Delaware officials said medical students will start their classroom instruction at UD and then do their clinical training at offices and health care systems in Kent and Sussex counties, where the shortage of doctors is most acute.

However, ChristianaCare, which has its own partnership with Jefferson, is not participating. The state’s largest health care system was part of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s unsuccessful bid to operate the school. In a joint statement from ChristianaCare and PCOM, the two organizations expressed disappointment with not being part of the consortium of higher education institutions and healthcare organizations.

“The path forward raises genuine questions about whether the school’s goals can be fully realized without ChristianaCare’s meaningful participation in its clinical training mission,” it said. “The success of any four-year medical program depends not just on an academic institution, but on a true and committed partnership with its clinical partners — one built on shared mission, mutual investment and trust developed over time.”

Students in the first class can get their tuition subsidized, covering all of their education costs, in exchange for an agreement to work in rural Delaware for five years.

Running the medical school is expected to cost Jefferson $78 million over the next five years. The money is from a federal rural health grant through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which congressional Republicans created in the so-called “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.”

The program will give $50 billion to every state over five years, though exactly the total each will eventually receive is unclear. Half of the money is to be distributed equally to states and the other half is awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services based on a variety of factors.

The state applied for $1 billion late last year to improve health care in Kent and Sussex counties. The Trump administration has so far allocated Delaware $157 million. Delaware is expected to receive at least $500 million over the life of the fund.

A crash shut down U.S. 42 in Delaware County in both directions June 2.

As of 7 a.m., U.S. 42 was closed from U.S. 23 to Jegs Place near the Delaware Municipal Airport.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured in the crash or when the roadway would open.

This is a developing story and will be updated

Public Safety and Breaking News Reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.

The Delaware Lavender & Lambs Festival will return to Brittingham Farms on Saturday, June 27, offering a full day of farm-based activities, local vendors, and seasonal attractions set among blooming lavender fields.

Now in its fourth year, the event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the farm, located at 22518 Phillips Hill Road in Millsboro.

Organizers say the festival highlights both the peak bloom of lavender and the farm’s heritage sheep, with activities designed to showcase agricultural traditions and local craftsmanship.

Attendees will be able to take part in u-pick lavender, wagon tours of the farm, colonial-style wool spinning demonstrations, and country line dancing. The event will also feature more than 50 vendors, including local artisans, boutiques, and specialty food producers.

Food and drink options are expected to include food trucks, lavender-themed treats, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

Tickets are available for $12 in advance for attendees ages 10 and older, with day-of admission priced higher. Organizers note that a limited number of early ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary u-pick lavender bundle.

Additional information about tickets and event details is available through Brittingham Farms.

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.