Newark Restaurant Week Starts Today

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. If you win the Powerball, keep your job for one more day. Just to enjoy how little everything matters.

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Trying something new should not feel risky. Floating takes place in a fully private suite, and you control the lights, music, and even whether the pod is open or closed. The water is filtered and purified between every guest using a multi-step sanitation system, including UV and medical-grade filtration.

The solution itself is highly concentrated salt, which naturally resists bacteria. Everything is designed to be simple, clean, and easy to use.

If you have been curious but cautious, you can learn more at firststatefloats.com and schedule your float with confidence.

At some point, someone said, yes, this is the one. And that decision stuck.

Newark Restaurant Week is back, featuring 11 local spots offering special menus from March 19 to March 25. This year, the event has been moved from January to March, aligning with the University of Delaware's spring break to help boost business during a typically slow time.

Participating eateries like Home Grown Café, Ali Baba, and Deer Park Tavern will offer prix-fixe menus with three-course dinners for $40 and some two-course lunches for $20. Expect creative dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients and the culinary talents of Newark's chefs.

To sweeten the deal, the City of Newark is offering free parking after 5 p.m. in several city-run lots and on-street spaces. Just remember, this doesn't include University of Delaware garages or private lots. Reservations are encouraged, so plan ahead and enjoy the local flavors!

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is ringing in spring with a sweet tradition. On March 20, they'll give away free 6-ounce Italian Ices to celebrate the season's arrival. This year, they're adding a twist with a new limited-time Mystery PEEPS Italian Ice flavor, inspired by the beloved marshmallow treat.

The mystery flavor, appearing as a white Italian Ice, invites fans to guess its true taste. From March 20 through March 29, Rita’s is hosting a nationwide contest for fans to submit their guesses online, with prizes up for grabs, including free ice for a year.

With over 600 locations participating, Rita’s expects to serve nearly a million cups. The event marks the official reopening of many stores after their winter break, welcoming back fans with fresh flavors and playful surprises.

The University of Delaware is gearing up for its 20th annual UDance Dance Marathon, a vibrant 12-hour event set for April 12 at the Bob Carpenter Center. Thousands of students, families, and supporters will gather for a day of celebration and fundraising to support the B+ Foundation's fight against childhood cancer.

This year's theme, 'A Blast From The Past: Two Decades, One Mission,' will take attendees on a nostalgic journey through past UDance themes. Expect to see favorites like Neon Splatter Paint and Hollywood, alongside new surprises that highlight the event's legacy.

Besides the themed décor and lively atmosphere, the marathon will feature live entertainment, food, and fundraising activities. The event will also shine a spotlight on the B+ Heroes, children affected by pediatric cancer, who participate in the talent show and share their stories, grounding the day in its meaningful cause.

Delaware is using prescribed burns as a meadow management tool to mimic natural fires. This technique helps prevent meadows from turning into forests and promotes the growth of native plants. It also creates habitats for grassland birds like the eastern bluebird and pollinators such as the monarch butterfly.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) oversees this practice across the state. These controlled burns are part of a larger effort to maintain ecological balance and support wildlife dependent on grassland environments.

In other news, Delaware State Parks are marking a milestone with 75 years of providing outdoor adventures. From humble beginnings in 1951, the parks system has expanded to include 17 state parks and numerous nature preserves. Celebrations are planned for 2026 to honor the legacy of these parks and their role in connecting people with nature.

State Sen. David Lawson has floated the idea of introducing a sales tax in Delaware, a state known for its tax-free status. He mentioned this proposal during a recent Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce meeting. Lawson suggests that a sales tax could help redistribute the tax burden, especially after recent property value reassessments.

Lawson is considering starting with a 2% sales tax, which he believes could potentially reduce income tax if implemented honestly. However, he hasn't drafted a formal plan or filed a bill yet. He plans to consult with the Delaware Comptroller General's Office for further guidance.

With less than four months left in his term before retiring, Lawson is under a tight timeline if he wants to push this proposal forward in the state senate. Delaware remains one of five states without a general sales tax.

Newark City Manager Tom Coleman is set to propose a new tax on alcohol sales at the upcoming City Council meeting. This move comes as the city grapples with a challenging budget year, marked by a significant increase in police costs. Coleman believes that finding new revenue sources is crucial, as further budget cuts could impact service quality.

The proposal aims to address the financial strain caused by events like house parties, which have significantly impacted the city's police and property maintenance budgets. However, the tax's approval is uncertain, as it requires the unanimous support of the six council members present at the meeting.

If the alcohol sales tax doesn't gain traction, Coleman may revisit the idea of increasing the lodging tax or even consider a cannabis tax. Any changes would need General Assembly approval to be included in Newark's city charter.

Delaware's U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester have introduced a bill aiming to eliminate federal income taxes for individuals earning $46,000 or less. They're joined by several Democratic colleagues in this effort, dubbed the Working Americans’ Tax Cut Act, which seeks to offer permanent tax cuts to nearly 130 million Americans, including over 25 million children.

