Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On May 18, 2026, Meghan Wagner spoke about the Wounded Warrior Project during Soldier Ride 250 in Wilmington, discussing local efforts to support veterans. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ The Salvation Army and Bank of America opened a Life Skills Center at Center of Hope, a shelter that has offered safe housing and family suites for nearly nine months. The new center will provide free classes on financial literacy and job preparation taught by local volunteers. FOX Wilmington
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Costco in Wilmington recalled over 18,000 Agio Menlo Woven Patio Swings after eight reports injured users when the swing seat detached — a defect in swings sold between Feb. 1 and March 20. Consumers must stop using them and contact World Bright International Limited for a free repair kit. WWAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Port City Highland Games will return on Saturday, May 30 at 3600 Randall Parkway in Wilmington. The daylong festival will feature Highland athletics, piping, drumming, food and drink, vendors, and artisans — supporting paws4vets. WWAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ School districts will offer free summer meals for kids with Pender County hosting weekly pick-ups starting June 3 at several elementary schools, Brunswick County serving both eat-in and to-go meals from June 1, and New Hanover County providing meal packs on Thursdays from June 18 — pre-registration is encouraged. FOX Wilmington
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 19, the state assumed management of The Point on Topsail Island, now known as Topsail Nature Preserve, after the N.C. Coastal Land Trust raised nearly $7.8 million to permanently protect the 150-acre site from development. The preserve remains open for responsible recreation & education. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NC lawmakers are considering a bill to allow hardened erosion-control structures on beaches to reduce costly nourishment and protect roads and utilities from rising seas. The proposal is before the Senate Rules committee + could change coastline management if passed. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Pender County officials will cut the ribbon for the new 89,000 sqft Health and Human Services building on Thursday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at 298 Progress Drive in Burgaw, with guided tours following the ceremony. WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Town of Leland is hosting a Women’s Health Forum on Wednesday, June 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Leland Cultural Arts Center; panel discussions and health screenings will give residents access to healthcare professionals. WECT
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Two playful kittens are available for adoption in Wilmington — interested adopters must schedule an appointment through felinematchmakers.org and be at least 21 to apply. WWAY
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Collective refurbished rundown downtown homes with nearly $2 million in city and Endowment funding to offer affordable housing, making some units available for rent and sale at below-market prices (one property will add an ADU). WHQR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On May 19, Hoggard boys lacrosse beat rival Laney 14-12 at Scott Braswell Stadium and are one win away from a state title. They will face the winner of the Athens Drive vs Millbrook game on May 22. Wilmington Star-News
-
Coastal Entrepreneurship Awards
6-9 p.m. — UNCW Burney Center — Recognizing local innovation — Celebrate emerging and established businesses in the Cape Fear region.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Lord Huron Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Tickets required — Experience captivating melodies and storytelling from the popular indie folk band Lord Huron.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Today in Wilmington
Welcome to the Today in Wilmington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Wilmington, North Carolina community. If you like the Today in Wilmington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Wilmington.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Wilmington and across North Carolina. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Today in Wilmington
A free Wilmington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://todayinwilmingtonnews.com/sitemap