Latest news with #UniversityofDelaware
Technical.ly
3 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
One Village Alliance reclaims Wilmington block with new hub for tech, media and community
Moves is a recurring series where we chart big and notable changes for people and companies in Delaware. Got a tip? Email us at delaware@ The quest for justice and equity in Delaware continues, with no signs of stopping. One Village Alliance, which celebrates 15 years this week, unveiled a major expansion that will serve youth in Wilmington's Brandywine Village neighborhood and beyond, bringing state-of-the-art resources to boost socially disadvantaged families. Tech, of course, is a big part of the expansion. Also in this month's Delaware Moves, new AI graduate business courses at the University of Delaware, a program to help underrepresented business owners get government contracts, a proposed data center and more, after a look at the most popular tech jobs in Delaware, according to the Tech Economy Dashboard. OVA turns 15, with a new city block of resources For its 15th birthday, One Village Alliance expanded. Not just with a new building, but with an entire block. The Wilmington organization, which got its start at founder Chandra Pitts' kitchen table, has a mission to uplift children and families in the city's most under-resourced neighborhoods through education, entrepreneurship and the arts. The new expansion includes workforce development in tech and STEM fields. 'We're incorporating technology and bringing wellness to inner-city youth,' Pitts told A celebration on Tuesday at the newly renovated OVA Freedom, an urban wellness center near 31st and Market Streets, highlighted partnerships, from individual donors to public servants to businesses big and small. 'I live right down the street,' said New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, whose mother, retired Senator Margaret Rose Henry, was the first Black woman in the Delaware state senate and One Village Alliance's first political advocate. 'It's good to see things happening in this part of the city.' The block extends from 40th to 30th Street in a neighborhood best known as the onetime home of Bob Marley. It includes two buildings with more than 15,000 square feet of indoor space. The buildings will house coworking spaces, studios and classrooms — including a computer lab and podcasting studio — a fully licensed commercial kitchen, a conference center and event spaces. The courtyard at OVA Freedom was designed by Armani Coleman, the organization's VP of operations. Vibrant urban green space that is accessible to low-income communities, Pitts said, leads to lower stress levels, reduced crime and improved academic and economic outcomes. UD Lerner is offering AI graduate business courses this fall The University of Delaware's (UD) Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics has expanded its graduate offerings for fall 2025, with three new scholarship opportunities and three programs focused on artificial intelligence. The three new scholarships, with options for applicants with financial hardship due to job loss, alumni applicants and current undergraduates, provide a 20% tuition reduction and waive the $75 graduate application fee for fall 2025 enrollment. The new AI graduate courses are a graduate certificate program in generative AI for business, an MBA with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and an M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Business. Applications for fall 2025 are open through August 1. OSD announces a statewide bonding pilot program The Delaware Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) recently announced the launch of a statewide bonding pilot program that will support small and diverse contractors in securing the credit needed to grow and compete for larger construction opportunities. Bonding — a type of credit guarantee that protects a business's customers — is required for contractors who want to do business with the government, protecting it and other clients from potential harmful business practices. Through a partnership with Embrace Partners and the Minority Business Development Institute, the state will sponsor up to 30 qualified contractors to participate in the program. Applications will be accepted beginning July 15 through August 29. 'It can be challenging for smaller firms to get the amount of bonding necessary to bid on larger construction projects,' said OSD Director Shavonne White. Black contractors in particular often face barriers to obtaining bonding due to challenges in accessing capital and establishing credibility in the industry, says Ayanna Khan, president of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce. Khan has a history of supplier diversity advocacy in the state, and says the move was needed. 