Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Roxann Lansdowne (executive director of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard) was honored with the Dogwood Award on Friday, Feb. 13 by Attorney General Jeff Jackson for aiding locals during potential SNAP cuts, as her nonprofit serves New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties by distributing emergency food. Port City Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Warbirds Over Wilmington will showcase rare World War II aircraft at ILM’s National Guard hangars during the Azalea Festival from April 10 — 12, with rides in the TBM Avenger and SNJ available for purchase online and at the event, weather permitting. WECT
- ➤ Award-winning duo Karolina Mikolajczyk and Iwo Jednocki will perform at Kenan Auditorium on Friday, Mar. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The internationally recognized ensemble is celebrated for its bold artistry and vibrant musical color and received Poland’s Polityka Passport in 2024. WECT
- ➤ A trade publication reports that 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' will begin filming a feature film in Wilmington on April 27 at Cinespace Studios — production is expected through June 26. Permits have not yet been submitted, officials said. Port City Daily
- ➤ Rev. Jesse Jackson visited Wilmington in the 1980s (promoting voter engagement and equal rights) and left a lasting mark on community events. Archival footage of his speeches is being digitized by UNCW Library after his death on Feb. 17. WWAY
- ➤ Several events will shape Wilmington’s weekend with a Mardi Gras parade in Sunset Park, festivals commemorating local heritage + theater and music shows at venues like Thalian Hall. Detailed schedules show activities running from Feb. 19 to Feb. 22. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Smart Start of New Hanover County has opened nominations for the 2026 Children's Champions Awards — a program that honors educators, parents, and community partners who help children start kindergarten on track. Nominations are due by March 4 and the awards ceremony will be held on April 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Plaza on Princess. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tonya Jackson has been named the new Chief Health and Human Services Officer at New Hanover County effective immediately (she joined county staff in 2017) and will oversee public health and social services alongside Health Director Jon Campbell. WWAY
- ➤ Pender County commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to oppose Chemours’ Fayetteville Works Facility expansion due to concerns over under-reported PFAS emissions (and air permit violations) that have contaminated many drinking water wells; they called on local and state agencies to deny the expansion until sufficient remediation occurs. FOX Wilmington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Chef Katherine Myhand is hosting the Stirring Up Hope soup fundraiser on Feb. 27-28 at the Concept Kitchen Co. at End of Days Distillery—located in Wilmington’s Cargo District—to support fellow chef Cristina Mullins as she begins cancer treatment. Wilmington Star-News
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Social District Event
12-5 p.m. — Brooklyn Arts Center — Free entry — Explore the vibrant Brooklyn Arts District with open containers and delightful local brews.
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Danny Gokey Concert with We Are Messengers and Jon Reddick
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Odell Williamson Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience uplifting performances that celebrate faith and community.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
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