🌱 Patch AM: What investigators say they found in this Wilmington student’s car and home

Good day Wilmington! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What investigators say they found in this Wilmington student’s car and home
• How you can experience this groundbreaking Indigenous opera in Wilmington
• Thinking about a simple holiday night out on Wilmington’s Riverfront?

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Day Bash! and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Snow early in the morning, with a high of 32 and low of 13 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
• Monday: Turning cloudy and cold, temps: high: 30, low: 21.
• Tuesday: Sunshine and some clouds, with a high of 34 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Afghan National Charged After Machine Gun and Manifesto Found (clarionproject.org) — A 25-year-old University of Delaware student living in Wilmington has been federally charged with illegally possessing a machine gun after police say a traffic stop near Canby Park West uncovered weapons, tactical gear, and a handwritten attack manifesto. A later search of his Wilmington residence allegedly revealed additional firearms and equipment; if convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
   

2. Wilmington Concert Opera to Present First US Tribal Language Opera LOKSI SHAALI' (broadwayworld.com) — Wilmington Concert Opera is bringing the groundbreaking Chickasaw-language opera “Loksi’ Shaali’” to downtown Wilmington in May 2026, with performances at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew. Featuring an Indigenous-led cast and creative team, the production will showcase highlights from the opera for both Opera America Conference attendees and local audiences, with pay-what-you-can style donations at the door.
   

3. Holiday Family Fun on Wilmington's Riverfront (townsquaredelaware.com) — Wilmington residents can enjoy a low-key holiday evening along the Riverfront, where lights reflect off the Christina River and wide paths make strolling easy for families. With flexible, walkable access to restaurants, photo-worthy décor, and calm waterfront views, the Riverfront offers a simple, no-ticket way to celebrate the season right in the heart of the city.
   

4. Padua, Tatnall standouts lead Delaware cross-country All-State teams (delawareonline.com) — Delaware’s top high school cross-country honors this year feature several Wilmington-area standouts, including Wilmington Christian and Charter of Wilmington runners and a Coach of the Year from Wilmington Christian. Padua’s Anna Bockius and Tatnall’s Dylan McCarthy earned state MVP awards, while Saint Mark’s and Padua claimed team and coaching honors that cap a dominant season for New Castle County programs.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Wilmington

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday December 18

• Pritchett Academy Winter Concert
  Bancroft , 600 East 7th Street , Wilmington
  7:00 pm
• Bayard School Winter Concert
  Bayard , 200 S DuPont St , Wilmington
  7:00 pm

Friday December 19

• Forgotten Cats's Middletown PetSmart Cat Adoption Event Dec. 19-21
  Middletown PetSmart , 421 Middletown Warwick Drive , Middletown
  10:00 am

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day Bash!
  Dogtopia of Wilmington , 2101 Concord Pike , Wilmington
  9:00 am

📣 Wilmington Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 14

• Frozen Fairytale Brunch at HOTEL DU PONT
  HOTEL DU PONT , 42 W 11th St , Wilmington
  11:00 am
• Guided Meditation
  Rockwood Park & Museum , 4651 Washington Street Extension , Wilmington
  11:00 am
• St. Helena's Parish 2nd Sunday Breakfast 🍳 Buffet Masci Hall
  602 Philadelphia Pike , Wilmington
  1:00 pm
• Snow Queen 2025
  Laird Performing Arts Center , 1501 Barley Mill Rd , Wilmington
  2:00 pm
• Snow Queen 2025 - Sunday Afternoon
  Laird Performing Arts Center , 1501 Barley Mill Rd , Wilmington
  2:00 pm
• First State Ballet - The Nutcracker
  The Playhouse on Rodney Square , 1007 N Market St , Wilmington
  2:00 pm

Tuesday December 16

• Hiking Group
  Rockford Park , Lookout Dr , Wilmington
  9:30 am

Wednesday December 17

• Red Clay Board of Education Meeting
  Richardson Park Elementary School , 16 Idella Ave , Wilmington
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Wilmington PatchAM possible:

• Champion Force Athletics — (800) 940-7469
  Join Champion Force Cheer - Classes Starting at $10
• Dogtopia of Wilmington — (475) 338-3501
  Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Bayard Students Selected to Perform at The Wilmington Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” —Christina School District Read on Patch
• McVey Elementary Helps Set New World Stacking Record! —Christina School District Read on Patch
• Meeting Notice: CSD Citizen Budget Oversight Committee Meeting —Christina School District Read on Patch
• Christina School Board Listening Session - Dec 11 for Brennen Families & Staff —Christina School District Read on Patch

• Update: Puff and Chocolate Chip are going home together!!
  Now let’s find Nubbles a home!! Three more fosters are ready for adoption through Faithful Friends!! These babies are active, cuddly and playful! … (Nextdoor Shipley Woods)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
  FOUND on December 11, 2025 in Wilmington, DE 19805 near Rodman st Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view… (Nextdoor Union Park Gardens)

• Burlington Coat Factory Corporation posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time in Wilmington. Apply here.
• Global Elite Empire Agency posted a job opening for Client Enrollment Specialist- 100% Virtual on Your Schedule (Remote) in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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