Spokey Speaky Hosts Marley Tribute

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. This is the newsletter for people who prefer information over outrage.

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Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes with big life changes. Debbie Christie of The Stine Team at Northrop Realty helps Northern Delaware homeowners move forward with clarity, patience, and confidence.

With over a decade of experience and specialized training as a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Debbie is known for guiding clients through thoughtful right-sizing decisions, estate transitions, and traditional sales without pressure or rush. Her background in project management and negotiation shows up where it matters most, keeping transactions organized, calm, and on track.

Much of Debbie’s work comes from referrals, which says a lot about how she treats people. If you are thinking about your next chapter and want steady, experienced guidance, Debbie is someone worth talking to.

Learn more and see if a conversation makes sense for you.

Some of you are city people, some are firmly suburban, and a few are cheering from just over the line. It’s been a while, so let’s take a fresh look at where everyone is based.

Spokey Speaky is back this Friday, January 30, for their 14th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Concert. The Wilmington reggae band is rolling in with an expanded lineup and a setlist full of Marley favorites, from feel-good singalongs to deep tracks true fans will love.

They’ve opened for icons like Jimmy Cliff and The Wailers, and they always bring a crowd. If you need a little warmth in the middle of winter, this is the show to catch.

Grab your tickets before the place fills up.

City of Newark officials are urging residents to steer clear of the iced-over Newark Reservoir. Despite the inviting appearance, the ice poses serious safety risks, and authorities are concerned about reports of people attempting to cross it.

The cold snap has led to parts of the reservoir freezing, and on a recent snow day, some kids ventured onto the ice, prompting a police response. Officers quickly arrived and ensured everyone was safe, with no injuries reported.

The city stresses the danger of rapidly changing ice conditions and reminds everyone that the reservoir's icy waters could become life-threatening in seconds. Stay safe and keep off the ice.

The Delaware DMV is shaking up its schedule starting Monday, February 2, 2026. The department will close to the public 30 minutes earlier each day to allow time for end-of-day processing and procedures.

The new hours are Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, the Karen L. Johnson DMV facility in Wilmington is undergoing repairs and will stay closed throughout February.

If you need to handle DMV business, remember that many services are available online 24/7 through myDMV.delaware.gov. Keep an eye out for any holiday-related changes to these hours.

Newark's own University of Delaware is diving into the world of stablecoins with a virtual event titled “Stablecoins and the Future of Banking.” Set for February 18, the session will feature Jack Jacobs from Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin. This beginner-friendly event aims to shed light on what stablecoins are and why they're catching the eye of banks and payment companies.

The webinar promises to cover a range of topics, including how stablecoins work, their current uses, and the regulatory landscape. It’s designed to provide a clear understanding without getting too technical, making it accessible for anyone curious about this digital asset.

Interested participants need to register by February 16 to receive the Zoom link. It's a chance to get a handle on stablecoins and their potential role in the future of banking.

When snow blankets Delaware, school superintendents like Dr. Jeff Menzer have big decisions to make about closures, delays, or virtual days. These calls often come before 5:30 a.m., based on road assessments by transportation teams and input from facilities staff.

Delaware schools must balance instructional hours with safety. While some districts opt for virtual learning to maintain their schedules, others like Colonial School District stick to traditional snow days, citing limited success with virtual classrooms post-pandemic.

As the snow season continues, school leaders hope to avoid extending the school year by using built-in snow days effectively. The debate over traditional versus virtual snow days remains lively among districts and families alike.

Researchers at ChristianaCare’s Gene Editing Institute in Wilmington have made strides in tackling drug-resistant cancers. Using CRISPR technology, they aim to disrupt the NRF2 gene, which plays a role in chemotherapy resistance, particularly in head and neck cancers.

The team found that targeting specific areas within the NRF2 gene can significantly increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Their work, although still in the preclinical stage, shows promise for potentially treating other cancers where NRF2 is overactive.

Next up, the researchers are focused on finding safe delivery methods for these gene-editing tools. The goal is to make treatments more effective with potentially fewer side effects, offering new hope for patients facing drug-resistant tumors.

The Christina School District is gearing up to fill a vacant school board seat in Wilmington, previously held by Shannon Troncoso. Two candidates, Celita Cherry and Joseph Lewis, are in the running and will be interviewed during a public meeting on February 5 at Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy.

