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Affordability, education lead Meyer’s annual State of the State address
Gov. Meyer touted policy wins and laid the foundation of a second-year agenda focused on affordability during his State of the State address.
spotlightdelaware.org
In his State of the State, Matt Meyer centered affordability, education, health care and housing, while emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. The speech did not address property reassessment or immigration.
After a surge of complaints over high Delmarva Power bills, Sen. Stephanie Hansen began asking why other Delaware utilities keep rates lower. Their answer — owning power generation — has reignited debate over a decades-old ban on Delmarva doing the same.
Should Delmarva Power be allowed to generate power? Lawmakers may decide
As chair of the Senate Environment, Energy and Transportation Committee, Sen. Stephanie Hansen (D-Middletown) said she will begin the discussion this legislative session of whether Delmarva Power should be allowed to own electricity generation sites.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 27, 2026 at 4:22 PM
After a surge of complaints over high Delmarva Power bills, Sen. Stephanie Hansen began asking why other Delaware utilities keep rates lower. Their answer — owning power generation — has reignited debate over a decades-old ban on Delmarva doing the same.
The government authority that oversees the Wilmington Airport may lease space at the Delaware facility to a little-known company, called Daedalus Aviation Corp., that recently struck a contract to sell planes to federal immigration officials for deportation flights.
Wilmington Airport authority to consider lease with new company linked to ICE
The government authority that oversees the Wilmington Airport may lease space at the Delaware facility to a little-known company, called Daedalus Aviation Corp., that reportedly struck a contract recently to sell planes to federal immigration officials for deportation flights.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 27, 2026 at 3:48 PM
The government authority that oversees the Wilmington Airport may lease space at the Delaware facility to a little-known company, called Daedalus Aviation Corp., that recently struck a contract to sell planes to federal immigration officials for deportation flights.
If you're a Delaware foodie, theater-goer, of festival fanatic, we want to understand what you need from your local media coverage. Take our survey: spotde.short.gy/arts-listening
Delaware Entertainment, Food and Culture Media Survey
Spotlight Delaware, a 2-year-old, independent, nonprofit news organization currently focused on public policy and civic engagement reporting, is looking to hear more from Delawareans about where they turn for entertainment, food and culture coverage -- and what they need from those media sources.
spotde.short.gy
January 26, 2026 at 5:35 PM
If you're a Delaware foodie, theater-goer, of festival fanatic, we want to understand what you need from your local media coverage. Take our survey: spotde.short.gy/arts-listening
A state board set to review Wilmington schools’ historic redistricting is in flux, with two seats vacant even as Jon Sheehan is confirmed as the new president. The remaining appointments must come from Kent and Sussex counties.
State Board of Education revamped ahead of review of Wilmington redistricting
A state board that in the coming months will be tasked with approving Wilmington schools' historic redistricting efforts is currently in flux.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:02 PM
A state board set to review Wilmington schools’ historic redistricting is in flux, with two seats vacant even as Jon Sheehan is confirmed as the new president. The remaining appointments must come from Kent and Sussex counties.
Stay informed as Delaware lawmakers consider a ban on private detention centers, debate new regulations for data centers, weigh opening primary elections to unaffiliated voters, and take up proposals on public marijuana use, panhandling in Dover, and tiny home zoning in Georgetown.
Get Involved: Lawmakers to consider bills targeting data centers, ban on private prisons
Below are some of the most important or interesting public meetings happening around the state this week.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 26, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Stay informed as Delaware lawmakers consider a ban on private detention centers, debate new regulations for data centers, weigh opening primary elections to unaffiliated voters, and take up proposals on public marijuana use, panhandling in Dover, and tiny home zoning in Georgetown.
Gov. Meyer declared a state of emergency today ahead of a winter storm projected to bring more than a foot of snow to large parts of Delaware. The state of emergency is set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. Read more: spotlightdelaware.org/2026/01/23/d...
Delaware declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm
Gov. Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm projected to bring more than a foot of snow to large parts of Delaware.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 24, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Gov. Meyer declared a state of emergency today ahead of a winter storm projected to bring more than a foot of snow to large parts of Delaware. The state of emergency is set to go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. Read more: spotlightdelaware.org/2026/01/23/d...
Officials will open the Hicks Anderson Community Center on Saturday to shelter unhoused residents during a forecasted blizzard this weekend.
Caroline Klinger, a spokesperson for Wilmington Mayor John Carney, said the center will remain open for homeless individuals “as long as necessary.”
Caroline Klinger, a spokesperson for Wilmington Mayor John Carney, said the center will remain open for homeless individuals “as long as necessary.”
Wilmington to open emergency shelters ahead of weekend snowstorm
Wilmington officials will open the Hicks Anderson Community Center this weekend to shelter unhoused residents during a forecasted blizzard.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 24, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Officials will open the Hicks Anderson Community Center on Saturday to shelter unhoused residents during a forecasted blizzard this weekend.
