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.
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Beyond the Headlines: Housing needs of disabled adults
Reporter Julia Merola joins “Beyond the Headlines” to discuss her article, "Parents of Disabled Adults Struggle to Find Housing."
spotlightdelaware.org
In this episode, Reporter Julia Merola discusses her article, “Afraid to Die,” and the three families navigating Delaware’s disability housing system as their adult children age out of school-based services.
State environmental regulators said last week that the Delaware City refinery has appealed their recent orders to install air monitoring equipment, and to pay a $300,000 penalty for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air.
Delaware City refinery appeals two state sanctions for past emissions
State environmental regulators said last week that the Delaware City refinery has appealed their recent orders to install air monitoring equipment, and to pay a $300,000 penalty for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM
State environmental regulators said last week that the Delaware City refinery has appealed their recent orders to install air monitoring equipment, and to pay a $300,000 penalty for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air.
An appointed group of Dover city leaders finalized a list of recommendations last week, proposing six ways the capital city could use its quarter-million-dollar share of the state’s opioid settlement commission funds, with a focus on youth outreach.
Dover task force advances youth-focused opioid recommendations
Dover leaders finalized a list of six proposals for how the city could use its share of the state’s opioid settlement commission funds.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 17, 2026 at 6:02 PM
An appointed group of Dover city leaders finalized a list of recommendations last week, proposing six ways the capital city could use its quarter-million-dollar share of the state’s opioid settlement commission funds, with a focus on youth outreach.
Two years after Wilmington agreed in a settlement to not enforce loitering and panhandling laws, the City Council is now drafting a new proposal that would restrict individuals from lingering on public sidewalks, among other places.
Debate grows as Wilmington crafts new loitering ordinance
Two years after Wilmington agreed in a settlement to not enforce loitering and panhandling laws, the City Council is now drafting a new proposal that would restrict individuals from lingering on public sidewalks, among other places.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 17, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Two years after Wilmington agreed in a settlement to not enforce loitering and panhandling laws, the City Council is now drafting a new proposal that would restrict individuals from lingering on public sidewalks, among other places.
As state spending on weight-loss-drugs continues to skyrocket, employees currently covered under the state’s health plan could soon pay much more out-of-pocket to get their weight-loss prescriptions or be uncovered altogether: https://ow.ly/7kuZ50YgIlE
Delaware weighs cutting GLP-1 coverage on state plan
The board that manages the health plan for Delaware state employees is considering changing the eligibility factors for GLP-1 drugs.
ow.ly
February 16, 2026 at 6:02 PM
As state spending on weight-loss-drugs continues to skyrocket, employees currently covered under the state’s health plan could soon pay much more out-of-pocket to get their weight-loss prescriptions or be uncovered altogether: https://ow.ly/7kuZ50YgIlE
The fight over plans to build a Costco-anchored shopping center in the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area may not be over after all: https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/02/16/developer-sues-sussex-county-over-atlantic-fields-denial/
February 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM
The fight over plans to build a Costco-anchored shopping center in the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area may not be over after all: https://spotlightdelaware.org/2026/02/16/developer-sues-sussex-county-over-atlantic-fields-denial/
Here is your weekly roundup of the most important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week: https://ow.ly/ZGsO50YgI1w
Get Involved: Charter school probe, police accountability board reform, and a Wilmington fish hatchery?
Government works best when its citizens are knowledgeable and engaged. Delaware’s government has scores of commissions, working groups, agencies and legislative committees. All must hold meetings that are open to the public. Below we highlight a few of those meetings that are happening this week.
ow.ly
February 16, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Here is your weekly roundup of the most important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week: https://ow.ly/ZGsO50YgI1w
Kent County Residents: Help us understand what you're looking for when you're looking for something to do. RSVP to our focus group: spotde.short.gy/kent-arts-listening
February 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Kent County Residents: Help us understand what you're looking for when you're looking for something to do. RSVP to our focus group: spotde.short.gy/kent-arts-listening
As municipalities across Delaware grapple with the impacts of homelessness and panhandling, a revelation by Attorney General Kathy Jennings that her office has drafted a bill to help address the issue prompted questions and confusion from a number of lawmakers on Wednesday.
AG Jennings talks updated loitering bill, sparks pushback from lawmakers
A revelation by Delaware's Attorney General that her office has drafted a bill to help address loitering prompted questions from lawmakers.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 13, 2026 at 6:02 PM
As municipalities across Delaware grapple with the impacts of homelessness and panhandling, a revelation by Attorney General Kathy Jennings that her office has drafted a bill to help address the issue prompted questions and confusion from a number of lawmakers on Wednesday.
An exec for Wilmington’s income-restricted River Commons Apartments urged lawmakers to lower property taxes after a county reassessment tripled the bill in 2025. Rents can’t rise due to tax credit limits — and some landlords may delay repairs to cope.