Cherry, a self-empowerment coach, and Lewis, a former teacher, bring different backgrounds to the table. Cherry emphasizes her advocacy work and parental insights, while Lewis highlights his teaching experience, particularly with students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The board will consider their responses and community input before making an appointment during their February 10 meeting, according to Spotlight Delaware. The new appointee will serve until the next election in the spring.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced that E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, The Chemours Company, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and Corteva, Inc. have agreed to pay an additional $25 million. This payment is part of Delaware's July 2021 settlement with these companies over environmental issues.

The funds are earmarked to support efforts by the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Their focus is on assessing PFAS exposure, enhancing health research, and reducing risks, especially in communities historically affected by contamination.

Delaware's environmental investigation continues, with ongoing efforts against other defendants related to PFAS and PCB contamination. Keep an eye out for future updates on these developments.

Delaware is buzzing with debate over whether Delmarva Power should be allowed to generate its own electricity. State Sen. Stephanie Hansen, chair of the Senate Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee, is leading discussions on possibly overturning a decades-old law that prevents Delmarva from owning power generation sites. This comes amid rising energy costs and complaints primarily from Delmarva customers, as reported by Spotlight Delaware.

Delmarva Power argues that generating its own power could help meet the increasing demand, driven by data centers and electric vehicles. However, consumer advocates and renewable energy groups raise concerns about potential monopolistic practices and unnecessary spending. The state legislature has not yet made any formal decisions, but discussions are ongoing with Hansen's Energy Stakeholders Group to weigh the pros and cons of such a move.

The urgency is palpable as energy prices continue to climb, but Hansen emphasizes the need for a thorough consideration of all perspectives before making any changes.

Wilmington City Council is set to discuss a new ordinance that would prevent water service shut-offs for seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children. This proposal, drafted by Councilmember Shané Darby, aims to protect vulnerable groups from losing access to water due to unpaid bills.

Darby has been advocating for changes to water affordability in Wilmington for five years, but previous attempts to pass similar measures have not succeeded. She argues that the city's current approach is too punitive and that more proactive solutions are needed to help residents pay their bills.

The ordinance will first be reviewed by the Finance and Economic Development Committee on February 2, with a full Council vote expected later in the month. Meanwhile, Wilmington has paused water shut-offs due to system changes, providing a temporary reprieve for residents.

Laugh & Run: An Evening of Stand-Up Comedy… and Running at Kennett Flash promises a unique blend of laughter and fitness for ages 16 and up. Get ready to enjoy stand-up comedy with a twist that will keep you on your toes. Thursday at 7:30 PM.

Gabe Dixon w/ Special Guest Hepner's Rebellion at Elkton Music Hall presents an unforgettable night of soulful melodies and dynamic performances. Gabe Dixon's piano-driven rock blends seamlessly with Hepner's Rebellion's unique sound. Thursday at 8 PM.

Mike Cannon at The Queen Wilmington brings his New York City humor to Wilmington. Known for his sold-out shows and popular podcast, Chrissy Chaos, Mike ensures a night of laughter and entertainment. Thursday at 8 PM.

Spokey Speaky at The Queen Wilmington returns for their 14th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Concert, delivering a full night of Marley music with an expanded band. Expect everything from sing-along classics to deep cut fan favorites. Friday at 8 PM.

Rust: Neil Young Tribute at Elkton Music Hall celebrates the timeless music of Neil Young with a captivating tribute performance. Fans can expect an evening filled with classic hits and heartfelt renditions. Friday at 8 PM.

Bostyx: The Ultimate Tribute to Boston & Styx at Elkton Music Hall features the classic rock hits of Boston and Styx with spot-on vocals and musicianship. Fans will enjoy an evening filled with iconic songs and high-energy performances. Saturday at 8 PM.

Metal Night: Here Again, New Damage, Lowball at Kennett Flash is the perfect evening for metal enthusiasts to enjoy a high-energy show featuring three dynamic bands. With tickets ranging from $15 to $18, it's an all-ages event that promises an unforgettable night of music. Saturday at 7 PM.

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

23 🌡️ 7 | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 4% | 💨 WNW 15 mph

21 🌡️ 5 | ☀️ Mostly Sunny | 5% | 💨 WNW 12 mph

24 🌡️ 14 | ⛅ Increasing Clouds | 5% | 💨 NNW 10 mph

24 🌡️ 16 | 🌨️ Cloudy, Flurries Possible | 16% | 💨 NNW 18 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 38ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

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