Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Bolivia Volunteer Fire Department unveiled a memorial honoring the 34 victims of a 1960 plane crash, with Linda Silver Bufano donating $1,400 to fund a plaque — positioned to shine during community events. The memorial is open to the public. WECT
- ➤ The Endowment opened its spring cycle for the Community Grants Program, letting local nonprofits, public charities, higher education institutions and agencies apply for $5,000 to $15,000 before Feb. 6 at 11:59 p.m. Assistance is available through virtual office hours (Mondays 11 a.m. to noon, Fridays 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.). WECT
- ➤ After an unexpected pause last year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will return on Monday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. on 3rd Street, featuring local bands, community organizations, churches, and youth programs. Wilmington native Tamera 'Ty' Young is set to serve as Grand Marshal for the parade. WWAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College has announced its 12th Annual International Film Festival from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5 at Union Station in Room U-170 — the event offers free screenings of films in their original language with English subtitles. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington’s 2026 concert lineup features shows at multiple venues (CFCC Wilson Center, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, and Kenan Auditorium) with acts like Donna the Buffalo on Jan. 9, Pat Benatar on Feb. 4, and Earth, Wind & Fire on May 17. Wilmington Star-News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ NCWorks Career Center in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties will host two Novant Health hiring events in January—Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brunswick County Career Center and Thursday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Hanover County Career Center. WWAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ According to the Education Law Center’s Making the Grade report, North Carolina received F grades in funding level and effort with just over $12,000 per student compared to $18,000 nationally, leaving New Hanover County Schools facing tough choices in hiring staff + maintaining essential services. WECT
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College announced its 2026 Faculty Art Exhibition that will run Jan. 12 through Feb. 20 at the Wilma W. Daniels Gallery at 200 Hanover Street; the exhibit will showcase faculty work in sculpture+ceramics+oil painting+photography+printmaking+costume design. WECT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fuquay-Varina plans to divert 6.17 million gallons per day from Cape Fear River to support its growing population, a request under review by state regulators. Local water officials warn this permanent removal will affect downstream water supply + increase treatment costs for communities. Port City Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A public meeting on opioid settlement funds is set for 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at Rooms 138-139 of New Hanover County Government Center (230 Government Center Drive). It will review fiscal 2025-26 awards and future plans to spend about $36 million over 18 years in partnership with Wilmington. New Hanover County
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Keith Rhodes has opened Tour Voyce Bistro in downtown Wilmington — offering fresh dining options for locals. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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