Good morning, Wilmington.

Following an attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, Delaware's Jewish communities increased security measures and continued celebrations with police presence, including a Car Menorah Parade on Dec.

16 on Concord Pike. Temple Beth El locked its doors during services & local leaders urged unity amid rising global antisemitism.

Echoes, Delaware’s own Pink Floyd tribute band, will perform at The Queen Theatre’s Main Hall on Friday, Dec.

19 at 8:00 p.m. The performance offers classic rock fans and families a multi-generational live experience with detailed sound and a captivating light show.

School leaders in Dover ended months of reassessment hearings calling for long-term funding fixes for public schools, suggesting a new hybrid system + updated equalization formula.

Lawmakers will consider these ideas ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

Delaware's Redding Consortium voted on Dec.

16 to base future redistricting on a consolidated school district that would combine Wilmington's four districts with those in northern New Castle County. The proposal will go to the General Assembly in spring for transition planning and funding.

Doctoral student William Woelki uses his foster care experience to lead See You Backpacks, an initiative that has delivered 200+ backpacks to people facing housing instability.

He presented research at TEDxUniversityofDelaware on Nov. 5 and advocated for a federal bill to ease college housing costs for foster youth.

Today, the Redding Consortium voted 19-3 to study unifying Wilmington students by merging the Christina, Brandywine, Red Clay, and Colonial districts—efforts that include a draft plan set for early Feb and hearings in all four districts ahead of potential legislative approval by June 30, 2026.

A citizen-science project led by the Stroud Water Research Center found 61% of nearly 700 sampled stream sites exceeded EPA salt safety levels during early October (some sites reached levels where water tasted salty), showing that winter road salt continues to affect water quality in the region.

Governor Meyer announced that nearly $19 million in medical debt has been wiped out for over 18,000 Delaware households, and a $500,000 investment will help reach up to $50 million in relief; relief letters will be mailed from Dec.

19 to Dec. 23 (based on income and debt ratios).

On Tuesday, Dec. 16, DSHA and FHLBank announced that $1.51 million in Home4Good grants were awarded to 17 nonprofits helping individuals and families find stable housing in the area.

The funds, supported by local financial institutions, will go to programs for homelessness diversion, prevention, rapid re-housing and re-entry.

State Sen. Buckson is pushing to bring back the Caesar Rodney statue removed in 2020 from Rodney Square ahead of America's 250th celebration; federal organizers have expressed interest in placing it temporarily in Washington & D.C. before a possible permanent return to Dover is decided.

DelDOT is reminding locals that its snow removal reimbursement program helps civic associations hire private contractors to clear roads faster during winter storms and will reimburse homeowners for mailbox damage caused by plows.

Residents can review eligibility details online or call for assistance.

Beebe Healthcare unveiled its expanded mobile health fleet last week in Rehoboth Beach to bring care directly to underserved areas in Sussex County.

The initiative, supported by over $3.3 million in federal grants and philanthropic funds, includes a customized Winnebago clinic and two Sprinter vans for outreach services.

As waterfowl hunting reopens today, DNREC reminds hunters to safely handle wild birds after a snow goose from eastern Kent County tested positive for H5N1 on Dec.

8 — follow proper cleaning and reporting protocols to help contain avian influenza. The guidelines aim to protect domestic birds and public health.

Delaware’s DEFAC raised the health care spending benchmark to 4.9% for 2026, up from 3% in 2024, and state officials plan a new process to manage rising hospital costs + adjust oversight after a recent settlement.

Former cheerleaders Don and Jane Dolan, who met at UD nearly 40 years ago, will celebrate their shared history at today's 68 Ventures Bowl as their grown children cheer on UD against Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns, with one son leading event sponsorship.

Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Chase Center on the Riverfront — Admission details not provided — An extraordinary gathering of artists, creators, and art enthusiasts showcasing their works.

Charity Crossing Household Items Giveaway

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM — William "Hicks" Anderson Community Center — Free entry — Collect household items and clothing in this community giveaway event.

Holiday Jam Sesh

4-8 p.m. — Tonic Seafood & Steak — Free entry — Celebrate the season with live local talent and festive vibes.

Sports Card & Collectible Show

8 p.m. — Chambers Memorial Hall — Table Cost $70+ — Explore an exciting array of sports cards and memorabilia from various dealers.

Wilmington Sports Card & Collectible Show

8 AM–2 PM — Chambers Memorial Hall — $3 admission — Explore a treasure trove of sports cards, memorabilia, and collectibles from over 60 vendors.

Delaware Blue Coats Game Night

7-8:30 p.m. — Chase Fieldhouse — Check for ticket prices — Experience the excitement of a thrilling basketball matchup between the Blue Coats and the Wolves.

Delaware Blue Coats vs. Iowa Wolves

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Chase Fieldhouse — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting match between the Blue Coats and Wolves and experience thrilling basketball action.

Little Sister Band Live at The Reef

8 p.m. — The Reef Seafood & Steak — Reservations required — Enjoy a night of Pop Rock dance music while dining and drinking in a lively atmosphere.

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.