Spotlight Delaware
@spotlightdelaware.bsky.social
#SpotlightDelaware is a nonprofit, collaborative and community-powered newsroom delivering in-depth local journalism and critical information to the people of the First State.
Pinned
Sussex’s lost wetland habitats are ‘coal mine canaries’ of climate change
The rise of saltwater into previously freshwater habitats has killed biodiversity in some of Sussex County, Delaware's most unique wetlands.
spotlightdelaware.org
Delaware isn’t going to fall into the ocean overnight. But the slow creep of saltwater is already reshaping freshwater wetlands. At Cherry Walk Fen in Sussex County, more than two dozen rare plants once thrived — now most are gone.
The federal government awarded Delaware $157 million this week, and Delaware officials plan to use those funds to invest heavily into health infrastructure in Kent and Sussex counties, including building the state’s first medical school.
https://ow.ly/W0ai50XQCOL
https://ow.ly/W0ai50XQCOL
Feds award Delaware nearly $160M for rural health expansion
The federal government awarded Delaware $157 million as part of a national program aimed at bolstering rural health care.
ow.ly
December 31, 2025 at 5:55 PM
The federal government awarded Delaware $157 million this week, and Delaware officials plan to use those funds to invest heavily into health infrastructure in Kent and Sussex counties, including building the state’s first medical school.
https://ow.ly/W0ai50XQCOL
https://ow.ly/W0ai50XQCOL
Throughout Delaware, shelters and service providers have worked to meet a growing demand in the face of a homelessness crisis that has deepened since the pandemic.
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/31/not-enough-beds-no-ride-no-off-ramp-delaware-shelters-cant-solve-homelessness-alone/
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/31/not-enough-beds-no-ride-no-off-ramp-delaware-shelters-cant-solve-homelessness-alone/
December 31, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Throughout Delaware, shelters and service providers have worked to meet a growing demand in the face of a homelessness crisis that has deepened since the pandemic.
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/31/not-enough-beds-no-ride-no-off-ramp-delaware-shelters-cant-solve-homelessness-alone/
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/31/not-enough-beds-no-ride-no-off-ramp-delaware-shelters-cant-solve-homelessness-alone/
During the coldest nights of the year, Ron “Philly” Simmons stays behind while his neighbors at a homeless camp at Wilmington’s Christina Park seek refuge inside downtown hotels. The second article in Spotlight Delaware’s five-part series examining homelessness.
https://ow.ly/zUpq50XQlv1
https://ow.ly/zUpq50XQlv1
December 30, 2025 at 3:28 PM
During the coldest nights of the year, Ron “Philly” Simmons stays behind while his neighbors at a homeless camp at Wilmington’s Christina Park seek refuge inside downtown hotels. The second article in Spotlight Delaware’s five-part series examining homelessness.
https://ow.ly/zUpq50XQlv1
https://ow.ly/zUpq50XQlv1
From Delaware’s northern urban core to its sprawling southern farmlands, unrest over homelessness has touched every corner of the state this year. https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/29/homelessness-in-delaware-a-growing-crisis-and-growing-unrest/
December 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
From Delaware’s northern urban core to its sprawling southern farmlands, unrest over homelessness has touched every corner of the state this year. https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/29/homelessness-in-delaware-a-growing-crisis-and-growing-unrest/
“With rising sea level, the groundwater levels are rising, too,” said researcher Holly Michael — raising concerns that saltwater could mobilize arsenic and other contaminants from polluted sites along New Castle County waterways.
How rising saltwater could unleash pollutants in New Castle County
If saltwater reaches hidden stores of chemicals at polluted sites along New Castle County waterways, they could be released into groundwater.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
“With rising sea level, the groundwater levels are rising, too,” said researcher Holly Michael — raising concerns that saltwater could mobilize arsenic and other contaminants from polluted sites along New Castle County waterways.
Each member of Spotlight Delaware’s nine-person reporting team reflects on the stories that meant the most to them in the year.
Beyond the Headlines: Reporters reflect on 2025
In this last “Beyond the Headlines” episode for 2025, each Spotlight Delaware reporter reflects on the stories that meant the most to them.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Each member of Spotlight Delaware’s nine-person reporting team reflects on the stories that meant the most to them in the year.
Rising seas are pushing saltwater inland, threatening Delaware’s coastal farmland and drinking water. To protect both, Dover is coordinating with farmers to carefully balance how underground aquifers are used.
Saltwater intrusion requires underground compromise in Kent County
Kent County farmers and municipalities have to monitor aquifers to ensure ample supply of groundwater for both irrigation and drinking water.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 25, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Rising seas are pushing saltwater inland, threatening Delaware’s coastal farmland and drinking water. To protect both, Dover is coordinating with farmers to carefully balance how underground aquifers are used.
