Spotlight Delaware
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#SpotlightDelaware is a nonprofit, collaborative and community-powered newsroom delivering in-depth local journalism and critical information to the people of the First State.
Governor Matt Meyer touted a $1B rural health plan with a new medical school. He said #Delaware would seek bids, but a recent agreement shows the state is already talking with Thomas Jefferson University — signed two weeks before his announcement.
Thomas Jefferson University signs with Delaware to expand medical education
University and Delaware leaders, including Meyer, signed the agreement two weeks prior to the governor's announcement that the state hopes to build a medical school with a portion of a potential $1 billion federal payout.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 15, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Governor Matt Meyer touted a $1B rural health plan with a new medical school. He said #Delaware would seek bids, but a recent agreement shows the state is already talking with Thomas Jefferson University — signed two weeks before his announcement.
In an interview with Spotlight Delaware's Jake Owens, Margaret Murphy shares how #EarlBradley’s image as a devoted pediatrician misled families, including her own, and how warnings that might have protected her daughters came far too late.
Mother of Bradley victims discusses case, support, more
Margaret Murphy, the mother of several Earl Bradley victims, discusses her experience with the case, its aftermath and a lack of support.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 14, 2025 at 10:56 PM
In an interview with Spotlight Delaware's Jake Owens, Margaret Murphy shares how #EarlBradley’s image as a devoted pediatrician misled families, including her own, and how warnings that might have protected her daughters came far too late.
A Superior Court ruling gave developers of the Middletown warehouse project a major legal win, rejecting a key county argument as “legally indefensible.”
Middletown warehouse developer notches a key legal win
The developers of a proposed massive warehouse near Middletown secured a major legal win last week, possibly clearing the project a path forward.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:00 AM
A Superior Court ruling gave developers of the Middletown warehouse project a major legal win, rejecting a key county argument as “legally indefensible.”
Delaware is seeking $1B in federal funds to expand rural health care in Kent and Sussex counties, including the state’s first medical school and new homeless shelters. Gov. Meyer says the plan would help “build a stable future” for rural health.
Meyer details $1B plan for rural health, medical school, homeless shelters using fed funds
Delaware hopes to receive $1 billion from the federal government to invest in rural health infrastructure in Kent and Sussex counties.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Delaware is seeking $1B in federal funds to expand rural health care in Kent and Sussex counties, including the state’s first medical school and new homeless shelters. Gov. Meyer says the plan would help “build a stable future” for rural health.
Delaware House voted 22-15 to allow virtual participation in special sessions, a move critics say clears the way for a disputed tax “decoupling” bill later today.
Delaware House allows virtual participation, extends NCC tax bills
The House of Representatives amended its rules to allow for virtual participation during special legislative sessions, clearing the way for lawmakers to pass a controversial tax bill later today.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Delaware House voted 22-15 to allow virtual participation in special sessions, a move critics say clears the way for a disputed tax “decoupling” bill later today.
Spotlight Delaware spent 18 months reviewing sealed filings and survivor accounts from the Earl Bradley case. More than a decade after his conviction, victims like Bailey Tenerovich say the system meant to help them has left them behind.
spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/13/a...
spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/13/a...
A decade after Bradley abuse case, survivors still seek help
Survivors in the Earl Bradley sex abuse case are now grappling with latent memories, but finding little support from a trust meant to help.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Spotlight Delaware spent 18 months reviewing sealed filings and survivor accounts from the Earl Bradley case. More than a decade after his conviction, victims like Bailey Tenerovich say the system meant to help them has left them behind.
spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/13/a...
spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/13/a...
The Wilmington City Council will now have more oversight of the city’s embattled land bank — an organization that has faced criticism in recent years over a lack of transparency and financial mismanagement.
Wilmington passes new oversight rule for the embattled Land Bank
Wilmington has passed an ordinance that will require city council to approve certain appointments made to the board of directors for the city’s Land Bank – an organization that has faced criticism in recent years over claims of lack of transparency and financial mismanagement.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:15 AM
The Wilmington City Council will now have more oversight of the city’s embattled land bank — an organization that has faced criticism in recent years over a lack of transparency and financial mismanagement.
Following an inquiry from Spotlight Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation officials launched an internal investigation into a taxpayer-funded land deal that turned a million-dollar profit for a state transportation planner’s business partner.
DelDOT investigating land deal struck with a chief planner’s business partner
Following an inquiry from Spotlight Delaware, DelDOT officials have launched an internal investigation into a taxpayer-funded land deal that turned a million-dollar profit for a state transportation planner’s business partner.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Following an inquiry from Spotlight Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation officials launched an internal investigation into a taxpayer-funded land deal that turned a million-dollar profit for a state transportation planner’s business partner.
