Today
in Wilmington
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tickets for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will go on sale Monday, Jan. 5, with proceeds supporting local food pantries — the $50 ticket includes a bowl of soup and a handmade artisan bowl for take-home use. The event is set for Friday, Mar. 13 at the First Baptist Activity Center. WECT
- ➤ Over 1,300 residents plunged into icy waters at Crystal Pier on Jan. 1, 2026, during the 11th annual Wrightsville Plunge; the event featured vibrant costumes and supportive crowds along Wrightsville Beach. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ More than 1,000 people plunged into the ocean at Wrightsville Beach on New Year’s Day to raise funds for Communities in Schools of Cape Fear; 78-year-old Toni Dewey joined after a 3-mile walk to finally take the plunge, turning years of watching into action. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Li'l Friday offers New Year events to engage locals. Enjoy a free two-mile First Day Hike at Carolina Beach State Park on Jan. 1, take part in the Wrightsville Beach Plunge fundraiser, or run the Carolina Beach Half Marathon and 5K on Jan. 3—showing local community spirit. Port City Daily
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 15, following a UNCW vigil for Charlie Kirk, a clash over a painted memorial led to online threats and an unverified gunman report that forced a shelter-in-place on campus on Sept. 17 and canceled classes the next day. Port City Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A photo feature revisits key 2025 events in Wilmington such as wildfire responses, demolition projects, local parades, graduations at Mosley and holiday lighting — capturing diverse community moments that shaped the past year. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Local tradition lives on as Wilmingtoners recall New Year's meals of collard greens and black-eyed peas (symbols of prosperity). A rainy weekend is forecast with cloudy skies on Friday, rain on Saturday, and clearing on Sunday, while events from live music to film showings will offer community options. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Carolina is set to receive $213 million to boost rural health care — the funds will expand telehealth, mental health and chronic care services in rural communities. Officials will meet on Jan. 16 to discuss the program’s next steps. WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ North Carolina will use a $213 million federal grant to boost rural healthcare by expanding telehealth, prevention programs, and workforce training plus a meeting on Jan. 16 will set next steps for modernizing local facilities. FOX Wilmington
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ According to Yelp’s 2025 report, Wilmington hosts eight of the nation’s top 20 chain restaurants such as Dave’s Hot Chicken on Oleander Drive—while several notable brands remain absent—and Shake Shack is set to open later in 2026 as the city grows. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Carolina Beach charter boat captain Dave Tilley has spent decades guiding guests on his vessel Wild Rover III while sharing his love of the ocean. He faces rising costs and tighter regulations but remains committed to blending his fishing expertise with tech-driven insights. Wilmington Star-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon and 5K is set for Saturday, Jan. 3 at American Legion Post #129. Runners will tackle park trails including the shore and forest and can pick up packets (4–6 p.m. Friday, 7–8 a.m. Saturday); adults aged 21 may enjoy a post-race beer. WECT
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Floating Lantern Ceremony
2-7 p.m. — Cameron Art Museum — Free outdoor event — Create and float a lantern while enjoying live music and reflecting on special moments.
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Charleston Cougars at UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — Tickets available — Catch the action as the Cougars take on the Seahawks in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.
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Hampton Pirates vs. UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — $15 — Experience an exciting women's basketball matchup between the Pirates and Seahawks.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
~ Seneca
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