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- Toll Increases Coming for Delaware Drivers in 2025
Toll Increases Coming for Delaware Drivers in 2025
New toll rates will impact beachgoers, longtime Pike Creek pharmacy shutting down, Delaware may end ban on wine delivery
Above the Canal
June 23, 2025
Rise and Shine, 302. 99 today. 101 tomorrow. 98 after that. Go ahead and push those errands to next week. Set the bar low and the thermostat lower.
Your 302 Rundown:
Higher Tolls Ahead for Delaware Roads
Linden Hill Walgreens to Close Permanently July 29
Bill Would Legalize Direct Wine Shipments to Homes
Let’s get to it
NEWS YOU CAN USE
🛣️ Toll hikes coming — especially for out-of-staters
DelDOT just unveiled a plan to raise tolls later this year, with out-of-state drivers taking the biggest hit. Weekend trips on Route 1 could cost non-Delawareans up to $24 roundtrip — compared to $8 for in-state E-ZPass users.
Tolls on I-95 and Route 301 are going up, too, by about $1 in most cases. DelDOT says it’s trying to make up for lost gas tax revenue as more drivers go electric.
Still no start date — but your beach budget might need a little extra cushion.
💸 New Castle man wins $50K lottery jackpot
A 52-year-old New Castle man just won $50,000 playing the Delaware Lottery’s PLAY 5 game using his late father’s birthday to pick the numbers. He bought the ticket at the Shell on New Castle Ave., just days after discovering a serious roof leak he couldn’t afford to fix.
Two days of praying and one lucky draw later, he’s got enough for a new roof.
A little Delaware magic when it mattered most
🎭 Shakespeare gets a Latin twist at Rockwood
This summer’s Delaware Shakespeare Festival is bringing big energy and bilingual flair to Rockwood Park. Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras runs July 17–Aug 3 and reimagines the classic comedy with Spanish, English, and a little “Fake-speare” — plus live music and Latin American influences.
It’s the first outdoor musical for Del Shakes, and they’re going all in with family nights, pay-what-you-will Wednesdays, and even a relaxed, shush-free performance.
Perfect for theater lovers and first-timers alike. Come curious, and don’t forget the bug spray.
🔭 UD scientists help launch history-making space survey
The universe is about to get a whole lot clearer — and the University of Delaware is right in the mix. Starting later this year, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile will begin the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, the most ambitious sky-mapping project ever attempted.
UD researchers Federica Bianco, John Gizis, and David Hong are playing key roles, from strategy to AI-powered data analysis. Over 10 years, the observatory will scan the Southern Hemisphere's night sky and collect a staggering amount of data — revealing stars, supernovas, and who-knows-what-else.
It’s a global collaboration with Delaware brainpower — and it kicks off June 23 with a public watch party on campus.
IN BUSINESS
🏥 Pike Creek Walgreens closing after decades
Big change in The Shops of Linden Hill — the Walgreens at 4575 Linden Hill Rd is closing for good on July 29. If you’ve been filling prescriptions there since it was a Happy Harry’s (yes, really), it’s time to transfer them to another location.
The store’s still open for everyday shopping, but not for long.
Just a routine stop for many — but one that’s been part of the neighborhood for years.
🔗 Can Delaware lead in blockchain again?
Delaware was once the trailblazer in blockchain law — the first to legally recognize it for corporate use. But after a strong start in 2015, momentum fizzled. Now, a group of local attorneys is calling for a volunteer blockchain task force to reboot the effort.
They say the infrastructure is still in place and Delaware’s corporate clout gives it a unique edge. With no cost to the state, the task force would explore use cases, shape policy, and keep the First State in the tech game.
It’s a bit niche, but if Delaware reclaims its spot on the digital frontier, it could mean big things for business.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🚪 Bill could wipe old evictions off your record
Delaware lawmakers are considering a bill that would let some people clear past evictions from their public record. To qualify, the eviction has to be at least five years old, debts must be paid, and there can’t be any new filings in that time.
Supporters say the bill could help families rebuild after hardship. Critics argue the process might be too complicated to benefit many renters.
The bill passed the Senate and is now headed to the House floor — one to watch if housing’s on your radar.
🍷 Wine to your doorstep? Delaware might finally say yes
A new bill could finally let wineries ship wine directly to Delaware homes. The proposal, which just cleared committee, would allow licensed producers to send up to three cases per household each year — with ID checks and delivery rules in place.
Delaware and Utah are the only states that still ban this, and supporters say it's time to catch up. Some groups want retailers included too, but lawmakers are calling this a starting point.
If it passes, your next bottle of cabernet might arrive right at your door — legally.