Public meetings to watch in Delaware this week:
🏛 Lawmakers weigh tax code changes
💰 Delmarva rate hike hearings
🚫 Dover panhandling debate
✏️ Smyrna teacher pay talks
🏛 Lawmakers weigh tax code changes
💰 Delmarva rate hike hearings
🚫 Dover panhandling debate
✏️ Smyrna teacher pay talks
Get Involved: Trump tax cuts, Dover panhandling, gas rates, more
Hearings on a decoupling of the state's tax code, the proposed ban of panhandling in Dover, and natural gas rates lead the Delaware docket.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Public meetings to watch in Delaware this week:
🏛 Lawmakers weigh tax code changes
💰 Delmarva rate hike hearings
🚫 Dover panhandling debate
✏️ Smyrna teacher pay talks
🏛 Lawmakers weigh tax code changes
💰 Delmarva rate hike hearings
🚫 Dover panhandling debate
✏️ Smyrna teacher pay talks
House Bills 205 and 206 expanded access to police misconduct records and required accountability boards, but many departments haven’t complied. Eight towns still lack oversight committees, and ten boards have met only once.
Delaware advocates call for stricter police regulations
Advocates are calling on the state legislature to enact further police department reform, but lawmakers, so far, remain noncommittal.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
House Bills 205 and 206 expanded access to police misconduct records and required accountability boards, but many departments haven’t complied. Eight towns still lack oversight committees, and ten boards have met only once.
Spotlight Delaware’s premiere public policy discussion is back and bigger than before. You don’t want to miss this exclusive preview of the policy that will affect us all in 2026. Explore the full agenda and get your tickets now at https://ow.ly/7Sxs50Xo5Uk
November 10, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Spotlight Delaware’s premiere public policy discussion is back and bigger than before. You don’t want to miss this exclusive preview of the policy that will affect us all in 2026. Explore the full agenda and get your tickets now at https://ow.ly/7Sxs50Xo5Uk
Delmar School District may ask voters to approve a tax increase next year to address overcrowding, inflation, and rising costs. Superintendent Andrew O’Neal warned that without new funds, the district may face staff cuts and delayed repairs.
Delmar School District likely to seek first referendum in a decade
The Delmar School District will likely ask voters to approve a school tax increase to deal with school overcrowding and inflation.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 7, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Delmar School District may ask voters to approve a tax increase next year to address overcrowding, inflation, and rising costs. Superintendent Andrew O’Neal warned that without new funds, the district may face staff cuts and delayed repairs.
Twenty years ago, the News Journal explored Delaware’s famed Court of Chancery, where judges weigh fairness over strict law. That same question — how far equity can go — is now at the heart of the biggest Delaware corporate law fight in years. The state Supreme Court will soon decide.
Delaware Supreme Court to decide fate of controversial corporate law SB 21
The Delaware Supreme Court is considering a challenge to the constitutionality of SB 21, the controversial corporate law change.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Twenty years ago, the News Journal explored Delaware’s famed Court of Chancery, where judges weigh fairness over strict law. That same question — how far equity can go — is now at the heart of the biggest Delaware corporate law fight in years. The state Supreme Court will soon decide.
A packed crowd filled Sussex County Council chambers Tuesday as residents debated a plan to build a 1,900-home community with retail space in southern Delaware.
Sussex County Council split on Cool Spring Crossing amid public backlash
A fight over Cool Spring Crossing, a town-sized development project, marks the latest drama over the future of Sussex County.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:02 PM
A packed crowd filled Sussex County Council chambers Tuesday as residents debated a plan to build a 1,900-home community with retail space in southern Delaware.
Gov. Matt Meyer created the Delaware Office of New Americans to support the state’s 119,000 immigrants. Rony Baltazar-López, a Milford native and son of immigrants, will serve as its first director.
Meyer creates Office of New Americans amid period of hardship for Delaware immigrants
Gov. Matt Meyer established the Delaware Office of New Americans Monday to aid the state’s nearly 119,000 immigrants amid a period of unprecedented hardships, yet continued prosperity, for many.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Gov. Matt Meyer created the Delaware Office of New Americans to support the state’s 119,000 immigrants. Rony Baltazar-López, a Milford native and son of immigrants, will serve as its first director.
A years-long, multi-million dollar effort to revitalize downtown Dover is underway, starting with a four-story parking garage and office space. The “Capital City 2030” plan aims to bring people and businesses back downtown — but some residents and experts remain skeptical.
Downtown Dover Partnership undertakes years-long revitalization effort
A multi-million dollar downtown Dover revitalization project is now underway, anchored by the construction of a four-story parking garage.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:05 PM
A years-long, multi-million dollar effort to revitalize downtown Dover is underway, starting with a four-story parking garage and office space. The “Capital City 2030” plan aims to bring people and businesses back downtown — but some residents and experts remain skeptical.