Caroline Klinger, a spokesperson for Wilmington Mayor John Carney, said the center will remain open for homeless individuals “as long as necessary.”
Caroline Klinger, a spokesperson for Wilmington Mayor John Carney, said the center will remain open for homeless individuals “as long as necessary.”
PJM, which operates the regional power grid serving Delaware and neighboring states, says it expects a record week of electricity demand starting Saturday as extreme cold sets in. The grid operator says it has enough power to meet demand.
Electricity grid braces for record demand during winter storm
PJM, the company that runs the electricity grid that serves Delaware and its neighbors, says the region will see a record week for energy use starting on Saturday – a period that coincides with heavy forecasted snow and frigid temperatures.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 23, 2026 at 11:52 PM
PJM, which operates the regional power grid serving Delaware and neighboring states, says it expects a record week of electricity demand starting Saturday as extreme cold sets in. The grid operator says it has enough power to meet demand.
After a data breach last year where an untold amount of patient information was harvested and disclosed, ChristianaCare and one of its third-party vendors are facing a class-action lawsuit claiming they acted negligently and continue to “obfuscate” details of the breach.
ChristianaCare faces class-action lawsuit after patient data breach
After a data breach last year, ChristianaCare and one of its third-party vendors are facing a class-action lawsuit.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
After a data breach last year where an untold amount of patient information was harvested and disclosed, ChristianaCare and one of its third-party vendors are facing a class-action lawsuit claiming they acted negligently and continue to “obfuscate” details of the breach.
Four months after being detained outside a Seaford Lowe’s, a federal judge ordered disabled Sussex County resident Victor Acurio Suárez to return to Ecuador — despite advocates’ warnings he could face serious danger. Matt Meyer had urged his release.
Judge orders disabled Delaware resident to return to Ecuador
Months after immigration officials detained a disabled Sussex County man, a federal judge ordered him to be returned Ecuador.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 23, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Four months after being detained outside a Seaford Lowe’s, a federal judge ordered disabled Sussex County resident Victor Acurio Suárez to return to Ecuador — despite advocates’ warnings he could face serious danger. Matt Meyer had urged his release.
In his State of the State, Matt Meyer centered affordability, education, health care and housing, while emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. The speech did not address property reassessment or immigration.
Affordability, education lead Meyer’s annual State of the State address
Gov. Meyer touted policy wins and laid the foundation of a second-year agenda focused on affordability during his State of the State address.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 23, 2026 at 4:17 PM
In his State of the State, Matt Meyer centered affordability, education, health care and housing, while emphasizing bipartisan cooperation. The speech did not address property reassessment or immigration.
Delaware’s Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that weakens the state’s hospital oversight board, removing its power to veto private hospital spending.
Bill to revamp Delaware’s hospital oversight board passes Senate
The Delaware Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that would weaken Delaware’s hospital oversight board.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Delaware’s Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that weakens the state’s hospital oversight board, removing its power to veto private hospital spending.
A bipartisan bill would amend Delaware’s Constitution to explicitly protect the right to hunt, trap, and fish. Supporters say it’s about preserving a long-standing tradition for future generations, though the measure does not spell out new or specific rights.
Bipartisan bill seeks to enshrine hunters’ rights in state constitution
A group of lawmakers has introduced a bill that would amend Delaware's constitution to explicitly include the right to hunt, trap and fish.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 22, 2026 at 8:30 PM
A bipartisan bill would amend Delaware’s Constitution to explicitly protect the right to hunt, trap, and fish. Supporters say it’s about preserving a long-standing tradition for future generations, though the measure does not spell out new or specific rights.
Newark-area Democratic Rep. Mara Gorman announced Monday that she will run for Delaware’s 8th Senate District seat, seeking to succeed Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, who announced last week that he will not run for re-election.
Rep. Gorman to run for Sokola’s Senate seat
Rep. Mara Gorman announced Monday that she will run to succeed Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, who is retiring later this year.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 22, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Newark-area Democratic Rep. Mara Gorman announced Monday that she will run for Delaware’s 8th Senate District seat, seeking to succeed Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, who announced last week that he will not run for re-election.
Avie Silver has been named Spotlight Delaware’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, advancing the nonprofit’s sales and sponsorship program, including signature events, digital ads, and sponsored content. Her background includes The News Journal and Delaware Business Times.
January 22, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Avie Silver has been named Spotlight Delaware’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, advancing the nonprofit’s sales and sponsorship program, including signature events, digital ads, and sponsored content. Her background includes The News Journal and Delaware Business Times.
Delaware’s Senate Democrats want to expedite the passage of two bills that would give New Castle County new authority to review the results of its much maligned property reassessment.
Months after outrage, Democrats want to quickly pass new property tax legislation
Delaware legislators debated new bills to give New Castle County more ways to scrutinize the results of its property reassessment process.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Delaware’s Senate Democrats want to expedite the passage of two bills that would give New Castle County new authority to review the results of its much maligned property reassessment.
