North Wilmington Is Getting a New Grocery Store

Rise and Shine, 302. We scrolled, filtered, and trimmed it down. Here’s what matters.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Lidl is moving into the old Rite Aid at Marsh and Silverside

• Mrs. Doubtfire musical lands at The Grand in Wilmington this week

• Delaware launches a new way to pass down your home without probate

Let’s get to it

QUICK POLL

🥦 Lettuce settle this

You’ve tried the rest, but one has your heart (and your grocery budget).

NEWS YOU CAN USE

🐾 Delaware’s best doggy daycares, all in one list

Need a go-to spot for your pup? Delaware Today has a full guide to doggy daycares and pet boarding options across the state, covering everything from luxury suites to cozy in-home care. Whether you're looking for daily playtime or an overnight stay, you'll find plenty of choices.

In New Castle County, popular spots include Camp Bow Wow, Dogtopia, and The Doggie Playhouse. Middletown Veterinary Hospital offers a full pet resort, and Newark has local favorites like Playtime Doggie Daycare and Bellawood Kennels.

This is a great bookmark if you’ve got travel plans or just want your furry friend to make new friends.

🚶‍♀️ More patrols, more safety on Main Street

Heads up, Newark drivers and pedestrians: UD and Newark police just got a $15,000 grant to boost pedestrian safety enforcement near campus. Expect more officers out on Main Street and Delaware Avenue, watching for things like jaywalking, speeding, and running red lights.

The goal is education first, with brochures and conversations, but tickets will be handed out when needed. This all follows a tragic crash in April that sparked a renewed focus on road safety in Newark.

Safe streets take teamwork, and both pedestrians and drivers have a part to play.

🎃 Trunk or Treats roll into New Castle County

Skip the sidewalks and head for the trunks. A handful of fun, family-friendly Trunk or Treat events are coming to New Castle County this Halloween season.

The Bear-Glasgow YMCA’s big Fall Festival is happening on Oct. 25, with bounce houses, costume contests, and trunk-or-treating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Oct. 29, New Castle County Police will host another event at Route 9 Library from 6 to 8 p.m., complete with pumpkin decorating and face painting.

These events offer a safe and festive way to celebrate without going door to door.

IN BUSINESS

🛒 Lidl is moving into North Wilmington

Say goodbye to the empty Rite Aid at Marsh and Silverside. Lidl is taking over the space, with plans to open its newest Delaware store in late 2026.

This marks Lidl’s fourth store in the state, joining Middletown, Dover, and the long-delayed Bear location that finally opened this summer. The German grocer keeps it simple with its own brand of staples, a bakery, and that fun middle aisle full of surprises.

If you love Aldi, you’ll probably be into Lidl too. The more grocery options, the better, right?

✈️ Avelo Airlines makes big jet deal with Embraer

Avelo Airlines just announced a $4.4 billion order for up to 100 new jets from Embraer. This makes Avelo the first U.S. airline to fly the E195-E2, a fuel-efficient plane that can take off from shorter runways, opening the door to both busy airports and smaller cities.

Deliveries start in 2027. Passengers can expect 2x2 seating, in-seat power, more overhead space, and a quieter ride. The E195-E2 will give Avelo more flexibility as it grows beyond its current Boeing 737 fleet.

More destinations from Wilmington? We’ll be watching closely.

📉 Delaware’s unemployment rate inches up

For the first time in a while, Delaware’s jobless rate now matches the national average at 4.3%. That’s a slight bump from 4.1% in July and up from just 3.7% this time last year.

The bright side? We’re still adding jobs in healthcare, education, retail, and even construction. Professional services and finance, though, saw some losses.

If you’re job hunting or hiring, it’s a mixed bag. But at least the labor market’s still moving.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🏠 New way to pass down property coming this December

Starting December 4, all three Delaware counties will begin accepting Transfer on Death deeds, giving homeowners a way to pass real estate directly to heirs without going through probate.

The new law lets you name a beneficiary on your deed who inherits your home automatically after your death. You still keep full control of the property while you're alive and can revoke or change the deed anytime. Just make sure you’re using the right form and talk to a lawyer before filing.

This could be a helpful option for families looking to avoid complicated estate issues down the line.

