Good morning, Wilmington.

A WalletHub report released Jan.

13 at 9:41 a.m. shows Delaware ranks high for racial progress in jobs, wealth, education, health and social & civic engagement compared to neighbors like Pennsylvania. Residents can prepare for MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 19, as communities reflect on these measures.

Delmarva Power filed an application with the Delaware Public Service Commission on Jan.

13 for a $67.8 million rate increase that could allow for an interim change in July. The proposal may raise bills by $15 for some customers and $9 for others while advocate Tweedie reviews the request.

Delaware’s unemployment rate rose to 4.9% — its highest since October 2021 — as the state Department of Labor noted a steady increase since July 2025.

UD students find relief through hands on crafting clubs that offer ceramics, knitting and origami, helping them reduce stress & build social connections.

The clubs meet regularly on campus as a creative break from screen time.

Ivan + Vincenza previewed the upcoming Wilmington Spelling Bee on Good Morning Delaware, where Ken Livingston + Dr. Naim Collins discussed participation, expectations, + community benefits.

The event will take place on February 12 and is designed to celebrate literacy + student confidence.

The district will convert the nearly 60-year-old Thomas McKean High School into an Innovation Campus that will serve as a modern learning hub.

Officials said the transformation is part of a broader plan to upgrade educational facilities in the community.

On Nov. 4, the Delaware Environmental Institute hosted its eighth Pitch:90 contest, where 23 University of Delaware contestants from 15 departments pitched their environmental research in 90 seconds.

Local leaders and UD alumni underscored that clear science communication is key to driving sustainable solutions.

DNREC and DPH will begin accepting new water quality improvement project proposals on Friday, Jan.

16 as they develop the 2026 Clean Water and Drinking Water project priority lists for funding. A virtual workshop is scheduled at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 and notices are due by close of business on Feb. 18.

DNREC awarded 18 matching grants totaling nearly $2.2 million to local governments to build parks, trails, and outdoor recreational facilities.

Wilmington will use its $190,000 award to upgrade Eastlake Park with accessible play features, a basketball court & picnic tables.

Delaware’s Division of Public Health clinics offer routine vaccinations to slow the flu spread (4,646 cases reported) and provide COVID and RSV shots.

Residents can call or walk in at seven clinics statewide that screen for income if needed.

On Tuesday, the Blood Bank of Delmarva held a National Blood Donor Month event at its Christiana donor center (with local officials and patients) to urge residents to donate blood year round as winter factors reduce the number of donors.

On Monday, Jan. 12, the Delaware Department of Agriculture confirmed a presumptive positive for avian influenza in a commercial broiler flock in Kent County; officials quarantined the premises and removed the birds to stop the virus from entering the food system.

Further testing will continue.

Soap Making Workshop - Protective Chai

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Terra Luna — Ticket purchase required — Create your very own protective chai-scented soaps in this hands-on workshop.

Veganized Slow Cooker Recipes Cooking Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Wellness Plus Center — Free entry — Discover delicious veganized slow cooker recipes and enjoy free samples.

2026 Summer Camp Fair

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Delaware Museum of Nature & Science — Free admission — Explore local summer camps and enjoy hands-on science activities for campers.

Learn to Play Mahjongg

1-2:30 p.m. — Siegel JCC Kehillah Lounge — Free for Members, $50 for Non-Members — Engage in a fun and social Mahjongg class suitable for all skill levels.