Today
in Wilmington
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Wilmington will resume Free Mulch Friday after a holiday pause on Friday, Jan. 30 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Legion Stadium’s overflow lot via West Lake Shore Drive + giveaways are first-come, first-served and no commercial vehicles are permitted. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington's Warming Shelter ILM will open Sunday, Jan. 18 to Wednesday, Jan. 21 to give anyone experiencing homelessness a warm place to sleep when temperatures drop below 30 degrees, and local volunteers are asking for monetary donations plus essential supplies including paper products, individually wrapped snacks, soda, and fresh fruit. WWAY
- ➤ Equitas Law Partners is hosting a meeting on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at YWCA Lower Cape Fear — community members will provide feedback on a proposed rezoning to allow 73 single-family homes on Myrtle Grove Road. Port City Daily
- ➤ Child care in New Hanover County is strained—28,000 children are served by 59 centers and 16 family homes, stressing family budgets and the local economy. Governor Stein’s task force on child care and early education released recommendations to boost subsidies and worker pay to ease the shortage. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Willis Richardson Players return to the stage with the Ossie Davis comedy Purlie Victorious today through Sunday at Thalian Hall’s studio theater downtown. Revived after pausing since 2019 (and the 2023 loss of a longtime leader), the historic troupe plans a second show later this year. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ A panel of Western North Carolina artists and Associate Curator Ben Billingsley will discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene and creative resilience at the Cameron Art Museum (Reception Hall) on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; advanced registration is encouraged with fees for members and non-members. WWAY
- ➤ The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County will host the 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards nominations party on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at The Eagle's Dare at Third and Red Cross in downtown Wilmington. The event will honor Terry Collins with the Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution. Port City Daily
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Several rare North Carolina species are now under federal protection while researchers warn that rising sea levels may cause coastal wetland loss — a threat to red wolves, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Multiple roads will close on Monday, Jan. 19 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. on 3rd St.; setup begins at 7 a.m. with detours in effect for Brunswick and Hanover streets (among others). FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that statewide measles cases now total seven (including two new cases among siblings in Buncombe County) and launched a dashboard updated on Tuesdays and Fridays for outbreak tracking. Residents are urged to seek vaccination. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington residents are invited to the Black Family Wellness Expo, where local health experts will share guidance on managing family health conditions and offer coordinated enrollment services (free assistance will be provided) to improve community well-being. WECT
- ➤ The Wilmington North Carolina Chapter of The Links Inc. will host the Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Derick G.S. Davis Community Center (1101 Manly Ave) where families can access wellness resources and enjoy interactive activities. WWAY
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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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Seahawk Sun Run
All day — University of North Carolina Wilmington — $40+ — Participate in the North Carolina Azalea Festival Seahawk Sun Run and enjoy a vibrant celebration of fitness and community.
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