Delaware Bill Would Limit Student Cell Phone Use in Schools

Rise and Shine, 302. The smell of rain has a name: petrichor. It’s caused by plant oils and soil-dwelling bacteria released when raindrops hit dry ground.

Your 302 Rundown:

• 🚨 Newark may add speed cameras to Main Street to curb dangerous driving.

• 🪖 Delawareans can now borrow a free bike helmet through a new state program.

• 💸 Delaware lawmakers advance a bill offering a tax break on overtime pay.

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

📸 Main Street May Get Speed Cameras

Newark’s City Council is considering speed cameras on Main Street to curb dangerous driving. Councilwoman Corinth Ford supports the idea but notes current state law only allows cameras in residential areas. The city plans to ask Rep. Ed Osienski to amend the law to include Main Street.

Other safety measures discussed include speed bumps and traffic calming. The city aims to implement changes this summer, with long-term improvements from DelDOT.

With recent pedestrian accidents, these steps could make Main Street safer for everyone.

🛡️ Helmets on the House

Delaware Greenways just made biking the Jack A. Markell Trail even easier. Their new helmet loaner program lets you borrow a helmet at three key spots near bike rental kiosks: the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center and the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Riverfront, plus the New Castle Courthouse Museum in Historic New Castle.

Just bring a valid ID or credit card, pick a helmet that fits, and return it the same day. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this program makes it easy to enjoy the trail with peace of mind.

🚧 ShadFest 2025: Canceled Due to Construction

Well, this is a bummer. The beloved ShadFest, Wilmington’s annual celebration of the Brandywine River and the return of the American Shad, has been canceled for 2025. The Brandywine River Restoration Trust announced that unanticipated DelDOT construction activity under the I-95 bridge in Brandywine Park has made it impossible to hold the event this year.

ShadFest is typically a free, family-friendly event featuring food and beverage vendors, sustainable arts and crafts, fishing lessons, games for kids, face painting, and live music. Its cancellation is a significant loss for the community and local businesses that participate.

If you were planning to attend, consider supporting the Brandywine River Restoration Trust in other ways, such as volunteering or donating, to help continue their environmental advocacy and stewardship efforts.

IN BUSINESS

🥦 Fresh Funds for Food Access

The Delaware Grocery Initiative is back with a fresh round of grant funding to help communities tackle food insecurity. Launched in 2024, this program supports local grocers and food resources in areas lacking access to affordable, nutritious food. The new funding aims to bolster efforts in both urban and rural food deserts across the state.

Administered by the Division of Small Business, these grants empower small grocers and community organizations to expand their reach and provide healthier options to residents. It's a significant step toward ensuring that all Delawareans have access to the food they need.

For more details on the grant program and how to apply, check out the full article from Delaware Public Media.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

📵 Classroom Cell Phones Could Be on Mute

Delaware lawmakers are dialing in on classroom distractions. Senate Bill 106, introduced by Sen. Eric Buckson, would require all public and charter schools to adopt clear policies limiting student cell phone use during school hours. These policies must define acceptable use, restrict phones during instructional time, and outline consequences for violations. Exceptions would be made for emergencies and medical needs.

Schools must post their policies online by August 1, 2025. The bill emphasizes that enforcement shouldn't fall solely on teachers but should involve the entire school community.

With studies showing that excessive phone use hampers learning, this move aims to create more focused classrooms. It's about giving students the space to engage without constant digital interruptions.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Wednesday
69 🌡️ 62 | ⛈️ | 85% | 💨 E 12 mph (10 knots)

Thursday
75 🌡️ 62 | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨 SE 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 60ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Wednesday

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | General Knowledge Quizzo | 7—9 PM

• Chancery Market | Quizzo with Lew | 6—8 PM

• Christiana Pub | Team Trivia | 7—9 PM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Music Bingo with Gina B! | 7—8 PM

• Grain KSQ | Classic Bingo w/ Madison | 7—9 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Geeks Who Drink Quiz | 8—10 PM

• Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Music Video Bingo | 7 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | Small Batch Trivia | 7—9 PM

Thursday

• Autumn Arch Beer Project | Team Trivia | 7 PM

• Chancery Market | Music Bingo with DJ Taven | 6—8 PM

• Grain H2O | Matt’s Classic Bingo | 7—9 PM

• Wilmington Brew Works | Boombox Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Wednesday

• Chesapeake Inn | Currie Wayne Clayton Jr | 6—9 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | Same Time Last Night | 8—9 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | Arkum | 9:20—11 PM

• Deer Park Tavern | Vanylla Godzylla | 11:20 PM

• Klondike Kate’s | Elektra Ryan | 9—11 PM

• Limestone BBQ and Bourbon | Country Line Dancing with Ray Muller & DJ Jenny Z | 6:30—8 PM

• Saint Georges Country Store | Garry Cogdell | 6—9 PM

• The Queen | An Evening with Testament | 8 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | 4w5 Blues Band | 7 PM

Thursday

• Argilla Brewing Co | Open Mic Night | 7—11 PM

• Caroline Hermance | Grain Exchange | 5—8 PM

• Chancery Market | Mike Dieleuterio | 5:30—7:30 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | Dave Boucher Music | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 9 PM — 1 AM

• Deer Park Tavern | DJ Brae-Z & DJ Gray $ | 9 PM

• Grain Exchange | Caroline Hermance | 5—8 PM

• Hummingbird to Mars | Sharon Sable’s Birthday Bash | 7—10 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | DJ Kardiair | 10 PM — Closing

• Kelly’s Logan House | Ed Dwornik & Friends | 5—8 PM

• Klondike Kate’s | DJ Motion | 10 PM — 1 AM

• Saint Georges Country Store | The Jesse Loewy Trio | 6—9 PM

• The Queen | Brotality / Lost Continent / Gravelord / What are the Odds? | 8 PM

• The Reef Seafood & Steak | Joe Gabe & Jim Scott // The Flashback Band | 7 PM

• Tonic Seafood & Steak | DJ Hugh in Lounge | 4—7 PM

Got a live show or weeknight event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!

APPRECIATE YA!

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