'This program can serve as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and access contracts they've historically been excluded from,' she told 'We're looking forward to seeing reduced risk for Black contractors, where 'bonded out' is no longer the norm.' More moves: Recreational marijuana sales in Delaware start on August 1, but only from a dozen existing medical dispensaries, which will operate without competition until other licensees get the green light. The state's first data center may be coming to Delaware City. Developer Starwood Digital Ventures is considering building a multimillion-square-foot data center campus on land near the Delaware City Refinery. There's a potential AI agriculture tech breakthrough at UD. Entomology doctorate student Kudzai Mafuwe uses artificial intelligence to help crop scouts improve pest management. Governor Meyer's fiscal year 2026 budget passed the legislature this month. The budget has several key provisions in education, healthcare and affordable housing. It includes developer and transportation fee hikes, but no personal tax increase. After a late-night hearing early this month, the state legislature advanced a contentious offshore wind bill that would allow the state to produce some of its own energy and add new jobs. Millsummit, Delaware's annual leadership conference, returns to the atrium at 1313 N. Market Street on August 5 for a day of talks, workshops and networking.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shane Gillis' Longtime Girlfriend Turns Heads At The ESPYs
Shane Gillis' Longtime Girlfriend Turns Heads At The ESPYs originally appeared on The Spun. Stand-up comedian Shane Gillis hosted the 2025 ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, while his girlfriend Grace Brassel turned heads in a stunning dress. Gillis, a former "Saturday Night Live" member, didn't hold back during his opening monologue. He cracked jokes about Caitlin Clark, Megan Rapinoe, President Donald Trump, Juan Soto and plenty of others. The most ruthless joke was about Bill Belichick and his girlfriend Jordon Hudson. "Shohei is a once-in-a-generation talent. No one has been able to do what he does at so many positions: pitcher, hitter and bookie," Gillis said. "A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime. They do. They read 'The Very Horny Caterpillar,' 'The Little Engine That Could But Needed a Pill First,' and, of course, the classic 'Goodnight Boobs.' First off, he's 73 years old and he's dating a hot 24-year-old and people are criticizing him. What happened to this country?" Prior to unleashing this monologue, Gillis walked the red carpet with his girlfriend. Brassel, who graduated from the University of Delaware, was first linked to Gillis in July 2024. They were spotted at Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo's wedding. Considering they attended the ESPYS together, it's fair to say Brassel and Gillis are still going strong. On Wednesday night, Brassel wore a leopard-print dress that left plenty of people speechless. Back in December, Brassel praised Gillis and called him the "best comedian in the whole wide world." Judging by some of the reactions to his ESPYS monologue, there are a lot of people who would agree with that statement. With the college football season coming up, it'll be interesting to see if ESPN invites Gillis back on "College GameDay." He made an appearance at Notre Dame during the 2024 Gillis' Longtime Girlfriend Turns Heads At The ESPYs first appeared on The Spun on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Gen Z men, women have a deep political divide. It's made dating a nightmare.
Kelly Shea's date showed up half-an-hour late to the bar where they were supposed to meet, and things only got worse from there. When he finally arrived, Shea, a now-23-year-old who was studying international politics at the University of Delaware at the time, says they got to talking. She asked him one of her go-to, first-date questions: What is your most controversial take? "I do believe that everybody has, deep down inside them, a controversial take," she says. "This man, he first was like, 'I don't have any.' And I was like, 'That's not true. Tell me what comes to mind.' And then he thinks about it for a second, and he was like, 'Oh, I think being gay is wrong.' " 'Banksying': This new dating trend is leaving people baffled and heartbroken It's because of instances like this that Shea, who describes herself as solidly left-wing, draws a hard line when it comes to dating and politics: If someone's on the far-right, she's not interested. If someone's moderate or center-right − in the vein of John McCain or Mitt Romney, she says − she might give them a chance. "Politics is definitely a factor in my dating," Shea says. "If someone matches with me, or not matches with me but they like my profile or whatnot, and it says 'conservative,' I will absolutely 'X' them. I do think I'm OK with a difference in political opinions to a certain extent. I draw a line when it comes to certain issues, such as human rights." She's not alone. What health & wellness means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Keeping It Together newsletter In addition to the many pitfalls of online dating, Gen Z is also having to navigate a dating landscape