Delaware Bans Cruising in Left Lane

Rise and shine 302. Your local news is brewed, stirred, and ready to sip. ☕

Your 302 Rundown:

• Left Lane Drivers Face Fines Under New Delaware Law

• McDonald’s Targets Pike Creek for New Location

• Daily Check-In Program Saves North Star Senior

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🚗 New law says stay out of the left lane (unless you're passing)

Delaware has officially banned lingering in the left lane on major highways like Route 1 and I-495. Under a new law, the left lane is strictly for passing — not cruising. The goal? Cut down on road rage and reduce speed-related crashes.

There are exceptions, like entering or exiting the highway, emergency situations, or traffic jams. But for everyday driving, it’s keep right or pay up: fines start at $25 and go up from there.

So if you’ve been a left-lane lounger, now’s the time to break the habit.

Daily check-in call saves 94-year-old after fall

A 94-year-old man in North Star is safe and sound thanks to New Castle County’s Senior Roll Call Lifeline. He fell on his porch around midnight and lay there for hours until he didn’t answer his usual morning check-in call. Volunteers couldn’t reach him, so police were dispatched for a welfare check and found him just in time.

The program has been running since 1995, offering free daily calls to seniors and disabled residents. If there's no response, then help is sent. Simple, smart, and now, clearly, life-saving.

If you’ve got an older neighbor or friend, this program is a lifesaver.

🏌️ High-tech driving range opens at Patriots Glen

The new Launch Zone at Patriots Glen is officially open, and it’s not your average driving range. It features 42 driving bays across two levels, complete with ball-tracking tech and interactive targets like a gong and a green dinosaur—great for kids and tech-savvy golfers alike Each swing gets instant feedback on your bay’s screen, so there’s no debating who hit it best.

It’s open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, and reservations are already rolling in. Golfers can also grab a drink at the 22-foot bar between swings.

This $2.5 million addition is a big swing for the area, and it’s already a hit.

💡 UD is testing lasers to help Parkinson’s

At the University of Delaware, researchers are exploring a futuristic-sounding treatment for Parkinson’s: infrared laser therapy. Participants in the study wear helmets that gently warm their heads while potentially boosting brain function and blood flow.

It’s part of a blinded trial (meaning some folks get the real deal, others a placebo) and early feedback is promising. One local participant says his memory and focus have already improved.

The therapy isn’t ready for prime time just yet, but if proven effective, it could change how we treat neurological conditions.

IN BUSINESS

🍔 McDonald’s plans new location in Pike Creek

A new McDonald’s could be coming to Pike Creek, right at the corner of Limestone and Paper Mill Roads. A land-use sign just went up confirming plans for a drive-thru restaurant on the site of a former school building.

The layout includes an entrance from Limestone and an exit using part of a long-closed road that once connected to Paper Mill. The project is still early in the approval process, but it’s another addition to the busy Pike Creek corridor.

Keep an eye out if you live or commute nearby — this could bring some changes to traffic patterns.

🥗 Currito bringing grain bowls and smoothies to Newark

A new healthy food option is headed our way. Fast-casual chain Currito, known for its globally inspired grain bowls, salads, and smoothies, just signed a development deal to open three locations in the greater Newark area.

The first Delaware spot is expected to open by mid-2026, part of a broader expansion that includes Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky. No word yet on exact locations, but this is Currito’s first foray into the First State.

If you’re a fan of fast, fresh, and customizable meals, this one’s worth watching.

THE HAPPENINGS

Monday

The Blues Reincarnation Project – Rockford Park Concert Series. This Newark-based band blends funkified blues-rock, British blues, and R&B into a fresh sound that aims to revive the blues for a new generation. Monday, July 21 at 6:30 PM at Rockford Park in Wilmington.

Tuesday

Sam Smick – Groove Session at Brandywine Mills Plaza. Guitarist Sam Smick brings his laid-back jazz stylings to this week’s Groove Session, part of a free summer series celebrating local talent. Tuesday, July 22 at 5 PM at Brandywine Mills Plaza, 1800 N. Market Street in Wilmington.

Wednesday

Lunchtime Concert on the Arts Center Patio – Bellevue State Park. Bring a friend and a picnic for a relaxing midday set by Mike Miller, part of Bellevue’s Lunchtime Concert Series on the scenic Arts Center Patio. Wednesday, July 23 at 12 PM at Bellevue State Park (free with paid park entrance).

