New Law Bans All Left Turns In New Castle County

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A major change to how we navigate intersections is coming soon. New Castle County just announced a sweeping new traffic rule that would eliminate all left turns at intersections, citing safety and "flow optimization." According to the official update, drivers would instead make three right turns to reach their destination, with new signage and "Right Turn Only" lanes rolling out countywide starting next month.

The new law leans heavily on safety data, pointing to left turns as one of the biggest causes of intersection accidents. The solution is straightforward: eliminate the problem entirely. Whether that makes life easier or just more frustrating is up for debate. Or maybe this is the last newsletter before April 1st.

Delmarva Power has filed new electricity supply rates with the Delaware Public Service Commission, which could mean higher monthly bills for many Delaware customers starting this summer. The changes reflect updated Standard Offer Service and Renewable Portfolio Standard rates, influenced by recent state electricity supply auctions and increased regional energy costs.

A typical residential customer using about 811 kilowatt-hours per month might see their bill go up by approximately $14.64, or 9.34%, beginning June 1, 2026. Delmarva Power attributes this hike to regional market conditions, which they say are beyond their control, and emphasizes that these changes will only affect Delaware customers.

To help ease the impact, Delmarva Power is offering assistance programs, including a Customer Relief Fund, budget billing, and flexible payment options. Customers can also explore online tools to find and apply for support programs.

A new community group called 100 Who Care is making waves in Newark. Started by Cheryl Ernst, the group aims to make a big impact with minimal time commitment. Members gather four times a year, each prepared to nominate a local nonprofit. After hearing brief presentations, they vote, and the chosen nonprofit receives a $100 check from each member.

The group kicked off its first meeting with 13 members and has since grown to 20. Their first donation went to Sean’s House, a mental health nonprofit. The goal is to hit 100 members, turning each donation into a $10,000 boost for a nonprofit.

While based in Newark, the group plans to support nonprofits throughout northern Delaware, eastern Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania. Their next meeting is set for May 12, with hopes of expanding their membership and impact even further.

Gas prices are on the rise in Delaware, with regular gas now costing 95 cents more than it did a month ago. This increase comes as crude oil prices stay elevated, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The conflict in Iran, now approaching its fourth week, is one of the key factors keeping oil prices high. This situation is putting upward pressure on gas prices across the country, with the national average potentially reaching $4 per gallon soon.

Drivers in Delaware and beyond may want to keep an eye on these developments as they plan their fuel budgets in the coming weeks.

Sapporo Soul Sushi & Ramen, nestled in the Park N Shop shopping center on South Main Street, is set to expand its offerings. The city council recently gave the green light for a special-use permit, allowing the restaurant to serve alcohol alongside its meals. Opened just last year, Sapporo Soul is known for its authentic dishes inspired by Japan's Hokkaido island.

Owner Jia Liu is excited to enhance the dining experience with a selection of sake, Japan's famous rice-based beverage, and soju, a Korean spirit. The menu will also include red and white wines, along with a variety of beers, featuring some Japanese options. With these new additions, Sapporo Soul aims to offer a more complete and satisfying dining experience to its patrons. Keep an eye out for these new drink offerings on your next visit.

Angelo's Pizzeria, a favorite from Philadelphia, has set up shop in downtown Wilmington. They've taken over the former Pizzeria Bardea space at the DE.CO Food Hall, located at 111 W. 10th St. This move comes after the earlier launch of Angelo's cheesesteak stall in the same market, adding more flavors to the bustling food scene.

The new spot will offer a variety of pizza styles, including round, square, Grandma-style, and upside-down pies. This expansion adds to the diversity of options available at the food hall, giving locals more delicious choices.

With Angelo's joining the lineup, Wilmington's DE.CO Food Hall continues to evolve as a go-to destination for food lovers. Keep an eye out for more tasty developments as the hall grows and attracts new culinary talents.

Dan Butler's restaurant, originally Griglia Toscana and now Piccolina Toscana, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in Wilmington's Trolley Square. The Delaware native, who once thought he'd return to D.C., stayed put, adapting his restaurant through name changes and renovations while keeping its spirit alive.

