Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Exchange Barbershop and Lounge will host its 2nd Annual Kids Cut-A-Thon this December to offer free haircuts for kids ages 4 to 17, free Child ID from the Sheriff’s Office, and a chance for photos with Santa at 104 Grace St. on Dec. 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—organizers urge parents to arrive early as spots are limited. WECT
- ➤ Bertha Todd, a long-time Wilmington teacher and civil rights activist, died Dec. 2nd—she spent nearly 40 years in New Hanover County schools and helped desegregate local institutions. Her work changed education and community life in Wilmington. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW announced its fall Commencement ceremonies for Saturday, Dec. 13 at Trask Coliseum. The Graduate Programs Ceremony will be at 9 a.m., an undergraduate ceremony for the College of Health and Human Services, Cameron School of Business and Watson College of Education will be at 1 p.m., and another undergraduate ceremony for the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts will be at 5 p.m.—all sessions are expected to last about two hours. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Cape Fear Literacy Council, a nonprofit helping adults with reading, math, and digital skills, received new, ongoing funding from Wilmington native Bob Butler’s will that will provide several thousand dollars each year starting next year. The group will host a book sale today at Hi-Wire Brewing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.—all proceeds support its free programs. WECT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Leaders in Lower Cape Fear oppose Fuquay-Varina's plan to take 6.17 million gallons a day from the Cape Fear River—claiming it would risk safe drinking water for over 27,000 homes. Public hearings on the request are set for December 9th in Raleigh and December 11th in Pitsboro. WWAY
- ➤ Jean Beasley, who founded the Topsail sea turtle hospital in memory of her daughter, died on December 2 at age 90. She built the center from a small building into a 13,000-square-foot facility—caring for injured sea turtles and teaching local children about marine life. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local officials and groups in Lower Cape Fear oppose Fuquay-Varina’s plan to permanently remove 6.17 million gallons a day from the Cape Fear River for the town—this action would discharge an equal amount of treated water into the Neuse River and may lower water levels for over 500,000 residents and harm fish spawning. The Environmental Management Commission will hold a public hearing on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Cumberland Hall Auditorium at Fayetteville Technology Community College—stakeholders are calling for more time to review the proposal and additional regional meetings. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Cape Fear Public Utility Authority will issue a precautionary boil water advisory for about 100 customers on South Lumina Avenue and Waynick Boulevard in Wrightsville Beach starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday—crews will replace broken valves in the water system to ensure safe drinking water. WWAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Island Arts Council has launched Clay Community Healing Arts to offer free therapeutic art workshops for island residents battling cancer. The program will run eight sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in February and March and it accepts applications from December 15th through January 15th — it is supported by a Grassroots Arts Program grant from the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County along with a donation from Stoked Restaurant. WWAY
- ➤ Two Wilmington heart surgeons, Dr. Peter Kane and Dr. Hank Marks, were named to Newsweek's America's Leading Doctors 2025 list for their high-performance treatment in coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Both doctors are part of the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute and are among nine state physicians honored for their work. FOX Wilmington
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Holly-Day Floral Design Class
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Current Coffee — Cost not listed — Learn the basics of floral design with local blooms in a cozy atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
4:30-5:30 p.m. — The Elia — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under the soft glow of candlelight.
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A Christmas Carol
2:30-4 p.m. — Kenan Auditorium — Tickets from $86 — Experience the classic tale of transformation and redemption this holiday season.
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New Year's Eve Bash at Bluewater
9:00 PM — Bluewater Waterfront Grill — Ticketed event — Celebrate the New Year with live music, dancing, and a midnight champagne toast overlooking the water.
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 only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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