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🌱 Patch AM: Which massive road projects could reshape Wilmington traffic over the next decades?

And check out Holiday Market at the Wilmington Farmers Market on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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Good morning Wilmington! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which massive road projects could reshape Wilmington traffic over the next decades?
  • Which Wilmington grocery stores just ranked among America’s best?
  • How a Wilmington teen’s guilty plea led to a long prison term

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Market at the Wilmington Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Wilmingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 66 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Sunday: Turning sunny; breezy, cooler, temps: high: 58, low: 18. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Plenty of sun, but colder, with a high of 41 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Here are six large roadway projects coming to the Wilmington area (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Major roadway upgrades are planned across the Wilmington area, including widening Greenville Loop Road, modernizing Murrayville Road, and a potential new Cape Fear River bridge, all under a long-range transportation plan. These projects, some not funded until 2050 or later, anticipate the region’s population doubling and could eventually reshape daily commutes and traffic patterns for local drivers.
   

2. Wilmington-area grocery store chains ranked among the nation's best (starnewsonline.com subscription) — Wilmington shoppers can claim bragging rights: several local grocery chains, including The Fresh Market at Mayfaire, ALDI, and Publix, just ranked among the nation’s best in USA TODAY’s 2025 10BEST awards. The story breaks down which Wilmington-area locations earned top honors for overall shopping, delis, bakeries, produce, prepared foods, and loyalty programs, and how each chain stands out for local customers.
   

3. Wilmington teen pleads guilty in 2023 shooting death (starnewsonline.com subscription) — An 18-year-old Wilmington resident has been sentenced to 10–13 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of 17-year-old Makayla Gibbs of Wilmington. Prosecutors say the case underscores the dangers of juveniles accessing handguns, noting prior reports of the defendant pointing a loaded firearm at other teens.
   

4. WFD delivers 3,600 pounds of food to Nourish NC (wwaytv3.com) — The Wilmington Fire Department just wrapped up its annual food drive by delivering 3,600 pounds of donated food to local nonprofit Nourish NC, more than doubling last year’s total. The effort, supported by residents across the city and county, will help provide healthier holiday meals for children in need throughout New Hanover County. Organizers say seeing the firetruck arrive has become a highlight of their year.
   

5. Wilmington native Saniya Rivers has jersey retired at Ashley High School (wect.com) — Wilmington native and WNBA guard Saniya Rivers came home to have her number 22 jersey retired at Eugene Ashley High School, where she starred before college. The 2021 graduate reflected on the emotional honor as her number was permanently raised in the Screaming Eagles’ gym.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lightbridge Academy Celebrates Groundbreaking in Indian Land, SC —Zoey Brooks Read on Patch
  • Some evil subject abandoned this tiny little baby in freezing temps last weekend.
    I got the call but was on my way to Houston with a load. I got back yesterday & was able to catch her today thank goodness. She had fleas so after I… (Nextdoor College Park/Fernside)
  • Can anyone recommend a place I can donate a lot of perfect condition professional women's clothing?
    Ideally a place that's meant to help unemployed women. I can't seem to find something like that here in Wilmington. These are perfect condition,… (Nextdoor Culloden)
  • Recognizing Exceptional Commitment to the Legal Profession On November 14, 2025, State Bar President-Elect Kevin Williams presented Judge John W... (X: NCStateBar)
  • BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA Dec 12 Climate: High: 52 Low: 33 Precip:" Snow: Missing... (X: iembot_ilm)
  • Whole Foods Market, Inc. posted a job opening for Produce Team Member (Clerk, Floor Service) - Part Time Seasonal in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • SBM Management posted a job opening for Custodian in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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