Dennis Assanis — who has led the University of Delaware since 2016 during a unique period of transformation and growth — announced today that he will step down from the presidency on June 30 led the University with a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success and a determination to translate knowledge into beneficial impact for all renowned scholar and seasoned administrator Assanis has energized the University as a hub for global education and engagement expanding resources and opportunities for students faculty and staff to thrive in a rapidly changing world and I are so grateful to everyone in the University of Delaware community whom it has been my distinct honor to serve as president Our hearts are filled with gratitude and pride,” said Assanis “UD is a remarkable place with a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary inspiration to reimagine what’s possible in higher education I will forever treasure my experience of leading such an extraordinary institution defined by amazing students dedicated staff and a vast network of loyal alumni and friends who support its mission.” “I want to thank Dennis Assanis for his inspiring leadership and service as the University of Delaware’s 28th president His tireless commitment and bold vision have been transformative advancing the University to new levels of accomplishment As we look ahead to the next chapter in the University’s leadership President Assanis’ legacy of purpose-driven positive change will forever have an impact on UD’s continued future of institutional excellence We wish him and Eleni nothing but the best for their future.” Kelly said the announcement of an interim president to serve beginning July 1 will be forthcoming Assanis collaborated with leaders across the University to solidify and advance the Forward and Forever strategic plan designed to position UD for continued excellence With its foundational commitment to student success and ongoing investment in the intellectual and physical capital of the University community the strategic plan presented a robust vision for a campus on the move News & World Report included 13 programs ranked among the top 50 Some key outcomes of President Assanis’ leadership and influence include: Assanis introduced initiatives aimed at expanding access affordability and pathways to success for all students as well as improving pipeline programs and lifelong learning opportunities His prioritization of academic excellence has translated to an impressive four-year graduation rate that has placed UD ninth in the nation among other public R1 institutions as reported in the IPEDS 2022-23 Graduation Rate Survey undergraduate financial aid at UD has increased by more than 95% since 2016 applications to the University achieved record levels translating to all-time high enrollments across all categories of students (in-state this is the sixth consecutive year that UD has received a record number of first-year student applications now exceeding 41,000 and 50% more than when Assanis started his tenure In addition, to enhance socioeconomic mobility and student success, he introduced the First State Promise program which aims to cover all tuition and fees for Delawarean undergraduate students coming from families with incomes under $75,000 About one-third of enrolled Delawareans are covered by First State Promise enrollment of Pell-eligible students has increased by more than 34% and enrollment of underrepresented minority students has increased by more than 30%.  Assanis fostered transformational growth of UD’s research Total research expenditures from all sources increased by more than 160% from $176 million in FY16 to $466 million in FY24 UD’s rankings in the most recent Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey released by the National Science Foundation improved from #59 to #28 among publics and from #84 to #45 among 626 academic institutions when comparing non-medical school R&D expenditures Research and scholarship have expanded across various disciplines evolving through interdisciplinary collaboration One catalyst for growth has been UD’s role as headquarters for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), which Assanis helped secure in 2016 UD has created and/or renewed multiple interdisciplinary centers and institutes in innovative materials Assanis has also worked closely with various campus stakeholders to support numerous and emerging campus-wide artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives in academics He also created a policy to invest campus resources in support of the growth of the Arts and Humanities emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the University and the importance of holistic education deans and chairs to spearhead an unprecedented effort to enhance UD’s faculty ranks hiring more than 600 faculty across campus since 2016 including several in interdisciplinary clusters About 45% of current faculty members have been hired since 2016 energy and diversity to UD’s distinguished faculty ranks Their collaborative efforts have yielded multi-year faculty hiring plans to meet projected demand for undergraduate and graduate student instruction across multiple departments and colleges at the University based on growth in enrollment and research opportunities the STAR Campus community is accelerating innovation in health financial technology and data science services rapidly elevating UD’s prominence and impact as a 21st-century research university laboratories and significant spaces for music theater and dance; the opening of the South Academy Residence Hall; and the acquisition of the University Courtyard apartments Assanis significantly advanced University relationships with multiple constituents throughout his presidency yielding consistent increase in philanthropy and federal and state appropriations for capital projects Assanis brought a strategic and deliberate approach to philanthropic development crafting a vision and case statements in support of institutional priorities and capital projects the Office of Development and Alumni Relations and multiple units across campus Assanis prioritized deep relationships with major philanthropic donors and prospects to support life-changing UD initiatives in alignment with institutional evolution and impact and the Siegfried Institute for Leadership and Free Enterprise as part of UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics During his time at the University of Delaware, Assanis served the White House as an appointed member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and he served on the National Commission on Innovation and Competitiveness Frontiers an initiative of the nonprofit and nonpartisan Council on Competitiveness Assanis served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Stony Brook University in New York Earlier he had a distinguished career at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign With a worldwide reputation as a scholar and expert in both fundamental and applied studies of internal combustion engines and energy systems he was inducted as a member of the National Academy of Engineers in 2008 for his scientific contributions to improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of internal combustion engines and for promoting automotive engineering education He holds five patents and has directed more than $100 million in research grants and contracts He holds an honors bachelor of science degree with distinction in marine engineering from Newcastle University in England and four degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: a master of science in naval architecture and marine engineering a master of science in mechanical engineering a master of science in management from the Sloan School of Management and a doctorate in power and propulsion.  