🥞 Bill would give all public school kids free breakfast
A new proposal in Dover would make breakfast free for every public school student in Delaware, regardless of family income. House Bill 91, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, passed out of committee and would use existing state funds to expand breakfast access to schools not covered by federal programs.
The lunch portion was dropped to reduce costs, and no lawmakers spoke against the revised bill during the hearing.
Supporters say it’s a step toward addressing food insecurity. Lawmakers will now decide if it’s the right move — and the right time.
💡 New program offers $6.5M in utility bill help
Gov. Matt Meyer just announced a $6.5 million boost for Delaware families struggling with energy bills. The funding will expand the Home Energy Check-Up and Counseling Program (HEC²), offering bill credits and energy-saving support to around 20,000 residents.
To qualify, households must earn up to 350% of the federal poverty level and be behind on payments — no new laws or paperwork delays.
The state says the program is designed to offer both immediate relief and long-term savings.
THE HAPPENINGS
Monday
Summer Concert Series at Rockford Park features Kid Davis and the Bullets, delivering a lively mix of Americana, rockabilly, and roots music with Delaware flair. Monday, June 23 at 6:30 PM at Rockford Park, Wilmington. Settle in on the lawn for a night of music from local legends and Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
Tuesday
Rhythm & Brews offers a perfect summer pairing of live music and craft beer under the evening sky. Tuesday, June 24 from 6–8 PM at 8934 Gap Newport Pike, Landenberg, PA—bring a chair, grab a brew, and enjoy the vibe.
Wednesday
Lunchtime Concert Series welcomes Stevie and the Bluescasters for an hour of acoustic blues and roots music sure to brighten your midday. Wednesday, June 25 from 12:15–1:15 PM at the Hare Overlook Pavilion, Riverfront Wilmington. Lunch + live blues? The perfect midweek combo.
Summer Nights at Hagley returns for another relaxing evening of after-work strolls, food trucks, and Dogfish Head craft brews. Wednesday, June 25 from 5–8 PM at the Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington—bring a picnic, the kids, and even the dog for this family-friendly night out.
Summer Concert Series at White Clay keeps the rhythm going with Exit 93, a five-piece dance band bringing high-energy hits and infectious grooves to the stage. Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 PM at the Carpenter Recreation Area, White Clay Creek State Park—grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a fun night out.
Wednesday Night Summer Concerts in Battery Park roll on with the Witchdoctors taking the stage for an evening of lively tunes and local flavor. Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 PM at Battery Park, New Castle. Free show, good company — all you need is something to sit on.
Summer Music Series continues with a high-energy set from Bassel and the Supernaturals, blending funk, soul, and jazz into one irresistible groove. Wednesday, June 25 at 7 PM at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange, 1509 Clifford Brown Walk, Wilmington—come early for food and fun starting at 6 PM. Settle in for the groove — seating is bring-your-own.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Monday
99 🌡️ 78 | ☀️ | 4% | 💨 NNW 8 mph
Tuesday
101 🌡️ 78 | ☀️ | 3% | 💨 NW 9 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 71°F
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.
Monday, June 23
Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30—10 PM
Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7—9 PM
Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM
The Candlelight Theatre | Candlelight Quizzo | 6:30 PM
Tuesday, June 24
Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9:00 PM
Bellefonte Brewing Company | Music Bingo | 7—9 PM
Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8—11 PM
Finnegan’s Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM
Grain Exchange | Jeopardy Bar League | 6—8 PM
Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7—9 PM
Grain KSQ | Whole Grain Drag Bingo! | 7—9 PM
Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM
Homebase | Harry Potter Trivia | 8 PM
Patriots Glen Golf Club | Quizzo | 6—8 PM
Tom Foolerys | Music Video Bingo | 8—10 PM
Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7—9 PM
LIVE MUSIC
Monday, June 23
Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 7—11 PM
Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM
Chesapeake Inn | Eric Paul Levy | 6—9 PM
Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6—11:45 PM
Rockford Park Concert Stage | Kid Davis & The Bullets | 6:30 PM
Tuesday, June 24
Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6—8 PM
Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6—9 PM
Christiana Hilton | Chris & Dave | 6—9 PM
Christiana Pub | Karaoke Night | 8 PM—12 AM
Elkton Music Hall | John Nemeth Band w/ Blues Reincarnation Project | 8 PM
St. Georges Country Store | Roger Girke & the Country Store Allstars | 6—9 PM
The Opulent | Karaoke/Open Mic Night w/ DJ Smoove | 6—10 PM
Trolley Square Oyster House | Alfi | 7—10 PM
Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Open Mic Night | 6 PM
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