Good morning, Wilmington.

Delaware’s Do More 24 campaign raised over $2.4 million for 600 nonprofits after more than 20,000 donors from all 50 states contributed between March 5 and March 6 (organizers say the event shows how vital local nonprofits are).

OperaDelaware, founded in 1945, is in a leadership transition as General Director Brendan Cooke will step down later this year; the company will present Andrea Chénier on May 10, 13 and 15 at The Grand in Wilmington.

Winterthur’s gardens burst with a wide variety of spring flowers each year, inviting visitors to enjoy a vibrant display of nature as the season unfolds.

A recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that as of March 2, gas prices in the Central Atlantic region averaged $2.97 per gallon—5% lower than a year ago and 1.6% below the national average—offering Delaware consumers savings at local pumps.

Delaware’s weekly jobless claims fell to 267 last week from 287 a week earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Labor+ overall claims held steady at 213,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten asked lawmakers during a budget hearing in Dover to approve nearly $2.4B for public schools in FY27.

The proposal aims to raise teacher pay to $60,000, expand early learning programs + boost literacy amid rising costs and growing enrollment.

The Rodel Foundation secured a $1.5M grant to expand college and career pathways statewide — funding dual enrollment, work-based learning, and new data systems.

Programs in selected districts will roll out during the 2026–27 academic year and extend statewide by 2028.

Cape Henlopen State Park reopened two trails this week following last month’s winter storm, letting visitors explore the Junction and Breakwater and Gordons Pond trails while officials clear debris from other areas.

Master Gardener Kathleen M.

Doyle warns that improper mulching can harm tree health and advises residents to use proper techniques this spring in local gardens.

Delaware is highlighted by Islands.com as a top retirement state due to scenic hills, small-town charm, no tax on Social Security benefits, and tax-free shopping — features that many say beat Florida as older adults flock to the state, which is set to have 34% retirees by 2040.

Sanford rallied past Caravel, winning 64 to 53 in the DIAA Girls Basketball quarterfinals on March 6 after overcoming a 13-point deficit with key plays by Asia Adams; the Warriors will face fourth‐seeded Smyrna at 6 p.m. on March 10 at Bob Carpenter Center.

Thursday night, the 2026 DIAA boys basketball state tournament second round ended with Dover, Smyrna, St. Georges, Caravel, Howard, Cape Henlopen, William Penn and Salesianum advancing after wins; quarterfinal games are scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Dover High School, St. Georges, Howard and William Penn (venue details vary).

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.

Andy Hull Live Concert

8 p.m. — The Queen — Tickets available — Experience the emotive sounds of Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra in a historic venue.

Capital City Go-Go vs. Delaware Blue Coats

7-8 p.m. — Chase Fieldhouse — Ticketed event — Experience an exciting basketball showdown in Wilmington as the Capital City Go-Go take on the Delaware Blue Coats.

Abe Ovadia Jazz Trio Performance

2-3 p.m. — Chapel Street Players — Free entry — Experience innovative jazz sounds from the Abe Ovadia Trio as they blend traditional tunes with contemporary flair.