Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did a gun scare at Independence Mall spiral into chaos?

Coming up on the Wilmington Patch calendar: 'CHRISTMAS JOE' 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE!

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What's up Wilmington! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did a gun scare at Independence Mall spiral into chaos?
  • How Wilmington shoppers are coping after a terrifying mall shooting scare
  • How would a $35 million bond reshape Carolina Beach infrastructure?

Also on today's calendar: ‘CHRISTMAS JOE’ 1 Man Biblical Play + Concert – 10am! FREE! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Mainly cloudy and cooler, with a high of 58 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 76, low: 45.
  • Sunday: Cooler with clouds and sun, with a high of 65 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Reports of a shooting at Independence Mall cause panic (hip-hopvibe.com) — Wilmington shoppers at Independence Mall endured a terrifying evacuation Tuesday after multiple 911 calls reported a person with a gun and possible shots near Dillard’s, though police later confirmed no gunfire or injuries. Wilmington Police detained two suspects, are seeking two more, and say the incident was a firearms-related disturbance that sparked widespread panic and misinformation across social media.
   

• Psychological impact on shootings, and how to cope with it (wwaytv3.com) — Shoppers at Wilmington’s Independence Mall describe the terror of an active-shooter scare that sent them hiding in the back of a Pacsun store before several suspects were arrested nearby. A local psychologist explains how such incidents, amplified by social media and holiday stress, can heighten anxiety even for normally calm people. She urges residents to cope by checking in on neighbors and strengthening community ties.
   

• Carolina Beach pursuing bond as big as its annual budget (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Carolina Beach leaders are moving toward a $35 million bond that would overhaul water, sewer, and stormwater systems and refinance older utility debt. The proposal, roughly equal to the town’s entire annual budget, must still clear state review and a 2026 voter referendum, and follows a recent tax-rate cut that offset New Hanover County’s property revaluation spike.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I just moved here in Wendover south.
    With six movers here and just myself, the doors were opening and closing opening closing and my elderly orange male Maine Coon cat escaped. It’s… (Nextdoor Emerald Forest)
  • Need help naming our new golden retriever pup.
    It’s a male. We want it to have some tie to Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington. Appreciate any suggestions. (Nextdoor Greenville Loop)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Builders FirstSource posted a job opening for Load Builder I Yard/Warehouse in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

🗞 Nearby News

Wrightsville Beach

  • ‘What does Christmas mean to you?': Long-standing Wrightsville Beach holiday display adds interactive element (wect.com)
  • Where to recycle your Christmas trees (wwaytv3.com)

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 guess I’m out of time.
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