Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County awarded over $100,000 in grants to local arts groups and artists, giving $75,000 through its Grassroots Arts Program and $25,039.51 via the Region 6 Artist Support Grant program— the council will host its annual Jingle & Mingle reception on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at the DREAMS Center for Arts Education to honor the recipients. WECT
- ➤ Award-winning violinist Justin Robinson will present his live documentary 'German Soul' Friday at 8 p.m. at Thalian Hall during the 31st Cucalorus Film Festival to explore how German flavors helped shape Southern soul food and his own family history. The event features documentary clips, original music and a live Q&A session with Chef Adé Carrena—offering a fresh look at local culinary roots. Port City Daily
- ➤ On Nov. 10, Wilmington marked the 127th anniversary of the 1898 coup and massacre when armed Whites killed many Black residents and forced others to leave + the article profiles John C. Dancy, a federal appointee whose careful stance on civil rights drew criticism from both Blacks and Whites. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Diana Gabaldon, the creator of Outlander, will appear at a two-day event at Moores Creek National Battlefield on Feb. 27-28, 2026 as part of the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival + it marks the 250th anniversary of a Revolutionary War battle. Her schedule includes an evening meet-and-greet, a guided tour with a National Park Service ranger + a book signing set in a historic rural setting. Wilmington Star-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Town of Leland took another step toward creating its first-ever nearly 1,000-acre nature preserve—officials said the project will protect local green space and natural resources. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Hanover County's board of commissioners and board of education approved a $320.5 million school bond proposal that funds projects including a new elementary, major middle school upgrades, and phase one of New Hanover High’s master plan — a plan that will need a voter referendum in November. Some elected leaders worry that leaving later phases unfunded may leave New Hanover High unfinished despite recent repairs to its foundation. Port City Daily
- ➤ Town officials and neighbors gathered Monday in Wrightsville Beach to discuss plans for replacing three bridges by 2028 — a move that may disrupt traffic for residents and tourists. State DOT will begin early impact assessments to reduce navigation issues during construction — officials said. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Eagles Island Nature Park announced five new board members—Mayor Eulis Willis, Sue Hayes, Dr. Greg Williams, Jim Bucher and John C. Wessell III—to help connect communities with conservation, education and recreation. Chair Larry Sackett said their skills will move the park from vision to action. WWAY
- ➤ The Wrightsville Beach Bridge Replacement Committee met on Nov. 17 to review a traffic impact study that predicted doubled to tripled delays during the multi-million dollar bridge project set to begin in 2028. Residents voiced concerns about longer commutes and emergency response while officials plan to select a contractor in January and discuss further details at a meeting on March 16 at 10 a.m. Port City Daily
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Hanover County launched the Help Right Here program to offer help for mental health — substance use disorder services via a website listing over 65 local provider resources. The program, funded by opioid settlement money and county funds, aims to remove barriers so residents can find care and crisis help quickly. WECT
- ➤ Sean Frelke, a local father, started his fitness journey seven months ago to be healthier for his children and has lost weight while building muscle and strength; his personal trainer notes that his steady progress helps him recover better from workouts. He plans to keep his routine sustainable and advises an early workout and family walks — advice that can help avoid holiday guilt — before Thanksgiving. WECT
- ➤ Basketball legend Michael Jordan announced a $10 million gift to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington to honor his mother, Deloris Jordan. The donation will fund the new Deloris Jordan Neuroscience Institute (designed to expand advanced neurological care across the region) with a dedication ceremony planned for early 2026. Port City Daily
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Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area/Smith Creek Station — Materials included — Craft your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish delights and tea in a creative atmosphere.
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Wilmington Historic Half, 10K & 5K
7:00 AM — Riverfront Park — Registration fee required — Experience the scenic views and festive finish line after conquering historic downtown Wilmington.
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North Carolina Symphony - Handel's Messiah
3-6 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets available — Experience the spectacular performance of Handel's Messiah by the North Carolina Symphony.
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Bryan Bielanski Live Performance
6 PM - 12 AM — Barzarre — Check venue for cover charge — Enjoy acoustic rock tunes from the talented Bryan Bielanski while savoring delicious tacos and drinks.
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Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — The Underfront Co. — Ticket required — Celebrate the holiday season in style with festive sweaters and fun activities downtown.
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Holly-Day Floral Design Class
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Current Coffee — Cost not listed — Learn the basics of floral design with local blooms in a cozy atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
4:30-5:30 p.m. — The Elia — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under the soft glow of candlelight.
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
A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.
~ John D. Rockefeller
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