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Dover opioid task force to address crisis, consider settlement commission money

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 19h

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen has formed a task force to tackle the city’s opioid crisis. Members differ on enforcement approaches but agree Dover’s biggest need is a detox and recovery center.

Dover created an opioid task force last month, but some stakeholders have differing views of how best to curb drug use in central Delaware.

Wilmington Council’s sole Republican switches parties mid-session

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 1d

Wilmington’s lone Republican councilmember, James Spadola, has switched to the Democratic Party, leaving City Council entirely Democrat-run until at least 2028.

Wilmington City Councilman James Spadola changed his party registration from Republican to Democrat last week.

New legal claims could further delay New Castle County tax bills

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 1d

New Castle County’s plan to mail long-delayed property tax bills by November faces new delays as a lawsuit over Delaware’s tax system expands to include claims of arbitrary taxation and demands to depose county leaders.

New Castle County’s goal of mailing out its long-delayed property tax bills by November may be at risk after a yearlong drama over tax reassessments just got more complicated with claims of arbitrary taxation and demands to depose county leaders.

In the wake of Pa. budget crisis, Delaware remains committed to SEPTA

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 2d

After a summer of financial turmoil nearly derailed SEPTA’s Delaware service, Governor Matt Meyer’s office says the state will stay the course — calling SEPTA “the most economical option” for rail to Philadelphia.

After a summer of financial turmoil nearly derailed SEPTA’s Delaware operations, Gov. Matt Meyer’s office said the state will continue to rely upon the Pennsylvania agency for its transit service to Philadelphia.

Bayhealth to pursue $250M expansion in Dover

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 2d

Bayhealth, Delaware’s second-largest hospital system, plans a nearly $250 million expansion of its Dover facility to meet the needs of a “heavily aging” and "sicker" population.

Bayhealth, the state’s second largest hospital system, announced last week it would pursue a near $250 million expansion in Dover.

Delaware, ChristianaCare agree to pause regulatory lawsuit

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 2d

JUST IN: ChristianaCare reached a tentative deal with Delaware officials to pause its lawsuit over the state’s hospital oversight board in exchange for removing the board’s budget veto powers.

ChristianaCare tentatively agreed to end its lawsuit against Delaware's hospital oversight board, if lawmakers remove the board’s key enforcement tool.

Kent, Sussex leaders report smoother property tax reassessment

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 2d

As Delaware reviews its first property reassessment in decades, Kent and Sussex counties report smoother results while a key court ruling looms over county tax policy.

Kent and Sussex County leaders described a much smoother reassessment process than what many New Castle County residents experienced.

Rising natural gas prices set to hit Delaware customers

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 3d

Starting next month, Delaware natural gas customers will see bills rise by $10 or more a month as Delmarva Power and Chesapeake Utilities pass higher fuel costs to consumers, pending state approval.

The average natural gas customer in Delaware will soon be charged an additional $10 or more a month after the cost of the fuel has risen.

Sussex County to consider easing recreational marijuana zoning restrictions

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 3d

Sussex County Council will consider easing its strict rules on recreational marijuana sales after a nudge from Gov. Matt Meyer. Proposed zoning changes would reduce buffer distances from towns, schools and churches — bringing Sussex more in line with the rest of Delaware.

Sussex County Council will consider easing its restrictions on recreational marijuana sales after being asked to do so by the governor.

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 4d

Reporter Brianna Hill examines Wilmington’s proposed corner store ban and what she learned about why healthier options, though ideal, aren’t always easy to offer. Store owners told her there’s little demand for fresh produce — and when it doesn’t sell, it spoils.

Gov. Meyer denies delaying reassessment data during 2024 campaign

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 7d

JUST IN: Republican and Democratic lawmakers accused Gov. Matt Meyer of delaying property reassessment data until after the 2024 election. His office denies it, pointing to county documents showing the decision to release valuations in November 2024 was set months earlier.

After a top county leader claimed the governor withheld property reassessment data, the governor’s office is refuting those accusations.