marked by steep political polarization between men and women. An April poll by NBC News found the partisan divide between men and women ages 18 to 29 to be wider than that of any other age range, with 53% percent of Gen Z women identifying as Democrats, compared to just 35% of Gen Z men. On the flip side, 38% of young men surveyed called themselves Republicans, versus just 20% of young women. The political gender divide is yet another romantic hurdle for a generation that's having less sex and burned out on dating apps. "It's easier to align yourself with a political identity now than it was maybe back then, because of technology, and I do think it funnels you into certain sects," Shea says. "So I do think it fragments and segments people, making it harder to find common ground when it comes to dating." How politics is impacting dating for Gen Z Politics has become an increasingly fraught topic in the realm of dating, with many unwilling to date across the aisle. A 2020 Pew Research report found 71% of Democrats said they probably or definitely would not date someone who voted for Trump. About half of Republicans − 47% − said they probably or definitely wouldn't date someone who voted for Biden. Among Gen Z, the political polarization between men and women showed itself prominently during the 2024 presidential election. On election day, Gen Z men turned out for Trump, with 49% of them voting for him and 47% voting for Harris, according to NBC News exit polling. Trump also gained ground with Gen Z women, though that same exit polling showed 61% of these voters still went for Harris. The conservative swing among young men hasn't been lost on daters, either. "I have seen an uptick in men displaying that they're conservative (on dating apps)," Shea says. This is true even in liberal dating markets, says Kimberly Bizu, a 28-year-old who hosts "Rich Little Brokegirls," a podcast about modern womanhood. Bizu, who identifies as center-left says that, even in blue cities, many young men hold conservative views, even if they don't discuss them. "A lot of people in New York, in LA, they wear these liberal masks socially, while still holding more conservative views behind closed doors," Bizu says. "I know some of my friends who are likely conservative would never admit it publicly." Right-leaning men have noticed the divide too. Winn Howard, a former United States Marine Corps infantry officer who's now getting a dual masters at Georgetown University, re-entered the dating scene in February, after getting out of a long-term relationship. Though he's on the dating app Hinge, he says he rarely uses it, preferring to meet women in person, where it's easier to get know someone beyond the limited information on a dating app profile. Still, "I have noticed on the dating apps, probably more often than not, I come across female profiles that will have their political view," he says. "And, in DC, I feel like I definitely come across liberal more often." Howard, who is 30 and labels himself center-right, says he's opening to dating liberal women and believes finding common ground is an important part of dating. "I'm still a huge, huge proponent and believer in bipartisanship and meeting in the middle, and that's how the two-party system is supposed to work," he says. "So that is how I approach dating. I think just because someone is on the left, and I'm more towards the right, that's not a dealbreaker for me." Should liberals and conservatives date each other? Relationship experts agree it's certainly possible for people with opposing political views to have a thriving romance − so long as they still share core values and treat each other with respect. For Bizu, she says it's important to get to know someone beyond politics. After all, she says most people don't fall neatly into conservative and liberal categories. She finds that acknowledging this nuance can be a good way to find commonality while holding fast to your values. "Honestly, when someone has a bigoted opinion super early on, it typically and usually comes from either the far right or the far left," she says. "At that point, it's less about politics, and it's more about this complete lack of nuance or compassion. And, for me personally, I just feel like, if you're not curious or open to understanding different perspectives, then I am not interested in building a deeper connection." More: The rise of Trump bros and why some Gen Z men are shifting right It's also important to remember Gen Z is still young − and many of its members could change their views with time. Because of this, Bizu encourages fellow Gen Zers to stay open-minded when it comes to dating. "Be open to understanding different perspectives," she says. "Especially Gen Z, we're only at the beginning, right? We're still building our careers and our networks, and I think it's way more important to open yourself up to as many fulfilling relationships as possible, even if that means like, hey, maybe we hold different political views, but we could definitely get something out of this relationship."