Mountaire Farms' is asking state regulators to let it process 800 more tons of chicken remains each week — increasing its limit from 4,200 to 5,000 tons — at its “resource recovery” plant.
Mountaire seeks to process more chicken parts near Millsboro
Mountaire Farms is asking state environmental regulators for permission to render more meat, which raised concerns from local residents.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Mountaire Farms' is asking state regulators to let it process 800 more tons of chicken remains each week — increasing its limit from 4,200 to 5,000 tons — at its “resource recovery” plant.
More than a thousand business leaders listened closely last week as Gov. Matt Meyer refined his economic development ideology, signaling that his administration will focus on permitting reform and the growth of an “innovation economy.”
Gov. Meyer signals shift to ‘innovation economy’ focus
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said that he aims to focus on growing an "innovation economy" of startups and deregulating building in the state.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 20, 2026 at 6:01 PM
More than a thousand business leaders listened closely last week as Gov. Matt Meyer refined his economic development ideology, signaling that his administration will focus on permitting reform and the growth of an “innovation economy.”
A good day for Ramara Shackelford is one when her 21-year-old son, Dre, gets through his morning with minimal help — something that happens about twice a month. As he ages out of school programs, she’s navigating Delaware’s adult disability housing system, racing to secure long-term care.
‘Afraid to die’: Parents of disabled adults struggle to find housing
Parents of adults with disabilities describe the process of finding housing for their children as overly complex even while options can be limited.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:02 PM
A good day for Ramara Shackelford is one when her 21-year-old son, Dre, gets through his morning with minimal help — something that happens about twice a month. As he ages out of school programs, she’s navigating Delaware’s adult disability housing system, racing to secure long-term care.
The town of Georgetown is seeking to change the boundaries of its Downtown Development District, as leaders hope to bring in more mixed-use growth and encourage investment in local businesses.
Georgetown to revamp downtown development program
Georgetown is seeking to change its downtown development district boundaries to spur more mixed-use growth and local businesses investment.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:01 PM
The town of Georgetown is seeking to change the boundaries of its Downtown Development District, as leaders hope to bring in more mixed-use growth and encourage investment in local businesses.
Wilmington has paused its plans to transfer the deed of a historic mansion, renovated with millions in taxpayer dollars, to a nonprofit led by the city’s former mayor.
Wilmington land bank to pause handover of Gibraltar mansion to new nonprofit
Wilmington has paused its plans to transfer the deed of a historic mansion, renovated with millions in taxpayer dollars, to a nonprofit company led by the city’s former mayor.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 20, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Wilmington has paused its plans to transfer the deed of a historic mansion, renovated with millions in taxpayer dollars, to a nonprofit led by the city’s former mayor.
Delaware DOJ has sued major drugmakers and pharmacy middlemen, accusing them of conspiring for years to inflate insulin and GLP-1 prices at the expense of patients, AG Kathy Jennings announced.
Delaware sues insulin manufacturers, pharmacy middlemen for price gouging
Delaware’s Attorney General sued multiple pharmaceutical juggernauts, accusing them of artificially inflating insulin and GLP-1 drug prices.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 16, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Delaware DOJ has sued major drugmakers and pharmacy middlemen, accusing them of conspiring for years to inflate insulin and GLP-1 prices at the expense of patients, AG Kathy Jennings announced.
Delaware officials are investigating the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence after enrollment fell nearly in half, raising concerns about finances and operations.
Delaware officials begin probe of Stevenson charter school amid low enrollment
Delaware officials opened an investigation of the Bryan Allen Stevenson charter school after a drop in enrollment raised concerns.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Delaware officials are investigating the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence after enrollment fell nearly in half, raising concerns about finances and operations.
Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola announced he will not seek re-election, retiring after more than 35 years in office. “It has been the honor of my life,” he said during a tearful speech on the Senate floor.
Delaware Senate leader Sokola announces retirement
Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola, the top leader in the state’s upper legislative chamber, will not seek re-election.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 16, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore David Sokola announced he will not seek re-election, retiring after more than 35 years in office. “It has been the honor of my life,” he said during a tearful speech on the Senate floor.
Laurel Police Department compiled and shared a list of addresses where officers believed Haitian immigrants were undocumented and sent it to the FBI, records show. Immigrant advocates said they were shocked, and Laurel’s mayor called the action “utterly disgusted.”
Laurel police created a list of Haitian immigrants' addresses, shared it with FBI
Laurel Police created a list last year of where they believe Haitian immigrants spend their time, and then sent it to federal officials.
spotlightdelaware.org
January 16, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Laurel Police Department compiled and shared a list of addresses where officers believed Haitian immigrants were undocumented and sent it to the FBI, records show. Immigrant advocates said they were shocked, and Laurel’s mayor called the action “utterly disgusted.”