Good morning, Wilmington.

Delaware's weekly jobless claims fell from 495 to 292 last week as initial filings dropped, with national figures declining from 229,000 to 206,000 according to the Labor Department report.

Gas prices in the Central Atlantic region fell last week as the average reached $2.97 per gallon on Feb.

16, which is 1.5% above the national average and 6% lower than a year ago.

High school culinary arts students competed for a state honor in a local contest; the winning school will move on to a national culinary competition (April 24–26 in Baltimore).

UD’s Summer City Management Fellows Program offers 26 students a chance to work with local government officials and improve municipal services.

Applications for Summer 2026 are due by Friday, Mar. 6 (students must submit a resume and a policy brief) to join the program.

University of Delaware Professor Laura Desimone was elected to the National Academy of Education on Feb.

20, receiving one of education’s highest honors. Her research in teacher learning supports school reforms and regional partnerships (supported by funding from NSF, IES, Spencer, and Gates) to improve instruction.

The Office of State Planning Coordination is accepting applications from cities wanting new District designations as part of Gov. Matt Meyer’s program, expanded from 12 to 15 areas.

Applicants must join a pre-application meeting on Feb. 24, 9-11 a.m. at Haslet Armory in Dover and submit forms by June 15 at 11:59 p.m.+

The Wilmington DMV facility at Hessler Boulevard will reopen on March 10 with service by appointment only after Trooper Ty Snook was fatally shot on Dec.

23, and walk-in services remain available at Delaware City, Dover and Georgetown.

The Delaware National Guard held its 2026 State of the Guard event last Thursday morning at the Major Joseph R. & Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, where officials honored service members and veteran-friendly businesses.

A presentation highlighted the 31st Civil Support Team’s public safety role.

Nine students at Odyssey Charter School became sick Friday, Feb.

20 after taking Himalayan Shilajit (a natural supplement not meant for children); several were taken to Nemours Children's Hospital for treatment.

On Feb. 18, Delaware Division of Public Health reported a measles exposure at Nemours Children’s Hospital emergency department in Wilmington as contact tracing continued.

Officials advised exposed individuals including pregnant people to verify their vaccination status and get an MMR vaccine if needed, and to monitor symptoms until Mar. 11.

Delaware gardeners are advised to prepare for planting by checking frost dates, soil conditions and sunlight needs as local guides suggest; Middletown residents can still start tomatoes indoors between Feb.

16 and March 2, while Lewes and Claymont locals should review their planting schedules.

Governor Meyer, DSHA & Apennine Development started construction on Savannah Grove in Georgetown on Feb.

19, and the $24 million project will offer 106 apartments, including 16 affordable units under a $2 million loan, with community amenities like a clubhouse and gym and completion by Jan. 1, 2027.

Sanford earned the top seed in the DIAA Girls Basketball Tournament when the bracket was revealed on Feb 20 + the tournament begins Feb 24 at 6 p.m and continues on Feb 26, Feb 28/March 1, March 6 and with the championship on March 8 at the Carpenter Center.

Empower Your Wallet: Financial Literacy Workshop

5-7 p.m. — Kingswood Community Center — Free entry — Engage in interactive financial games and learn to take control of your money for a stronger future.

Kieth Nieto Los Moskos Concert

8 PM — El Maguey — Check Tickeri.com for ticket info — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kieth Nieto with Los Moskos live in Wilmington.

Graphic Design Bootcamp in Wilmington

3-9 p.m. — American Graphics Institute — Tuition required — A hands-on graphic design bootcamp to explore modern design tools and techniques.

Arcade Game Night for Age 18+

6-8 p.m. — Wilmington Home Amusements — $5 — Dive into nostalgia with 65+ classic arcade games on free play plus a slice of pizza and a soft drink.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Grand Opera House — Check local listings for ticket price — Experience an evening with the Southern rock band Blackberry Smoke.

Free Financial Literacy Workshop in Wilmington

5-7 p.m. — Kingswood Community Center — Free entry — Engage in practical money habits with interactive games and real-life budgeting scenarios.

Joy and The WildFire Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Queen — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting sounds of Joy and The WildFire with a captivating performance of their lyrical mastery.

St. Patrick's Revenge 5K

8 AM - 12 PM — Kelly's Logan House — Registration begins at 8 AM — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a spirited 5K run at a local favorite venue.

JDG College & Career Fair

10 AM – 12 PM — Goldey-Beacom College — Free entry — Explore career opportunities with local employers at this informative fair.

West Side Business Mixer

6-8 p.m. — El Toro Mexican Grill & Cantina — Free entry — Network with local entrepreneurs and enhance your business growth at this dynamic evening event.