Affordable housing companies push back against new, higher property taxes
Lawmakers broadly agree that the tax burden on affordable housing needs to be eased. But they have also described how they must balance competing interests, including fully funding schools and encouraging businesses to grow.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:15 PM
An exec for Wilmington’s income-restricted River Commons Apartments urged lawmakers to lower property taxes after a county reassessment tripled the bill in 2025. Rents can’t rise due to tax credit limits — and some landlords may delay repairs to cope.
ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest health care system, announced Thursday it aims to open a new $65 million campus in Georgetown, marking its first significant entrance into Sussex County, the state’s fastest growing region, but one that is already marked by competition in health care.
ChristianaCare eyes Sussex market with $65M Georgetown campus
ChristianaCare aims to open a new $65 million campus in Georgetown, which would mark its first significant entrance into Sussex County.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 13, 2026 at 3:55 PM
ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest health care system, announced Thursday it aims to open a new $65 million campus in Georgetown, marking its first significant entrance into Sussex County, the state’s fastest growing region, but one that is already marked by competition in health care.
Daedalus Aviation, the Virginia company that struck a federal deal to sell planes for deportation flights, has decided not to lease space at Wilmington Airport “at this time,” according to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the facility.
Daedalus withdraws Wilmington Airport proposal
Daedalus Aviation, which struck a deal to sell planes to the government for deportation flights, decided not to rent space at the Wilmington Airport.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Daedalus Aviation, the Virginia company that struck a federal deal to sell planes for deportation flights, has decided not to lease space at Wilmington Airport “at this time,” according to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the facility.
In a vote Tuesday, the Christina Board of Education appointed Celita Cherry, a self-empowerment coach, to fill the board’s Wilmington-based seat that was left vacant following the resignation of Shannon Troncoso.
She will serve the Christina School District until elections occur in the spring.
She will serve the Christina School District until elections occur in the spring.
Celita Cherry to serve on Christina school board
The Christina Board of Education appointed Celita Cherry, a self-empowerment coach, to fill the board’s Wilmington-based seat.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 12, 2026 at 6:55 PM
In a vote Tuesday, the Christina Board of Education appointed Celita Cherry, a self-empowerment coach, to fill the board’s Wilmington-based seat that was left vacant following the resignation of Shannon Troncoso.
She will serve the Christina School District until elections occur in the spring.
She will serve the Christina School District until elections occur in the spring.
Nearly 70% of traditional Delaware school districts — 11 out of 16 — saw a decline in the number of enrolled multilingual learner students in the 2025-2026 school year. Here's what's happening.
School districts see drop in multilingual students as families self-deport
Nearly 70% of traditional Delaware school districts saw a decline in the number of enrolled multilingual learner students this year.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Nearly 70% of traditional Delaware school districts — 11 out of 16 — saw a decline in the number of enrolled multilingual learner students in the 2025-2026 school year. Here's what's happening.
The Wilmington City Council is scheduled to vote next week on an ordinance that would temporarily prevent new smoke shops from opening in Delaware’s largest city.
Wilmington weighs smoke shop moratorium following arrests
The Wilmington City Council is scheduled to vote next week on an ordinance that would temporarily prevent new smoke shops from opening in Delaware’s largest city.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 11, 2026 at 6:02 PM
The Wilmington City Council is scheduled to vote next week on an ordinance that would temporarily prevent new smoke shops from opening in Delaware’s largest city.
The Georgetown Town Council approved a property rezoning request on Monday, allowing Little Living to move forward with building its controversial tiny home community after nearly six months of turmoil between residents and town leaders.
Georgetown council green lights Little Living rezoning
The Georgetown Town Council approved a property rezoning request on Monday, allowing Little Living to move forward.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The Georgetown Town Council approved a property rezoning request on Monday, allowing Little Living to move forward with building its controversial tiny home community after nearly six months of turmoil between residents and town leaders.
Delaware is beginning to spend its first $157M federal award to strengthen rural health care. The state has issued vendor requests for initiatives including a new medical school, a “Food is Medicine” program, and rural health hubs in Kent and Sussex. Delaware expects at least $500M over five years.
Delaware requests partners for medical school, federal rural health programs
Gov. Matt Meyer released a batch of requests for potential vendors to carry out rural health programs that will be funded by a federal payout.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Delaware is beginning to spend its first $157M federal award to strengthen rural health care. The state has issued vendor requests for initiatives including a new medical school, a “Food is Medicine” program, and rural health hubs in Kent and Sussex. Delaware expects at least $500M over five years.
Voters split on Monday’s school tax referendums. Laurel rejected a $1.6M request by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, while Caesar Rodney approved a $6M increase with about 58% support, breaking a recent streak of failed votes in Delaware.
School referendum passes at Caesar Rodney, fails in Laurel
In Laurel, voters rejected the $1.6 million referendum by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. In the Caesar Rodney School District, voters went the other way with about 58% of them approving a $6 million referendum.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 10, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Voters split on Monday’s school tax referendums. Laurel rejected a $1.6M request by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, while Caesar Rodney approved a $6M increase with about 58% support, breaking a recent streak of failed votes in Delaware.