See More Stories Contact us at ocm@udel.edu Contact us at 302-831-NEWS or visit the Media Relations website 2025 5:03PMUniversity leaders say the announcement of an interim president to serve beginning July 1 will be forthcoming.NEWARK (WPVI) -- The University of Delaware's president will be stepping down next month Dennis Assanis has led the school since 2016 and will leave his position on June 30 University leaders say the announcement of an interim president to serve beginning July 1 will be forthcoming 2025 10:24AMA police officer in Delaware County was hit by a vehicle (WPVI) -- A police officer in Delaware County was hit by a vehicle It happened on the 800 block of Main Street in Darby Borough It's not clear what the initial call was for or why the driver hit the officer but the vehicle in question was stopped nearby That driver was taken into custody for a suspended license The police officer was treated at the scene We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at wboc@wboc.com or call us at 410-749-1111 – Maryland State Police have arrested a Delaware man in connection with a fatal June 2024 shooting in Salisbury 28-year-old Fernando Medino-Moreta of Lincoln is charged with first- and second-degree murder He is currently being held in Delaware and awaiting extradition Salisbury Police responded to the 700 block of East Nayor Mill Road for a reported shooting Officers found 23-year-old Franklin Abraham Perez Rodriguez suffering gunshot wounds He was taken to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital Medino-Moreta was arrested after an anonymous caller phoned in a tip to Delaware State Police The caller told investigators that a man wanted in connection with a Maryland homicide was in a parking lot in Millsboro Troopers responded and placed Medino-Moreta under arrest Because Local Matters – Delaware State Police are investigating a drive-by shooting in the Rodney Village area of Dover troopers responded to a home on the 300 block of Samuel Paynter Drive for a report of shots fired Investigators say a vehicle pulled up in front of the home before its occupants fired multiple gunshots and fled the area Investigators say the motive for the shooting remains unclear Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact police at 302-698-8521 Way back in 1787, Delaware was the first state to join the US yet fewer than a million people currently call the state home yet it has the diversity any traveler would need to keep their curiosity piqued: a short but lively stretch of ocean coastline impressive state parks with dazzling sunset views In a state packed with hundreds of years of history there is no shortage of quirky and interesting places to be explored This tiny little town near the Pennsylvania border should not easily be overlooked by anyone wanting to visit a place that truly embodies the word "quirky," because Arden is home to a diverse array of delightful people a store whose signage explains that they are "The Gallery of the Peculiar and the Bizarre Delaware's first and only gallery and shop for needful things," contains all sorts of fascinating things Once you are done shopping tax-free (which you can do throughout the entire state of Delaware a cool show or concert will most likely be scheduled at the local community center where their Gild Hall maintains a fully booked schedule of events from Shakespeare plays to performances by local musicians and poets as well as eccentric art and craft vendors when the annual Arden Fair has been held for the last 116 years Another unusual spot is Delaware City most notably home to Fort Delaware State Park There are multiple scenic areas to relax here If you want to learn more about Delaware's military history Delaware City is also the perfect location for that; take a ferry across the Delaware River to Pea Patch Island and embark on a guided historical tour of the Civil War era fort which was originally built in 1859 and subsequently used as a Prisoner of War containment camp for Confederate soldiers many of whom were detained after the notorious Battle of Gettysburg it may be of interest that it is said that the fort is haunted If you make your way to Delaware City in October ghost tours of Fort Delaware are avaible and led by a professional paranormal investigation team equipped with an array of modern ghost-hunting technology to give you the full experience and there is a decidedly quirky spot to indulge in that craving in Milton there is an attractive downtown in Milton packed with Victorian buildings which have stood the test of time These include local favorites King's Ice Cream Parlor which has been a cultural and artistic hub for the community for over a century Since many landmarks in Milton are historic Dogfish Head Brewery's Steampunk Treehouse sculpture is a very exotic sight to behold Guests at the brewery can check out the futuristic while drinking a delicious beer or having a snack there happens to be a second piece of equally weird If you visit the Eagles Crest-Hudson Airport a UFO-shaped residence that a tenant actually occupies Compared to the Victorian homes in residential Milton which looks like it landed on the edge of the airfield If you are looking for a different sort of Delaware pit stop that you can bring your kids along to this strangely named little town is perfect to add to your itinerary Wyoming was originally built along the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1850's it has experienced many population surges since then despite receiving many visitors to its most engaging local attraction it is also commonly known as the Peach State since historically the peach has been a significant contributing factor to the state's economic success Wyoming is home to the staple peach farm in the state where thousands of families flock every year during warm months to the lovely family-owned farm you can cultivate an enchanting memory for your family by picking your own produce The orchard also hosts a Fall Festival and Spring Festival every year and Wyoming itself offers an annual Peach Festival Often referenced as the first town in the First State, Lewes was settled in the 1630s by Dutch immigrants who established a whaling and trading post they called Swanendael is named after the old settlement and is an important exhibition of the area's legacy going back hundreds of years The museum is home to many fascinating and educational displays but its arguably most quirky permanent resident is a mermaid The Zwaanendael Mermaid is a "Fiji mermaid," which means it is more than likely a cleverly combined taxidermy specimen of both a monkey and a fish you can visit the Lewes Historical Society or the Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House if you would like to see what nature has to offer in the town grab an ice cream cone at the iconic Hopkins Farm Creamery and wander on down to the Cape Henlopen State Park to see the beautiful lighthouse there You can even take a Pirate Expedition Tour down the canal The historic side of the town of New Castle this area is known for its original 18th-century architecture and picturesque riverfront park A stop in this neighborhood is like taking a leap into a time travel portal Take a walking tour down the cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks to be truly immersed in the experience of early America Just a few essential stops in this ancient town include The Amstel House which has been restored and maintained throughout the centuries to remain intact where you will be genuinely immersed in prerevolutionary culture a restaurant and bar inside a building that was originally constructed in 1674 and has held onto its old-world charm For some fresh air and history intertwined exploring the riverfront Battery Park and the First State National Historical Park is a must It is impossible to discuss US history without acknowledging the Native Americans who were there long before any European settlements, and Millsboro is unique in the state of Delaware for offering the state's only dedicated museum centered around Native American history The Nanticoke Indian Museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts not specific to who were originally known as the Kuskarawaok Tribe and were local to the Chesapeake Bay area The museum aims to educate locals and tourists alike about the Nanticoke Tribe as well as general Native American cultural history in the Northeastern region of the US The museum has a gift shop where you can contribute