Daily
Wilmington
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local bakery Hell's Bells Bake Shop on Union Street serves holiday treats such as almond horn cookies and fresh breads for French toast casseroles, with owner Stephanie Grubb highlighting three years of growth and partnerships like participation in the Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts at the Chase Center. DETV
- ➤ On Dec. 17, the $1.25B Powerball drawing offered a cash option of about $572.1 million before taxes, and Delaware ticket buyers enjoyed anonymity with sales closing at 9:45 p.m. ET (tax details apply) as federal and state withholdings reduced the final prize. Delaware Online
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Barry Schlecker of Barry’s Events will host the Brandywine Festival of the Arts on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at the Chase Center — a full day event with local and regional artists, food vendors, family activities, and more. DETV
- ➤ Delaware hosts holiday events including the Bellefonte Holiday Shop and Stroll, a holiday drag show at Milton Theatre, a Nutcracker celebration at The Grand + a drive-through light show at Dover Motor Speedway. These events will run through early January to offer family-friendly fun. DETV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Delaware’s Redding Consortium for Educational Equity voted Tuesday night to study merging Wilmington’s four northern school districts into a single system for almost 11,000 students. The two‑month investigation will assess costs, operations, and governance with a draft plan expected in early February (public hearings to follow). Delaware LIVE
- ➤ The Data Science Institute at UD hosted a symposium on artificial intelligence ethics on Dec. 17 to discuss guidelines and collaborative AI development. Keynote speaker Katie Shilton and a panel explored co-development (focusing on transparency and fairness) while awards recognized innovative research projects. University of Delaware
- ➤ Lewes native Leah Marsh, who studied at the University of Auckland as part of the UD World Scholars Program in July 2019, now calls Auckland home as the program marks its 10th anniversary. University of Delaware
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Delaware Behavioral Health Consortium in Wilmington welcomed Katie Leibel-Marin as its new Administrator on Monday, Dec. 1; she brings extensive experience in strategic development, budget management, and community engagement (all aimed at advancing behavioral health initiatives led by Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay). Deleware State Government
- ➤ Governor Matt Meyer announced that a state program partnered with Undue Medical Debt to eliminate nearly $19M in debt for over 18,000 residents + relief letters will be mailed between Dec. 19 and Dec. 23. WDEL
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nemours Children’s Hospital is expanding prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention and delivery services to keep moms and newborns close to home. The hospital will add recovery and monitoring rooms and three operating rooms by April (a move to support families with complex births). Delaware Public Media
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Delaware's Blue Hens face Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns at Hancock Whitney Stadium today at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN+ with both teams holding a 6-6 record as Delaware aims to cap its first FBS season with a postseason win. Delaware Online
- ➤ On Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Bally’s Dover, Yale won the DSBF series championship for 3-year-old trotters with a lifetime-best time of 1:56.2, and Delaware State Rep. William J. Carson presented the trophy to Yale’s connections. Deleware State Government
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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.
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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.
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Holiday Jam Sesh
4-8 p.m. — Tonic Seafood & Steak — Free entry — Celebrate the season with live local talent and festive vibes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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