Public education often centers on test scores. In Wilmington, teacher Jasmyn Wright centers confidence.
At the Bayard School in the Christina School District, her “push through” affirmations have helped students find their voice — and earned her a top 10 Global Teacher Prize nod.
At the Bayard School in the Christina School District, her “push through” affirmations have helped students find their voice — and earned her a top 10 Global Teacher Prize nod.
How a Bayard School teacher uses positive affirmations to empower students
Jasmyn Wright uses a call-and-response system with students that she calls her "push through" mantra to help kids grow their confidence.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 9, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Public education often centers on test scores. In Wilmington, teacher Jasmyn Wright centers confidence.
At the Bayard School in the Christina School District, her “push through” affirmations have helped students find their voice — and earned her a top 10 Global Teacher Prize nod.
At the Bayard School in the Christina School District, her “push through” affirmations have helped students find their voice — and earned her a top 10 Global Teacher Prize nod.
Caesar Rodney and Laurel voters head to the polls Monday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to decide on tax referendums to fund operating costs and retain educators. Caesar Rodney seeks $6M annually; Laurel seeks $1.6M.
What the increases would cost homeowners and why districts say they need them:
What the increases would cost homeowners and why districts say they need them:
Caesar Rodney, Laurel school districts seek tax increases through referendums
The Caesar Rodney and the Laurel school districts will ask their communities to approve tax increases during referendums scheduled for Monday.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Caesar Rodney and Laurel voters head to the polls Monday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to decide on tax referendums to fund operating costs and retain educators. Caesar Rodney seeks $6M annually; Laurel seeks $1.6M.
What the increases would cost homeowners and why districts say they need them:
What the increases would cost homeowners and why districts say they need them:
Gov. Matt Meyer’s proposed budget would raise annual fees on LLCs and other noncorporate businesses, plus expedited filing fees, generating an estimated $81 million for Delaware’s General Fund starting July 1.
Delaware could increase fees on its $2B corporate franchise
Delaware’s golden goose will likely become even more lucrative later this year.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Gov. Matt Meyer’s proposed budget would raise annual fees on LLCs and other noncorporate businesses, plus expedited filing fees, generating an estimated $81 million for Delaware’s General Fund starting July 1.
Delaware immigrant advocacy groups asked a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit by the Trump administration seeking access to sensitive voter data. The groups argue the request puts immigrant citizens at risk of wrongful targeting.
Immigrant advocates move to dismiss Trump’s voter data lawsuit
Delaware immigrant advocates asked a judge to dismiss a Trump administration lawsuit demanding state officials turn over sensitive voter data.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Delaware immigrant advocacy groups asked a judge to dismiss a federal lawsuit by the Trump administration seeking access to sensitive voter data. The groups argue the request puts immigrant citizens at risk of wrongful targeting.
Southern New Castle County Residents: Help us understand what you're looking for when you're looking for something to do. RSVP to our focus group: spotde.short.gy/so-ncco-arts-listening
February 5, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Southern New Castle County Residents: Help us understand what you're looking for when you're looking for something to do. RSVP to our focus group: spotde.short.gy/so-ncco-arts-listening
At least five schools in Delaware received automated voice-recorded bomb threats on Wednesday, and the calls might be linked to larger nationwide threats.
Some classes disrupted after several Delaware schools received bomb threats
At least five schools in Delaware received automated voice-recorded bomb threats on Wednesday. And the calls might be linked to larger nationwide threats
spotlightdelaware.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:02 PM
At least five schools in Delaware received automated voice-recorded bomb threats on Wednesday, and the calls might be linked to larger nationwide threats.
The New Castle County Council passed an ordinance earlier this week taking more authority over appointments to the county’s Police Accountability Board away from community groups and giving it to County Executive Marcus Henry.
NCC Council gives Henry more authority over Police Accountability Board
New Castle County Council gave more authority over appointments to the county’s police accountability board to County Executive Marcus Henry.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:34 PM
The New Castle County Council passed an ordinance earlier this week taking more authority over appointments to the county’s Police Accountability Board away from community groups and giving it to County Executive Marcus Henry.
Two Delaware school districts are asking voters to approve tax hikes in Monday referendums. Caesar Rodney is seeking $6 million annually, about $23 per month for a $300,000 home. Laurel is requesting $1.6 million, about $14 per month for a $230,000 home.
Caesar Rodney, Laurel school districts seek tax increases through referendums
The Caesar Rodney and the Laurel school districts will ask their communities to approve tax increases during referendums scheduled for Monday.
spotlightdelaware.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Two Delaware school districts are asking voters to approve tax hikes in Monday referendums. Caesar Rodney is seeking $6 million annually, about $23 per month for a $300,000 home. Laurel is requesting $1.6 million, about $14 per month for a $230,000 home.