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Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Delaware State Fair 2025: New food vendors, free concerts & more fun
Whether you rock cowboy boots, Crocs or flip-flops to the 106th Delaware State Fair – this year's new theme carries the same message: 'Kick Up Some Fun.' The state fair returns for 10 days of entertainment from July 17 to July 26. The fair is set to stomp around Harrington with high-profile concerts featuring country star Riley Green, gospel legend CeCe Winans and rap icon T.I., plus a jam-packed schedule of other main-stage entertainment. Beyond the music, guests can check out a livestock extravaganza and competitive agricultural exhibits, explore the zoo, watch the circus, munch on mouthwatering fair food, check out racing animals, hit up carnival rides and much more. Here's a preview of new food vendors, free concerts, promotions, and other things you'll need to know before you 'Kick Up Some Fun.' New food vendors at Delaware State Fair 2025 One of the biggest attractions at the fair is the food. This year offers fresh vendors serving interesting nibbles you can sink your teeth into. The state fair gave Delaware Online/The News Journal a preview of some of the new vendors that will be on tap: (located on Shaw Avenue): Folks can swing by and try refreshing watermelon. (located on East Rider Road): This local favorite in the Dover area is known for offering cheesesteaks galore, mozzarella sticks and more. (located in Food Court): Tasty and customizable drinks are the goal for this vendor that makes fresh coffee on their truck. (located in Food Court): Northern Delaware's Claymont Steak Shop offers one of the best cheesesteaks in the state. The business grilled up excitement as it climbed into the Sweet 16 ranking of The News Journal's 'Munch Madness' cheesesteak competition earlier this year. (located on South Chambers): Spreading love through food, this business is faithfully trying to make the world a sweeter place, one doughnut and boba at a time. (located on South Chambers): The name of the game is specialty espresso drinks, coffee, fruit spritzers, teas, homemade pastries and other treats. (located on South Chambers): Inspired by a family recipe over 100 years old, Chick N Que promises (on their website) to have the 'best chopped chicken BBQ around.' (located on South Chambers): Revelers will find fudgy sweet crepes and roasted nuts at this sugary stand. Who's on stage at Delaware State Fair? Here's your entertainment preview Racing Corgis to debut at Delaware State Fair 2025 Another new attraction are these galloping pups. Similar to the beloved Hollywood Racing Pigs, you'll watch corgis run their hearts out in adorable fashion at the Sponsor Court. Watch these speedy balls of fluff race for respect, every day of the fair at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m. Disc-Connected K9's are back at Delaware State Fair 2025 It's been a while since they've been to the fair, now they're back this summer to show off impressive canine flips, tricks and Frisbee catches with world-class trainers. These dogs will put their tricks on display every day at the Machinery Lot at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Is Joe Biden Delaware's GOAT?: Next round of the 'Most Famous Delawarean' begins Free concerts to see at Delaware State Fair 2025 You never always know who's going to be the next country superstar, and the state fair has a pair who might claim that spot in the future with rising Nashville acts Jess Kellie Adams and Adam Calvert might be it. Each artist will play free concerts every day of the state fair. Jess is an up-and-coming artist with a strong voice delivering a mix of classic country, tied together with some rock 'n' roll energy. She's worked with big names in the industry including Dean Sams and Lonestar, according to the state fair's website. She'll perform daily at Hertrich Plaza at 6 and 8 p.m. Calvert's name is growing on the Nashville music scene, thanks to talent for storytelling. The indie artist holds the titles of "Vocalist of the Year," 'Rising Star of the Year" and "Single of the Year," awarded at the prestigious Josie Music Awards hosted at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, according to the Delaware State Fair's website. He'll perform daily at Hertrich Plaza at 7 and 9 p.m. What promotional days are at Delaware State Fair 2025? July 18: Pepsi Day Visitors can enjoy free samples and mini Pepsi cans at the gates as you leave. July 21: Food Lion Hunger Relief Day Receive one free gate admission by bringing in five non-perishable Food Lion-brand items. July 21: Senior's Day It's Seniors' Day and all guests age 60+ get in free. July 22: Kids' Day Kids age 12 or younger get in free. There's also an interactive, educational, and fun Kids' Fair in the Hertrich Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23: Armed Forces Day All active duty and retired military personnel with a valid military ID get in free. July 24: Governors' Day Revelers will have a chance to meet the governor, who will be around the fairgrounds for fun and a special ceremony. July 24: Seniors' Day Free admission for people age 60 and older. July 26: Coastal Bathe Day You can participate in the Coastal Clean sweep contest. Celebrate Coastal Bath Day a lovely bathroom makeover. After all, your dream bath could be just a visit away. How much is the Delaware State Fair 2025? The cost of gate admission is: $10 for adults (ages 13 or older) or $10.50 (online), $5 for youth (ages 6-12) or $5.50 (online). Free for kids (ages 5 or younger). Please be aware that purchasing a ticket to the headlining concert series does not cover gate admission into the State Fair. When is the Delaware State Fair 2025? The 106th Delaware State Fair (18500 S. Dupont Highway, Harrington) spans 10 summer days, July 17 to July 26. For more updates, visit If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@ Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State Fair 2025: New food vendors, free concerts & more Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers, beware: Delaware law bars driving in the left lane
