Good morning Wilmington!

WECT Chief Meteorologist Gannon Medwick says Wilmington’s deep freeze isn’t done yet. With highs stuck in the 40s and nighttime lows dipping into the 20s, he’s sharing what to expect in the days ahead—along with a few simple, money-saving tips to help residents get through the cold:

• Lower your thermostat slightly

• Wait to drain hot bathwater to add warmth

• Open blinds on south-facing windows to let in sunlight

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Eagle’s Dare Challenges City Code Over Creative Use of Shipping Container

• UNC Health Ends Gender-Affirming Treatments for Patients Under 19

Eagle’s Dare Challenges City Code Over Creative Use of Shipping Container

WHQR A Wilmington business owner is challenging city zoning rules after being cited for using a cargo container at Eagle’s Dare, arguing the code doesn’t make sense for modern, creative uses of shipping containers. Owner Joe Apkarian says the container—used as a secondary bar and storage—has been on-site for years and fits the property’s character, but is being treated as a new building under city rules. He’s now asking officials to update the code to better accommodate container-based designs.

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UNC Health Ends Gender-Affirming Treatments for Patients Under 19

UNC Health has decided it will not provide gender-affirming medical treatments to patients under the age of 19, extending beyond North Carolina law, which restricts such care for those under 18, citing uncertainty around federal guidance. The policy change follows similar actions by other large health systems and has drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocates, who warn it may disrupt care and negatively impact the mental health of young transgender patients.

WUNC News

News Roundup

Local News

A powerful winter storm is expected to bring dangerous ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold to southeastern North Carolina, with the most severe impacts hitting inland counties Saturday night into Sunday. Coastal areas like Wilmington may avoid the worst icing, but sub-freezing temperatures and single-digit wind chills are forecast regionwide into next week, prompting warnings about travel, power outages, marine conditions, and the opening of local warming shelters. WHQR

What You Should Know

Protesters vandalized and surrounded a Minneapolis hotel amid unrest following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents. Demonstrators damaged property, chanted slogans, and attempted to enter the building before federal authorities dispersed the crowd with crowd-control measures and made several arrests. Daily Mail

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are urging Americans to speak out and take action following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. In statements, they described the incident as a pivotal moment for the country, criticizing federal enforcement tactics and calling the shooting a “wake-up call” that could shape the nation’s future. NBC News

What Might Surprise You

Gold prices surged to a record high above $5,100 an ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid mounting geopolitical risks and market uncertainty. The historic rally reflects continued demand for precious metals against a backdrop of global tensions, economic concerns, and a weaker U.S. dollar that’s boosting gold’s appeal as a hedge. CNBC

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