Disclosure: Non-Partisan Accountability Journalism
Seeds of Need: a look at poverty in the First State

Many Delawareans are just one medical emergency, car problem or other unexpected expense away from financial ruin. That’s because nearly 1 of 10 individuals in the First State live at or …

DOVER — The number of Delawareans living in poverty remains higher than in neighboring states. And, while the state’s official poverty levels are lower than they were just a decade …
As the president and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware, I commend the Daily State News for shedding a light on the issue of poverty in our community through its Seeds of Need poverty series.
DOVER — In recent years, Delaware’s General Assembly has made strides to eradicate symptoms of poverty. And, while many still face the challenges destitution brings, and others live …
LEWES — Every Wednesday year-round, volunteers and congregants of Conley’s United Methodist Church open its doors to anyone who is hungry or needs camaraderie. They stopped calling …
LEWES — When Cheryl Wood and her spouse retired to Sussex County more than two decades ago, she didn’t intend on becoming the lynch pin of several programs aimed at helping the homeless …
DOVER — Shamikia Ewell spends her work days tending to children at a day care facility. She’s devoted to caring for her own kids too, and that’s a struggle when making $12 per …
WYOMING — When Ron Probst learned of a Dover woman’s struggles with poverty through a media article, he was quickly moved to help her.
WYOMING — Lorie Bolden has been receiving Social Security benefits for more than 15 years, never fully recovered from a weight loss surgery that went wrong. The 54-year-old said living in …
Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is a faith-based, social services organization, delivering critical direct care human services to more than 100,000 individuals …

Offshore turbines could help reach climate goals

Offshore wind industry growing across United States

DOVER — There are seven active offshore wind turbines in the United States as of last month: Five turbines are 3.8 miles off the coast of Block Island, Rhode Island, while two sit approximately …
It has been just over a year since Gov. John Carney announced plans to adopt California’s zero-emission vehicle regulations in Delaware. Since his announcement last March, the Department of …
As Delaware contemplates adopting California’s zero-emission vehicle regulations, vo-tech educational leaders are considering ways to modernize their curricula.
State lawmakers will hold a number of meetings this month regarding Delaware’s potential adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Car II regulations.
Delaware has seen an increased prevalence of zero-emission vehicles on its roads over the last decade. And, as the potential adoption of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulations looms, the state is looking to bolster its electric vehicle infrastructure to support that boom.
When Delaware adopted its Climate Action Plan in November 2021, the state set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26% of the 2005 levels by 2025. And we’re on pace. …

After Ohio train derailment, officials say plans are in place in Delaware
Five to 10 minutes. That’s the average time it takes for environmental first responders in Delaware to mobilize following a call.
Delaware’s preparedness for a hazardous-material emergency is “second to none,” according to Colin Faulkner. Kent County’s director of public safety said an event like the one in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3 would be swiftly addressed.

Diabetes in Delaware: From the Publisher
WILMINGTON — For LeVar Johnson, it’s never been about proving the doubters wrong but proving himself right. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 4, a doctor told him he …
While most Americans with diabetes live with Type 1 or Type 2 versions, many are managing lesser-known variations.Of the more than 37 million Americans with the condition, at least 90% live with …
I learned that I was living with Type 2 diabetes at the end of 2017, and at that time, a diagnosis was all I got. I had just turned 40 and was feeling a bit rundown, so I thought I should go in …
DOVER — More than 1 in 10 Delawareans are living with diabetes.The overall number has been on the rise for two decades. And so have the costs. “Diabetes is gradually increasing in …
Simply put, more Black Delawareans are affected by diabetes than any other racial group.In 2021, 15% of non-Hispanic Black adults reported having the disease, compared to 11.4% of non-Hispanic White …
Millions of Americans living with diabetes use insulin to control blood sugar levels and manage their chronic condition. But as the price of the vital drug continues to rise, an increasing number …
SMYRNA — Dr. TaQuina Warren’s 14-year-old daughter, Zariah Warren, has Type 1 diabetes. Her husband, Jamar Warren, lives with Type 2. And, because their diagnoses came within three …
WILMINGTON — When Leigh Ann Tona grew tired of running a food truck, she sold it and bought a coffee shop. She has diabetes, and that only adds to the day-to-day grind. “It’s …
T.J. Hastings, 17, plays soccer at Appoquinimink High School and recently received regional All-American honors from the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.Next year, he’ll be playing for the University of Virginia on a partial scholarship.
DOVER — With a sweet tooth for sweet tea, Patricia Blawn, who lives with Type 2 diabetes, admits she “cheats.” “I am addicted to sweet tea. I have one a day. When I say one …
GEORGETOWN — Bill West says it’s his toes that know. The retired Delaware state trooper, in his fifth term as Georgetown’s mayor, has been living with Type 2 diabetes — and …
Fears of fentanyl: From the Publisher

Here readers will find a package of stories about fentanyl, the synthetic opioid that is now a major contributor to both fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses in Delaware. As our team …

DOVER — The bags of heroin came from Philadelphia. And it only took one to knock Holly Rybinski out. When she regained consciousness, she said she could tell something was different. She …
For the Delaware State Police, overdose response has become all too familiar. And, for those victims who do not survive, the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl is all too often a …
DOVER — After 11 years as a paramedic in Kent County, Kevin Cottle has realized that overdose victims come from all walks of life, with fentanyl often contributing to their …
When interacting with people who suffer from substance abuse or mental health disorders, sworn officers are now utilizing care managers, peers and/or crisis intervention services to divert …
In July 2022, Elmer Jefferson’s landlord told him he had until the end of August to leave his home, a community called Pine Haven. The manufactured home community and campground where Mr. Jefferson lives in his camper would soon be sold, the landlord said, and the incoming buyers wanted him — and all of his neighbors in campers — out.
Residents of the community of Pine Haven in Lincoln are heading toward uncharted legal waters as they face questions about when they might be evicted and whether they will be able to access funding that could help them move.
A Delaware deputy attorney general has asked the owners of a Lincoln community to “voluntarily cease and desist” acting to remove residents — or face possible legal action — after a lawyer for the owners sent letters last week telling some residents they had just days to vacate or face potential police involvement.
A state agency issued a notice of violation to the owner of a Lincoln community, citing, among other violations, multiple instances of overflowing septic tanks.
The new owners of a community in Lincoln are threatening to remove residents from their homes to make way for seasonal campers — giving some less than three weeks to vacate.
In July, Elmer Jefferson’s landlord told him he had until the end of August to leave his home, a community called Pine Haven. The manufactured home community and campground where Mr. Jefferson lives in his camper would soon be sold, the landlord said, and the incoming buyers wanted him — and all of his neighbors in campers — out.
GEORGETOWN — Along with several residents, state Sen. Dave Wilson on Tuesday voiced environmental and health concerns about a manufactured home community, near Lincoln. During Sussex County …
H2O in the 302

The series “H2O in the 302” dived into issues surrounding water in the First State. With reporting from Craig Anderson, Logan B. Anderson, Joe Edelen, Mike Finney, Matt McDonald, Konner Metz, Kirit Minhas and, Glenn Rolfe the endeavor investigated and explained Delaware’s connection to water. From the economic impact of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the state’s rivers and streams and drinking water.

Saltwater, the offshore attraction that lures vacationers in waves to Delaware’s beaches to swim, surf, boat and fish, is under the microscope.

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