We've all been there. You're driving down the road in the right lane. You see a chance to pass a fellow driver who's driving just a tad bit too slow, and you take it – only to be met with another slow commuter lingering a little too long in the left lane. It doesn't matter if we're going back and forth to the office or taking a long-overdue road trip – somehow, we always manage to run into them. But, for Delaware drivers, camping out in the left lane isn't just a common annoyance – it's against the law. Signed last year by then-Gov. John Carney, the law prohibits First Staters from driving in the left lane on portions of specific highways, in hopes of reducing the rate of aggressive driving and speed-related hazards on the road. Here's what Delaware drivers need to know. New rules of the road: Tolls are increasing on Delaware highways in August. So are some DMV fees in October What's Delaware's left lane law? Under this new state law, drivers are barred from traveling down the left lane on portions of Route 1 and Interstate 495, along with other express or limited access roads. The exceptions to this rule include: When passing another vehicle moving in the same direction. When entering, exiting or continuing down the roadway. When in response to emergency situations. When necessary due to traffic, obstructions or congestion. When complying with other rules or regulations. Vehicles with a gross weight rating of over 26,000 pounds can only travel in the right-hand lane, except under those same circumstances. Any failure to abide by this rule of the road will result in some pretty hefty fines. For the first offense, drivers must pay a fine of 'no less than $25 nor more than $75.' Any occurrence that comes after will lead to a civil penalty between $57.50 to $95. Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware law prohibits left-lane driving. What to know Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat claims retaliation by House speaker for not backing contentious corporate law bill
Delaware state Rep. Sherae'a 'Rae' Moore has lobbed a cease-and-desist letter to fellow Democrat and House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown. The letter, sent June 24, claims "blatant retaliation" against the Middletown lawmaker for not supporting the hotly contested corporate law legislation, Senate Bill 21, earlier this session. This only continues a trend of tension between these two colleagues, after an investigation by Delaware Online/The News Journal found Moore among more than 450 educators working on expired or missing teaching licenses in March. In the fallout of that reporting – as well as denial in committee discussion that the issue involved her – Moore was removed as vice-chair of the House Education Committee. When Minor-Brown announced that decision on May 14, some of her comments light up this week's letter from Moore's outside attorney. Wilmington attorney Thomas S. Neuberger called out language the speaker used in an interview with Delaware Public Media, having said: 'I don't know how we can sit here and turn a blind eye to a situation where we clearly know that somebody was in a classroom teaching who should not have been in the classroom holding children's lives in their hands.' He argues that calling Moore a danger to children verges on defamation. More centrally, though, the attorney argues Minor-Brown's decision to strip Moore from her committee was retaliation for opposing SB 21 – which stood to make changes to the Delaware General Corporation Law – and effectively "cancel" his client in the court of public opinion. "You were angered by her public opposition to and refusal to fall into line on this significant legislation with both local and national implications," Neuberger writes, arguing this threatened his client's freedom of speech. "Stated another way, your inability to get fellow members of your own party into line made you look bad in front of the governor who was pushing hard to get this Bill enacted." Moore was one of seven votes against the bill. Regardless, Gov. Matt Meyer signed it into law back in March. The letter seeks an apology, while also threatening to sue the top House Democrat for financial damages if she does not stop "defaming" Moore in the next 30 days. House Speaker Brown wasn't entertaining Wednesday morning. "We're in the final days of session trying to pass laws that actually help people – some of us are just more focused on doing the work than making headlines," she told Delaware Online/The News Journal in a written statement June 25. "Disagreements happen, but spinning conspiracies for attention doesn't help Delawareans. It's