Good morning Wilmington!

Aurora borealis, fireworks, and trolls. What’s next, Wilmington?
Between the city testing fireworks downtown today and Raleigh unveiling five towering trolls made from reclaimed wood, North Carolina’s having quite the storybook week. From light shows in the sky to art installations that inspire awe, there’s no shortage of wonder close to home.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

• Danish Trolls hiding in Raleigh

• $50 Million to Restore Broadband to Western NC

Raleigh’s Dix Park Comes Alive with Reclaimed-Wood Trolls from Danish Artist

Spectrum 1 - International artist Thomas Dambo has installed five massive troll sculptures at Dix Park in Raleigh, created from reclaimed wood and barrels. The project engaged 400 volunteers who contributed 2,200 hours to assemble the trolls, some over 10 feet tall, including the notable “Mother Strong Tail” with a 645-foot tail. Part of Dambo’s “Trail of a Thousand Trolls,” these sculptures form a story-driven art experience encouraging exploration, while promoting sustainability and creative storytelling. Tours and workshops are available to help visitors meet the trolls and engage with the park. Check out Thomas Dambo’s Instagram Page»

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Gov. Stein Allocates $50 Million to Restore Broadband After Hurricane Helene

NC Voices Gov. Josh Stein has directed $50 million in federal funds to help rebuild broadband infrastructure in western North Carolina communities still struggling with limited connectivity a year after Hurricane Helene. The grants will go to internet providers working to restore high-speed access across the region. Applications are open through Nov. 24 via the N.C. Department of Technology. Stein emphasized that reliable internet access is key to recovery, education, and economic stability for affected residents.

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News Roundup

Local News

The City of Wilmington will test fireworks downtown on Thursday as part of preparations for the 2026 Fourth of July celebration. The testing, conducted between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 13, will help officials evaluate launch sites and viewing areas for next year’s show. WECT

What You Should Know

The 43-day U.S. government shutdown has ended, but federal workers are returning to widespread disruption and uncertainty, with delayed paychecks, flight backlogs, stalled research grants, and a looming threat of another shutdown in January under the short-term funding deal signed by President Trump. CNN

The U.S. has deployed the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the Latin America region, significantly expanding its military presence near Venezuela amid escalating tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The Pentagon says the move aims to combat drug trafficking, while Venezuela views it as a threat of regime change. Reuters

FBI Director Kash Patel announced that China has agreed to list all 13 chemical precursors used to produce fentanyl, marking a major step in curbing the deadly drug’s supply. The agreement, reached under the Trump administration, also places seven Chinese chemical subsidiaries under new controls, which Patel said will “shut off the pipeline” fueling fentanyl production worldwide. C-SPAN

What Might Surprise You

The U.S. Mint has officially ended production of the penny, citing high production costs and the coin’s dwindling usefulness in modern transactions. The final batch was struck in Philadelphia and will be auctioned off, marking the first discontinuation of a U.S. coin since the half-cent in 1857. Pennies will remain legal tender, but no new ones will be made. Associated Press

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