17% Property Tax Increase Proposed

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Someone’s already declared it “too nice to cook,” and that logic is spreading fast.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

There is a reason this pairing works. Floating allows your muscles to fully relax in a weightless environment before any hands-on-work begins. When your body is already loose and supported, massage can go deeper without feeling aggressive.

It is an efficient way to address chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. One quiet hour in the water, followed by targeted therapeutic work.

If you are going to set aside time for yourself, make it count. Visit firststatefloats.com to schedule your float and massage.

Some of these sound believable. Some sound made up. One of them is actually the correct term.

Delaware Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay and the Delaware Tourism Office rolled out the new Visit Delaware Travel Guide at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover. This is the first update to the guide since 2020, featuring refreshed photography, updated attraction listings, and story-driven features to showcase the state's unique offerings.

The guide puts a spotlight on Delaware's diverse experiences, encouraging exploration beyond the beaches. It includes seasonal tips and resources for all three counties, highlighting outdoor adventures, historic downtowns, and the state's culinary scene. The guide aims to help visitors uncover local businesses and hidden gems.

Tourism plays a significant role in Delaware's economy, contributing over 5% to the state GDP and generating substantial tax revenue. Copies of the guide can be ordered online for those planning their next trip to the First State.

Wilmington PharmaTech is gearing up for a major $50 million expansion at its Delaware campus. This project will more than double the company's current API reactor capacity by adding two new 10,000-liter reactor suites. The expansion is set to enhance the manufacturing capabilities for small molecule APIs and peptides.

This move is part of Wilmington's long-term strategy to boost domestic API production. The new facilities are expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2027, and the company plans to double its workforce by then. Wilmington PharmaTech currently employs 51 people, and the expansion will further solidify its role as a key player in the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Curewell Capital, which acquired a majority stake in the company last year, supports the expansion. Wilmington PharmaTech operates its main campus in the Bear-Glasgow area and also has an analytical support facility in Suzhou, China.

Officials told Spotlight Delaware that New Castle County is facing a challenging budget year, prompting County Executive Marcus Henry to propose a 17% property tax increase. This hike aims to address a significant $42 million budget deficit while prioritizing public safety funding. The proposed budget, if approved, would mark the first property tax rate increase since 2019.

The new budget includes measures like splitting tax rates for commercial and residential properties and introducing credit card fees for sewer bills. Additionally, the county plans to cut funds from various departments and initiatives, such as open space preservation and community services, to help close the financial gap.

The County Council will review and vote on the budget by May 26. If passed, the changes will take effect with the new fiscal year starting in July.

The Delaware House has given the green light to House Bill 133, which aims to change how courts manage fines and fees for low-income defendants. Sponsored by Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall from Rehoboth Beach, the bill proposes that judges can waive certain costs for those who prove they can't afford to pay, like individuals on public assistance or those incarcerated.

While judges could still impose fines or fees, they'd need to provide written explanations for their decisions. This move is part of an effort to ease financial burdens on low-income individuals, with supporters citing a state study highlighting uncollected court debt.

The bill now makes its way to the Senate. If it clears both the Senate and the governor's desk, the changes would kick in 180 days later.

Delaware's governor and legislative allies have introduced two bills aimed at regulating the cryptocurrency industry, specifically targeting stablecoins. This move positions Delaware as one of the first states to potentially oversee this segment of the fintech world, which is rapidly gaining momentum. The legislation would allow the state's banking commissioner to issue licenses to cryptocurrency companies that hold deposits in stablecoins, pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Governor Matt Meyer announced the proposal at the University of Delaware, highlighting its potential impact on the state's financial sector, reminiscent of the 1980s reforms that attracted major credit card companies. Unlike the contentious debates at the federal level, this proposal might sidestep direct conflicts between crypto firms and traditional banks.

According to Spotlight Delaware, State Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, a key sponsor, noted the influence of recent federal legislation on shaping these state-level efforts. If passed, the new rules could significantly enhance Delaware's reputation as a fintech hub.

