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• Delaware ranks #1 in nation for hospital quality by U.S. News & World Report

  Delaware has been named the top state in the nation for hospital quality, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best States” rankings released this week. The First State rose to the #1 spot from its second-place finish in 2024, earning national recognition for its commitment to healthcare excellence. The rankings, which assess 71 metrics across eight categories, praised Delaware hospitals for high performance in a range of treatments and procedures, including cancer care, joint replacements, and treatment of organ failure. Delaware also climbed in other healthcare categories, ranking #5 for overall healthcare quality and #10 for healthcare access. Brian Frazee, president and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association (DHA), attributed the state’s success to ongoing innovation and investment by healthcare providers. READ: 4 finalists named for 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year “Delaware hospitals are proud to be first in hospital quality,” he said. “Our members innovate and invest in high-quality care daily in our goal to improve healthcare access and outcomes. While our foundation is strong, we can’t let the HB 350 hospital-control law bulldoze our progress.” Frazee also used the opportunity to criticize proposed state legislation—House Bill 350—which would impose budgetary controls on hospitals. He cited Vermont’s similar approach as a cautionary tale, pointing to high insurance premiums, hospital closures, and a #35 ranking in hospital quality as indicators of policy failure. “Vermont still has some of the highest healthcare costs in the nation while most hospitals are operating at a loss, cutting jobs and services, and several are on the verge of closing, which is why no other state in the country is looking to them for advice on healthcare policy,” he said. “This is the moment to stand up for Delaware and demand real solutions that support a strong healthcare workforce and access to quality care for our uniquely aging and growing state.” Delaware’s healthcare system has earned multiple accolades in recent years. Several hospitals in the state have received five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and others have been recognized by Newsweek and U.S. News as top regional and world-class institutions. The state is also among the top 10 nationwide for patient safety, according to data from The Leapfrog Group.

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• Second Street Players to Present Beloved Drama “Steel Magnolias” opening this weekend

  Second Street Players will bring the heartwarming and humorous story of Steel Magnolias to life this May with a local cast of seasoned performers and community favorites. The production will run for two weekends—May 9–11 and May 16–18—at the Riverfront Theater, located at 2 S. Walnut St. in Milford. Directed by Becky Craft and assistant director Glen Pruitt, the play will feature Lori Ann Johnson as the sassy salon owner Truvy, with Kori Lewandowski as her timid but endearing assistant Annelle. Cheryl Graves will portray the sharp-tongued Ouiser, while Gina Shuck takes on the role of the eccentric Miss Clairee. Cat Baker plays the strong and dignified M’Lynn, and Abbie Porter stars as Shelby, her spirited daughter facing a life-changing medical battle. Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27, with a $2 discount available for seniors, students, and SSP members. Tickets may be purchased online at secondstreetplayers.com. Patrons who need assistance can email [email protected] or leave a message at (302) 422-0220. Set in a small Louisiana town, Steel Magnolias captures the bond between six strong Southern women who gather at a local beauty salon to share laughter, advice, and heartache. The play, written by Robert Harling and inspired by the life of his sister, was famously adapted into a 1989 film starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, and Dolly Parton. The production is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. It is supported, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. More Delaware arts events can be found at DelawareScene.com.

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• 4 finalists named for 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year

  The Delaware Charter Schools Network has announced the top four finalists for the 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year, recognizing outstanding educators who exemplify dedication, innovation, and excellence in the classroom. This year’s finalists are: Katie Miro: Newark Charter School Sara Gildon: Early College School at Delaware State University Judith Anderson-Bruess: Las Américas ASPIRA Academy Maria Paraponiari: Odyssey Charter School These educators were selected for their exceptional contributions to student learning and their school communities. According to the Delaware Charter Schools Network, the finalists represent the very best of the state’s charter school educators, standing out for their commitment to fostering academic growth and positive school environments. READ: Delaware launches ‘Food is Medicine’ initiative to tackle chronic disease through nutrition The winner will be announced at the upcoming IDEA Awards this Thursday. “Choosing just one Teacher of the Year is never easy,” the organization said in a statement. “Delaware’s charter schools are filled with exceptional educators, and we are proud to celebrate all teachers who go above and beyond for their students.” The Charter School Teacher of the Year award is part of a broader effort to highlight the impact of educators across the state and to honor those who are shaping the next generation of leaders.

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