Lisa Goodman Drew Fennell

DSU announces inaugural Mitchell Awards for social justice

Jarek Rutz Headlines, Culture

A teacher, two nonprofit executives, the Twin Poets, two LGTBQ+ advocates and a former state legislator have been named the first recipients of Delaware State University’s Mitchell Awards. The awards honor individuals who demonstrate leadership and success in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. They are named after Civil Rights pioneers Littleton and Jane Mitchell. Littleton was a Tuskegee Airman …

Sen. Buckson said the 95% of good-behaving students should not be affected by the lack of discipline of the other 5%.

Buckson calls for accountability, discipline in schools

Jarek Rutz Headlines, Education, Government

A law establishing a statewide program that provides advocates to students and families facing educational inequity drew discussion in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. House Bill 188, sponsored by Rep. Sherae’a Moore, D-Middletown, codifies the Equity Ombudsman program, which provides non-lawyer advocates to assist families.  “In 2018 there was litigation against the state … brought by the NAACP and …

A bill that would provide funding for a school resource officer at each Delaware public school was debated Wednesday.

School officers, construction needs focus of House Committee

Jarek Rutz Headlines, Education

Bills dealing with school construction, junior ROTC, Department of Education background checks and school resource officers were sent to the House ready list Wednesday by the Education Committee. House Bill 169, sponsored by Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton and committee chair, requires the secretary of education – currently Mark Holodick – to publish and deliver a report to the General Assembly …

Polling place

What to know before Tuesday’s primary election

Charles Megginson Headlines, Government

Just one statewide incumbent and eight sitting members of the Delaware General Assembly will have a primary opponent when the polls open Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Incumbent Auditor of Accounts Kathy McGuiness will face off against attorney and accountant Lydia York.  Eight incumbent members of the General Assembly have primary opponents, including Sen. …

First District Candidates

3 candidates, 3 different visions for North Wilmington

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

Voters in Northwest Wilmington, Brandywine Village and Trolley Square will have three choices when they decide who to send to Dover as their next state representative.  They can go with who they know: incumbent Democratic Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha.  They can toss Chukwuocha out and promote progressive Councilwoman Shane Darby to the seat.  Or they could do the unlikely and vote …

Delaware Library Render Front Iteration 1.2

North Wilmington Branch Library set for major upgrade

Charles Megginson Culture, Headlines

The North Wilmington Branch Library is set for a major renovation and expansion thanks to $6 million in Bond Bill funds allocated by the General Assembly.  The money will go toward site preparation and design, according to Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington, who supported the library’s Bond Bill request.  “This project will have a significant impact on residents, especially our young …

HB 238 would bar charter schools from giving preference to applicants within a 5-mile radius of the school.

Bill to block 5-mile radius charter preference rule draws heat

Jarek Rutz Delaware Live, Education, Headlines

A bill that would bar charter schools from giving preference in student admissions to those living within a 5-mile radius of the school faced a lot of scrutiny in the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday. House Bill 238 was passed by the House on May 5, although it faced concerns in the House hearings as well.  Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, D-Wilmington, said …

Legislative Hall 1

Paid leave bill to be walked through House committee

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

The Healthy Delaware Families Act is expected to proceed to the House Appropriations Committee despite not receiving the requisite number of votes in the House Health and Human Development Committee Wednesday. Photo/Getty Images. The bill to create a statewide paid family and medical leave program faced a slight hiccup on its journey to becoming law Wednesday. The Healthy Delaware Families …

FAME HQ 2

FAME Inc’s $2.8 million state grant will support new STEM training lab

Betsy Price Education, Headlines

  This rendering depicts FAME Inc.’s planned new $6.5 million Learning Lab to support STEM education and jobs.   A non-profit that encourages minority students to pursue education, training and work in STEM fields is poised to build a $6.5 million learning lab in downtown Wilmington. The 17,000-square-foot lab will provide spaces for students to learn through hands-on experiential learning. …

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After emotional debate, bill defining bail for Class A felonies heads to Carney

Charles Megginson Government, Headlines

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels. Alleged offenders of certain violent crimes could soon face mandatory minimum bail requirements under a bill passed by the House of Representatives Thursday. Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 7 is aimed at reducing violent crime in two of Delaware’s largest and most dangerous cities, Wilmington and Dover, by eliminating the ability of judges …