to their good cause by purchasing handmade and original Native crafts and jewelry You can also explore the nearby Indian River and the Bay both of which were likely named for the tribes who exclusively called the area home prior to the 1680s another local spot may pique your interest this small art gallery is focused on using recycled materials to create new and beautiful art pieces The gallery doubles as a shop where you can purchase handmade pieces to use as unique decorations for your yard or home but it is not to be underestimated when it comes to variety and diverse expeditions everything from 1800s Victorian to futuristic steampunk and alien dominions You can expand your historical knowledge by visiting museums covering an array of compelling topics while sharing space with supernatural inhabitants like Civil War spirits and mermaids the First State should certainly not be last on your travel list photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Are you ready for your tiniest students to be free from 8 a.m And children will soon have nothing but the warm months of summer ahead of them it certainly could be time to start asking: When is the last day of school in Delaware that's coming by the first and second weeks of June Here we'll layout the final day of studies just for students across Delaware's public school districts, according to Delaware Department of Education's calendar. For a complete list for public charter schools, DDOE has another calendar online Most high school seniors graduate before the last day of school so this doesn't reflect their commencements set to come Prom 2025: Check out styles, highlights from Delaware proms Summer childcare: Vacation is approaching. Is your child ready to stay home alone? What to consider Contact Kelly Powers at 231-622-2191 or kepowers@gannett.com First State Update Delaware's News Authority | Delaware Breaking News | Local News Delaware State Police have arrested a Seaford man wanted in connection with a 2024 homicide in Maryland following a joint operation between the Delaware State Police and the Millsboro Police Department was apprehended during a traffic stop on northbound DuPont Boulevard near Avenue of Honor Road in Millsboro Authorities had received a tip earlier that evening that Medina-Moreta was parked outside a business on Centerview Drive He was located driving a dark gray Honda Accord with Delaware tags and taken into custody without incident A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm Glock handgun concealed under the driver’s seat The firearm was later confirmed to have been reported stolen from Pennsylvania Medina-Moreta was transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 and formally charged with multiple felony offenses including Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,500 cash bail He remains in custody pending extradition to Maryland Authorities in Maryland identified Medina-Moreta as the primary suspect in the June 10 shooting death of Franklin Abraham Perez Rodriguez The fatal shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m Rodriguez was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital the incident began as a physical altercation between Medina-Moreta and Rodriguez Medina-Moreta allegedly drew a firearm and shot Rodriguez before fleeing police said He is currently charged in Maryland with first- and second-degree murder and related offenses The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from the Salisbury Police Department and the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy, Terms & Rules Facebook Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. The OpenAI logo appears on a mobile phone in front of a screen showing part of the company website in this photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 in New York. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File) They’re concerned about what happens if the ChatGPT maker fulfills its ambition to build AI that outperforms humans, but is no longer accountable to its public mission to safeguard that technology from causing grievous harms. “Ultimately, I’m worried about who owns and controls this technology once it’s created,” said Page Hedley, a former policy and ethics adviser at OpenAI, in an interview with The Associated Press. Backed by three Nobel Prize winners and other advocates and experts, Hedley and nine other ex-OpenAI workers sent a letter this week to the two state attorneys general. The coalition is asking California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, both Democrats, to use their authority to protect OpenAI’s charitable purpose and block its planned restructuring. OpenAI is incorporated in Delaware and operates out of San Francisco. OpenAI said in response that “any changes to our existing structure would be in service of ensuring the broader public can benefit from AI.” It said its for-profit will be a public benefit corporation, similar to other AI labs like Anthropic and tech billionaire Elon Musk’s xAI, except that OpenAI will still preserve a nonprofit arm. “This structure will continue to ensure that as the for-profit succeeds and grows, so too does the nonprofit, enabling us to achieve the mission,” the company said in a statement. Jennings said last fall she would “review any such transaction to ensure that the public’s interests are adequately protected.” Bonta’s office sought more information from OpenAI late last year but has said it can’t comment, even to confirm or deny if it is investigating. While some of the signatories of this week’s letter support Musk’s lawsuit, Hedley said others are “understandably cynical” because Musk also runs his own rival AI company. “I like OpenAI’s mission to ‘ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity,’ and I would like them to execute that mission instead of enriching their investors,” Hinton said in a statement Wednesday. “I’m happy there is an effort to hold OpenAI to its mission that does not involve Elon Musk.” Hedley, a lawyer by training, worked for OpenAI in 2017 and 2018, a time when the nonprofit was still navigating the best ways to steward the technology it wanted to build. As recently as 2023, Altman said advanced AI held promise but also warned of extraordinary risks, from drastic accidents to societal disruptions. In recent years, however, Hedley said he watched with concern as OpenAI, buoyed by the success of ChatGPT, was increasingly cutting corners on safety testing and rushing out new products to get ahead of business competitors. “The costs of those decisions will continue to go up as the technology becomes more powerful,” he said. “I think that in the new structure that OpenAI wants, the incentives to rush to make those decisions will go up and there will no longer be anybody really who can tell them not to, tell them this is not OK.” Software engineer Anish Tondwalkar, a former member of OpenAI’s technical team until last year, said an important assurance in OpenAI’s nonprofit charter is a “stop-and-assist clause” that directs OpenAI to stand down and help if another organization is nearing the achievement of better-than-human AI. “If OpenAI is allowed to become a for-profit, these safeguards, and OpenAI’s duty to the public can vanish overnight,” Tondwalkar said in a statement Wednesday. Another former worker who signed the letter puts it more bluntly. “OpenAI may one day build technology that could get us all killed,” said Nisan Stiennon, an AI engineer who worked at OpenAI from 2018 to 2020. “It is to OpenAI’s credit that it’s controlled by a nonprofit with a duty to humanity. This duty precludes giving up that control.” Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Delaware and Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Chris Reese and Sonali Paul Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab , opens new tab Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. , opens new tabScreen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. © 2025 Reuters. All rights reserved Matt Meyer finds himself playing Whac-a-Mole as he deals with Trump’s capricious actions while pursuing an ambitious agenda of his own Sat 12 Apr 2025 14.00 CESTLast modified on Mon 14 Apr 2025 10.56 CESTShareWhen Matt Meyer was elected as governor of Delaware last year the outgoing US president called with congratulations – and a warning “Joe Biden did tell me that I had to do my job and do it well or in four years he’s running against me,” Meyer said “He’s a Delawarean and I don’t doubt that he would run.” Now 82, Biden has retired to Delaware after leaving the political stage. At 53, Meyer is among a new generation of Democrats trying to navigate a post-Biden world in which Donald Trump is eviscerating the federal government stress-testing the rule of law and prosecuting a global trade war As governor of America’s second smallest state, Meyer finds himself playing Whac-A-Mole as he deals with the consequences of Trump’s capricious actions while pursuing an ambitious agenda of his own. The keen cyclist is also trying to maintain a balance between defending progressive values and finding pragmatic ways to work with Washington We came into office and found ourselves trying to play Whac-A-Mole trying to stop holes in the pipes“If there is fascism we need to call it out,” he says during a Zoom interview from Wilmington At the same time I’m working hard with my head down is delivering for Delawareans and doing that however I can.” Born in Michigan, Meyer moved to Delaware as a child and knew Biden’s sons Beau and Hunter. He attended the Wilmington Friends school and went on to study computer science and political science at Brown University in Providence He recalls: “In middle school social studies, my teacher talked about Kilimanjaro this amazing snow-capped mountain on the equator in Kenya I was flying into Kenya to study abroad there and a Tanzanian guy sitting next to me said ‘You’re going to the wrong country: Kilimanjaro’s in Tanzania Meyer loved his time in Kenya and became fluent in Swahili. One day he bought a pair of sandals made from used tyres that were sold on the side of the road in Nairobi and discovered they were a hit with US students. He founded Ecosandals a recycled footwear company selling to customers in 17 countries on five continents It was the first e-commerce company in Kenya and grew to 30 staff Meyer went on to spend a year in Mosul, Iraq He then returned to the US and worked at one of the lowest-income middle schools in Delaware where he felt “pissed off” as he witnessed communities facing problems including unstable housing and gun violence “It’s disheartening when you spend time in places like Kenya and Iraq and then you come back home teach in a school that’s a couple miles from where I grew up in many ways was worse than neighbourhoods and schools I saw in places like Iraq and Kenya,” he said “I felt that’s not what America should be in 2016.” Meyer – who is married to an emergency room doctor, Lauren Meyer – ran for elected office winning a New Castle county executive position in 2016 by defeating a three-term incumbent through grassroots campaigning His subsequent run for governor was an example to Democrats of the need to engage with tangible issues such as failing schools and unaffordable housing But what Meyer could not know was that he would also be confronting the return of Trump – emboldened unfettered and hellbent on maximum disruption He reflects: “We put together what may be the most extensive set of policies of what we were going to do that anyone running for governor has ever put together in Delaware history Then we came into office and found ourselves trying to play Whac-A-Mole We’ve got to figure out how we wade through what’s looking like is going to be a challenging time for Delaware and for AmericaTrump’s cuts to the federal government meant 62 state public health employees Market-shattering tariffs could also upend the Meyer agenda especially if the country enters a recession “Whatever was in those policy papers we’ve got to put lower in the pile and we’ve got to figure out how we wade through what’s looking like is going to be a challenging time for Delaware and for America.” Trump’s first term was notable for the resistance of blue states such as California and New York. California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, and then attorney general, Xavier Becerra, filed more than a hundred lawsuits against the Trump administration over gun control Meyer replies: “Look, I’m naive, I’m an outsider, I’m not a partisan. I’m not a fan of very much of what Donald Trump says but if there’s any way possible for us to work with the Trump administration to move Delaware forward to protect those in vulnerable communities and to make sure our economy is growing and expanding – my preference is more prescribed programmes but if he wants to do it through block grants Pretty much everything any governor is seeing right now is cuts – sometimes dramatic cuts to services cuts to the federal workforce that have an impact.” Trump has spent his first two and a half months in office demonising immigrants and transgender people Yet some business and university leaders have capitulated to his administration He insists: “We need to hold strong when the president or any elected official are vilifying people from certain communities I don’t begrudge any of my Democratic colleagues or colleagues of any party that are standing up and calling it out in the harshest language.” We can do better than this and there are Democrats and Republicans who are coming to that realisationLocked out of power, the Democratic party has been soul searching and struggling to find an inspiring and unifying narrative Meyer believes that it should include delivering for working people allowing people to celebrate their sexuality and gender identity and helping legal immigrants to pursue the American dream while treating undocumented immigrants without cruelty or hatred He says: “The more we can deliver on these things and show people that even in this crazy Trump time look at the benefits to our schoolchildren and in our hospitals and healthcare systems look at the availability of affordable housing that’s going to be good for the Democratic party and it’s going to be good for the country.” Delaware, long dominated by credit card companies and the chemical giant DuPont, remains Biden country. Rail travellers between New York and Washington pass through the Joseph R Biden Jr Railroad station in Wilmington where he launched his first campaign for president in June 1987 Yet Biden left office in January with a 36% approval rating and recriminations from fellow Democrats for not dropping out of the presidential race sooner who as a schoolboy volunteered for his first campaign in 1988 swerves past the question of Biden’s mental acuity and whether White House officials engaged in a cover-up But he says: “You can agree or disagree with his policies and his politics This is a man who cares deeply for our country and has personally sacrificed so much for our country “He was widely seen in Delaware as a bipartisan guy who could get support across the aisle and was fighting for America first. I see it not as a sad statement of the Bidens or Joe Biden or his presidency but a sad statement of America and the state of our political spaces now that someone like that seems to be vilified by a sizable percentage of America.” Despite this, and all the other turmoil in Trump 2.0, Meyer remains optimistic about the future. Last weekend the former teacher joined other Democrats and union members to protest against potential cuts to the Department of Education “It’s hard to get teachers out early on a Saturday morning but I was with hundreds of teachers People have a lot of enthusiasm about getting back to the values of what makes this America.” Thousands of people were also taking to the streets for “Hands Off” demonstrations across Delaware Meyer adds: “My guess is there was a lot of disagreement among the protests about what America should be. But there is broad agreement that it is not this, that we need a government that’s working for the American worker, not working to get crazy headlines or not pursuing a Project 2025 agenda to give benefit to the few over the majority of us “We need smart people coming