Of all the gifts we received from our readers this year, this was one of our favorites. Happy holidays, from all of us at Spotlight Delaware. 💌
December 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Of all the gifts we received from our readers this year, this was one of our favorites. Happy holidays, from all of us at Spotlight Delaware. 💌
Update: Authorities have identified the trooper killed in Tuesday’s attack at a Wilmington-area DMV as Delaware State Police Cpl. Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34.
He was working an overtime assignment at the check-in desk when the shooting occurred.
He was working an overtime assignment at the check-in desk when the shooting occurred.
Police: Officer killed in ambush shooting at Wilmington-area DMV
A Delaware state trooper was shot and killed in a surprise attack by an assailant at the Wilmington-area DMV office on Tuesday.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Update: Authorities have identified the trooper killed in Tuesday’s attack at a Wilmington-area DMV as Delaware State Police Cpl. Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, 34.
He was working an overtime assignment at the check-in desk when the shooting occurred.
He was working an overtime assignment at the check-in desk when the shooting occurred.
A Delaware state trooper was shot and killed in an ambush attack at a Division of Motor Vehicles service center on Tuesday.
Police: Officer killed in ambush shooting at Wilmington-area DMV
A Delaware state trooper was shot and killed in a surprise attack by an assailant at the Wilmington-area DMV office on Tuesday.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 24, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A Delaware state trooper was shot and killed in an ambush attack at a Division of Motor Vehicles service center on Tuesday.
Delaware isn’t going to fall into the ocean overnight. But the slow creep of saltwater is already reshaping freshwater wetlands. At Cherry Walk Fen in Sussex County, more than two dozen rare plants once thrived — now most are gone.
Sussex’s lost wetland habitats are ‘coal mine canaries’ of climate change
The rise of saltwater into previously freshwater habitats has killed biodiversity in some of Sussex County, Delaware's most unique wetlands.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Delaware isn’t going to fall into the ocean overnight. But the slow creep of saltwater is already reshaping freshwater wetlands. At Cherry Walk Fen in Sussex County, more than two dozen rare plants once thrived — now most are gone.
Delaware lawmakers are proposing changes to how vacant legislative seats are filled. A new bipartisan bill would require primary elections in special elections, shifting candidate selection from party committees to voters.
Bipartisan bill seeks to require primaries in special elections
Two lawmakers filed a bipartisan bill last week that would require primary elections as a part of Delaware's special election process.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Delaware lawmakers are proposing changes to how vacant legislative seats are filled. A new bipartisan bill would require primary elections in special elections, shifting candidate selection from party committees to voters.
State regulators ordered PBF Energy’s Delaware City refinery to install air monitors after repeated pollution releases — including a butane leak later found to be more than 50 times larger than first reported. DNREC says additional releases occurred even after the order.
After another gas leak, DNREC demands Delaware City refinery sensors
Violations at PBF Energy's Delaware City oil refinery have prompted state officials to demand the company install air monitoring systems.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
State regulators ordered PBF Energy’s Delaware City refinery to install air monitors after repeated pollution releases — including a butane leak later found to be more than 50 times larger than first reported. DNREC says additional releases occurred even after the order.
The Delmar School District board will delay any tax referendum until 2027, despite ongoing financial pressure. Board president Raymond Vincent said the need is real — but now isn’t the time to ask residents to raise taxes.
Delmar postpones referendum talks until 2027
The Delmar School District Board of Education announced earlier this month it would not hold a referendum until 2027.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The Delmar School District board will delay any tax referendum until 2027, despite ongoing financial pressure. Board president Raymond Vincent said the need is real — but now isn’t the time to ask residents to raise taxes.
As unemployment claims rise, many Delawareans are still waiting weeks — sometimes months — for benefits they’re owed.
Here’s what’s happening inside the state’s unemployment system.
Here’s what’s happening inside the state’s unemployment system.
DOL: Many Delawareans face long wait times for unemployment checks
Labor officials revealed that about half of Delawareans who file for unemployment benefits wait more than three weeks for a first payment.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 20, 2025 at 6:06 PM
As unemployment claims rise, many Delawareans are still waiting weeks — sometimes months — for benefits they’re owed.
Here’s what’s happening inside the state’s unemployment system.
Here’s what’s happening inside the state’s unemployment system.
The Downtown Dover Partnership’s recently launched revitalization project is facing financing setbacks, losing out on $6 million of federal funding and major grant dollars it had hoped to receive earlier this month.
Downtown Dover Partnership faces revitalization project funding woes
The Downtown Dover Partnership’s recently launched revitalization project faces financing setbacks, losing out on federal and grant funds.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The Downtown Dover Partnership’s recently launched revitalization project is facing financing setbacks, losing out on $6 million of federal funding and major grant dollars it had hoped to receive earlier this month.
