Today
in Wilmington
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The new Target store in Monkey Junction opened Sunday, May 17 — adding 140 new jobs and retail options to boost local commerce in the area. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, ECU Program in Maritime Studies is recovering and scanning historic shipwreck remains along Brunswick Town and the Cape Fear River using cell phone LiDAR (a 3D mapping tool) while state archaeologists manage finds at local facilities. The recovered artifacts date from pirate-era and wartime sinkings. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The 34th annual Wilmington Greek Festival kicked off today at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on South College Road, offering traditional Greek music, dancing, pastries, and cultural cuisine and supporting local nonprofits. The event runs tomorrow 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WWAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Canada geese are thriving in Wilmington, raising concerns for local residents as goslings hatch and cross busy roads. Bird biologists advise managing them legally by using tactics like hazing — or obtaining nest depredation permits, while residents should maintain longer grass around ponds to deter nesting. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ After a year delay, crews completed sand nourishment at Carolina and Kure beaches in April; Wrightsville Beach received similar work two years ago, enhancing local beach conditions. Wilmington Star-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center said its older safety scores do not show the improvements made in patient care since late 2024, as new nurse communication programs & better cleaning practices boosted performance by mid 2025. Leaders expect ratings to keep improving. WHQR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ New construction projects are coming to Market Street — local developers plan design changes to boost business and community spaces. The planned developments will bring modern amenities and a fresh look to the busy area. Wilmington Star-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame inducted five new members Sunday evening, including Bill Curry, Fred Lynch and Tamera Young; the event marks 79 honorees since the Hall's founding in 2006, with former MLB pitcher Ron Musselman recalling favorite moments on the field. WWAY
- ➤ Wilmington high school sports had a strong week as playoff rounds in girls soccer, lacrosse, baseball and softball progressed. Vote for this week’s StarNews Athlete of the Week from 25 nominees plus voting ends Thursday, May 21 at 11:59 p.m. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The ACC baseball tournament bracket is set with first-round games starting Tuesday, May 19 in Charlotte at Truist Field—where fans will see matchups featuring UNC, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Boston College. The championship game will air on ESPN2 on Sunday, May 24. Wilmington Star-News
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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.
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Jelly Roll Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices may apply — Experience the soulful sounds of rising star Ethan Burdick live in Wilmington.
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Modest Mouse Concert
6:00 – 7:30 PM — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost info not provided — Experience the indie rock legend Modest Mouse as they take the stage in Wilmington.
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Cape Fear Bonsai Society Exhibition
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — New Hanover County Arboretum — Free entry — Explore the artistry of bonsai reflecting the beauty of the Cape Fear region.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
~ Albert Einstein
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