Good morning Wilmington!

Craving something new with coastal vibes and local flavor? The Sounder is now open in the former Hops space on Oleander Drive.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Former Hops Supply Space Reopens as The Sounder

• NC Film Industry Booms with $28M in New Grants, 4,900 Jobs Expected

Former Hops Supply Space Reopens as The Sounder, Serving Local Fare With a Twist

Wilmington StarNews The Sounder, a new full-service coastal restaurant from Big Ocean Hospitality Group and Flying Machine’s Grant Steadman, is opening in the former Hops Supply Co. space on Oleander Drive. Launching with dinner service Dec. 20–21, the restaurant aims to be an elevated yet approachable neighborhood gathering spot. With a bright, coastal redesign, craft cocktails, and a menu led by chef Jason Burrows featuring local ingredients with global flair, The Sounder will expand to lunch, brunch, and more in the coming weeks.

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NC Film Industry Booms with $28M in New Grants, 4,900 Jobs Expected

WRAL North Carolina has secured three new film and television projects through the state’s film grant program, expected to create 4,900 jobs and generate $113 million in local spending. Season 2 of “The Hunting Wives,” the first season of “RJ Decker,” and the independent thriller “Widow” are receiving up to $28.4 million in funding in exchange for filming in North Carolina. The grants reinforce the state’s reputation as a top destination for film production, attracting crews and boosting local economies following challenges from past controversies and pandemic-related disruptions.

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News Roundup

Local News

The City of Wilmington is exploring a pilot program to allow community-managed median gardens along North 5th Avenue while addressing safety concerns. Residents have creatively decorated the medians with flowers and benches, and the city hopes the program will balance community beautification with driver and pedestrian safety. WWAY

What You Should Know

Two gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach, killing 15 people, were inspired by Islamic State and had recently traveled to the Philippines, Australian police say. The attack, Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community, with authorities examining the purpose of their trip and possible links to extremist networks. Reuters

What Might Surprise You

iRobot, maker of Roomba vacuum cleaners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will be acquired by its primary manufacturer, Picea Robotics. The move comes amid rising competition from lower-priced rivals, U.S. tariffs that increased costs, and $190 million in outstanding debt, though the company says operations and customer services will continue uninterrupted. Reuters

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