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Scientists Discover a Simple Set of Rules That May Explain How Our Tissues Stay Organized
WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Every day, your body replaces billions of cells—and yet, your tissues stay perfectly organized. How is that possible? 'Just like we have a genetic code that explains how our genes work, we may also have a 'tissue code' that explains how our bodies stay so precisely organized over time,' said Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D. Share A team of researchers at ChristianaCare's Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute and the University of Delaware believe they've found an answer. In a new study published today in the scientific journal Biology of the Cell, they show that just five basic rules may explain how the body maintains the complex structure of tissues like those in the colon, for example, even as its cells are constantly dying and being replaced. Download photos. This research is the product of more than 15 years of collaboration between mathematicians and cancer biologists to unlock the rules that govern tissue structure and cellular behavior. 'This may be the biological version of a blueprint,' said Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., senior research scientist at ChristianaCare's Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research and faculty member in the departments of Biological Sciences and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Delaware. 'Just like we have a genetic code that explains how our genes work, we may also have a 'tissue code' that explains how our bodies stay so precisely organized over time.' Math Meets Medicine The researchers used mathematical modeling—essentially, creating a computer simulation of how cells behave—to see if a small number of rules could account for the highly organized structure of the lining of the colon. That's an ideal place to study: cells in the colon renew every few days, but the overall shape and structure stays remarkably stable. After running many simulations and refining their models, the team identified five core biological rules that appear to govern the structure and behavior of cells: Timing of cell division. The order in which cells divide. The direction cells divide and move. How many times cells divide. How long a cell lives before it dies. 'These rules work together like choreography,' said Gilberto Schleiniger, Ph.D., professor in the University of Delaware's Department of Mathematical Sciences. 'They control where cells go, when they divide and how long they stick around—and that's what keeps tissues looking and working the way they should.' Decoding Human Tissue The researchers believe these rules may apply not just to the colon, but to many different tissues throughout the body—skin, liver, brain and beyond. If true, this 'tissue code' could help scientists better understand how tissues heal after injury, how birth defects happen and how diseases like cancer develop when that code gets disrupted. Boman explained it this way: 'Your tissues don't just grow and shrink randomly. They know what they're supposed to look like, and they know how to get back to that state, even after damage. That level of precision needs a set of instructions. What we've found is a strong candidate for those instructions.' This work also has important implications for the Human Cell Atlas, a global scientific collaboration working to map every cell type in the human body. While the Atlas aims to catalog what each cell is and what it's doing at a given moment, this new research offers a dynamic framework for understanding how those cells stay organized over time. By identifying simple, universal rules that govern cell behavior and tissue structure, the findings could help guide future efforts to not only describe cells, but predict how they behave in health and disease. Implications for Disease and Discovery One reason the team turned to mathematical models, rather than traditional biology experiments, is that it's extremely difficult to observe how every single cell in a tissue behaves in real time. But with computer models, researchers can run simulations that reveal patterns and dynamics hidden from view. This kind of collaboration between biology and math reflects a broader shift in how scientists approach complex problems. It also aligns with national priorities: the National Science Foundation's ' Rules of Life ' initiative challenges researchers to uncover the fundamental principles that govern living systems. This study is a strong step in that direction. Next steps for the team include testing the model's predictions experimentally, refining it with additional data and exploring its relevance to cancer biology—especially how disruptions to the tissue code may lead to tumor growth or metastasis. 'This is just the beginning,' said Schleiniger. 'Once you can identify the rules, you can begin to ask entirely new questions, and maybe even learn how to fix what's gone wrong.' Funding for this project was provided by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, The Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation, the Delaware Bioscience Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) and the UNIDEL Graduate Research Fellowship. About ChristianaCare Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the country's most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, and innovating to make high-quality care more accessible, equitable and affordable. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,430 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women's health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute. ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work, rated by Forbes as one of the nation's best employers for diversity and inclusion. ChristianaCare is rated by Newsweek as one of the World's Best Hospitals and is continually ranked among the best in the U.S. in national quality and safety ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care. About the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research The Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research (CTCR) at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute moves research from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside by applying basic science toward potential therapies. The Cawley CTCR is where scientists study the molecular causes of cancer and tissue engineering, all targeted to better treatment for patients. Groundbreaking findings and current studies at the center are helping to prevent, better detect and stop the growth of many cancers — and as a result reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates in Delaware and beyond. About the University of Delaware The University of Delaware traces its roots to 1743, making it the seventh-oldest higher education institution in the country. UD's tradition of excellence continues today in both the classroom and the laboratory, with consistent ranking among the top 40 public universities. Beyond its Georgian-inspired main campus in Newark, Delaware, UD has locations in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes, in addition to a growing online learning environment. UD is a state-assisted, privately governed institution and one of a select group to hold the triple Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant designation. UD is classified nationally as a Research 1 (R1) university for its very high research activity and doctorate production, a designation held by less than 5% of U.S. colleges and universities. UD also is recognized as a Community Engaged University for its long tradition of applying knowledge and creativity to the critical challenges facing communities in Delaware and around the world. About the University of Delaware's Department of Mathematical Sciences The University of Delaware's Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a diverse suite of programs – from actuarial science and applied mathematics to mathematics‑and‑economics, mathematics education, and quantitative biology – designed to develop both deep theoretical insight and practical problem-solving skills. The department's vibrant community of scholars and educators is anchored by the Mathematical Sciences Learning Lab and the Center for Applications of Mathematics in Medicine. Faculty and students collaborate on cutting‑edge research across pure and applied mathematics – exploring topics such as algebra, topology, probability, and graph theory – and join forces with colleagues in computer science, data science, engineering, biology, and neuroscience. About the University of Delaware's Department of Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware is a dynamic and interdisciplinary community of scholars, researchers, and educators. With a proud legacy of academic excellence and a strong track record of external research funding, the department offers an exceptional undergraduate experience that blends classroom instruction, problem-based learning, hands-on lab training, and mentored research in faculty labs. This comprehensive approach equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a wide range of careers or advanced studies. At the graduate level, the department focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of life, using bacterial, invertebrate, and vertebrate model systems to advance understanding and improve human health and society. Our collaborative teaching and research environment spans molecular biology and genetics, developmental biology, cell and tissue physiology, microbiology, and science education – creating a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful scientific community.
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Delaware State launches $20 million Field House project
Delaware State University (DSU) is entering a new era of growth and excitement. With fall football around the corner and the presence of former NFL star DeSean Jackson, momentum is building at Alumni Stadium. The HBCU is investing in a major facilities upgrade, hiring a star head coach, and transforming its athletic future. In 2024, DSU introduced the Athletics Transformation Project. The goal is to improve athletic facilities and student-athlete experiences. A big part of that effort is the construction of a new 70,000-square-foot field house. On July 1, Delaware's state bond bill included $20 million in funding for the project. "It's going to inject a lot of energy and goodwill into our campus," DSU Athletic Director Tony Tucker told Adam Denn of the Delaware News Journal. DSU hired former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson as head football coach in December 2024. His arrival created instant buzz. "He's brought a lot of energy to the football program, as well as the university," Tucker said. Tucker was promoted to athletic director just before Jackson's hiring. He calls this moment a "perfect storm" of progress and opportunity. "This is the perfect time for Delaware State athletics," he said. "We can reach heights never seen before by the university," he said to Delaware Online. The new DSU field house will sit next to Alumni Stadium. The design includes: A 50-yard indoor turf fieldTeam meeting roomsPlayer lounge areasUpdated locker rooms for all sports Jackson believes the facility will improve recruiting immediately. "Coming from a big school like Cal and seeing them transform, I think it's really gonna help," he said. "We've lost talent to schools like Norfolk and Howard. Having better facilities will make a huge difference." Tucker said the facility will also serve students beyond athletics. "Other sports that train indoors will use it. Non-athletes will also have access to lounge and meeting areas." In addition to the field house, the state included language supporting a future DSU convocation center. The center would host basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and major events. This new arena would replace Memorial Hall, the current 1,800-seat venue. The new space is projected to cost $90 million. "Our location could become a key venue for high school sports," Tucker said. "We're in the center of Delaware." In 2024, DSU hosted the Delaware state football championships at Alumni Stadium after issues with rental fees at the University of Delaware. "It's about creating a better experience for athletes and families," Tucker said. "Families from Southern Delaware shouldn't have to drive to the north of the state for big games." Coach Jackson hopes these changes close the gap between DSU and the University of Delaware. "Delaware has been getting a lot of talent over us," he said. "If we can offer similar resources, we'll get players we've missed in the past." The field house doesn't have a firm start date yet. Tucker said the goal is to finish construction in 18 to 24 months. The convocation center will take more time and funding. But Jackson remains optimistic. "The sky's the limit," he said. "Success this season will open eyes. We'll be hard to overlook." The post Delaware State launches $20 million Field House project appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
