Brandywine Mills Plaza Summer Concerts Begin

TOGETHER WITH

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. The best part of summer isn't the big holidays. It's all the random Tuesday nights that accidentally become great memories.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Winterthur presents Artisan Market, a weekend of remarkable makers, thoughtful collecting, garden strolls, and the thrill of finding something you didn't know you were looking for.

Shop the wares of more than 150 regional artisans. Indulge in a carefully curated selection of culinary offerings. Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings and crafting workshops. Take a house tour and explore the galleries, garden, and estate. 

Get your ticket today!

Advance sales only. Reserve early, sell out likely!

There are plenty of signs that summer has arrived, but fresh sweet corn has to be near the top of the list. Boiled, grilled, or straight off the cob, everyone seems to have a favorite way to enjoy it. Tell us how often you're digging in this time of year.

A weekend on the water was cut short when a boat exploded at Schaefer's Canal House and Marina in Chesapeake City. Emergency crews responded to the docks around 4:20 PM on Saturday after a cruiser caught fire immediately after refueling.

Ten people were injured in the blast. Four individuals suffered serious burns and were flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for treatment. Five others were transported by ambulance to local hospitals, while one person was evaluated at the marina and released. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing people in the water.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police and the State Fire Marshal opened an investigation into the exact cause of the incident.

A recent review of historical weather data highlighted the hottest Julys in Delaware since 1895. The numbers tracked the highest average temperatures recorded across the state over the last century to rank the warmest months on record.

July 2012 took the top spot with an average temperature of 80.9 degrees, closely followed by July 2020 at 80.7 degrees. The records showed that many of the warmest months occurred within the last decade, with July 2025 tying for sixth place at an average of 79.7 degrees.

The historical weather dataset tracked temperatures back to 1895, capturing state highs, lows, and total precipitation. The full compilation documented average global temperatures climbing by roughly two degrees since 1880.

If your monthly electric bill is on your mind, you will want to note a recent decision from state regulators. The Delaware Public Service Commission voted last week to approve an interim rate increase for all Delmarva Power customers.

The temporary rate hike was approved during a July 1 meeting. Commissioners expressed some hesitation before casting their votes, noting that they were still reviewing newly passed state legislation related to utility regulations and oversight.

Even with those reservations, the interim measure moved forward without delay. The new electric rates are officially scheduled to take effect for customers starting on Thursday, July 9.

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership appointed Monique Claiborne Cardwell as its next president and chief executive officer. She replaced Kurt Foreman as the head of the eight-year-old public-private economic development organization.

Cardwell brings two decades of experience in economic development and investment banking to the state. She most recently served as the chief executive of Greater Portland Inc in Oregon. Her background also includes advising companies on location strategy and leading financial recovery efforts for the city of Detroit.

State leaders are looking to shift the organization's focus toward promising startups and smaller businesses. Cardwell will step into her new leadership role on September 14.

The White Clay Creek Golf Course in Wilmington officially changed hands recently. New Castle County property records show the 18-hole championship course was purchased by White Clay Creek Real Estate LLC for three million dollars.

The transaction was finalized earlier this spring, with a commercial broker representing the new ownership group during the sale process. Following the transition, the new owners reported a steady start to the summer season, noting solid tee time bookings throughout their first full month of operation.

The facility remains open for regular play as the property continues to operate under its new management team.

Join the Delaware Tourism Office on Sunday, July 19, for Delaware's official World Cup Final Watch Party at the University of Delaware. Experience the excitement of the championship match on giant video boards surrounded by passionate fans.

Before kickoff, enjoy a lively Fan Fest featuring live entertainment, local food trucks, interactive games, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for an unforgettable summer event, this is your chance to be part of the World Cup excitement right here in the First State.

Don't miss Delaware's final and biggest World Cup celebration—secure your tickets today and be part of history!

The Wilmington VA medical center recently received nearly $1.6 million in federal funding for facility upgrades and maintenance. The money arrived as part of a nationwide spending package aimed at modernizing health care facilities for veterans.

The local projects covered a wide range of campus improvements. Upgrades included additional isolation rooms in the emergency department and intensive care unit, a replacement of the campus fire alarm system, and an expansion of the mental health area.

The funding also paid for a new vascular imaging table and modifications to the south parking lot. Facility leaders stated the investments are intended to maintain safe and efficient care for veterans across Delaware and southern New Jersey.

New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon brokered an informal agreement last week to pause a proposed data center development near Newark. The developer agreed to consider alternative uses for the White Clay Center property.