Lunchtime Concert Series – Pete Gumbo. Enjoy an hour of New Orleans-style piano from Pete Gumbo during this breezy midday concert on the Riverfront. Wednesday, July 23 from 12:15–1:15 PM at Hare Overlook Pavilion in Wilmington.

Summer Nights at Hagley. Spend the evening exploring Hagley’s scenic grounds with live music, local food trucks, Dogfish Head craft beer, and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Wednesday, July 23 from 5–8 PM at Hagley Museum—$5 admission, free for members and kids under six (and yes, dogs are welcome!).

Bamba Wassoulou Groove – Shady Grove Stage at Arden Gild Hall. Straight from Mali, Bamba Wassoulou Groove brings a thrilling mix of traditional African rhythms, searing guitar work, and infectious energy to the open-air stage. Wednesday, July 23 at 6 PM at the Shady Grove Stage at Arden Gild Hall in Wilmington, with food and drink available for purchase.

Slamm – Carpenter Recreation Area Summer Concert. Get ready to dance as Slamm, a high-energy party-rock band, brings their lively set to the park stage. Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM at Carpenter Recreation Area in White Clay Creek State Park.

The Launch – Wednesday Night Summer Concert at Battery Park. Enjoy an evening of classic arena rock as The Launch brings the sounds of Boston, Queen, Styx, and more to the riverside. Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM at Battery Park in New Castle—free and open to the public, just bring a blanket or lawn chair.

JustKing Jones – Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange Summer Concert Series. Saxophonist JustKing Jones headlines this free summer concert with his signature mix of jazz, Caribbean rhythm, and gospel soul. Wednesday, July 23 at 7 PM at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange. Come early for Ma Ada’s Water Ice at 6 PM and catch the opener, Rogatien Milord at 6:30 PM, bringing a globally inspired set rooted in culture, history, and humanitarian spirit.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

84 🌡️ 67 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 2% | 💨 NNE 10 mph

Tuesday

79 🌡️ 68 | 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | 5% | 💨 ENE 13 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 79ºF
Temperature reading taken from the Atlantic Ocean near Rehoboth Bay

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tuesday, July 22

• Chancery Market | Mindfulness w/ Mandy | 11 AM-1 PM

• Kelly's Logan House | Trolley Run Club | 6:30-8:30 PM

• Rockwood Park & Museum | Tuesday AM Flow Yoga | 9-10 AM

• St. Mark's High School | Pike Creek Valley Running Club Track Night | 6 PM

• The Art O Mat | Self-Care for Sistas: Yoga, Breathwork, & Meditation | 5:30-6:30 PM

• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library | Wellness Yoga | 9-10 AM

THEATRE/ARTS

Coming soon!

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday, July 21

• Bar XIII | Asylum 13 Book Club Meeting - July 2025 | 7:30 PM

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30-10 PM

• Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7-9 PM

• Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6-8 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament | 6 PM

Tuesday, July 22

• Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9 PM

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Music Bingo B | 7 PM

• Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8-11 PM

• Finnegan's Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM

• Giordanos | Trivia | 7 PM

• Grain Exchange | Jeopardy Bar League | 6-8 PM

• Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7-9 PM

• Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6-8 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Quizzo - Trivia Night | 6 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7-9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Monday, July 21

• Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 6-9 PM

• Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Dale Teat | 6-9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6-11:45 PM

• Rockford Park Concert Stage | Summer Concert Series: the Blues Reincarnation Project | 6:30 PM

Tuesday, July 22

• Brandywine Mills Plaza | Sam Smick | 5-8 PM

• Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6-8 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6-9 PM

• Christiana Hilton | Marc and John Duo | 6-9 PM

• Docklands Riverfront | Old School Tuesday's w/ DJ Mega Skills | 5-10 PM

• Gallucio's | Nasty Nelsons | 6 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Roger Girke & the Country Store Allstars | 6-9 PM

• The Opulent | Taco Tuesday Karaoke Nights | 7-10 PM

• Trolley Square Oyster House | Alfi | 7-10 PM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Open Mic Night | 6 PM

FOR THE KIDS

Just a taste! Coming soon!

Tuesday, July 22

• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library | Terrific Tuesdays: Crafts, Games, and Creative Fun | 10 AM-2:30 PM

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