Friday, November 14th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ David Scott, a chef who faced childhood hunger, founded ’86 Hunger Now’ in summer 2024 to help working families in southeastern North Carolina who do not qualify for food stamps—serving about 120 people each week and offering cooking classes downtown to attract donors and volunteers. He continues the program every Saturday while preparing for possible SNAP benefit changes that may increase demand. WECT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Emergency crews from the Wilmington Fire Department (WFD) responded to a gas leak at (5042 New Centre Drive) on Thursday afternoon, evacuating nearby buildings as New Centre Drive was blocked from Dabble Court to the road that leads from Lowe's. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington welcomes a busy weekend of arts as Thalian Hall's new play 'Orion's Choice' explores family ties with humor and touches on topics like dementia and assisted suicide while running for four more performances through Nov. 16. Local offerings include film screenings, a comedy performance by Jamie Wolf and a mini music festival — all set under sunny skies with highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 70s. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW theatre professor Ed Wagenseller will open his final show this weekend — a play designed to end in disaster — after nearly 30 years of teaching and directing. He said he is ready to move on, closing his teaching career with one last performance. Port City Daily
- ➤ The NAACP responded to a study by Elevate Every Child that found a large gap in test scores between black and white students in the school district. Kemeka Sidbury, the NAACP education chair, said the report shows that 76% of white students are proficient compared to 30% of black students — and it stresses the need for more school support. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation unveiled a new tracking platform to monitor red drum fish—using satellite tags from a 2024 pilot study and a 2025 tagging project to track 40 additional fish along the coast. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews will begin nourishing the shoreline at Carolina Beach on November 15 — work is expected to last 4 to 5 weeks as weather permits. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already moved equipment near Freeman Park and North Pier to start sand placement. WECT
- ➤ After Carolina Beach Town Council approved a rezoning request Monday night, a major oceanfront project will move forward with a scaled-down plan that includes a SpringHill Suites hotel, an event venue and a new SeaWitch restaurant and bar—plus planned sidewalk, parking and street improvements along Carolina Beach Avenue North. WWAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Over 30 people attended a retreat at Wrightsville Manor sponsored by Hope Abound Cancer Network, where patients, survivors, and caregivers learned about healthy eating and self-care. Kenny Barnes—cofounder of the network—said the event was meant to offer guidance and hope during the cancer journey. WWAY
- ➤ Dr. Tiffany Morgan—radiation oncologist with Novant Health—spoke in a studio interview on November 13 about lung cancer risk and screening options as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. She explained that factors like environment, occupation, genetics, and diet choices are linked to lung cancer risks in nonsmokers. WECT
- ➤ Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center received a C grade for the third straight time in the national safety report, marking its lowest score since joining Novant Health. Hospital leaders expressed disappointment and said they are working to improve patient safety and aim for an A by 2030. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Restaurants in Wilmington are now offering special Thanksgiving handheld sandwiches for the holiday, with options like Flaming Amy’s churkeychanga made with turkey, mashed potatoes, and jalapeno cornbread stuffing, and Pine Valley Market’s Gobbler featuring thick cut turkey and homemade stuffing. Other local spots will debut their unique sandwiches later in the month to give residents more tasty ways to celebrate. WECT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tre Bennett headed in the game-winning goal with three seconds remaining in overtime to give New Hanover a 3-2 win over Ashley in the Class 7A boys soccer quarterfinals—Fisher Manning had tied the score late in regulation. The Wildcats will host Chapel Hill on Tuesday as the winner advances to play for a state championship in Greensboro. WWAY
- ➤ Hoggard boys soccer advanced to the state championship after defeating rival Laney 3 to 0 on Thursday in the Class 8A East Regional Championship game—Ari Tanner scored a long-range goal and two later plays extended the lead. The Vikings will face West Forsyth next week in Greensboro for the title match. WWAY
-
Oyster Patio Party
2-5 p.m. — Tequila Comida & Cantina Waterfront — $45 AYCE oysters — Enjoy fresh oysters and Flytrap beer with waterfront vibes.
-
Battleship Half Marathon
6:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Water Street Park — Registration required — Experience the scenic run through historic downtown Wilmington with fellow runners.
-
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area/Smith Creek Station — Materials included — Craft your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish delights and tea in a creative atmosphere.
-
Wilmington Historic Half, 10K & 5K
7:00 AM — Riverfront Park — Registration fee required — Experience the scenic views and festive finish line after conquering historic downtown Wilmington.
-
North Carolina Symphony - Handel's Messiah
3-6 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets available — Experience the spectacular performance of Handel's Messiah by the North Carolina Symphony.
-
Bryan Bielanski Live Performance
6 PM - 12 AM — Barzarre — Check venue for cover charge — Enjoy acoustic rock tunes from the talented Bryan Bielanski while savoring delicious tacos and drinks.
-
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — The Underfront Co. — Ticket required — Celebrate the holiday season in style with festive sweaters and fun activities downtown.
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
The light bulb was not invented by continuous improvement of the candle.
~ Oren Harari
About Today in Wilmington
Welcome to the Today in Wilmington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Wilmington, North Carolina community. If you like the Today in Wilmington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wilmington.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Wilmington and across North Carolina. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Wilmington
A free Wilmington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinwilmingtonnews.com/sitemap