Heavy Snow And Deep Freeze Ahead

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Today, we are debuting Community Spotlight, a space for sharing things around here that stand out for the right reasons. First up is Coastal Alchemy, a Wilmington-grown effort helping to make connection feel human again.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

A big snow forecast has a way of changing the rhythm of the weekend. Plans adjust, routines slow down, and expectations shift a bit. Before the flakes start falling, we want to know how you usually feel when a big snow takes over the weekend.

Making friends as an adult can feel oddly complicated. Coastal Alchemy was created to make it feel human again. Founded by Wilmington native Lindsay Beach, the community-focused brand hosts intentional gatherings designed to help people slow down, show up as themselves, and actually connect.

Coastal Alchemy hosts coffee crawls, walk-and-talks, creative workshops, co-working sessions, and small group circles around the city, often in partnership with local cafes, restaurants, fitness studios, and independent bookstores that help bring each experience to life. The events are welcoming and low-pressure, especially for people who want community without forced networking or loud social scenes. Many gatherings include light mindfulness elements, like reflection or creative prompts, that help conversations go a little deeper.

What started during the isolation of the pandemic has grown into a loyal local following. Coastal Alchemy also partners with organizations on workplace wellness experiences focused on reducing burnout and strengthening team culture. You can learn more and see upcoming events at coastalalchemy.co.

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

A potentially significant snowstorm is on the horizon for Delmarva from Saturday night through Monday. While the forecast is more certain than previous predictions, there's still some uncertainty about just how cold it will get when the Arctic air moves in ahead of the snow.

As of now, it looks like the storm could drift a bit north, which might mean some sleet mixing with the snow in parts of the region. If the predictions hold, many areas could see over a foot of snow by Monday morning.

Once the snow wraps up, prepare for a deep freeze with temperatures plummeting into the 20s and low 30s early next week. For now, though, enjoy the milder weather set for Thursday before the Arctic chill sets in Thursday night.

Get ready for the 2026 Kennett Winterfest, popping back into Kennett Square on February 28th. This lively festival turns South Broad Street into a winter wonderland with craft beer, music, and community vibes. It's hosted by Kennett Collaborative, and promises tastings from over 60 craft breweries.

Starting at 12:30 p.m., attendees aged 21 and over can enjoy a full afternoon of entertainment. Regular admission offers unlimited tastings and a keepsake mug, while non-alcoholic options ensure everyone's welcomed. The Tisburys will be headlining with indie rock beats to keep the energy up.

Winterfest isn't just about the drinks; locals can also participate in the quirky Best Snacklace and Best Dressed contests while browsing artisan vendors. Proceeds benefit local initiatives, so it’s a win for fun and the community alike. Remember to plan your ride in advance for this frosty fest!

Well, Delaware's unemployment rate isn't getting any lower these days. The state reported 25,400 unemployed folks in November, a rise from September, inching up to 4.9%. That figure now stands above the national average of 4.3%.

While 500 new jobs popped up between September and November, it wasn't enough to counter the uptick in unemployment. The labor force swelled by 2,800, and job growth inched forward with financial services leading the charge.

Looking ahead, expect the Delaware Department of Labor's December report on January 23, as they aim to get back on track amidst national delays.

Spotlight Delaware wants to hear from people who actually get out and do things. If you go to concerts, festivals, galleries, museums, or just enjoy a good local meal, they are asking how you find out what is happening and what you wish local media did better.

They just launched a quick 10 question survey focused on entertainment, food, and culture coverage across the state. It is meant to help them understand where coverage is falling short and what readers really want more of.

They are also hosting a few small Zoom focus groups by county, with a $25 gift card for participants. If you have opinions, this is a real chance to shape future coverage. You can take the survey or learn more through Spotlight Delaware's Entertainment, Food & Culture Media Survey.

Leaving your dog for the day shouldn't feel like a gamble. At The Doggie Playhouse, it doesn't. Every dog is placed in a supervised playgroup with staff who are tuned in—reading body language, managing energy levels, and stepping in when needed.

Group sizes stay intentionally small so no dog slips through the cracks. The day follows a rhythm, with time for play, rest, and low-key routines that help dogs feel safe and settled.

By pickup, you’ve got a dog who’s exercised, content, and ready to relax at home.

Learn more or book a visit.

Wilmington’s own Aternium and GradBridge have caught the eye of the Philadelphia Business Journal, landing a spot on their Companies to Watch list. The list highlights promising young firms in the Greater Philadelphia area, including Delaware.

Both startups are making waves in trendy sectors. Aternium is all about clean energy, working on hydrogen production plants, while GradBridge is gearing up to launch a student loan product for those just shy of traditional credit needs.

This recognition puts a spotlight on Wilmington’s emerging role in the innovation scene across energy and finance, further solidifying its economic potential.

Ed Fisher's hot dog cart has found a new, temporary spot outside the Delaware City DMV, to the right of the entrance. After the closure of his previous location at the Hessler Boulevard DMV following a tragic incident last month, Fisher had been working on getting the necessary permissions to continue his business.