The proposed bill doesn't have any Republican co-sponsors and is expected to face an uphill battle in Congress, where Republicans hold majorities. The plan is to offset the tax cuts by increasing taxes on those earning over $1 million annually. This surtax would affect wages, salaries, and investment income.

If passed, the bill would phase out exemptions at higher income levels, providing some relief to middle-class families. However, with the current political landscape, the bill's future remains uncertain.

Delart Nights-Poetry as Activism: If My Body Could Talk at Delaware Art Museum celebrates the voices of Black and Brown women through poetry and visual art. Experience performances and an interactive multimedia exhibit, "Black Women: A Tree of Many Branches," by photographer Shannon Woodloe. DJ DomUnique will keep the energy high with her soulful grooves. Thursday at 5 PM.

Quinn Sullivan w/ Scott Tournet at Elkton Music Hall unites blues-rock prodigy Quinn Sullivan with the soulful stylings of Scott Tournet for an electrifying evening. Anticipate a night filled with soaring guitar solos and heartfelt melodies. Thursday at 8 PM.

Gaelic Storm at The Queen Wilmington brings a Celtic powerhouse to the stage, showcasing their multi-national flair after 20 years of thrilling performances. With over 2,000 shows under their belt, they continue to captivate audiences of all ages. Thursday at 8 PM.

Elvis Jackson Attraction & Shiny Metal Boxes at Elkton Music Hall delivers an exciting evening with a fusion of rockabilly flair and hard rock vibes. Prepare for a lively performance that blends the King’s influence with modern metal sounds. Friday at 8 PM.

The Collingwood w/ Special Guest Sarah Koon at Kennett Flash features a night of indie rock and Americana vibes. With Sarah Koon opening the show, anticipate a blend of soulful melodies and engaging energy. Friday at 8 PM.

Sugar Mountain at The Queen Wilmington is your chance to relive the magic of Neil Young with a tribute performance in The Main Hall. All ages are welcome, and the doors open at 7:00 PM. Friday at 8 PM.

What the Dance Presents Disco, Always: A Harry Styles Dance Night at The Queen Wilmington Get ready to party and dance all night to Harry Styles, 1D, and more at this exciting dance night. Feather boas are encouraged, and a disco energy is mandatory for a night of fun and celebration. Friday at 8 PM.

Music at the Market at the Wilmington Riverfront invites you to enjoy an afternoon of live music featuring saxophonist Vernon James Jr. at the Riverfront Market. Delight in smooth, soulful sounds while you shop, dine, and explore the Market’s diverse vendors. Saturday at 11 AM-1 PM.

Varsity Vocals Presents ICCA Mid-Atlantic Semifinal at Copeland Hall showcases the top ten collegiate a cappella groups from the Mid-Atlantic region competing for a spot at the ICCA Finals. Prepare for an evening filled with harmonies and friendly competition. Saturday at 7 PM.

Wilmington Roots Music Festival Presents: Kenny Vanella and Friends at The Queen Wilmington Celebrate 50 years of RASTAMAN VIBRATION with performances of all songs from the album. Join Glen Dacosta, Squidly Cole, and more for a night of unforgettable music. Saturday at 7 PM.

WXPN Welcomes Adam Weiner aka Low Cut Connie Solo at Elkton Music Hall presents the charismatic frontman in a solo performance, highlighting his rock 'n' roll flair and piano-driven tunes. Expect an intimate evening with stories and songs that span his eclectic career. Saturday at 8 PM.

Love You to: A Tribute to the Beatles at Kennett Flash welcomes fans of the Fab Four to relive the magic of their iconic hits. This all-ages show offers a nostalgic journey through the Beatles' legendary catalog, perfect for both lifelong fans and new listeners. Saturday at 8 PM.

The Gathering Gloom at The Queen Wilmington promises a sound and vibe as close to the real thing as possible, complete with lights, fog, and all the iconic looks. Enjoy greatest hits for casual fans and deep cuts for diehards. Saturday at 8 PM.

49th Annual First State Mini Club Show & Sale at Newark Senior Center explores the captivating world of dollhouse miniatures. Connect with hobbyists and artisans while browsing a variety of vendors offering unique miniature items. Sunday at 10 AM-4 PM.

The Grand Presents an Evening w/ Tom Rush - Accompanied by Brendan Cleary at The Baby Grand honors five decades of Tom Rush's influential career in folk and folk-rock music. Known for hits like "No Regrets" and "Urge for Going," Rush has been a guiding light for artists like James Taylor and Emmylou Harris. Accompanied by Brendan Cleary, this is a night of timeless music. Sunday at 7 PM.

Aly & AJ - Places to Run Tour 2026 at The Queen Wilmington features the sibling duo who have evolved from Disney stars to creators of country-inflected pop on their own terms. Expect a blend of vintage synth and modern electronic pop from their latest albums. Sunday at 7:30 PM.

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

51 🌡️ 34 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 5% | 💨 S 8 mph

60 🌡️ 46 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 8% | 💨 SSW 13 mph

66 🌡️ 43 | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 15% | 💨 NW 11 mph

66 🌡️ 47 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 8% | 💨 S 11 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 41ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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