Today
in Wilmington
Monday, January 5th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local organizations including Audi Cape Fear, Plastic Ocean Project and Alliance for Cape Fear Trees worked to clean Abbey Nature Preserve Park on Monday and plan to plant trees at Northside on Jan. 10 — an effort that combines trash removal with replanting for a greener community. WWAY
- ➤ Prosperity Motorplex hosted New Year’s Mud Bash in Castle Hayne, with lawn mower games, mud drag races, and an obstacle course that drew locals (including visitors from Richmond and Myrtle Beach). A dirt bike event will take place on January 10. WWAY
- ➤ Local Venezuelan food truck owner Miguel Navarro of Made in Venezuela reacted Saturday morning to U.S. military actions in Venezuela, noting the news signals long-awaited change while his business serves arepas to the Cape Fear region. Navarro, who sought asylum from Maduro's regime, expressed relief over renewed hope at home. WWAY
- ➤ New projects will change the county in 2026. The Cape Fear Museum is getting exhibits ready for Project Grace opening in July while the STAR Center will reopen as a detox center early in 2026, and riverwalk, airport curbside, Smith Creek Park, and a future library are in the works. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wilmington native Dane Britt served as a stunt double for Axel in Stranger Things, filming his fall scene 50 to 60 times before the series finale premiered on Dec. 31. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington native Dane Britt doubled for the character Axel in Stranger Things final season, which premiered Dec. 31—he shot his scene 50 to 60 times until it looked real. He hopes his work inspires local youth to work hard for their dreams. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ A Wilmington native took on a stunt double role in Stranger Things (final season), which premiered its series finale on Dec. 31. His work ties our community to a global hit. WECT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city has two traffic projects affecting local roads. The Kenan Fountain Restoration Project resumes today at Market and Fifth, while Tuesday's work will close Wrightsville between Audubon and 43rd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — crews will prune oak trees. WECT
- ➤ Wilmington officials have begun the Kenan Fountain Restoration Project today at Market Street and Fifth Avenue, with work expected to last through February. Additionally, Wrightsville Avenue will close Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree pruning — crews may resume on Wednesday if needed. FOX Wilmington
- ➤ Community leaders and local officials held a meeting Saturday morning at a Cape Fear River seminar to discuss Fuquay Varina’s plan to divert 6 million gallons a day without returning it (a move critics say could lower water levels during drought). Residents have until Feb. 1 to submit written comments. WWAY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UNCW women's basketball lost 54-46 to Hofstra Sunday at home and now holds a 1-1 record in CAA play. The team struggled with defense after a poor second quarter (coach Nicole Woods noted the shift in game flow) contributed to the loss. WWAY
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Floating Lantern Ceremony
2-7 p.m. — Cameron Art Museum — Free outdoor event — Create and float a lantern while enjoying live music and reflecting on special moments.
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Charleston Cougars at UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — Tickets available — Catch the action as the Cougars take on the Seahawks in a thrilling women's basketball matchup.
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Hampton Pirates vs. UNC Wilmington Seahawks Women's Basketball
7-11 p.m. — Trask Coliseum — $15 — Experience an exciting women's basketball matchup between the Pirates and Seahawks.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
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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.
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