Today
in Wilmington
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Children's Museum is hosting Pizza Putt on Feb. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. for adults 21 and over; the event offers unlimited pizza, mini-golf, beer from local breweries — along with contests and raffles to support hands-on learning for local children. WWAY
- ➤ Officials including Governor Stein, the NC Department of Transportation, and Wilmington will hold press conferences Thursday to review safety plans for a major winter storm expected this weekend. Airline and road travelers are advised to check flight statuses and prepare vehicles with winter kits (following AAA tips) to stay safe. WWAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 21, 2026, Wilmington chef Dean Neff of Seabird restaurant and Zora's Seafood Market was named one of 20 semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef award. He will learn his fate on March 31 as competition builds toward the June 15 ceremony in Chicago. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Wilmington's largest festival parted ways with longtime executive director Alison Baringer, prompting a search for a new leader; board president Michael Franklin will serve as interim director — the event is set to take place Apr. 8–12. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southeastern Community College is starting a free Classroom Ready Academy on Feb. 5 to address the childcare crisis; classes run on Tuesday and Thursday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.) in a hybrid format, and participants will earn certifications to begin early childhood careers. WWAY
- ➤ Gray Connelly at North Brunswick High School has been named Teacher of the Month for January for over 20 years of service and his Share Table Program that cuts food waste — the award includes a $600 prize sponsored by local partners. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two sand tiger sharks have been relocated from the Fort Fisher aquarium to larger habitats at the Roanoke Island and Pine Knoll Shores aquariums via a joint operation using specialized equipment — teams secured each shark for transport. The move was made to provide more space for this endangered species. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The outer westbound lane of the 1100 block on Market Street was closed on Jan. 21 at 9 a.m. for emergency water main repairs by CFPUA, with traffic shifted to the inner lane and North 12th Street limited for through traffic (closures lasted about 6 hours). FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The new STAR Center opened Wednesday morning in Wilmington and will provide medically assisted detox, inpatient care, transitional housing, and group therapy in a 14,000 sqft facility with 16 patient beds plus 2 transitional beds. The first patients are expected in February. Port City Daily
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Laney hired former New Hanover defensive coordinator Coraey Houser as its new football head coach on Jan. 21, filling the final Wilmington high school coaching vacancy. The local coach said he is proud to lead the team + aims to boost the program. Wilmington Star-News
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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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KPOP WARRIORS Live Show
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Minnie Evans Performing Arts Center — Varies — Experience the energy and excitement of K-Pop with stunning choreography and vibrant costumes.
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Social District Event
12-5 p.m. — Brooklyn Arts Center — Free entry — Explore the vibrant Brooklyn Arts District with open containers and delightful local brews.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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