around the table and saying, come on, America, we can do better than this and there are Democrats and Republicans who are coming to that realisation.” The Transportation Security Administration has banned another travel item ahead of the May 7 Real ID deadline Travelers using portable chargers or power banks should double-check their batteries for lithium which is now prohibited in checked luggage Here's what to know before your next flight Portable chargers and power banks containing a lithium-ion battery can be packed in carry-on bags only and kept inside the aircraft cabin, according to the Federal Aviation Administration's latest guidance Lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard and are subject to overheating and creating sparks The rule applies to electronics and external battery chargers that contain a lithium-ion battery which cannot be stored inside checked bags Power banksCellphone battery charging casesRechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteriesCellphone batteriesLaptop batteriesExternal batteriesPortable rechargersTo check which items are allowed or banned on board, check the TSA's online search function More: Gov. Meyer plans to repeal the EV mandate if federal government doesn’t beat him to it What's Delaware's summer forecast? Here's what AccuWeather and Old Farmer's Almanac say The requirement comes from the Real ID Act which Congress passed in 2005 to improve national security following 9/11 How much does it cost to get a Real ID?In Delaware upgrading a current driver's license or ID costs $20 Driver's licenses that are not Real ID-compliant are still valid for operating vehicles and can still be used to verify one's age to purchase alcohol or firearms Dandelions – the weeds you loved to pick and play with as a child and loathe as an adult – are starting to take over your lawns and open spaces within your garden you have a bunch of white seedlings ready to blow around and start the invasion of your lawn all over again Here's what you can do to turn your evil Green Bay Packers lawn (green and gold) into a Philadelphia Eagles lawn (all green) According to the University of Delaware College of Agriculture & Natural Resources website growing a thick lawn is the best way to prevent weeds dense turf is the best way to prevent weeds healthy turf shades weed seeds so they don’t germinate," the website said seeded and fertilized your lawn and your turf still has weeds there are a couple of ways to get rid of them Pull the plants out of your lawn: You can pull the weeds out of your lawn using a spade or a garden hose Spray herbicides: Before you head out to Home Depot or Lowe's do some research and make sure you're purchasing the correct product Select a selective postemergence herbicide if you don't want to kill your entire lawn vinegar or corn gluten: You can apply boiling water or vinegar to kill the dandelion You can also use a corn gluten meal mulch to suppress the dandelions Growth of Longwood Gardens: Longwood Gardens crowned 'Best Botanical Garden.' Look at how it's grown Dandelions may look like nuisance plants among green grass in a manicured lawn Since they bloom early in spring, dandelions are an early food source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles, moths and more, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation songbirds such as sparrows and finches eat the seeds Your lawn might thank you for letting the dandelions grow, too. Their wide-spreading roots can help loosen and aerate hard soil, writes Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners the deep roots help pull nutrients such as calcium from deep in the soil up to the surface making the nutrients available for all plants Dandelions are also safe to eat (as long as they haven't been sprayed with herbicides) and have medicinal benefits Both dandelion's yellow flowers and green leaves can be added to dishes like salads while the flowers can be used to make dandelion tea or dandelion wine University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis announced he will be stepping down after this semester "As we will forever value and cherish fond memories of all of you this was not an easy decision," the president wrote in a letter to the UD community on May 5 His Monday-morning letter said he had "made the meaningful contributions" he set out to make as president and now is "the appropriate moment" for a leadership transition UD's announcement did not spell out other reasons for the June 30 exit “UD is a remarkable place with a vibrant culture of interdisciplinary inspiration to reimagine what’s possible in higher education," Assanis said in a written statement "I will forever treasure my experience of leading such an extraordinary institution defined by amazing students Board of Trustees Chair Terri Kelly credited the outgoing administrator with "advancing the University to new levels of accomplishment promise and potential," despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and its fallout Assanis came to Newark from New York's Stony Brook University after a a distinguished career at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign According to the university, news of an interim president to serve beginning July 1 is coming soon When is graduation? The latest 2025 commencement breakdown across Delaware universities Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191 Six Flags will close two parks in a state bordering Delaware in this fall The amusement park company said Thursday that the almost 500-acre property in Prince Georges County, Maryland, approximately 15 miles east of Washington, D.C., will be sold for redevelopment. The property is the home of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment," Six Flags President & CEO Richard A 2 and season passes and tickets will be honored until the parks close Acting Prince George’s County executive Tara Jackson told radio station WTOP that the county is "committed to working closely with Six Flags and other stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs Park closures not anticipated to affect Six Flags' bottom lineThe parks employed approximately 70 full-time associates who will receive severance and benefits if they are eligible “We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year," Zimmerman said Six Flags said that it does not anticipate the closures will have a material impact on its financial results this year The company will operate 40 parks and resorts across North America following the closures Looking to buy local? Your 2025 guide to Delaware farmers markets Trying something new: KFC brings back chicken and waffles for Mother's Day. Here's how they taste Amusement parks near DelawareWith the closure of the Maryland amusement parks thrill seekers in Delaware still have some options Here are some alternatives from Six Flags parent company Cedar Fair: Hurricane Harbor and Wild Safari off Interstate 195 in Jackson The amusement park is location just off of Interstate 95 in Doswell Dorney includes several rollercoasters and water park in Allentown A double shooting outside a Dover pub early May 4 leaves one man dead as Dover police said a large group formed in the parking lot of McGlynns Pub Arriving officers found the wounded men who had multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies The men were taken to Bayhealth Hospital Kent Campus in Dover His identity was not released by police pending notification of his family The younger man's medical condition was not provided Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com It’s that eerie feeling when you suddenly realize you’ve reached home but have no memory of the drive there are a bunch of sweet events to give you an unforgettable time in Delaware this May Visitors will embark on a tour inspired by William J Wilson’s 1859 essay exploring an exhibit that brings his vision to life in "Almost Unknown Wilson was a free Black journalist and educator, and the new exhibit offers Wilson's imagined gallery of prints, paintings, sculptures, books and decorative objects that reflect Black life in the United States and across the Diaspora, as interpreted by curator