The Woodlawn Trustees in Wilmington has received a $2 million grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for its 300-acre William Bancroft estate.

The grant funds restoration of three 19th-century stone buildings, a new public heritage trail connecting Woodlawn to Brandywine Creek State Park, archaeological surveys documenting colonial through industrial-age history, and educational programming on the Bancroft conservation legacy.

Executive Director Maria Santos called it ‘transformational.’ The heritage trail opens spring 2027 with ADA-accessible pathways, interpretive signage, and new trailhead parking. Building restoration continues through 2028.

Woodlawn Trustees manages over 1,800 acres of open space and affordable housing in greater Wilmington.

Governor Matt Meyer signed the Delaware Local Business Protection Act into law, establishing new measures to support small and locally owned businesses.

Key provisions: a 5% Local Business Preference on state contracts under $500,000; Commercial Rent Stabilization requiring 90 days notice for rent increases exceeding 10%; a $3 million Small Business Legal Defense Fund providing free or reduced-cost legal representation; and a ‘Delaware Local’ certification for businesses headquartered in-state with 50%+ in-state employees.

The bill passed with bipartisan support. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce praised it as ‘a meaningful step toward leveling the playing field for local entrepreneurs.’

Businesses can apply for certification at business.delaware.gov starting September 1.

Incyte Corporation, the Wilmington-based biopharmaceutical company, will expand its Delaware headquarters with a $180 million campus investment creating approximately 300 new jobs over three years.

The expansion includes a 120,000-square-foot research building for oncology and inflammation drug development, an expanded clinical operations center, and upgraded laboratory facilities. New positions span research scientists, clinical data managers, regulatory affairs specialists, and support staff.

Incyte will partner with University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical Community College on talent pipelines. ‘Delaware is our home, and we’re committed to growing here,’ said CEO Herve Hoppenot.

Incyte currently employs 2,000+ in Delaware with over $3 billion in annual revenue.

Tourism spending in Delaware’s coastal communities hit a record $4.2 billion in 2025, a 12% increase over the previous year.

Factors include expanded shoulder-season programming, new hotel openings including the 200-room Coastal Grand Resort in Dewey Beach, increased international visitors for tax-free shopping, and growing agritourism and culinary tourism in Sussex County.

Rehoboth Beach generated $1.8 billion in visitor spending. Bethany Beach and Lewes saw fastest growth at 18% and 16% respectively. Tourism now supports 47,000 jobs in Sussex County — nearly one-third of all employment.

The Tourism Office announced a $2 million campaign targeting the Baltimore-Washington corridor, positioning Delaware’s beaches as a closer, less-crowded alternative to Ocean City and the Jersey Shore.

Dover Air Force Base’s biennial open house and air show drew an estimated 120,000 visitors over two days, setting a new attendance record.

The Thunder Over Dover Air Show featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Army Golden Knights parachute team, a rare C-5M Super Galaxy static display, helicopter rescue demonstrations, vintage WWII aircraft flyovers, and STEM career exhibits.

Base commander Colonel Sarah Johnson credited the turnout to ‘the Delaware community’s incredible support for our airmen.’ Over 2,000 visitors expressed interest in Air Force careers. Local hotels sold out and restaurants saw 40-60% revenue increases.

Amtrak has announced a $45 million renovation of Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station, bringing modern amenities to one of the busiest Northeast Corridor stations.

Upgrades include expanded seating with charging stations, new retail concessions including a Brew HaHa! coffee bar, ADA-compliant platforms with new elevators, upgraded HVAC and lighting, and enhanced security infrastructure.

Construction begins early 2027 with phased approach keeping the station operational. The station handles approximately 1,600 passengers daily. Funded through federal infrastructure funds and Amtrak capital investment.

Mayor Purzycki praised the project as ‘transformational for downtown Wilmington and our status as a connected, modern city on the Northeast Corridor.’

Shani Watkins, founder of GreenCycle Delaware, has been awarded the 2026 Delaware Small Business Innovation Award and its $50,000 grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business.

GreenCycle provides commercial composting services to restaurants, hotels, and event venues across Kent and Sussex Counties. Since 2024, they’ve diverted over 800 tons of food waste from landfills, partnered with 45 commercial clients, and created 12 full-time jobs in Dover.

The grant will fund two additional collection trucks and expansion into New Castle County by October. ‘Shani represents exactly the kind of innovation Delaware needs — profitable, environmentally responsible, and creating local jobs,’ said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.

Delaware Restaurant Week returns for its 12th year with a record 85 restaurants participating across all three counties, running August 11-17.

Pricing tiers: $20/person for casual dining, $40/person for fine dining, and $55/person for prix fixe tasting menus. New this year: a ‘Dine & Discover’ passport — eat at 3+ restaurants to win a $500 dining package.

Notable first-time participants include Bardea Steak, The Hobbit Restaurant, and Fork & Flask. Perennial favorites Le Cavalier, La Fia, and Back Porch Cafe are also returning.

Reservations strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday. Visit delawarerestaurantweek.com for the full list. Presented by the Delaware Restaurant Association and sponsored by Dogfish Head.