⚖️ Delaware Supreme Court to weigh in on key corporate cases

Delaware’s top court is preparing to hear two high-profile cases that could shape the future of corporate law in the state. One involves Elon Musk’s appeal over a $56 billion pay package from Tesla. The other challenges the constitutionality of Senate Bill 21, a law passed earlier this year that limits when investors can sue corporate executives.

With Delaware serving as the legal home for millions of companies, these rulings may have a broad impact on business governance and investor rights. They could also influence how companies view Delaware as a corporate hub.

Decisions are expected later this fall.

🤖 Delaware teams up with OpenAI to boost tech skills

Delaware is partnering with OpenAI to become the first state to join its national certification program. The goal is to help students, teachers, and workers build real-world AI skills they can use on the job, even without a college degree.

The Office of Workforce Development is working with schools and employers to identify pilot sites, with plans to launch the program statewide by the end of the year. Certifications will cover everything from basic workplace tools to advanced applications.

It’s a forward-thinking move that could give Delaware’s workforce a competitive edge.

OPENING ACTS & EXHIBITS

On Mondays, opening acts and exhibits are listed here when they debut. After that, you'll find individual dates in the regular Theatre/Arts listings.

🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire takes the stage in Wilmington

Get ready for laughs, heart, and a whole lot of clever disguises. The Grand’s Playhouse is bringing the hit musical “Mrs. Doubtfire” to Wilmington from September 26 to 28.

Based on the beloved film, this stage version follows Daniel Hillard, an out-of-work actor who transforms into a quirky Scottish nanny to stay close to his kids. With big songs, quick changes, and plenty of comedy, it’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that critics are calling “rip-roaringly funny” and “big-hearted.”

A great pick if you want to laugh, maybe cry a little, and leave smiling.

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

DOG OF THE WEEK

Say hello to Mahomes 🐾

At just over a year old, Mahomes is already living up to his superstar name. This big, beautiful boy is what we call a gentle giant. He’s independent, but when you win him over with a treat and some kind words, you’ll see his soft side shine through.

Mahomes loves the simple things: a cool breeze, soft grass under his paws, and the satisfaction of a good snack. He’s got a calm, soulful presence that makes you want to sit down beside him and just take in the day.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion with both size and heart, Mahomes might just be your guy.

Meet him at the BVSPCA’s New Castle campus.

THE HAPPENINGS

Tuesday

VinTage Jazz at Brandywine Mills Plaza – Step back in time with an evening of vintage jazz, celebrating classic sounds and timeless style in a relaxed outdoor setting. Tuesday, September 23rd at 5 PM.

Wednesday

Lunchtime Concert on the Arts Center Patio at Bellevue State Park brings a mellow midday music break to your week. Pack a lunch and settle in for a live performance by 🎸The Honey Badgers in the fresh air of the music garden or patio. Wednesday, September 24th at 12:00 PM.

DBT 40 Under 40 Awards Reception at The Waterfall – Delaware Business Times honors its 2025 class of 40 Under 40, recognizing young professionals making an impact in business and the community. Wednesday, September 24th from 5:30–8 PM. An evening of networking, celebration, and inspiration.

Malina Moye at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange – Guitar virtuoso and genre-bending powerhouse Malina Moye brings her electrifying mix of funk, rock, and soul to the Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series. Wednesday, September 24th at 6 PM. Bring a chair and get ready to groove under the open sky.

Thursday

Sip & Stroll at the Brandywine Zoo – Enjoy an evening walk through the zoo with live music by Gunpowder Lane, food from The Stand, and local craft drinks at this family-friendly happy hour. Thursday, September 25th from 5–7:30 PM.

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

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

79 🌡️ 62 | ☀️ Sunny | 3% | 💨 SE 8 mph

Tuesday

83 🌡️ 66 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 9% | 💨 SSW 10 mph

Wednesday

79 🌡️ 68 | ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | 24% | 💨 NE 6 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 72ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

THE NOT SO SHORTLISTS

• 🥳 Casual Plans

• 🌽 Farmers Markets

• 🧒 For the Kids

• 🧘 Health & Wellness

• 🎶 Live Music

• 🎭 Theatre/Arts 

• 🎨 Workshops & Classes

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