disappointing, but not surprising. The timing speaks for itself, and frankly, so does the record." Full investigation, timeline: Hundreds of Delaware teachers found to be working on expired licenses in public schools Senate Bill 21 explained: Controversial corporate law changes passed by House, signed by Delaware governor Moore began her teaching career in 2018. As of this 2024-25 school year, she is both a lawmaker and a special education teacher at Louis L. Redding Middle School. As reporting continued by Delaware Online, Appoquinimink School District uploaded a 'Welcome Letter' from Wilmington University's Special Education Teacher program, dated April 2, 2025, which showed Moore would officially begin her "Alternative Route to Certification" program. When news of her removal from the House Education Committee erupted, Moore initially told Delaware Public Media on May 14 that she believed the move was a "politically motivated" attack from both Speaker Minor-Brown and House Education Chair Rep. Kim Williams. As of April 30, More had accepted an emergency certification in English and special education, as well as an initial license after the lapse. Citing this, Moore told the outlet, "The real reason is politically driven due to, one, me not being able to be controlled and having a mind of my own, and that Rep. Williams has not been deemed the champion of education she has traditionally been." She also argued, as reported by the outlet May 15, her removal was likely based on recent tension between her and Williams over free school meals legislation. In previous reporting, House leadership has credited Moore's removal to previous lack of proper licensing while teaching, as well as floating an amendment to a House bill related to such educator licensing that could have directly benefited her. During an April 9 House Education Committee hearing discussing House Bill 97, as previously reported by Delaware Online, Moore shared concerns about teachers caught up in delays on the part of universities offering ARTC programs. During that discussion, all of her questions surrounded this concern. But when prompted, she directly denied the issue being about her. "If she believed there were flaws or inequities, she could have used her position to advocate for changes," Minor-Brown said in May. "Instead, she remained silent until she proposed an amendment to an education bill that would have personally benefited her own certification status. That action undermined the integrity of our committee process." Full investigation, timeline: Hundreds of Delaware teachers found to be working on expired licenses in public schools Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@ Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@ or (231) 622-2191. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Democrat claims retaliation in removal from House committee
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Our 'Most Famous Delawarean' poll is back. Submit your nominations ... now
When Delaware Online/The News Journal launched its first "Most Famous Delawareans" poll in 2018, it made a national splash, landing on "Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," "Conan" and the pages of People magazine. Now it's time for our readers to do it again. Nominations are officially open below with the first round of voting set to begin June 28 with several rounds following before a winner is announced in late July. Even before Aubrey Plaza landed her role on "The White Lotus," the First State's downright lovable actress ran away with our "Most Famous Delawarean" poll, winning 42% of the votes. And the comedian made sure to milk her title for laughs in the years following. On "The Late Show," two years after the poll, the 2002 Ursuline Academy graduate jokingly threatened to sue Delaware Online/The News Journal as she riffed on language used by President Donald Trump after he lost to President Joe Biden. With Biden as the then-president-elect, arguably making him the most famous person in the world, Plaza was not about to give up her title. "I will not concede," the Wilmington native told Colbert. "In fact, I have many lawsuits coming after The News Journal, the Delaware News Journal. So they better watch out and they better count all their clicks. It was an online poll and I want those clicks counted." Three years later, when the former "Saturday Night Live" page got her first opportunity to host the venerable NBC late-night sketch show, her monologue featured the poll. "I was actually voted the most famous person from Delaware. I beat Joe Biden and he was pissed. He was livid," she joked. Plaza then queued up a video clip from Biden himself, and the president did not cast shade on her claims of the crown: "Aubrey, you're the most famous person in Delaware; there's no question about that. We're just glad you made it out of 'White Lotus' alive!'' Even before her nationally televised plugs for the poll, People magazine wrote about the results in 2018, headlined "Aubrey Plaza Trolled Joe Biden on Twitter After Being Named Delaware's Most Famous Person." 'I honestly don't know how I did that! He didn't even make it in the Top 3. And I was trolling him on Twitter!' she was quoted as saying to talk show host Conan O'Brien. 