Today
in Wilmington
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local farmers say area farms give fresh food, meat and events—boosting the economy and supporting sustainable farming methods. Visitors can explore farms in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties to enjoy quality produce and family experiences. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW has postponed all freedom of expression events and restricted painting on spirit rocks after students painted over a tribute to Charlie Kirk near the Fisher University Union. The university said the measures—aimed at de-escalating safety concerns—include increased police presence and enhanced security staffing. WECT
- ➤ UNCW students from the Cameron School of Business and the Department of Communication Studies, partnering with Wilmington Downtown Inc.—are asking local residents to fill out a survey on downtown Wilmington's commercial districts—which will guide the creation of new marketing and branding plans for the area. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NCDOT updated the cost estimates for the planned Independence Boulevard extension, increasing total costs from $214.6 million to $424.6 million due to inflation—officials said a draft environmental impact statement will be available this fall with a public hearing in winter. WECT
- ➤ The City of Wilmington released its draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report to show how federal and local funds supported housing initiatives, neighborhood improvements, and community services in the past year—residents can send feedback via email until today at 5 p.m. and the report will be presented at the City Council meeting today. WWAY
- ➤ Four candidates (Chad Hock, Sylvia Pate, Keith Smith, and Maria Surprise) are running for two seats on the Holden Beach Board of Commissioners in a nonpartisan election. Voters can cast absentee ballots from Oct. 16 until Nov. 1 and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. as the candidates focus on issues such as public safety, infrastructure, and community growth. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Wilmington City Council is set to re-discuss a controversial public camping ordinance that bans sleeping on city property from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.—the amended measure lowers penalties to fines and community service while removing the parking deck ban. Community members and local leaders plan to oppose the ordinance at the Skyline Center today and say it will take effect immediately if approved. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The Southport Board of Aldermen appointed Noah Saldo as permanent City Manager at the September 11 meeting after he served as city clerk and interim manager—formerly, he worked as a funeral director and earned a master’s in public administration to support his transition to local government. He is set to lead the city by uniting the board and community while improving roads, storm water systems, and historic building renovations. WWAY
- ➤ NC lawmakers passed House Bill 192 on Monday which directs the Department of Health and Human Services to end Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid work — the bill now moves to the House and may soon be sent to Gov. Josh Stein. WECT
- ➤ The Wilmington Fire Department is holding a home escape plan contest where families can submit a photo, video, or PDF by September 30. The winning family will receive a private fire station tour + a special lunch with firefighters for their child’s educational group. WWAY
- ➤ State lawmakers will debate House Bill 307, known as Iryna’s Law, this week after Iryna Zarutska’s August 22 murder prompted calls for tougher rules in the criminal justice system. The bill would eliminate cashless bail, impose stricter pretrial conditions, require mental health evaluations, and set clear guidelines for death penalty appeals — reforms aimed at closing system gaps. WWAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center was ranked fourth out of 98 pediatric hospitals in the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study that checks safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient care, and care variation. The recognition at Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children's Hospital, which has served the Cape Fear region for nearly 20 years, shows the team’s strong commitment to quality care+. WECT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon returns Saturday at Wrightsville Beach Park where the sprint race starts at 6:50 a.m. and the youth race starts at 8 a.m.—over 1,000 athletes and spectators are expected while local traffic plans adjust. WWAY
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Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Medicine Anniversary Tour
7:00-8:30 PM — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors on their anniversary tour.
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MasterChef All-Stars Live
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets available — Experience culinary magic live with your favorite MasterChef All-Stars.
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JJ Grey & Mofro Concert
5:45-7:15 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Ticket information not provided — Experience an evening of soulful music from a notable Jacksonville artist.
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Gavin Adcock Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Last-minute concert tickets available — Enjoy an evening of live music with Gavin Adcock.
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Wilmington Riverfest
10 AM – 6 PM — Wilmington Downtown Incorporated — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit along the beautiful Cape Fear riverfront with music, food, and activities for all ages.
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The 502s Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — $25+ — Experience the energetic beach folk sounds of Florida's
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DUBTOWN COSMONAUTS Live Dock Party
6-10 p.m. — Marina Grill — Free entry — Experience high-energy tunes from the beachy Dubtown Cosmonauts in a festive dock atmosphere.
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Gunhild Carling Concert
7-9 p.m. — Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the swinging jazz standards of Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling live in concert.
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Phantogram Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost info not provided — Experience the genre-defying sounds of experimental band Phantogram in a beautiful lakeside setting.
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Mike Oregano Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — Fermental Beer & Wine — Free entry — Experience a unique one-man band act blending Jazz and Rock in an unforgettable performance.
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