New Castle County tax bills may be delayed again as landlords and hotel owners appeal a court ruling upholding higher commercial tax rates. The Delaware Supreme Court will hear arguments Nov. 10.
New Castle County tax bills could be further delayed as landlords appeal
New Castle County property tax bills could be delayed, as a coalition of landlords continues a legal fight against House Bill 242.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 AM
New Castle County tax bills may be delayed again as landlords and hotel owners appeal a court ruling upholding higher commercial tax rates. The Delaware Supreme Court will hear arguments Nov. 10.
Delaware AG Kathy Jennings is backing US Wind in a federal court fight over its planned offshore wind farm off the Delmarva coast, siding with the company as it battles the Trump administration’s effort to revoke its permits.
Delaware AG enters Delmarva offshore wind farm fight
Delaware’s Attorney General Kathy Jennings filed a federal court brief supporting a controversial wind farm proposal off the Delmarva coast.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Delaware AG Kathy Jennings is backing US Wind in a federal court fight over its planned offshore wind farm off the Delmarva coast, siding with the company as it battles the Trump administration’s effort to revoke its permits.
A tense debate at the New Castle County Council over proposed data center rules saw members trade barbs before signaling they may drop plans for stricter limits on a massive project near Delaware City.
New Castle County Council may relent on regulating Project Washington data center
A debate over a county proposal to impose new rules onto one of the hottest industry in the world turned testy during a meeting of the New Castle County Council on Tuesday, with members slinging jeers and reprimands toward one another in front of a packed crowd of people.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
A tense debate at the New Castle County Council over proposed data center rules saw members trade barbs before signaling they may drop plans for stricter limits on a massive project near Delaware City.
ASPIRA’s new bilingual charter school in Georgetown will now open in fall 2027, a year later than planned, after setbacks securing funding and a temporary location. https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/04/georgetown-bilingual-school-delays-opening-until-fall-2027/
Georgetown bilingual school delays opening until fall 2027
The new Georgetown ASPIRA bilingual charter school will delay its opening until 2027, a year later than planned, as school leaders battle setbacks.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 4, 2025 at 11:04 PM
ASPIRA’s new bilingual charter school in Georgetown will now open in fall 2027, a year later than planned, after setbacks securing funding and a temporary location. https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/11/04/georgetown-bilingual-school-delays-opening-until-fall-2027/
The Trump administration will cover half of SNAP benefits in November using $4.65B in emergency funds, following court orders to keep the program open. Delaware had already announced plans to fund benefits for state recipients through the month.
Trump admin to partially fund SNAP as Delaware funding plan goes into effect
In the wake of Monday's court filings, it remains unclear when Delaware will receive its share of the reduced federal SNAP dollars.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Trump administration will cover half of SNAP benefits in November using $4.65B in emergency funds, following court orders to keep the program open. Delaware had already announced plans to fund benefits for state recipients through the month.
Months after a failed referendum left #Smyrna schools struggling to pay its bills, the school district and its union of teachers and other staff members have been in a standoff over pay.
Smyrna school board, teachers' union deadlocked over pay raises
Months after a failed referendum left Smyrna schools struggling to pay its bills, the school district and its union of teachers and other staff members have been in a standoff over pay.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Months after a failed referendum left #Smyrna schools struggling to pay its bills, the school district and its union of teachers and other staff members have been in a standoff over pay.
Gov. Matt Meyer joined two other Democratic governors urging Congress to extend enhanced ACA tax credits. warning premiums could jump 114% next year if they expire.
Meyer sounds alarm as ACA premiums set to skyrocket
Gov. Matt Meyer called on congressional leaders to extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act which are set to expire next month.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Gov. Matt Meyer joined two other Democratic governors urging Congress to extend enhanced ACA tax credits. warning premiums could jump 114% next year if they expire.
Public meetings this week: Sussex County weighs a Route 9 development, New Castle debates data center rules, Newark reviews its budget, and the Public Service Commission hears from Delmarva Power.
Get Involved: Town-sized development, data center regulation, more
Here is a look at some of the most important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Public meetings this week: Sussex County weighs a Route 9 development, New Castle debates data center rules, Newark reviews its budget, and the Public Service Commission hears from Delmarva Power.
The Wilmington Senior Center has laid off a third of its staff and will now close on Fridays amid deep budget shortfalls. Executive Director Sam Nussbaum says he’s fighting to “save this agency” as funding dries up.
Funding gaps force Wilmington Senior Center to lay off workers, close Fridays
The Wilmington Senior Center will close on Fridays after laying off a third of its staff amid ongoing budget shortfalls.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 3, 2025 at 8:33 PM
The Wilmington Senior Center has laid off a third of its staff and will now close on Fridays amid deep budget shortfalls. Executive Director Sam Nussbaum says he’s fighting to “save this agency” as funding dries up.