Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Memorial Day, Pender County resident Destiny Flynn-Draher honored her late Marine husband near the USS North Carolina by sharing her journey of loss and healing. She continues to raise their daughter and support others facing similar grief (a tribute to enduring community care). WWAY
- ➤ Three friends rescued a young boy and an adult woman caught in a rip current near Shell Island on May 21 while preparing for a beach soccer tournament — quickly calling 911 as first responders brought both victims to shore. WWAY
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Over Memorial Day weekend, 33 rescues occurred at Wrightsville Beach after dangerous rip currents and red flag conditions led rescue teams to respond to missing persons and medical calls to keep beachgoers safe+ urging all to swim near lifeguards. WECT
- ➤ UNCW head women's basketball coach Nicole Woods nearly drowned at Wrightsville Beach last Thursday when a rip current swept her nephew away; paramedics revived her with chest compressions and an AED and she is now recovering at home. FOX Wilmington
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shark Bar and Kitchen in Wrightsville Beach launched The Red Cat Sushi Bar on its second floor, offering a dozen sushi rolls, creative sashimi, and daily half-off from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. + It highlights locally caught seafood in fresh Carolina dishes. Port City Daily
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Widespread Panic will perform for two nights on Sept. 18 and 19 at Wilmington’s Riverfront stage this fall, with tickets on sale starting Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. Jimmy Herring is receiving cancer treatment so Nick Johnson will fill in during the shows. Port City Daily
- ➤ Cameron Art Museum (CAM) will open the 'Rooted in Memory: The Gullah Geechee Vision of Jonathan Green' exhibit on Thursday, June 18, followed by a community day on Saturday, June 20. The exhibit explores heritage and identity through Jonathan Green’s art and traditional Gullah Geechee crafts, running until Jan. 24. FOX Wilmington
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Census Bureau estimates show Wilmington’s metro area added about 34 residents daily in 2025 due to strong inbound migration, pushing property values in New Hanover County up by 67% (it is the nation’s seventh fastest-growing metro). Wilmington Star-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UNCW officials began reviewing emergency protocols after campus threats disrupted operations last year (including a gunman hoax and bomb threat) and plan to strengthen communications, training, and coordination with partner agencies. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ The New Hanover County Schools Board postponed its discussion of the LifeWise Bible study program until August after a 6-1 vote. Superintendent Christopher Barnes will provide feedback next week, and a public hearing is set for July (participation is optional and requires parental permission, with no public funds used). FOX Wilmington
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA is proposing to remove limits on some PFAS in drinking water and delay regulations on others, prompting local experts to caution that Wilmington’s water safety could be at risk. The agency will accept public comments for 60 days and hold a virtual hearing on July 7. Wilmington Star-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Eligible low-income, disabled, and senior homeowners in New Hanover County are urged by City Councilmember J.C. Lyle to email and apply for tax relief before next Monday’s deadline & receive benefits like a 50% reduction on tax bills as Wilmington faces possible increases. WHQR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tomorrow at 7 p.m., Hoggard girls soccer seeks its first state title against Myers Park at Durham County Memorial Stadium; on Friday, the boys lacrosse team will face Ardrey Kell at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory as both programs chase their first championship win. Wilmington Star-News
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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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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.
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