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.
New Castle County homeowners are finally receiving their long-delayed property tax bills, prompting confusion and after legal challenges and state law changes slowed the reassessment process. With the Dec. 31 payment deadline approaching, Spotlight Delaware breaks down what residents need to know.
Delaware Explained: Why is New Castle County sending revised property tax bills?
Spotlight Delaware has compiled answers to help New Castle County residents and property owners navigate their revised property tax bills.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
New Castle County homeowners are finally receiving their long-delayed property tax bills, prompting confusion and after legal challenges and state law changes slowed the reassessment process. With the Dec. 31 payment deadline approaching, Spotlight Delaware breaks down what residents need to know.
Following an hour and a half of impassioned public comment and another half hour of discussion among council members, the Georgetown Town Council on Monday approved a cottage housing ordinance, allowing 12 tiny homes to be built on a single acre of land.
Georgetown tiny homes vote puts escalating tensions on display
The Georgetown Town Council on Monday approved a cottage housing ordinance, allowing 12 tiny homes to be built on a single acre of land.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Following an hour and a half of impassioned public comment and another half hour of discussion among council members, the Georgetown Town Council on Monday approved a cottage housing ordinance, allowing 12 tiny homes to be built on a single acre of land.
As congestion worsens along Sussex County’s coastal corridors, DelDOT has outlined concepts to widen Route 24, build a bypass around Milton and either expanding or rerouting sections of Route 9.
DelDOT considers widening roads leading to the beaches
Delaware’s transportation officials are considering widening principal highways that weave through Sussex County to its popular beaches.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:28 PM
As congestion worsens along Sussex County’s coastal corridors, DelDOT has outlined concepts to widen Route 24, build a bypass around Milton and either expanding or rerouting sections of Route 9.
Wilmington City Council and Mayor John Carney have agreed on a revised landlord-tenant measure after his earlier veto. The plan creates a city escrow account for tenants to deposit rent when landlords don’t provide essential services.
Months after veto, Wilmington mayor expresses support for rent escrow program
Wilmington City Council has reached a compromise with Mayor John Carney over a rent escrow program to help manage landlord/tenant disputes.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Wilmington City Council and Mayor John Carney have agreed on a revised landlord-tenant measure after his earlier veto. The plan creates a city escrow account for tenants to deposit rent when landlords don’t provide essential services.
Delaware’s teachers union president is poised to join the Christina Board of Education after the only other applicant withdrew. The board plans to fill the seat formerly held by Naveed Baqir, removed two months ago over residency concerns.
Union president Ingram likely to become next Christina school board member
Stephanie Ingram, the president of Delaware’s teachers union, is likely to become the next member of the Christina School Board.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Delaware’s teachers union president is poised to join the Christina Board of Education after the only other applicant withdrew. The board plans to fill the seat formerly held by Naveed Baqir, removed two months ago over residency concerns.
A vote on new data center regulations in New Castle County is on hold until January.
Vote on controversial data center regulations delayed, again
The New Castle County Council will delay its vote on a controversial proposal to regulate the fast-growing, data center industry until January, the sponsor of the legislation said.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 8, 2025 at 11:00 PM
A vote on new data center regulations in New Castle County is on hold until January.
After Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings sued, the Trump administration agreed to reverse course on plans to restrict victims’ services funding to states that didn’t follow its immigration agenda. A binding resolution ensures current grants for survivors will be protected.
Delaware AG secures agreement with Trump administration to protect abuse victims’ funds
The Trump administration agreed to back down from restricting victims’ services funds to states that don't comply with its immigration agenda.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
After Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings sued, the Trump administration agreed to reverse course on plans to restrict victims’ services funding to states that didn’t follow its immigration agenda. A binding resolution ensures current grants for survivors will be protected.
A multistate lawsuit claims new HUD rules will slash support for permanent housing, increasing homelessness. #Delaware, which received $11.9M in Continuum of Care funding, argues the administration’s changes — from 90% allowable use to 30% — will destabilize current programs.
Lawsuit: 500 Delawareans could go homeless if federal changes stand
A coalition of more than 20 Democratic states sued the Trump administration over efforts by HUD to cut permanent housing funds.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
A multistate lawsuit claims new HUD rules will slash support for permanent housing, increasing homelessness. #Delaware, which received $11.9M in Continuum of Care funding, argues the administration’s changes — from 90% allowable use to 30% — will destabilize current programs.
Rep. Rich Collins’ decision not to run again has opened a competitive race in the 41st District. New contenders are emerging, and former Rep. John Atkins told Spotlight Delaware he’s nearly certain to join them, prompting renewed attention to his criminal record.
