Today
in Wilmington
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fire departments and law enforcement agencies in Wilmington and New Hanover County donated over 1,500 books to children at Betty Cameron Women and Children’s Hospital on Friday. The 20 boxes of books, gathered in December, will support the pediatric unit and NICU at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center. WECT
- ➤ Fire departments and law enforcement agencies donated over 1,500 books on Friday to children and families at Betty Cameron Women and Children’s Hospital — 20 boxes filled by a December drive will help the pediatric, NICU and outpatient units. FOX Wilmington
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The New Hanover County school board urged state leaders to boost funding for exceptional children and will review programs that serve 3,293 students in special education & related services. The board said the review may help shape future funding for these programs. WECT
- ➤ The New Hanover County Schools Board will meet Tuesday at 5 p.m. to discuss funding for exceptional children’s programs serving 3,293 students (13.9% of the student body) that generate a $564,927 shortfall and will ask state lawmakers to remove the 13% cap and adopt a weighted model. FOX Wilmington
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City of Wilmington will break ground on a new Parks Operations Facility located at 111 Melton Road — replacing the aging, flood-prone site at 1702 Burnett Blvd — during a ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission will vote on PFAS and 1,4-dioxane rules Jan. 7+8 in Raleigh, requiring facilities to set up plans to lower chemical levels in wastewater, though without fixed discharge limits. A 60-day public comment period will follow for local input. Port City Daily
- ➤ Pender Water & Sewer is hosting a public meeting Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Pender County Hampstead Annex to explain the planned Membrane Water Treatment Plant and answer community questions about its projected effluent discharge, which may range from 150 to 500 gallons per minute. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The City of Wilmington will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. for its new Parks Operations Facility at 111 Melton Road — replacing the aging, flood-prone site and offering a modern workspace for staff managing parks, trails, urban forestry, and public rights-of-way. WECT
- ➤ Pender Water & Sewer is holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Hampstead Annex to explain the new membrane treatment plant and answer local questions about a controlled brackish water discharge from deep groundwater. WECT
- ➤ American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley visited Post 129 in Carolina Beach on Jan. 2, meeting local members to support the organization’s mission to prevent veteran suicide and promote the Better Together theme. WWAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington doctor Dr. Saluja-Sharma explains that healthy dieting after the holidays means focusing on nutrient-rich foods and taking short walks after meals instead of feeling guilty over indulgence — she stresses that positive choices support lasting wellness. WWAY
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Layla, a 9-year-old boxer mix from the sheriff’s office Animal Services Unit, is ready for a forever home and can be adopted at the shelter on Division Drive in Wilmington. The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - call 910-798-7500 for details. WECT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UNCW women’s basketball team defeated Northeastern 69-67 on Friday in their CAA opener as Paige Smith scored 15 points and Icyss Storm added 11 to lift the team to a 1-0 conference record. 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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
~ Heraclitus
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