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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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
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.
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.
The state task force overseeing Wilmington school redistricting recommended merging Delaware’s four northernmost districts. The plan would combine Brandywine, Christina, Colonial and Red Clay Consolidated school districts.
In major shake-up, Redding proposes merging Wilmington school districts
The Redding task force charged with redistricting Wilmington schools recommended a bold plan of merging four northern school districts.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The state task force overseeing Wilmington school redistricting recommended merging Delaware’s four northernmost districts. The plan would combine Brandywine, Christina, Colonial and Red Clay Consolidated school districts.
Developers behind two proposed industrial projects in New Castle County have indicated in recent documents that they may be planning to build data centers — a prospect that could intensify an already heated debate over regulation of the growing industry. https://ow.ly/HnKG50XKvSs
Two New Castle County industrial projects may become data centers
Developers behind two proposed industrial projects in New Castle County have indicated in recent planning documents that their developments may become data centers.
ow.ly
December 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Developers behind two proposed industrial projects in New Castle County have indicated in recent documents that they may be planning to build data centers — a prospect that could intensify an already heated debate over regulation of the growing industry. https://ow.ly/HnKG50XKvSs
As a proposal to reduce panhandling in Dover approaches a final vote in January, the question of whether it could survive a constitutional challenge remains.
Debate continues over Dover panhandling ordinance ahead of January vote
As a proposal to reduce panhandling in Dover approaches a final vote in January, the question of whether it could survive a constitutional challenge remains.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
As a proposal to reduce panhandling in Dover approaches a final vote in January, the question of whether it could survive a constitutional challenge remains.
Five years of discussions about where Wilmington kids should go to school will come to a close Tuesday when a state task force, called the Redding Consortium, issues recommendations to lawmakers about where school district lines should be drawn in Delaware’s largest city.
Redding Consortium to vote Tuesday on redistricting Wilmington schools
Five years of discussions about where Wilmington kids should go to school will come to a close Tuesday when a state task force issues recommendations to lawmakers.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Five years of discussions about where Wilmington kids should go to school will come to a close Tuesday when a state task force, called the Redding Consortium, issues recommendations to lawmakers about where school district lines should be drawn in Delaware’s largest city.
Stay informed as Sussex County weighs the Belle Mead development near Lewes, state budget forecasters release new projections, Wilmington school redistricting recommendations are unveiled, Dover’s Police Advisory Board meets, and lawmakers continue oversight of the Port of Wilmington expansion.
Get Involved: Belle Mead, Dover police, and Delaware's next state budget
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.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 15, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Stay informed as Sussex County weighs the Belle Mead development near Lewes, state budget forecasters release new projections, Wilmington school redistricting recommendations are unveiled, Dover’s Police Advisory Board meets, and lawmakers continue oversight of the Port of Wilmington expansion.
Months after two New Castle-area elementary schools began to charge for after-school care, some parents have opted to send their kids to a free community center run by the financially struggling Police Athletic League.
Parents turn to an embattled nonprofit after free after-school care ends
Months after two New Castle-area elementary schools began to charge for after-school care, some parents have opted to send their kids to a free community center run by the financially struggling Police Athletic League.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Months after two New Castle-area elementary schools began to charge for after-school care, some parents have opted to send their kids to a free community center run by the financially struggling Police Athletic League.
The University of Delaware’s board has named Laura Carlson as its next president, removing her interim status after nearly six months as she leads the state’s flagship university through disruption in higher education.
Carlson becomes the second woman to lead UD.
Carlson becomes the second woman to lead UD.
New University of Delaware President Carlson seeks recalibration
The University of Delaware’s board named Laura Carlson as its next president, tasking her repairing campus relationships amid trying times.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 13, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The University of Delaware’s board has named Laura Carlson as its next president, removing her interim status after nearly six months as she leads the state’s flagship university through disruption in higher education.
Carlson becomes the second woman to lead UD.
Carlson becomes the second woman to lead UD.
𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
If not for Spotlight Delaware, millions in opioid settlement funds might still be going to the wrong places. Instead, they’re going where they were always meant to go — prevention and recovery. This is just one example of our impact.
If not for Spotlight Delaware, millions in opioid settlement funds might still be going to the wrong places. Instead, they’re going where they were always meant to go — prevention and recovery. This is just one example of our impact.
If not for Spotlight Delaware
While Spotlight started as an idea at a kitchen table, we are now — less than two years sine launch — a robust newsroom, with nine highly skilled and dedicated full-time reporters and editors.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:01 PM
𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿
If not for Spotlight Delaware, millions in opioid settlement funds might still be going to the wrong places. Instead, they’re going where they were always meant to go — prevention and recovery. This is just one example of our impact.
If not for Spotlight Delaware, millions in opioid settlement funds might still be going to the wrong places. Instead, they’re going where they were always meant to go — prevention and recovery. This is just one example of our impact.
After years of debate, state officials are nearing a decision on where Wilmington students will attend school. With redistricting plans raising questions online, Spotlight Delaware breaks down who’s deciding, the timeline and how families could be affected.
Delaware Explained: What is the Redding Consortium?
Spotlight Delaware explains the Redding Consortium, what the timeline looks like for redistricting, and how families may be impacted.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
After years of debate, state officials are nearing a decision on where Wilmington students will attend school. With redistricting plans raising questions online, Spotlight Delaware breaks down who’s deciding, the timeline and how families could be affected.
When strangers in need reach out, Paola Subervi answers.
From her office in Princess Anne, Md., the certified tax preparer has become a lifeline for immigrant families after a loved one is detained or deported, helping connect them to childcare, groceries and information about missing relatives.
From her office in Princess Anne, Md., the certified tax preparer has become a lifeline for immigrant families after a loved one is detained or deported, helping connect them to childcare, groceries and information about missing relatives.
The notary on the front lines of Trump’s immigration crackdown
A notary now finds herself on the front lines of confronting the aftermath of the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
spotlightdelaware.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:02 PM
When strangers in need reach out, Paola Subervi answers.
From her office in Princess Anne, Md., the certified tax preparer has become a lifeline for immigrant families after a loved one is detained or deported, helping connect them to childcare, groceries and information about missing relatives.
From her office in Princess Anne, Md., the certified tax preparer has become a lifeline for immigrant families after a loved one is detained or deported, helping connect them to childcare, groceries and information about missing relatives.
We smashed our $20,000 NewsMatch goal! Now we’re riding that momentum into one final challenge: welcoming 100 new donors to Spotlight Delaware.
Help us cross the finish line 👉 https://spotlightdelaware.org/support/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=newsmatch&utm_campaign=newdonors&utm_content=matchmet
Help us cross the finish line 👉 https://spotlightdelaware.org/support/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=newsmatch&utm_campaign=newdonors&utm_content=matchmet
December 12, 2025 at 2:02 PM
We smashed our $20,000 NewsMatch goal! Now we’re riding that momentum into one final challenge: welcoming 100 new donors to Spotlight Delaware.
Help us cross the finish line 👉 https://spotlightdelaware.org/support/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=newsmatch&utm_campaign=newdonors&utm_content=matchmet
Help us cross the finish line 👉 https://spotlightdelaware.org/support/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=newsmatch&utm_campaign=newdonors&utm_content=matchmet
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.