'I was like, 'How did this happen? You were vice president!'" Her Biden troll came when she reposted the results and tagged the then-former vice president, who grew up in Claymont: "What's up @JoeBiden?" While Plaza won the crown, it might come as a surprise that Biden didn't come in second. In fact, he didn't come in third, fourth or fifth either. The future president came in sixth place. Late jazz phenom Clifford Brown (Wilmington) came in second, late former Philadelphia Phillies player and manager Dallas Green (Newport) was third, former WNBA star Elena Delle Donne (Wilmington) landed in fourth place and political commentator Bill Press (Delaware City) rounded out the top five. STRUTTIN' Aubrey Plaza is back on red carpet at Cannes promoting 'Honey, Don't' summer film LETTERS Residents offer support for President Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis The top 10 also included rocker George Thorogood (Brandywine Hundred) in seventh place, political operative and podcaster Dan Pfeiffer (Wilmington) in eighth, actress Elisabeth Shue (Wilmington) in ninth and Heimlich maneuver namesake Henry Heimlich (Wilmington) in 10th place. Who will be in the top 10 this year? It's up to you. Nominations close June 19. Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@ or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier). This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Can Aubrey Plaza defend her title against Joe Biden in their rematch?
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The News Journal took a chance on me. As I prepare to leave, I am so grateful
I started at The News Journal in January 2022 as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed and wholly unprepared college student intern. Flash forward a few months and I was hired full time with The News Journal, working on the business and development beat, and sneaking some environmental stories in there when I could. I've learned a lot over the past three years, and it is with a burning bittersweet feeling in my heart that I announce that I will be departing The News Journal. The things that I've learned from the people who work here will be embedded in my brain forever – from what the right questions to ask are to what routes to avoid on my commute. Newsroom connections: I am who I am thanks to people I've met over the years in my newsroom The knowledge and insight of the people in this newsroom have changed me as a reporter, writer and as a person. I started at this job at 21 and am leaving it at 25. A lot has changed over the years, and people often ask me what my favorite story I wrote was. I hate that question. But here is my attempt to answer it. Writing about Jaquata Whittle, a Wilmington resident whose home was contaminated for over a decade until it collapsed, represented a huge turning point for me. As a science and environment nerd who often writes about development trends around Delaware, this story combined the things that I am passionate about with a beat that I have become especially familiar with. I first heard from Ms. Whittle via email. She told me her business and apartment above it were found to have potentially harmful contaminants. She had spent years fighting for answers about her home, all to no avail. One day before my scheduled meeting time, the parking garage behind her apartment collapsed – leaving her home condemned, a fact I did not realize until photographer Damian Giletto and I arrived on the scene. We had to change gears quickly. This story became not just a story of environmental contamination and an analysis of who bears the responsibility for its cleanup, but where Whittle and her son would live – and who would cover the costs. Reaching out to the city of Wilmington, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the former owner of the apartment, the Red Cross and more – painted a complex picture that, to me, shed light on the complications that arise in local and state government and how the lines of responsibility can blur despite everyone's best intentions. Another fact about me: I don't know much about sports. The only thing I know 100% for certain is that I am a Philadelphia fan through and through and that is a life sentence bestowed on me at birth. So, when I was tapped to assist with NFC Championship and Super Bowl coverage, I was honestly a little intimidated. I don't know anything about positions, play names or players that aren't regularly playing for the Eagles or dating Taylor Swift. When the Super Bowl rolled around, I was hoping and praying not only that my favorite team would win, but that I wouldn't have to interview angry Eagles fans for the rest of the night. Luckily, the Super Bowl ended with a resounding victory, and my Broad Street trip became a lot less daunting. Getting to talk to Philly fans, some neighbors I'd never met before, and hearing their excitement was one of the most fun assignments I had ever been on. A few weeks later, I similarly covered the Eagles parade. Getting to walk up and down Broad Street with no police intervention (thank you, press pass) was one of the coolest moments I have had as a Philadelphian and a reporter. I got to experience my city at its best, happiest and craziest – all while getting paid. I can confidently say none of those assignments felt like work. Thank you, Delaware Online, for the past three-plus years! And thank you, readers, for following along with me! This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: The News Journal's development reporter reflects on the past three years