Collins’ statehouse retirement raises questions about replacement
Candidates are vying to replace retiring state Rep. Rich Collins, including a controversial former lawmaker who could divide Republicans.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Rep. Rich Collins’ decision not to run again has opened a competitive race in the 41st District. New contenders are emerging, and former Rep. John Atkins told Spotlight Delaware he’s nearly certain to join them, prompting renewed attention to his criminal record.
Stay informed as state leaders vote on a new public-school funding model, Georgetown considers tiny home communities, Dover reworks its panhandling proposal and the port board convenes for the first time following a high-profile audit audit. Details at Spotlight Delaware.
Get Involved: School funding, tiny homes, port oversight and more
Government works best when its citizens engaged. Here are some important or interesting public meetings happening around Delaware this week.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Stay informed as state leaders vote on a new public-school funding model, Georgetown considers tiny home communities, Dover reworks its panhandling proposal and the port board convenes for the first time following a high-profile audit audit. Details at Spotlight Delaware.
A new lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware against the town of Fenwick Island seeks to answer one of the most foundational questions: Can non-residents vote in town elections?
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/05/aclu-sues-fenwick-island-over-non-resident-voting/
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/05/aclu-sues-fenwick-island-over-non-resident-voting/
December 5, 2025 at 5:50 PM
A new lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware against the town of Fenwick Island seeks to answer one of the most foundational questions: Can non-residents vote in town elections?
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/05/aclu-sues-fenwick-island-over-non-resident-voting/
https://spotlightdelaware.org/2025/12/05/aclu-sues-fenwick-island-over-non-resident-voting/
Standing outside Legislative Hall on Thursday, Delaware State Auditor Lydia York braced against a chilly wind and even chillier reception from state officials after she presented findings from her office’s audit of the Port of Wilmington.
Auditor describes Port of Wilmington oversight failures; state officials push back
A new report from the state auditor stated that Delaware’s port oversight board had failed to sufficiently supervise the Port of Wilmington.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 5, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Standing outside Legislative Hall on Thursday, Delaware State Auditor Lydia York braced against a chilly wind and even chillier reception from state officials after she presented findings from her office’s audit of the Port of Wilmington.
On Thursday, Shannon Troncoso announced her resignation from the embattled Christina Board of Education after serving five months. “The chaos and contention surrounding Christina’s board are not new — they are historical,” Troncoso wrote.
Christina school board member Troncoso resigns
On Thursday, Shannon Troncoso announced her resignation from the embattled Christina Board of Education after serving for just five months.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
On Thursday, Shannon Troncoso announced her resignation from the embattled Christina Board of Education after serving five months. “The chaos and contention surrounding Christina’s board are not new — they are historical,” Troncoso wrote.
Officials at the Delaware Division of Small Business recently rescinded a $7,500 sponsorship contract awarded to a Wilmington bar after learning that an owner of the business was the state agency’s own deputy director.
Delaware rescinds sponsorship contract, citing conflict of interest
The Delaware Division of Small Business rescinded a $7,500 sponsorship contract after learning the recipient was the agency’s deputy director.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 4, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Officials at the Delaware Division of Small Business recently rescinded a $7,500 sponsorship contract awarded to a Wilmington bar after learning that an owner of the business was the state agency’s own deputy director.
Georgetown-based nonprofit Little Living is charging ahead in defense of its cottage community proposal, as the organization faces mounting opposition from town residents and a looming town council vote on an ordinance necessary for the project to move forward.
Little Living offers defense ahead of Georgetown council vote
Little Living defended its cottage community proposal, facing mounting opposition from residents and a looming town council vote.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 4, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Georgetown-based nonprofit Little Living is charging ahead in defense of its cottage community proposal, as the organization faces mounting opposition from town residents and a looming town council vote on an ordinance necessary for the project to move forward.
The Trump administration sued Delaware in federal court Tuesday in an attempt to compel state officials to turn over detailed voter data information. To date, Delaware has only provided data that excludes the more sensitive, non-public information
Justice Department sues Delaware over voter data
The Trump administration sued Delaware in federal court in an attempt to compel state officials to turn over detailed voter data information.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The Trump administration sued Delaware in federal court Tuesday in an attempt to compel state officials to turn over detailed voter data information. To date, Delaware has only provided data that excludes the more sensitive, non-public information
A compromise struck in June between Delaware lawmakers is now poised to end litigation challenging a Sussex County decision to block a controversial wind farm planned just off its shores.
Delaware judge pauses US Wind appeal in wake of new law
A compromise struck in June between Delaware lawmakers is poised to now end litigation challenging a Sussex County decision to block a controversial wind farm planned just off its shores.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
A compromise struck in June between Delaware lawmakers is now poised to end litigation challenging a Sussex County decision to block a controversial wind farm planned just off its shores.
State lawmakers grappled Tuesday with how to move forward in the ongoing property reassessment saga as it relates to small businesses and landlords.
“This tax policy is going to put small businesses out of business,” said Phil McGinnis, speaking on behalf of the Delaware Association of Realtors.
