halls, the containers can be checked out for free using student ID cards. University leaders say the initiative reduces waste, saves money, and encourages students to become advocates for reuse and sustainability.

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‘We Need Help’: Wilmington Warming Shelters Call on Community Support

WWAY With overnight temperatures dropping below freezing, Wilmington’s emergency warming shelters are seeing a surge in people seeking safety from the cold — and they urgently need volunteers. Warming Shelter ILM locations on Grace Street and North 6th Street are serving up to 150 people nightly, offering warmth, meals, coats, and support. Organizers say volunteers are essential to keep shelters running, from preparing food and coffee to simply being present. Those experiencing homelessness stress that cold weather can be life-threatening and that compassion can make a critical difference.

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Statewide Crackdown Targets Impaired Driving During Holiday Travel

WWAY News North Carolina officials have launched the Holiday “Booze It & Lose It” campaign to curb drunk and drug-impaired driving during the busy holiday season. Through Jan. 4, law enforcement agencies in all 100 counties will increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints, aiming to deter impaired driving before crashes happen. Last year alone, alcohol-related crashes killed 361 people statewide. Officials urge drivers to plan ahead, use rideshares, or choose a sober driver to keep roads safer for everyone.

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News Roundup

Local News

A Navassa-based chemical company has pleaded guilty to intentionally dumping harmful pollutants into the Cape Fear River in violation of federal law. American Distillation Inc. admitted to discharging tert-Butyl alcohol and other chemicals, while its owner also pleaded guilty to federal tax violations, with prosecutors saying the pollution was a deliberate cost-cutting decision. WECT

More than 200 New Hanover County third-graders were surprised with brand-new bicycles during a special school assembly celebrating student effort and achievement. The bikes were distributed through a partnership between the Bikes for Kids Foundation and New Hanover County Schools, with the event also highlighting future education and career pathways. WECT

What Might Surprise You

Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his parents, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner, after they were fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home. The LA District Attorney is reviewing the case to determine formal charges, while the family tragedy has sparked public reactions, including controversial comments from former President Donald Trump. The Independent

A wealthy crypto investor plans to build a self-contained, crypto-focused community on Nevis with its own dispute-resolution system, raising debate over governance and local oversight. Supporters say the Destiny project could bring investment, luxury infrastructure, and faster arbitration, while critics warn it could function as a “state within a state” and disrupt local land use, justice systems, and community life. Cryptopolitan

The final minted U.S. pennies sold for more than $16.7 million at auction, marking the end of the coin’s 232-year history. The sale included 232 special three-coin sets—featuring standard 2025 pennies and a 24-karat gold version—averaging over $72,000 per set, with the very last set fetching $800,000. ABC News

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