and historian Dr. Jonathan Michael Square Square will be at the opening reception from 11 a.m Winterthur for the first time will bring this gallery to life using objects from the collections to represent Wilson’s displays This includes a portrait of George Washington and his family painted by Edward Savage and copies of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" and Phillis Wheatley’s "Poems on Various Subjects," plus more Rehoboth Beach will transform into the Cantina Pub to unite rebel forces and imperial sympathizers for a good time at a Star Wars pop-up event at Victoria’s Restaurant Drinks include the Darth Maul-garita (Dark Side approved) green and mysterious) and Tatooine vibes are strong with the classic Blue Milk Cosplay as your favorite Star Wars character and participate in the Facebook costume contest Feel free to mingle with other jedi masters or sith lords in this intergalactic setting Victoria's Restaurant (2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach) from 5 to 9 p.m. May 4. Visit facebook.com/victoriasboardwalkplaza or call (302) 227-0615 'Price is Right' tours to Delaware 2025: Here's how to win prizes, buy tickets Proceeds from the Flower Market benefit children’s charities in Delaware Rockford Park (2629 W. 19th St., Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 8; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 9; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 10. Visit wilmingtonflowermarket.org Folks will get a chance to drive their personal car around the Monster Mile's concrete racetrack through Laps for Charity participants can take five group laps around the track behind a Dover Motor Speedway pace vehicle People who'd prefer to drive eight laps can spend $125 for the VIP session You also can enjoy pace-car rides ($50) and pictures in front of the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza ($25) Laps for Charity is presented by Speedway Children's Charities Dover which helps to raise funds for nonprofit children's organizations in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region Dover Motor Speedway (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10. For tickets and more info, visit speedwaycharities.org/events or call (302) 883-6560 Sommore headlines Mother's Day comedy show, Wilmington  Who's on the Mount Rushmore of female comedians? Some say Sommore deserves a spot; after all her nickname is "The Queen of Comedy." Her highness will headline an evening of comedy on Mother’s Day The acclaimed comic has appeared on programs like "The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The View” and she appeared in Ice Cube's comedy "Friday After Next.” Sommore's comedic friends will open for her Wilmington show DJ Tim Dogg will have the audience vibing early during the evening at this laugh fest The Playhouse at Rodney Square (1007 N. Market St., Wilmington) at 7 p.m. May 11. Tickets are $72 to $102. Visit thegrandwilmington.org or call (302) 888-0200 It's going to smell like 99 bottles of beer on the wall when happy brew lovers help Dewey Beer Co The beer bash will feature loads of cold ones One drink will be a special gold 10-year anniversary release plus some "OG Swishy Pants cans" decorated with the classic black label on the 16-ounce size according to the brew party's event page on Facebook Dewey Beer Co. (2104 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach) at noon on May 16. Visit facebook.com/deweybeerco or call (302) 227-1182 Lewes  Children and adults are welcome to dive into a concert of bands that will perform sea shanties headlined by The Dreadnoughts at Shanty Fest This festival shines a light on the maritime traditions of Lewes and the sea through art some of the fun includes art from scrimshaw to tattoos Lewes Historical Society (110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes) from 1 to 7 p.m. May 17. Tickets are $15. Visit facebook.com/LewesHistoricalSociety or call (302) 645-7670 It's an understatement to say that Delaware likes The Amish Outlaws the Outlaws are a cover band that wears Amish outfits Some of the members grew up Amish before deciding to leave their community to join the secular world and play instruments Paradise Grill (27344 Bay Road, Millsboro) at 8 p.m. May 23. Visit amishoutlaws.com or call (302) 945-4500 Constitution Yards Beer Garden (308 Justison St., Wilmington) from 7 to 10 p.m. May 23. Visit constitutionyards.com or call (302) 407-5192 Delaware party band Mikes Hines & The Look bring super-sized energy to the stage The Delaware Rock & Roll Society inductees offer a colorful mix of R&B Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (1 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) at 8 p.m. May 25. Free show. Visit rehobothbandstand.com or call (302) 644-2288 Dover  Thousands of vehicles will be on display at Dover Motor Speedway during an epic two-day car festival presented by the world's largest hot-rodding association The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 2nd Grundy Insurance Mid-Atlantic Nationals is going down at Dover Motor Speedway with over 2,000 vehicles a Kids Zone (May 31 at 1 p.m.) and much more registered participants will get a chance to cruise the Monster Mile (while supplies last) See the website below to learn about registration Dover Motor Speedway (1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 30 and 31. Tickets for general-admission spectators per day are $10 to $25 (plus service fee). Visit good-guys.com/man-spectator or call (800) 777-1258 The singer-songwriter has drawn attraction from The New York Times and Rolling Stone Ladybug Festival has been branded as the country's largest free celebration of women in music The festival has built a unique reputation for featuring 100% female-fronted acts The Ladybug Festival is held in downtown Wilmington from 5 to 10 p.m. May 30. Free event. Visit theladybugfestival.com Clifford Brown Jazz Festival 2025: Reveals legendary family band with beast bassist Live music will be performed by Green Eggs and Jam Brandywine Zoo (1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 30. Admission is $45 for zoo members; $55 nonmember; $35 alcohol-free ticket. Visit brandywinezoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo or (302) 571-7788 If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters Polytech High School students, and their guests, celebrated their senior prom on May 3, 2025 at Bally's Dover Casino in Dover. See more Delaware prom photos Even if she says you're very early for next year The day of the year when we honor the person who wiped your nose gave you rides when you missed the school bus and coped with your blaming her for not telling you the bus was coming it's not a bad idea to find that perfect gift Mother's Day is the second Sunday of May every year According to History.com the first modern-day celebration of mothers was Mothering Day in Europe It was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was seen as a time to return to "mother church." The holiday became more secular with children giving their moms presents or flowers The seeds of Mother's Day in the United States started around the time of the Civil War Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia taught women how to care for children with "Mother's Day Work Clubs." The clubs became a unifying force after the Civil War as mothers gathered with Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation conceived Mother's Day as a way to honor her mother and with the help of Philadelphia department store owner John Wanamaker she organized the first Mother's Day in 1908 at a Methodist Church in Grafton thousands attended a Mother's Day event at Wanamaker's store Anna Jarvis pushed for the holiday to be added to the national calendar noting that American holidays were slanted toward male achievement Her work paid off as President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure establishing Mother's Day in 1914 Mother's Day is celebrated differently around the world and families take Mom out to brunch or dinner Mother's Day is the third busiest day for florists behind Valentine's Day and Christmas. Mother's