“This tax policy is going to put small businesses out of business,” said Phil McGinnis, speaking on behalf of the Delaware Association of Realtors.
As businesses decry reassessment, lawmakers mull solutions
State lawmakers grappled with how best to move forward in the ongoing property reassessment saga, learning about how it impacted businesses.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 3, 2025 at 7:05 PM
State lawmakers grappled Tuesday with how to move forward in the ongoing property reassessment saga as it relates to small businesses and landlords.
“This tax policy is going to put small businesses out of business,” said Phil McGinnis, speaking on behalf of the Delaware Association of Realtors.
“This tax policy is going to put small businesses out of business,” said Phil McGinnis, speaking on behalf of the Delaware Association of Realtors.
A traffic stop at a Wilmington park unraveled a man’s detailed terror attack plan against the University of Delaware Police Department.
“This is frightening to all of us," wrote UD Interim President Laura Carlson
“This is frightening to all of us," wrote UD Interim President Laura Carlson
Traffic stop foils alleged terror attack plot against UD police
A traffic stop unraveled a man’s detailed terror attack plan against the University of Delaware Police Department, police reported.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
A traffic stop at a Wilmington park unraveled a man’s detailed terror attack plan against the University of Delaware Police Department.
“This is frightening to all of us," wrote UD Interim President Laura Carlson
“This is frightening to all of us," wrote UD Interim President Laura Carlson
When Satya Kokonda was in middle school, he was stuck in a YouTube addiction - until he discovered a passion for math. Now a sophomore at Charter School of Wilmington, he runs CompetifyHub, which shares educational resources amongst 1600 members from 60 countries. https://ow.ly/z1Za50XAHio
How a Wilmington high schooler is providing math and science help internationally
Once a Discord chat group, a nonprofit tutoring website led by a Wilmington high schooler now has over 1,600 participants, according to its founder.
ow.ly
December 2, 2025 at 4:20 PM
When Satya Kokonda was in middle school, he was stuck in a YouTube addiction - until he discovered a passion for math. Now a sophomore at Charter School of Wilmington, he runs CompetifyHub, which shares educational resources amongst 1600 members from 60 countries. https://ow.ly/z1Za50XAHio
Newark is asking the public to share thoughts about how its comprehensive land-use plan should set the rules for what can be built where in Delaware’s third largest city. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/JA6a50XAI2k
Newark officials: Now is the time to complain about land use
Newark is asking the public to share thoughts about how its comprehensive land-use plan should set the rules for what can be built.
ow.ly
December 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Newark is asking the public to share thoughts about how its comprehensive land-use plan should set the rules for what can be built where in Delaware’s third largest city. Read the full story: https://ow.ly/JA6a50XAI2k
Government works best when its citizens are knowledgeable and engaged. Click here for some of the more important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week: https://ow.ly/BgLg50XA7lW
December 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Government works best when its citizens are knowledgeable and engaged. Click here for some of the more important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week: https://ow.ly/BgLg50XA7lW
Delaware’s Republican Party faces a money problem just as it approaches a consequential midterm election year. The party reported last month that its federal bank account held a balance of negative $3,819 – the fourth month in a row it sat in the red. https://ow.ly/iA0N50XA6Zj
December 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Delaware’s Republican Party faces a money problem just as it approaches a consequential midterm election year. The party reported last month that its federal bank account held a balance of negative $3,819 – the fourth month in a row it sat in the red. https://ow.ly/iA0N50XA6Zj
Taiwo Gariba remembers the mix of excitement and fear that came with her first pregnancy. That eased when she learned she qualified for a county program that pairs first-time mothers with a nurse for ongoing support. More than 90 moms are now enrolled.
County maternal support program relies on donor dollars
It is also the latest to test a new way to pay for social programs by first raising private dollars, then paying them back with government money if positive results come in.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Taiwo Gariba remembers the mix of excitement and fear that came with her first pregnancy. That eased when she learned she qualified for a county program that pairs first-time mothers with a nurse for ongoing support. More than 90 moms are now enrolled.
In Georgetown, a grassroots movement called #MakeGeorgetownGreatAgain has stirred up an intense fight over homelessness. Rural communities reporter Maggie Reynolds returns to “Beyond the Headlines” to trace how the movement took shape.
Beyond the Headlines podcast: Residents’ efforts to ‘Make Georgetown Great Again’
Reporter Maggie Reynolds joins the “Beyond the Headlines” podcast to discuss the controversy in Georgetown over homelessness services.
spotlightdelaware.org
November 27, 2025 at 8:01 PM
In Georgetown, a grassroots movement called #MakeGeorgetownGreatAgain has stirred up an intense fight over homelessness. Rural communities reporter Maggie Reynolds returns to “Beyond the Headlines” to trace how the movement took shape.