The temporary relocation comes as a relief, marking a new chapter for the cart amidst challenging circumstances. It's a chance for Ed to keep serving those DMV crowds, albeit in a different spot for now.

Fisher plans to move back to the Minquadale DMV location once it reopens. Until then, folks can find him and his classic hot dogs at the new site.

Mara Gorman, currently serving her first term in Delaware's House of Representatives, has set her sights on the state Senate. She's aiming to fill the shoes of longtime Senator David Sokola, who will not be seeking re-election this year.

Gorman is the first prominent name to express interest in this seat, opening up her own 23rd House District spot to new contenders. While she hasn't formally filed her candidacy just yet, her move signals a desire to shift from policy advocacy to more direct legislative impact.

Gorman's legislative track record features bills targeting immigration enforcement and ambitions to tackle housing, healthcare, and economic issues if elected to the Senate.

Newark's beloved Fourth of July fireworks might be on the chopping block. The Conservation Advisory Commission wants the city to replace its annual display at UD's athletic complex with something greener. They suggest a drone or laser light show could be a safer, less polluting choice.

The city council isn’t bound to follow this advice, and there's no push to make it happen just yet. While some council members are open to the idea, others still enjoy the traditional bangs and bursts. As it stands, the current fireworks show is on for 2026, coinciding with America's 250th birthday.

Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha and Sen. Darius Brown are pushing forward with House Bill 280, also known as “Eric’s ID Law,” which aims to enhance safety for people with nonapparent disabilities during interactions with law enforcement in Delaware. The proposal suggests adding a discreet butterfly symbol on state-issued IDs to signify these disabilities.

The bill, inspired by Eric Carpenter-Grantham, would require the DMV to offer this optional notation, and it includes enhanced training for police officers on recognizing the symbol. The aim is to prevent misunderstandings that might arise due to communication difficulties.

If the legislation passes, the DMV will work with disability advocacy groups for the notation design and conduct public outreach, ensuring Delawareans know about this voluntary option. The bill has just been assigned to a committee for review.

Wilmington City Council is mulling over a pause on new smoke shops across the city. Councilmember Chris Johnson kicked off the conversation with an ordinance that targets these shops, often in low-income areas, for selling products like Delta-8 and Delta-9.

The proposed ordinance would freeze new business licenses for smoke shops for a year and call for an impact study on their prevalence and public health effects. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to scrutinize liquor stores and maintain a downward trend in crime.

With the ordinance now headed to the Public Safety Committee, a Council vote is expected in the coming months. We'll see if the smoke clears and the moratorium takes hold.

Wilmington City Councilmember Shané Darby has put forward a set of election-related ordinances for consideration at the upcoming February 5 meeting. These proposals aim to implement term limits for City Councilmembers, create staggered terms, and lower the minimum age requirement for mayoral and City Council candidates.

If approved, the changes would cap council terms at three and allow 18-year-olds to run for mayoral and council positions. Darby believes these changes are vital for infusing fresh ideas into local government and encouraging broader participation from younger individuals.

This isn't the first time Darby has suggested term limits, and if her proposals pass the council vote, further approval from Delaware’s General Assembly will be needed.

Candlelight Comedy Club 2026 at The Candlelight Theatre guarantees an evening of laughter and entertainment in a cozy setting. Gather with friends for a night of stand-up comedy that will have you in stitches. Thursday at 6:30 PM.

Echoes at The Queen Wilmington invites you to experience Pink Floyd's iconic album, Wish You Were Here, on its 50th anniversary. Enjoy the American Pink Floyd's note-for-note recreation, complete with a stunning laser show and original video content. Thursday at 8 PM.

Shakedown Citi at The Queen Wilmington celebrates the music of the Grateful Dead with dream set lists and high-energy vibes. Dive deep into their entire repertoire and beyond with heady improvisation. Thursday at 8 PM.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band - Tomorrow We Die Tour at Elkton Music Hall brings the iconic sounds of Dave Matthews to life with a performance that captures the essence of the original band. Fans can expect an evening filled with classic hits and lively energy. Thursday at 8 PM.

Alicia Maxwell Project + Lower Case Blues Return at Elkton Music Hall promises an electrifying night of live music with the soulful sounds of blues and jazz. Enjoy the dynamic performances of two talented bands as they bring their unique styles to the stage. Friday at 8 PM.

Remedy + Rocks This Way: Black Crowes & Aerosmith Tributes at Elkton Music Hall is a rockin' night out with tribute bands capturing the essence of the Black Crowes and Aerosmith. Feel the nostalgia as you sing along to your favorite hits and enjoy a lively atmosphere. Saturday at 8 PM.

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

51 🌡️ 27 | 🌤️ Increasing Clouds | 3% | 💨 W 15 mph

41 🌡️ 9 | 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | 3% | 💨 W 15 mph

19 🌡️ 11 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 0% | 💨 N 10 mph
🌨️ Snow overnight | 99% | 💨 NE 10 mph

18 🌡️ 17 | 🌨️ Snow → Wintry Mix | 99% | 💨 NE 14 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 40ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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