Good morning Wilmington!

Too early to break out the sleds? Maybe—but we’re keeping an eye on Sunday. Forecasts show a chance of stray snow showers as frigid air settles into Wilmington, along with gusty winds and temperatures stuck in the lower 30s.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• NC Casino off 95?

• New Hanover County Eyes Bold Plan for Landfill

New Federal Recognition Fuels Lumbee Tribe’s Casino Consideration

WUNC News The Lumbee Tribe has purchased roughly 240 acres along Interstate 95 in Robeson County as it considers building a major resort and casino, potentially the first of its kind in eastern North Carolina. The land buy comes as the tribe gains federal recognition, opening the door to gaming operations if approved by tribal voters. Leaders say the project could bring thousands of jobs and significant economic growth, though the site could also become an industrial park if casino plans are rejected.

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New Hanover County Eyes Bold Plan to Extend Landfill Life by 40 Years

WHQR New Hanover County officials are exploring an ambitious strategy to extend the lifespan of the county landfill from about 30 years to as many as 70 by dramatically increasing recycling and waste diversion. County staff say achieving a 60% diversion rate—up from the current 7–8%—could offset space lost to Hurricane Florence and rising waste tied to tourism, though reaching that goal may require major changes and could face political or legal hurdles.

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News Roundup

Local News

A New Hanover County man faces new felony charges after a grand jury indicted him for allegedly putting pills into Dairy Queen blizzards consumed by two teenagers. Prosecutors added counts of unlawful distribution of food or beverage and intentional child abuse, even as earlier drug-related charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. WECT

What You Should Know

Senate lawmakers returned to Washington with a potential government shutdown looming as Democrats threaten to block Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding over controversial federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The standoff, fueled by outrage over the shootings of Alex Pretti and others by federal agents, puts pressure on Senate leaders to decide whether to split DHS funding from a larger spending package to avoid a shutdown. The Hill

A man sprayed Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar with an unknown substance during a town hall in Minneapolis, but she was not seriously injured and continued the event. The attacker was immediately tackled by security and arrested on third-degree assault charges as tensions remain high in the city over recent federal immigration enforcement actions. CBS News

What Might Surprise You

ICE agents will assist with security during the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, sparking controversy and confusion among Italian officials. U.S. authorities say the agents will support diplomatic security efforts focused on transnational crime and will not conduct immigration enforcement, with all operations remaining under Italian control. Variety

Sydney Sweeney could face potential legal consequences after staging a lingerie promotion on the Hollywood sign without full authorization. While the actor obtained a filming permit, reports say she lacked approval to climb or decorate the landmark, raising the possibility of trespassing or vandalism charges tied to her Syrn lingerie campaign. The Independent

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