Day is also one of the busiest holidays for restaurants In Thailand, according to History.com the holiday is in August on the birthday of the late Queen Mother Sirikit families gather for a multiday celebration of motherhood called Antrosht Here is a little help – the ultimate Mother's Day 2025 gift guide you are setting the bar for comparisons on future Mother's Days Tick season is officially here – but in Delaware it never really leaves according to the state’s leading tick-expert Efforts are in place to monitor tick populations in public lands with the help of community members Here’s what to look out for on your next nature walk and how to protect yourself and your home from ticks antennae-less parasitic arachnids with eight legs that feed on the blood of humans and animals with the potential to carry and spread disease tick biologist for Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says that Delaware is “unlucky” in that the state has active ticks for most of the year likely due to the diversity in habitat and relatively mild climate But as temperatures get warmer and the humidity gets higher ticks in the larval and nymph life stages are more likely to feed on small hosts such as rodents rabbits and birds while adults are more likely to feed on humans and larger animals like dogs Ticks can carry different bacteria which can lead to illnesses like Lyme disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found Delaware has one of the highest incidences of Lyme disease in the country What ticks will you find in Delaware?Kennedy recently published the first comprehensive study on ticks in Delaware since 1945 which found that there are at least 15 established tick species in the state but there are just five species of ticks that are the most likely to be encountered in Delaware Lone star ticks are the most common species in Delaware They are more likely to be found in southern parts of the state from spring through early fall and can live in a wide variety of habitats a round body shape and white flecks on their backs Blacklegged and American Dog ticks are some of the most common in northern parts of Delaware or deer ticks are most commonly found in forested areas around the state The adults are most likely to be found between fall and early spring months and have long mouthparts small teardrop-shaped bodies and a dark brown back Blacklegged ticks are the most common carriers of Lyme disease and other diseases American dog ticks are most commonly found in meadows and areas with tall grass marbled back and are most likely to be found from late spring through summer These ticks can be carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia Gulf Coast ticks can also be found in meadows and wetlands from late spring through summer and which are typically found in New Castle and Kent Counties are more likely to bit pets or livestock than humans There are no known medical conditions associated with them in the United States The first step to tick safety is knowing how the parasites work Kennedy said that while ticks are known to be “sneaky,'' they won’t necessarily surprise you “A lot of people have a misconception that ticks fly jump or fall on you out of a tree,” Kennedy said They need you to brush up against them for them to grab on.” Sticking to the center of a trail to avoid brushing against vegetation is one way to prevent getting bitten Kennedy said that younger ticks are often so small that they can’t be felt so use a mirror or enlist the help of a partner or friend if needed Remove the tick using tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull upward wash the bite area and check your body for any more ticks start with your lower body first and then work your way up through your hair It’s also a good idea to check clothes and gear for any trace of ticks Another spring/summer hazard: Set to garden or go hiking in Delaware? Here's how to identify poison ivy, oak, sumac you can reduce the chance of becoming infected Saving the ticks in a plastic bag can help identify any potential bacteria it may have been carrying Not everyone who gets a tick bite will contract an illness Commercial labs can conduct testing for any tick-borne illnesses to be safe Kennedy said that most people who get tick bites get them from their own backyard which is why she says it’s important to remain vigilant and protect property as much as possible include removing leaf litter and invasive plants keeping grass short and trash off of the lawn playground and other recreational areas away from tall trees Help monitor ticks in DelawareDelaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control began its Tick Program in 2019 conducting year-round surveillance for ticks and tick-borne diseases statewide White Clay Creek State Park and the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife are beginning an initiative with the help of park visitors to track tick populations Technicians may be spotted at public parks and lands dragging a white flag over vegetation Kennedy says this is a method to pick up ticks from their grounds and to remove the threat from wildlife and to study their habits White Clay Creek’s location makes it a suitable habitat for Blacklegged ticks members of the state’s Tick Program encounter these arachnids frequently in the park Farmers market guide: Looking to buy local? Your 2025 guide to Delaware farmers markets experts are requesting that it be placed in a plastic bag and brought to one of the drop-off locations either the White Clay Creek park office or the Chambers House Nature Center These collections won’t necessarily be tested for pathogens but their species and age will be documented along with their approximate location for better mapping The park’s office is located at 750 Thompson Station Road in Milford and the nature center is located off Hopkins Road at 1475 Creek Road near Newark Ticks can also be reported online at DNREC’s Tick Program website Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety Delmar High School students, and their guests, celebrated their senior prom on May 2, 2025, at The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center in Salisbury, Maryland. See more Delaware prom photos Delmar High School students, and their guests, celebrated their senior prom on May 2, 2025, at The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center in Salisbury, Maryland. See more Delaware prom photos. Delmar High School students, and their guests, celebrated their senior prom on May 2, 2025, at The Fountains Wedding & Conference in Salisbury, Md. See more Delaware prom photos Delmar High School students, and their guests, celebrated their senior prom on May 2, 2025, at The Fountains Wedding & Conference in Salisbury, Md. See more Delaware prom photos Smyrna students and guests take part in promenade and the prom court at the school's prom at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, May 3, 2025. See more Delaware prom photos. Smyrna students and guests arrive at the school's prom at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, May 3, 2025. See more Delaware prom photos. Sussex Technical High School students and their guests celebrated their senior prom on May 3, 2025, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Rehoboth Beach. Theme of the prom was "A Night Under The Stars" See more Delaware prom photos Sussex Technical High School students and their guests celebrated their senior prom on May 3, 2025, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center in Rehoboth Beach. Theme of the prom was "A Night Under The Stars" See more Delaware prom photos Newark Charter School students, and their guests, arrive to celebrate their senior prom at the Executive Banquet & Conference Center in Glasgow on May 2, 2025. See more Delaware prom photos. A grand march was held for Sussex Central High School students, and their guests, prior to their senior prom on May 3, 2025 at The Circle in Georgetown See more Delaware Prom photos A grand march was held for Sussex Central High School students, and their guests, prior to their senior prom on May 3, 2025 at The Circle in Georgetown See more