Known for its sophisticated Italian cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, Toscana has been a backdrop for countless celebrations and notable guests, including Vice President Joe Biden and Joan Rivers. The restaurant's longevity is a testament to Butler's knack for reinvention and his commitment to the local dining scene.

Butler's influence extends beyond Toscana, having helped launch City Restaurant Week and opened other eateries like Deep Blue Bar & Grill. His dedication to both culinary excellence and community involvement has made Toscana a pillar of Wilmington's dining landscape.

Graduation bells rang at the Cab Calloway School of the Arts on Thursday night, marking the completion of training for the 54th Recruit Class of the New Castle County Police. With this latest batch of 40 recruits, the police division reaches its full strength of 415 officers, a milestone not seen in over a decade.

County Executive Marcus Henry highlighted improved compensation and leadership as key factors in bolstering recruitment efforts. The starting salary for a New Castle County Police Officer now stands at $76,000. Henry also praised Colonel Jamie Leonard and Public Safety Director Elmer Setting for their roles in enhancing morale and retention.

Adding to the celebrations, two officers from Newark also completed their training as part of this class, further strengthening local law enforcement ranks.

Fifteen new red light cameras are set to be operational by summer across Delaware, with nine of these locations in New Castle County. The initiative aims to reduce accidents caused by red-light running, with past data showing a significant drop in angle crashes after camera installation.

Motorists will have a 30-day grace period once the cameras are live, during which warnings will be issued instead of fines. Signs will be posted at each intersection to alert drivers about the camera monitoring.

The fine for running a red light under this program is $137.50, issued as a civil violation. This means it won't affect your insurance rates or add points to your driving record. The program has been in place since 2004, focusing on enhancing road safety.

A report from Spotlight Delaware says a proposed data center near Delaware City hit another roadblock. A state board unanimously upheld Environmental Secretary Greg Patterson's decision, stating the project doesn't comply with the Coastal Zone Act. The law, in place since 1971, aims to protect Delaware's shorelines from heavy industry. The proposal's reliance on 516 diesel generators was a key factor in classifying it as heavy industry.

Starwood Digital Ventures, the developer, argued that the project, known as Project Washington, doesn't fit the heavy industry label. Despite this setback, they are expected to appeal the decision to higher courts, which could prolong the process for years.

As data centers continue to grow in popularity due to advancements in artificial intelligence, the debate over their environmental impact remains intense. Other proposed data centers in Delaware may also face scrutiny under the Coastal Zone Act.

Newark's city council has approved rezoning a property on South Chapel Street, paving the way for a potentially towering student housing complex. The decision changes the maximum building height from three to seven stories, allowing New Jersey's Aptitude Development to propose The Marshall, a T-shaped apartment building spanning several parcels. This new complex would stand next to the six-story Continental, signaling a shift towards taller structures in the area.

The rezoning passed with a 4-2 vote, amid debates about maintaining Newark's character while accommodating the growing student population. Some council members expressed concerns about the height and impact on the skyline, while others argued for the necessity of new student housing. The Marshall's details remain sparse, but promises include affordable housing units, green initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. The project will return to the council for a final vote once detailed plans are ready.

There’s something about that smile. Francesca looks like she just heard you say the word “treat,” and honestly, she’s ready to believe you meant it. At 2 years old, this sweet, social girl is already making friends at the shelter and showing off her easygoing, lovable personality.

Francesca has never met a stranger. She’s all heart, all optimism, and fully ready for a fresh start. Think of her as the friend who shows up happy, every time, no matter what.

If you’ve been looking for a loyal sidekick with a built-in grin, Francesca might be your girl. Go meet her at the New Castle campus and see for yourself.

68 🌡️ 58 | ☁️ Cloudy | 17% | 💨 SW 16 mph

80 🌡️ 64 | 🌤️ Partly Cloudy | 20% | 💨 SW 14 mph

84 🌡️ 55 | 🌦️ Scattered Showers | 51% | 💨 SW 14 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 44ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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