As ChristianaCare’s profits rise, free care to the poor remains stagnant

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 7d

Rehoboth Beach’s sunny image contrasts with turmoil inside City Hall, where a clash between the city manager and a commissioner has raised a rare question: free speech vs. hostile workplace. https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/10/03/rehoboth-beach-manager-contract-fight/

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 7d

Delaware spent $500,000 to wipe out $50 million in medical debt for 18,000 residents. Meanwhile, ChristianaCare, the state’s largest nonprofit hospital, doubled its revenue in the past decade while charity care stayed nearly flat.

ChristianaCare doubled its revenue in the last decade. During that same time, its investments in free and discounted care remained flat.

Delaware state parks entry fee proposed to rise $1 a day

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 8d

Delaware State Parks may see their first fee increase in a decade: +$1 daily entry, higher annual rates, and senior lifetime passes more than doubling. Officials say rising costs demand change, but the plan is open to public feedback.

Delaware state parks leaders are seeking a $1 a day increase to entry fees to most state parks while more than doubling lifetime pass costs.

Dover Police Chief under pressure from FOP, community

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 8d

The Dover Police Department faces mounting controversy: a union challenge to the chief’s leadership and community accusations of excessive force. Public pressure has escalated with signs, billboards and a tip line for reporting alleged abuse.

The Dover Police Department faces competing controversies, including an internal mutiny against the chief and accusations of excessive force.

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 9d

Excited to welcome Avie Silver as our Strategic Partnerships and Growth Consultant. Avie will help launch our 2026 Sponsorship, Advertising and Events Calendar. Many know Avie from her media sales work across Delaware, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team!

Henry: Gov. Meyer delayed reassessment data until after election

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 10d

BREAKING: New Castle Co Exec Marcus Henry told legislators that Gov. Matt Meyer delayed the release of property reassessment data until after the 2024 election. The claim surfaced during a rare committee hearing in Dover on Delaware’s first statewide reassessment in 30 years.

New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry said Gov. Matt Meyer delayed the release of reassessment data until after the 2024 election.

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 10d

#Wilmington wants to correct flawed property assessments that drove up tax bills. Their plan: interior inspections in neighborhoods hit hardest, aiming to restore fairness and equity.

Read more: https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/09/30/wilmington-seeks-to-fix-reassessment-by-seeing-inside-homes/

Amid turmoil, Christina schools seek public input for new district goals

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 11d

Christina School District will host community listening sessions to shape “goals and guardrails” for new superintendent Deirdra Joyner. The goals are a component of Joyner’s $225,000 employment contract and will guide expectations on student achievement and fiscal oversight.

After a year of turmoil, the Christina School District will hold listening sessions to help establish goals for its new superintendent.

Get Involved: Atlantic Fields, reassessment, Inspector General, more

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 11d

From infrastructure to taxation, Delaware’s public meetings this week address some of the state’s most pressing challenges: beach development, port expansion, property reassessments, and transportation planning.

Among this week's top public meetings are hearings on the Atlantic Fields project. the statewide reassessment, and the Inspector General.

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 13d

Thanks for coming out, Evylyn! We’re so glad you enjoyed the morning in Wilmington. Sorry that traffic put a damper on things.

We’ll keep this in mind for next year. Really appreciate the feedback ♥️

– Angela R.

Delaware Explained: EV fees

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 14d

Driving an #EV in #Delaware? Your costs are going up.

Starting October 1, new registration fees will apply to hybrid, plug-in and fully electric vehicles. The amount depends on vehicle type and weight and is added at renewal. Here's what you need to know.

Postcards informing residents of new fees coming to owners of electric vehicles have raised questions in Delaware.

Meyer could mandate affordable housing if localities don't loosen zoning rules

Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 14d

A fight between state and local officials over control of land use decisions could continue on a new battleground as Gov. Matt Meyer says he will push localities to allow denser types of housing in many areas of the state.

In an effort to grow affordably housing, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer says he will push localities to allow denser types of housing.

Spotlight Delaware invites you to join us for our first ever Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 27th, a celebration of Delaware’s family-friendly and close-knit community. Families can enjoy free a...

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Spotlight Delaware @spotlightdelaware.bsky.social · 14d

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝!

Family Fun Day