Good morning, Dover.

Autism Delaware is hosting its 20th annual Walk for Autism on Saturday, Apr.

18 at Dover Motor Speedway where local residents will choose between a standard walk and a 10:00 a.m. walk for those with sensory needs. A festival will follow with food trucks, a mobile health center and resources.

Food Bank of Delaware distributed 9,338 pounds of food to 140 families last month thanks to Bayhealth donating funds to finance five mobile pantries.

The donation boosts local food aid efforts.

Delaware officials invite public school juniors and seniors to apply for a non-voting student advisory seat on the State Board of Education by 5 p.m. April 30 for the upcoming academic year.

The selected student will begin serving in July with travel expenses covered and a $100 daily stipend.

Delaware’s early literacy plan has allocated $8 million to boost third-grade reading from 38 percent to 53 percent by 2028 but lacks clear accountability.

House Bill 267 (introduced Jan. 13) would require schools to report K-3 reading progress three times a year when lawmakers return today from recess.

Delaware lawmakers introduced House Bill 364 on April 9 to create a film tax credit that aims to attract media productions such as films, TV, ads, music videos, and video games to the state.

The bill is set for a hearing in the Revenue and Finance Committee.

High diesel prices are straining the Roxana Volunteer Fire Company, which faces rising fuel costs to maintain trucks averaging 8 to 10 miles per gallon.

The station is working with fuel companies to stock reserve tanks as call volumes increase by 25%.

Ford recalled over 425,000 vehicles for safety issues including windshield wiper arms and passenger sensor malfunctions; Winner Ford in Dover began inspecting and replacing parts free of charge after interim notices were mailed April 13.

Delaware State University launched a new program today to train occupational therapists who help with tasks like feeding babies and preventing workplace injuries.

The initiative meets a growing local need for hands-on healthcare support.

Nearly 400 partners met Monday at the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium Summit to review 20 years of progress in maternal and infant health and address continuing disparities among Black mothers and infants (with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week observed this week).

FrogTown Walks for Autism

1-7 p.m. — Dover Motor Speedway — $15 — Celebrate 20 years of unity and support for Delaware's autism community with this annual family reunion walk.

Paranormal Cirque Specter

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Dover Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling, paranormal journey under a big top with acrobats and illusionists.

Pretty in Pink Spring Shopping & Networking Event

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Ivory Studio and Events — Ticket required — Celebrate women-owned businesses with shopping, networking, and delightful light bites.

93rd Annual Dover Days Festival

5 PM-3 PM — The Green — Free entry — Celebrate Delaware’s heritage with a grand parade, local vendors, and live music at the annual Dover Days Festival.