Today
in Wilmington
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local restaurant pioneer Solange 'Niki' Thompson passed away on Dec. 18 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center; her Indochine restaurants remain open, continuing to offer Vietnamese and Thai dishes (funeral details are pending). Port City Daily
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Last week, the Wilmington Minority Chamber of Commerce launched to help minority-owned businesses grow in the Cape Fear region; Executive Director Atiba Johnson said the new chamber will offer support like financial literacy and pitch training and operate separately from the existing chamber. WHQR
- ➤ Ace Hardware is easing holiday stress by offering last minute essentials and a Ready in 15 service for online orders available at local stores today. Customers can take advantage of flexible payment through Affirm and Ace Rewards perks (including a free $10 gift card on qualifying purchases) until Christmas Eve. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington reported that its Class of 2026 achieved 174 college acceptances and over $7.5 million in merit based scholarships so far, including senior Isabella Cross’s historic full ride from Washington University, and families can apply to enroll through Jan. 31. WWAY
- ➤ Sophia Foster at Burgaw Middle School was named finalist for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund N.C. Beginning Teacher of the Year Award and will join leadership sessions (March 9-13) in Greensboro, plus a recognition on March 12 at Wake Forest University. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Leland applied for FEMA funds to remove 13 homes damaged by flooding in the Stoney Creek neighborhood after Potential Tropical Cyclone #8 in 2024 to protect residents from future risk; public comments are accepted through Jan. 2 (at 3005 Chamblee-Tucker Road in Atlanta, GA). WECT
- ➤ Fuquay-Varina proposes to withdraw 6 million gallons a day from the Cape Fear River and discharge treated water into the Neuse basin over the next 30 years to meet growth needs, while downstream groups (including Wilmington) fear lower flows and poor water quality as regulators review comments until April 1. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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Floating Lantern Ceremony
2-7 p.m. — Cameron Art Museum — Free outdoor event — Create and float a lantern while enjoying live music and reflecting on special moments.
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
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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