Iona Lane - Shane Palko - The Honey Badgers at Elkton Music Hall offers a fusion of indie folk melodies and heartfelt lyrics, promising an intimate evening of musical storytelling. Discover the distinct styles of these talented artists in a cozy atmosphere. Thursday at 8 PM.

The Funsters - Rock N' Soul Party at Elkton Music Hall delivers a lively mix of rock and soul that will have everyone dancing in no time. Known for their high-energy performances, The Funsters ensure an evening filled with classic hits and positive vibes. Friday at 8 PM.

Know Return / Fooling Ourselves: A Tribute to Kansas and Styx at Kennett Flash celebrates the iconic sounds of Kansas and Styx with a night of rock nostalgia. Relive the classic hits and enjoy an evening steeped in prog rock memories. Friday at 8 PM.

Colin Quinn at The Baby Grand highlights the sharp wit and humor of this Brooklyn-born comedian on stage. With a career spanning MTV’s “Remote Control,” SNL, and Broadway, Colin Quinn’s stand-up promises an evening full of laughter and clever insights. Friday at 8 PM.

Koser / Floating at The Queen Wilmington spotlights Koser, a Philadelphia-based alternative rock band. Known for their blend of pop, grunge, and electronic elements, their music weaves moody atmospheres with catchy hooks and soulful lyrics. Experience their award-winning sound and dynamic performance. Friday at 8 PM.

Abe Ovadia Jazz Trio at Chapel Street Players offers an afternoon of innovative jazz with Abe Ovadia on guitar, Jarrett Walser on drums, and Ben Rubens on bass. Their performance bridges traditional and contemporary styles, catering to both jazz purists and newcomers. Saturday at 2-3 PM.

The Grand Presents an Evening w/ Garrison Keillor w/ Special Guest Rich Dworsky at Copeland Hall presents a night of storytelling, stand-up, and song featuring the wit and wisdom of aging. Expect sung sonnets, limericks, and a cappella sing-alongs, along with the News from Lake Wobegon. Saturday at 8 PM.

Warped Tour Band w/ All the Blink Things & Dookie at Elkton Music Hall revives the pop-punk nostalgia in a high-energy tribute show. Fans of Blink-182 and Green Day will enjoy covers of their favorite hits. Saturday at 8 PM.

Rust: Neil Young Tribute at Kennett Flash recreates Neil Young's iconic sound with a tribute performance. Enjoy an evening filled with classic rock hits that defined a generation. Saturday at 8 PM.

Obey Your Master at The Queen Wilmington delivers a Metallica tribute show featuring four talented musicians from the tri-state area. They cover tracks from Metallica's entire discography, ensuring an authentic experience for fans of all ages. Saturday at 8 PM.

Ruth Wales Du Pont Collegiate Composition Competition at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library Join the American Pops Orchestra for the premiere of original works by finalists inspired by Winterthur's collections, garden, and history. Named for Ruth Wales du Pont, this competition celebrates her legacy and contributions to music. Sunday at 2-5 PM.

Local Chapter at Kennett Flash invites you to an acoustic duo performance, perfect for all ages. Enjoy an evening filled with soulful sounds and intimate melodies. Sunday at 7 PM.

The Industry Tour: "The Demonstration at The Queen Wilmington welcomes all ages for an evening of music and excitement. Arrive early as doors open at 6 PM, and remember that personal cameras are welcome, but leave the flash at home. Sunday at 7 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

75 🌡️ 56 | 🌤️ Partly Cloudy → 🌧️ Rain Late | 5% | 💨 SW 15 mph

60 🌡️ 32 | 🌧️ Rain Showers | 59% | 💨 N 13 mph

45 🌡️ 30 | ☀️ Sunny | 0% | 💨 NNW 15 mph

56 🌡️ 43 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 2% | 💨 SSW 13 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 43ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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