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Friday, October 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The Food Bank of Delaware launched its annual food drive to collect holiday staples as SNAP work requirements—initiated Oct 1 and updated Nov 1—are expected to increase demand for assistance. Chad Robinson and Megan Zavala said the organization is urging community donations to help more than 100,000 Delawareans relying on SNAP.  WDEL
  • The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard will host the 7th Annual Ghost Ship event tomorrow from noon to 4 p.m.—families can enjoy guided ship tours, pumpkin painting, crafts, maritime exhibits at the Copeland Maritime Center, outdoor costume parades, and live performances. Admission and parking are free, though a few activities may have a small fee.  WDEL

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Delaware’s Court of Chancery ruled against Tesla’s plan to reinstate Elon Musk’s $56 billion bonus because of process problems—investors backed the deal but many now worry the state may lose its business-friendly edge as companies move elsewhere. On Oct. 15, the state Supreme Court heard arguments that will decide if Delaware remains a top choice for corporate filings.  Delaware Online
  • Delaware Division of Small Business announced the EDGE 2.0 Pitch Competition finalists with the event scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tower Audion and Atrium at STAR Campus in Newark—nine Entrepreneur finalists, five STEM finalists, and three companies competing for a bonus $1M funding round will pitch while the public may watch live.  Deleware State Government

CULTURE NEWS

  • Delaware's 3rd Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit will take place on Saturday, October 18 and feature panels, an all-female breakdancing exhibition, and special guest Darry 'DMC' McDaniels. The event also includes a traveling exhibition on race by the Normal Rockwell Museum—highlighting Hip Hop's impact on communities.  WDEL
  • Fall events offer many choices – Wilmington sees Opera Delaware’s Tosca today at 7:30 p.m. at 4 S. Poplar St and Art Battle Wilmington on Sunday at The Queen, while Philly Music Fest and GOAToberfest bring regional music, food and fun through Oct. 19. The schedule also lists film shows and dance events for family enjoyment.  WHYY

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Sean Fletcher, a Delaware native and first-generation student, published his first-author paper on HPV research in Virology Journal on October 16—his study shows that changes in the HPV protein may increase cancer risk. He received support from the Angela Santoro ’05 Research Award—helping him open new paths for future research.  University of Delaware
  • The Christina School Board removed board member Naveed Baqir because he lived in Pakistan for nearly two years and did not meet a new rule requiring members to be in the district at least 75% of the year—Baqir argued that political motives drove his ouster—and a new member will be chosen soon.  WHYY
  • University of Delaware’s Cooperative Extension released a new online Fact Sheet on October 16 that offers clear agricultural and aquaculture information to help farmers and business owners make informed choices—supporting local efforts with simple guidance.  Deleware State Government

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • State officials celebrated $3.4 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit awards on October 16 in Milford, which will fund four affordable housing projects by preserving 116 existing units and creating 105 new apartments across three counties—helping over 200 families gain access to affordable homes. The awards are a key part of Delaware’s effort to address its affordable housing shortage.  Delaware Online

SPORTS NEWS

  • Goldey-Beacom is launching a varsity Women's Flag Football program next school year—after flag football became an NCAA sport in February and received NFL support, including help from the Philadelphia Eagles. The new program joins growing efforts at the high school level and aims to eventually kick off conference play.  WDEL
  • At Harrington Raceway on Wednesday, October 15, two $110K DSBF trotting finals for 2-year-olds featured standout wins as Don and David Wiest’s Tuis Star clocked 1:59.4 and Nanticoke Racing’s Thiskissformaryell secured a photo finish for his trainer Les Givens—marking his fourth career win.  Deleware State Government
  • Top international equestrians are competing in Fair Hill at the Maryland 5 Star event—located five miles west of Newark—where dressage rounds have taken place and riders will face a cross country course on Saturday with 47 jumps, including a crab jump, and a show jumping finale on Sunday. The event is one of the few 5-star competitions in the United States and is part of the major international equestrian circuit.  WDEL

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Halloween Ghost Ship

    12-4 p.m. — Kalmar Nyckel Foundation — Free admission — Experience spooky maritime fun with ghost ship tours, pumpkin painting, and costume festivities for the whole family.

    Sat, 10/18/25

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  • Hagley Craft Fair

    10 AM – 4 PM — Hagley Museum — Entry fee may apply — Discover unique crafts and gourmet delights by talented artisans from the Mid-Atlantic area.

    Sun, 10/19/25

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  • Amenazzy Concert

    8:30 PM — El Maguey — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience the upbeat sounds of Amenazzy in a cozy venue.

    Fri, 10/24/25

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  • Energize Delaware Community Resource Fair

    11 AM – 3 PM — Route 9 Library & Innovation Center — Free entry — Connect with local organizations and discover community resources.

    Sat, 10/25/25

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  • The Price Is Right Live

    8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Playhouse on Rodney Square — Admission required — Experience the thrill of winning prizes in this interactive stage show.

    Wed, 10/29/25

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  • Hot Tuna Concert

    8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Grand Opera House — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the legendary sounds of Hot Tuna live in Wilmington.

    Thu, 10/30/25

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  • Il Divo Concert

    8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Grand Opera House — Tickets from $91 — Experience the harmonious sounds of Il Divo in an enchanting setting.

    Sat, 11/1/25

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  • Toys for Tots 5K Run

    9-11 a.m. — Delaware Veterans Post #1 — Registration fees vary — Celebrate 27 years with a fun 5K and a new Kids Fun Run!

    Sun, 11/2/25

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  • Full Moon Mocktail Mixer

    6-7:30 p.m. — Bellefonte Cafe — Cost includes one mocktail — A cozy evening under the full moon with handcrafted mocktails and community conversation.

    Thu, 11/6/25

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  • An Evening with Garrison Keillor

    8-9:30 p.m. — The Grand Opera House — Cost info not specified — Experience a delightful evening with Garrison Keillor and special guest Rich Dworsky.

    Fri, 11/7/25

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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