Jane Brady FTX

State GOP chair calls on Democrats to return FTX donation

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The chair of the Delaware Republican Party has called on the state’s Democratic Party to reject a donation from disgraced cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried contributed $9,756.20 to the Democratic State Committee of Delaware on Aug. 31, 2022, according to the Federal Election Commission. Attempts were not successful to obtain comment from the Delaware Democrats. The contribution does not appear …

Wilmington crime

Wilmington police chief to step down

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

The city of Wilmington is in need of a new top cop. Police Chief Robert Tracy has been selected as a finalist to become police commissioner in St. Louis, Missouri, he announced Monday night. Whether or not he gets the job, Tracy will leave the Wilmington Police Department, the mayor’s office confirmed Tuesday. It’s not clear when Tracy plans to …

Cape Henlopen State Park

Under pressure, DNREC scraps Cape Henlopen restaurant plan

Charles MegginsonCulture, Headlines

Delaware’s famous Cape Henlopen State Park will not be the site of a new oceanfront restaurant, officials announced Monday. The decision came after weeks of public outcry, including protests, op-eds in local papers and an organized campaign with yard signs that read, “No restaurant on dunes.” In a press release, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said …

Wine direct shipment

Delaware lawmaker to revive wine-by-mail bill

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

A Republican lawmaker hopes 2023 will be the year Delaware legalizes the direct shipment of wine. Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, authored a bill in the last General Assembly to allow Delawareans to have wine shipped directly to their homes.  The House Economic Development Committee released the bill but it was not allowed to the House floor for a vote.  …

Delaware State Auditor-Elect Lydia York

Delaware’s new state auditor to take office Jan. 3

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

When Democrat Lydia York takes the oath of office on Jan. 3, she’ll be Delaware’s third auditor of accounts since October. She’ll take the reins from Dennis Greenhouse, who Gov. John Carney appointed after former Auditor Kathy McGuiness resigned following a misconduct scandal. For York, the gravity of the moment is still sinking in, she told Delaware LIVE News. “Each …

Melissa Minor Brown

Melissa Minor-Brown: ‘I stand on the shoulders of giants’

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

When state Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown won election to the General Assembly in 2018, she knew right away that she wanted to be in leadership.  The Democrat from New Castle got her wish this November when the House Democratic Caucus elected her majority whip, making her the first person of color in Delaware history elected to a leadership position in the …

Delaware lawmakers to be sworn in Jan. 10, 2023

Lawmakers take oaths Jan. 10 but already working

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Even though Delaware’s state senators and representatives won’t be formally sworn in until Jan. 10, their work begins the day after election day — and so do their paychecks.  Delaware is one of just four states where lawmakers assume office the day after an election. Three other states’ lawmakers assume office on election day, while eight others assume office sometime …

Delaware Supreme Court Justice James T. Vaughn

Longtime Delaware Supreme Court justice to retire

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delaware’s second longest-serving Supreme Court justice will retire in May 2023. Justice James T. Vaughn, Jr., 73, announced his decision Tuesday. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve since 1998 as a Superior Court judge and Supreme Court Justice,” Vaughn said in a letter to Gov. John Carney. “I will always appreciate the memories of working with …

Latisha Bracy 1

Former U.S. Senate aide tapped to join Wilm. City Council

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Latisha Bracy, a former aide to multiple United States senators, has been selected to fill a vacant at-large seat on the Wilmington City Council. The seat was held by Councilwoman Loretta Walsh, a Democrat, who resigned in October and passed away later that month. Sixteen qualified candidates submitted applications to the Wilmington City Council Committee of the Whole, which is …

GOP delaware 1

ICYMI: Delaware GOP needs to change, leaders say

Charles MegginsonHeadlines, Government

Republicans did not fare well in Delaware’s Nov. 8 election. Democrats widened their majority in the state Senate, maintained the balance of power in the House, and won every election for statewide elected offices. In the wake of the Republican wallop, some party leaders are hoping the party will begin to move in a more productive direction — one that …