Victor Acurio Suárez, a 52-year-old Seaford resident with developmental disabilities, has spent nearly three months in ICE detention without understanding where he is. His brother and caretaker is asking a court to stop his deportation.
Meyer calls for 'immediate release' of disabled Delaware resident from ICE detention
The 52 year-old Seaford resident has spent the past three months at an ICE detention center in central Pennsylvania.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Victor Acurio Suárez, a 52-year-old Seaford resident with developmental disabilities, has spent nearly three months in ICE detention without understanding where he is. His brother and caretaker is asking a court to stop his deportation.
Two regional health care systems are backing away from merger plans announced this summer.
ChristianaCare and New Jersey-based Virtua Health have ended their letter of intent and will continue operating separately.
ChristianaCare and New Jersey-based Virtua Health have ended their letter of intent and will continue operating separately.
ChristianaCare, Virtua Health reverse course on merger
ChristianaCare and New Jersey-based Virtua Health terminated a letter of intent they signed this summer, ending their potential merger.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Two regional health care systems are backing away from merger plans announced this summer.
ChristianaCare and New Jersey-based Virtua Health have ended their letter of intent and will continue operating separately.
ChristianaCare and New Jersey-based Virtua Health have ended their letter of intent and will continue operating separately.
A federal judge rejected a legal challenge from offshore wind developer US Wind, ruling the company failed to show that a potential government review of its previously approved permits would cause legal harm.
Federal judge shuts down US Wind permitting counterclaim
A legal challenge hoping to protect a Delmarva wind farm project from Trump administration interference was rejected on Monday.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
A federal judge rejected a legal challenge from offshore wind developer US Wind, ruling the company failed to show that a potential government review of its previously approved permits would cause legal harm.
Delaware lawmakers plan to introduce a bill this week to restrict commercial airlines from operating in the state if they conduct deportation flights without judicial warrants or due process. The proposal targets Avelo Airlines, Delaware’s only commercial carrier.
Delaware lawmakers to introduce bill restricting ICE-friendly airlines
Delaware lawmakers will introduce legislation this week to restrict commercial airlines unless they stop conducting deportation flights.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 18, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Delaware lawmakers plan to introduce a bill this week to restrict commercial airlines from operating in the state if they conduct deportation flights without judicial warrants or due process. The proposal targets Avelo Airlines, Delaware’s only commercial carrier.
Delaware’s health care spending is projected to rise again in 2026, after state budget forecasters approved a higher cost estimate.
Delaware health care spending expected to rise nearly 5%
A group managing Delaware's revenue projections approved an increased prediction for how much it believes health care will cost in 2026.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Delaware’s health care spending is projected to rise again in 2026, after state budget forecasters approved a higher cost estimate.
Congrats to all the honorees named to Delaware Business Times’ Delaware 222. Spotlight Delaware is proud to share that our Publisher and CEO, Allison Taylor Levine, and our Board Chair, Patricia Rivera, were included on this year’s list.
December 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Congrats to all the honorees named to Delaware Business Times’ Delaware 222. Spotlight Delaware is proud to share that our Publisher and CEO, Allison Taylor Levine, and our Board Chair, Patricia Rivera, were included on this year’s list.
Delaware school leaders told lawmakers that funding inequities persist despite reassessment efforts, with property-poor districts needing higher tax rates to raise the same revenue as wealthier areas. One penny can mean $105,000 in Delmar — or nearly $4 million in Cape Henlopen.
School leaders outline funding inequity in final reassessment hearing
After months of hearings in Dover, school leaders closed out the final meeting of the General Assembly’s reassessment committee.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Delaware school leaders told lawmakers that funding inequities persist despite reassessment efforts, with property-poor districts needing higher tax rates to raise the same revenue as wealthier areas. One penny can mean $105,000 in Delmar — or nearly $4 million in Cape Henlopen.
Spotlight Delaware officially has an office downstate. After months of building our presence in Kent and Sussex counties, our dedicated southern Delaware reporting team is now based at the Rural Innovation Hub.
December 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Spotlight Delaware officially has an office downstate. After months of building our presence in Kent and Sussex counties, our dedicated southern Delaware reporting team is now based at the Rural Innovation Hub.
Sussex County Council voted 3–2 to approve rezoning for the controversial Belle Mead retail and housing development near the Delaware beaches. The plan would turn a horse farm into commercial space and apartments, with 15% set aside for affordable housing.
Sussex County greenlights controversial Belle Mead development
As a debate rages over how to manage growth near the Delaware Beaches, the Sussex County Council on Tuesday narrowly approved the controversial Belle Mead retail and housing development.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Sussex County Council voted 3–2 to approve rezoning for the controversial Belle Mead retail and housing development near the Delaware beaches. The plan would turn a horse farm into commercial space and apartments, with 15% set aside for affordable housing.