Today
in Wilmington
Friday, September 5th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Major General Joseph McNeil, a Wilmington native honored for his role in the Civil Rights movement, passed away. A portion of downtown Third Street was designated as Major General Joseph McNeil Commemorative Way — a lasting tribute to his legacy. WECT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Michael Allen Duncan Jr., a 55-year-old Wilmington native and former leader of Sage Island, died on Sept. 2 when his electric bike hit a deer on Pine Run Road near Moses Springs Road in Watauga County. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington entrepreneurs will gather on Sept 10 for the second annual 910 Day, hosted by the Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington to celebrate local business leaders and a growing startup scene. The event will spotlight three local companies and feature keynote speaker Micheal Burt who will share tips on scaling startups — adding recognition to the role entrepreneurs play in boosting the local economy. WWAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction unveiled school performance grades on Wednesday—statewide low-performing schools fell, with Pender County cutting its number from six to three while New Hanover and Brunswick Counties saw new low performers. The report showed scores are slowly rising from pre-pandemic levels and districts will share improvement plans for struggling schools. Port City Daily
- ➤ Battleship North Carolina is launching two new hands-on educational programs for students in grades 3–12—Price of Freedom teaches WWII history and heroism while Eagles Island Immersion explores the island’s unique ecosystem and science—and the programs run from September through May with advance booking required. WWAY
- ➤ The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released annual test score data showing that Whiteville City Schools, Bladen County Schools and New Hanover County Schools saw their first drop in proficiency since the pandemic—New Hanover dropped from 61% to 60% while Bladen County fell from 42% to 39%. New Hanover's superintendent said that past staff cuts and higher student-to-teacher ratios might explain these changes as districts analyze the data and focus on student growth. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ New data from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction shows that 54% of students in Southeastern North Carolina passed end-of-grade tests today, up from 45% in 2021. Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender held steady while Whiteville, Bladen, and New Hanover saw small drops, and schools lost over $1 billion in funds for tutoring and after-school programs—changing support for students. WECT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Lindsay Buckingham of Novant Health spoke about the need for early detection and careful observation of symptoms—pain, bloating, and changes in appetite or urination—as there is no screening test for ovarian cancer. He advised everyone to listen to their bodies and act quickly if these signs occur. WECT
- ➤ Dr. Buckingham of Novant Health was in the studio to discuss how women can detect ovarian cancer early and take steps for its prevention—advice aimed at urging timely care. WECT
- ➤ Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center leaders said they are making improvements after protestors raised concerns about long wait times, staffing shortages, and facility cleanliness outside the courthouse. The hospital reported shorter delays, improved staff retention, and cleaner areas—upgrades will continue with a new emergency room opening in Scotts Hill. WECT
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Wilmington Home Show
10 AM – 7 PM — Wilmington Convention Center — Free passes available — Explore a variety of home improvement professionals in an interactive environment.
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CHOIR CHOIR CHOIR
7-8:30 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Visit choirchoirchoir.com for joining info — Engage in a community music experience with local singers.
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Michael Franti & Spearhead Concert
7-9 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience high-energy live music from renowned musician and activist Michael Franti.
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William and Judith – A Play
Sep 18–28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience a unique exploration of the relationship between William Shakespeare and his muse.
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Burning Spear Performance
7-9 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the vibrant reggae sounds of Burning Spear live in Wilmington.
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She ROCKS Run
9:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Long Leaf Park — Entry fee applies — A heartfelt run honoring ovarian cancer fighters and their battles.
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The Brook and the Bluff Live
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the unique sounds of The Brook and the Bluff blending indie rock and folk-rock.
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Maren Morris Concert
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost info TBA — Enjoy an evening of live music with Maren Morris at a picturesque venue.
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Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Medicine Anniversary Tour
7:00-8:30 PM — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors on their anniversary tour.
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MasterChef All-Stars Live
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets available — Experience culinary magic live with your favorite MasterChef All-Stars.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
~ Ryan Holiday
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