The handshake deal relies on the county approving an exploratory plan application. This step would grandfather the property into older zoning rules, exempting the developer from recently passed data center regulations if they still choose to build the facility. The agreement is not legally binding, and the developer retains the right to construct the data center.

Sheldon plans to look for another company to lease or purchase the land. He noted the site could attract manufacturing businesses due to a nearby train maintenance facility.

Delaware lawmakers officially overrode Governor Matt Meyer's veto on a bill limiting how counties can restrict marijuana businesses. The House completed the override process early in the morning on July 1, following the Senate's vote back in January.

The new law prevents county governments from passing zoning rules that effectively ban legal cannabis operations. Meyer originally vetoed the legislation last August, citing concerns about taking away local land use authority without offering support to municipalities.

House sponsor Ed Osienski said lawmakers moved forward with the override after a May state Supreme Court ruling confirmed zoning authority ultimately rests with the General Assembly. The measure is now officially state law.

This big, brown and white, 4-year-old mixed breed is exactly the kind of dog you describe to a friend and watch their eyes light up. Curry is friendly, affectionate, and already knows "sit" and "paw," which means he's basically showing up to the interview with a polished resume. He walks well on a leash, loves treats, and is genuinely happy just to be near his people.

Bonus: Curry is dog-friendly, so if you've already got a canine roommate at home, he's open to the arrangement. And if you're a military veteran, this one's on the house. Curry qualifies for the Sponsored by Simba Pets for Veterans program, which means no adoption fee for vets adopting a dog 1 year or older.

Head over to Brandywine Valley SPCA at 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle to meet Curry and see if he's the right fit for your home.

Summer Concert Series: Honey Badgers | Rockford Park. A live performance by the Honey Badgers featuring on-site food trucks, space for picnicking, and access to the adjacent historic Rockford Tower. Monday at 6:30 PM.

Music in the Plaza: What the Funk | Brandywine Mills Plaza. A live performance by What the Funk for the weekly outdoor music series, featuring food trucks and a market with local vendors selling handmade goods and fresh produce. Tuesday 5-8 PM.

Zoo Tunes: Flexible Flyer | Brandywine Zoo. A midday concert featuring local musicians and a variety of genres, free with zoo admission. Wednesday 12-1 PM.

Summer Nights at Hagley | Hagley Museum and Library. A dog-friendly, after-hours stroll along the Brandywine River featuring local food trucks, Dogfish Head craft beer, and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Tickets are $5, and free for members and children under six. Wednesday 5-8 PM.

Summer Music Series: Vertical Current | Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. A free summer music series performance by Vertical Current at Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. Wednesday 5:30-8:30 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Rockdale Boys | White Clay Creek State Park. An outdoor concert at the Carpenter Recreation Area band stage with a food truck, a beer garden, and space for lawn chairs and picnics. Free with paid park admission. Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

Summer Outdoor Concert Series: Friction Farm | Woodlawn Public Library. A free outdoor modern-folk concert by touring duo Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, featuring harmony-driven songs, storytelling, and humor. Families can bring a blanket or chair to the library's front yard for the performance. Wednesday 7-8 PM.

Matthew Morrison | Longwood Gardens. A live performance by the Tony-nominated actor and singer in the Open Air Theatre, featuring Broadway standards and dance from his new show. Tickets are $54 to $104 and include all-day gardens admission, with an optional happy hour offering specialty cocktails and bar snacks from 3-5:30 PM. Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

More happenings we couldn’t fit in the newsletter.

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

The Newark Independent Film Festival returns August 13-15 with three days of independent films, filmmakers, and unforgettable stories. From local talent to international voices, you'll discover movies you won't see at the multiplex. Screenings at Chapel Street Players create an intimate experience for film lovers and curious newcomers alike. Add this unique summer event to your calendar, grab your tickets, and experience independent cinema beyond Hollywood. **

Connor Creative House now brings its story-driven content creation approach to weddings, showers, and other private celebrations. We capture candid moments, behind-the-scenes details, and guest interactions, then deliver raw footage within 24 hours and edited recap videos within 48 hours. View samples and reserve your date by emailing Krista Connor at [email protected]. Businesses can still count on us for brand content, corporate events, and social media projects. **

** indicates sponsored advertising content.

Monday

82 🌡️ 68 | ⛈️ Chance Showers And Thunderstorms | 79% | 💨 E 5 mph

Tuesday

81 🌡️ 68 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms Likely | 70% | 💨 NE 0 to 5 mph

Wednesday

82 🌡️ 68 | ⛅ Partly Sunny | 14% | 💨 N 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 76ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

The full events calendar includes live music, festivals, classes, markets, family activities, community gatherings, and dozens more happenings across Northern Delaware.

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