Delaware prom photos Delaware State Police have arrested a man in connection with a June homicide in Salisbury on May 2 and charged him with first- and second-degree murder He was also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony two counts of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited felony receiving a stolen firearm and fugitive of another state He was arrested at a traffic stop on Route 13 in Millsboro and is awaiting extradition to Maryland The traffic stop was the result of an anonymous tip DELAWARE CRIME: Police say man hid in occupied home before charging troopers with knife DELAWARE JUSTICE: Man, 73, pleads guilty to killing man he felt threatened by due to previous fight which police said was stolen out of Pennsylvania Maryland State Police continue to investigate the homicide with Salisbury police the Maryland State's Attorney's Office in Wicomico County and Delaware State Police PHILADELPHIA − For Phillies closer Jose Alvarado it was one of his most harrowing escape jams There he was in a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the top of the eighth inning on April 29 against the Washington Nationals the Phillies clinging to a 3-2 lead at the time Alvarado reached back and proceeded to strike out Josh Bell Dylan Crews and Alex Call to get out of the inning without allowing a run in a game the Phillies would come back to win 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth The crowd went crazy as Alvarado escaped the jam It was the first time a Phillies pitcher had struck out three consecutive batters with the bases loaded in the eighth inning or later since 1968 Little did Alvarado know that he had help in the stands from Princeton Bailey Princeton was caught on camera by the NBC Sports Philly broadcast standing on every pitch imitating Alvarado's motion as Alvarado prepared for each pitch Princeton made the bow-and-arrow stance as Alvarado pumped his fists and celebrated on his way to the dugout Alvarado found out about the video afterward and said he wanted to meet Princeton That happened on May 2 before the Phillies opened a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 46 jersey and beads representing Alvarado's home country Alvarado wrote a long message to Princeton "It was something really special," Alvarado said through a Phillies team interpreter "Looking back at the moment and seeing him doing like I was doing during the game It was something fun and encouraging message for him and sharing some thoughts like that – never give up and follow his dreams." “He just loves baseball," Troy Bailey said I think he’s seen the Super Bowl like 50 times "All he does is mimic the players that he sees so that he can go out there and make an impact." Celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win with our new book That's why the moment was just as fulfilling for Princeton as it was for Alvarado himself "It’s an amazing feeling," Alvarado said about escaping the jam "My mindset is always to go out there and get those three outs But he made it really special after getting those first two outs "And getting the hitter in the 2-and-2 count Princeton had become a social media star as the video quickly went viral It has brought much joy to Princeton and his family That was something Troy Bailey wanted Princeton to take away from meeting Alvarado WHITE HOUSE MESSAGES: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley send messages on Eagles' White House visit. Then Trump sent his "It's the joy that he can bring to people," Troy Bailey said "We have a lot of stuff going on in our culture and our society today All the comments we had seen online − it just brought tears to our eyes because he’s a shy guy And I think this is a perfect opportunity to do that." It was just as nice for Princeton to meet Alvarado and thanked me for my support," Princeton said Then he recounted how what Alvarado told him mirrored what he learns during his karate lessons: "Never give up," Princeton said Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles’ championship season in “Flying High,” a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at Fly.ChampsBook.com It survived crossing four lanes of traffic the seal that was rescued from Coastal Highway near the Indian River Inlet on April 12 didn't make it "Andromeda," as the female gray seal pup was named by the nonprofit Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute had numerous bite wounds and was exhibiting neurological symptoms She even made it to the beach to be released before the MERR team decided it would be most humane to euthanize her Richard Brown was headed to his Ocean View home when he was stunned by the sight of a seal on the western edge of Coastal Highway just after the southbound descent of the Charles W so I just had to stop cars from hitting it," Brown said "You couldn't even really see it because it wasn't that big and it's the color of the road." waving at oncoming traffic to alert drivers as it scooted across the southbound lanes coming to rest in a grassy swale by the Delaware Seashore State Park exit He stayed with the seal until officials arrived Brown is a lifelong fisherman and has seen plenty of seals in his life but Andromeda was the first one he's seen cross a road said it's the third she's dealt with over the years "It's the second one we've been able to rescue from Route 1 (Coastal Highway)," she said the third one crawled up on the Indian River Inlet bridge and someone hit it." When MERR representatives got Andromeda back to their rehab center in Lewes there was no available space at any long-term marine mammal rehabilitation center between Delaware and Maine and then we got it all the way to the beach to release it and it started presenting with neurological conditions," Thurman said The seal's head and eyes started twitching involuntarily Delaware beaches: More changes on Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Ryan's Beach Shop closes; Zelky's expanding and I can't help but think that something shook it," Thurman said "It's just one of the more heartbreaking ones She made it across four lanes of highway traffic." keep a 150-foot distance and call the MERR hotline at 302-228-5029 Parking, lifeguards and more: What's changed at the Delaware beaches this year Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook. Delaware hospitals scored pretty well in the latest health safety grades for 2025 None of the seven Delaware hospitals in the study graded below a "C" in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Delaware's hospitals collectively finished eighth nationally Rhode Island and New Jersey finished as the top three in the country The grade reflects how a hospital keeps patients safe from preventable complications like errors according to the Leapfrog Health Safety website HEALTH CARE: Crozer Health shut down Delaware’s biggest resource for burn victims. What happens next? SPRING 2024 REPORT: Delaware ranked worst in US in hospital patient safety. Here's why "Delaware hospitals are committed to providing safe high-quality care to all who enter their doors 24/7/365 It’s our mission," Delaware Healthcare Association's Brian Frazee said in a written statement "We’re pleased to see Delaware ranked in the top 10 among states." These are the grades each hospital earned: Walmart is making a few changes to stores around the country The Bentonville, Arkansas-headquartered company announced plans to update and improve locations across 47 states as part of its "Stores of the Future" project. More than 650 locations will be remodeled this year, and the retail giant plans to build or convert more than 150 stores, it initially said in a January news release The major changes coming to most renovated stores will include: New addition in Delaware: Merck to build $1 billion facility to produce cancer treatment drugs Walmart is updating 650 stores across 47 states and Puerto Rico but the retailer only shared a list of stores in five states: North Carolina The stores being redone in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are: Philadelphia (Tower)10180 US Highway 522 S TamaquaGreg Giesen contributed to this story.