Today
in Wilmington
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Battleship North Carolina Memorial will host its 62nd Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m. at 1 Battleship Road (in Wilmington) to honor fallen service members through keynotes by Becky Aikman and Admiral John G. Morgan, Jr. WWAY
- ➤ The Endowment is awarding $2.8M in grants to local groups to boost youth safety and summer programs, improve health care and food access, and support entrepreneurship in New Hanover County. It will also invest $100K in the NC IDEA Foundation ahead of a statewide Ecosystem Summit set for Nov. 12 – 13. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington's Brocmar Smokehouse Drink’n Pretzels is expanding its artisanal pretzel business by adding local partnerships and planning to move to a larger facility—strengthening its community ties and innovative approach to flavor. Port City Daily
- ➤ Gray Media restored its local television stations, including WECT, to the DISH lineup effective immediately, letting viewers access updated news, weather, and sports today + Gray Media remains dedicated to reliable local programming for Southeastern North Carolina. WECT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Founded in 1966 to preserve local landmarks, the Historic Wilmington Foundation marks its 60th anniversary this year. Its timeline features key milestones from historic home acquisitions to appointing Carol Bullock as its 10th director (the third in three years). Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Chandler's Wharf in downtown Wilmington links 19th-century warehouses to revitalization from the 70s and 80s, offering shops, offices + restaurants in a historic setting. The area still displays artifacts from its maritime past and remains a popular destination today. Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College and Cape Fear Public Utility Authority launched a competency-based apprenticeship program that lets participants progress by mastering skills rather than clocking set training hours. The 11‑week classroom course at CFCC pairs with hands‑on work at CFPUA to prepare local residents for technical careers. WWAY
- ➤ A new partnership between the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and DREAMS Center for Arts Education will expand music education for students through Ben Folds’ Keys for Kids initiative (offering afterschool instruction to advanced ensemble experience and free concert tickets). A May 30 performance by Folds in Raleigh will benefit the program. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials with the White Lake Water Festival canceled the ski show due to low water levels making boat operations unsafe at White Lake amid drought; the festival will continue as scheduled while operators report levels dropping 8 to 10 inches from last year (more rain is needed to raise them). WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Hanover county’s temporary ban (expiring in July) on new shellfish leases has shifted farming operations to nearby Pender and Onslow counties. Local officials are seeking their own moratorium to address concerns over crowded water views and boating access. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s investigation into the PowerSchool data breach that exposed sensitive information of four million families and teachers remains active more than a year after it began. A New Hanover County School Board member is urging faster action — schools are also upgrading security to prevent another breach. WECT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The new private social and athletic destination will mark its groundbreaking on May 18 at 10 a.m. as developers introduce limited Founding Memberships and upscale amenities, including cushioned courts, padel courts (the first in the area) and a refined bar space. WWAY
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Tiffany & Tea Event
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Azalea Antiques & Art — Free entry — Experience an elegant evening with fine tea, select wines, and curated charcuterie alongside sisterhood.
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Dead on the Deck: The Deadtown Cosmonauts
2-6 p.m. — Katy's Grill and Bar — Free entry — Experience high-energy music inspired by the beaches of Wilmington, NC.
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John Crist Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians.
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Benny Hill Jazz Quartet Concert
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Music on Market — Free entry — Enjoy an electrifying performance by the acclaimed Benny Hill Jazz Quartet featuring vibrant saxophone improvisations.
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Earth with Wind & Fire Concert
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful rhythms of Earth, Wind & Fire at this lively outdoor concert.
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Coastal Entrepreneurship Awards
6-9 p.m. — UNCW Burney Center — Recognizing local innovation — Celebrate emerging and established businesses in the Cape Fear region.
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
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
~ J.P. Morgan
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