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.’

Wilmington has been named one of America’s top 10 emerging technology hubs by the Brookings Institution, citing the city’s growing fintech sector, talent pipeline, and supportive business environment.

The report highlights Wilmington’s concentration of financial services companies transitioning to digital-first models, the University of Delaware’s expanding computer science programs, a 34% increase in tech startup formations since 2023, and co-working spaces like 1313 Innovation driving early-stage growth.

Governor Matt Meyer called it ‘a validation of Delaware’s strategic investments in technology education and infrastructure’ and announced $15 million in additional state funding for tech workforce development.

The Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington celebrated the grand opening of its newest exhibit this weekend — a $5 million habitat expansion that adds three new species and significantly upgrades existing animal enclosures.

The expansion, called “Wild Delaware & Beyond,” features a river otter habitat with an underwater viewing tunnel, a red panda exhibit with elevated walkways and bamboo gardens, and an expanded bald eagle aviary that’s triple the size of the previous enclosure.

The project also includes a new educational pavilion with interactive exhibits about Delaware’s native wildlife, a nature play area for children ages 2–8, and improved accessibility throughout the zoo with ADA-compliant pathways and sensory-friendly spaces.

“This expansion transforms the Brandywine Zoo from a pleasant afternoon visit into a must-see destination,” said Zoo Director Dr. Brint Spencer. “The river otter exhibit alone is worth the trip.”

The Brandywine Zoo is located in Brandywine Park and is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 3–17, and free for children under 3. Delaware residents receive $2 off with proof of residency. Annual memberships start at $55 for families.

The zoo expects the new exhibits to increase annual attendance from 75,000 to over 120,000 visitors.

Chef Adriana Santos of Cocina del Sol, a contemporary Latin American restaurant on Union Street in Wilmington, has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Santos, who opened Cocina del Sol in 2024, has quickly earned a reputation for elevated dishes rooted in her Colombian and Mexican heritage, using locally sourced Delaware ingredients. Her signature dish — a mole negro made with 28 ingredients and prepared over three days — has become a destination dish for food lovers across the region.

“This recognition belongs to my entire team,” Santos said. “Every plate that leaves our kitchen represents their dedication and passion.”

The James Beard Awards, often called the “Oscars of the food world,” recognize outstanding talent in the culinary and food media industries. Semifinalists will be narrowed to finalists in March, with winners announced at a ceremony in Chicago in June.

Cocina del Sol is located at 412 N Union Street, Wilmington. Reservations are recommended and can be made through their website.

Governor Matt Meyer joined Wilmington city officials on Monday to break ground on the long-awaited Riverwalk Extension Project, a $28 million initiative that will add 1.5 miles of waterfront trails connecting the Riverfront district to Fox Point State Park.

The project, funded through a combination of state, federal, and city resources, includes a paved multi-use path for walking and cycling, enhanced lighting and safety features, native plantings and ecological restoration along the shoreline, two new public access points with kayak launches, and interpretive signage highlighting the Christina River’s history.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027. The project is part of a broader state initiative to improve public access to Delaware’s waterways and promote outdoor recreation.

“This investment connects our neighborhoods to the water and to each other,” said Mayor Purzycki. “The Riverwalk is already one of our most popular assets. This extension will make it even better.”

The existing Riverwalk attracts an estimated 500,000 visitors annually. City planners expect the extension to boost foot traffic to nearby businesses and increase property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.