Marijuana businesses are on their way to the First State, after the substance’s legalization for recreational use last year. What are your thoughts on the new industry? more

Delaware will witness a partial solar eclipse Monday, and experts are warning viewers not to look directly at the sun during that time, except through special glasses. What are your plans for the eclipse? Have you purchased eyewear for the event? What should schools do to handle the viewing? more

As we continue our Seeds of Need series, we’d like to hear how our readers give of their time or money to aid those in poverty. What organizations or agencies do you assist? Which have seen the most success in their efforts for the poor? What more can be done? more

The Daily State News is continuing its Seeds of Need series about poverty in the First State. We’re reporting on how the General Assembly has taken steps to eradicate poverty, with bills addressing paid family leave and purchase of care. Also, we’re sharing a Wyoming woman’s struggles with increasing grocery and household bills, and how she’s trying to make ends meet. What are your ideas on how government can aid our poverty-stricken citizens? more

On Sunday, we begin our Seeds of Need series, focusing on poverty in Delaware. With the state’s official poverty rate totaling 9.4% in 2023, what can be done to aid those living in impoverishment? Are the programs currently available helping? Why or why not? more

After a near-implementation of Medicare Advantage health coverage for state of Delaware retirees two years ago, as well as a large public outcry against it, the Delaware General Assembly is now considering two bills that seek to rebuild trust among those opponents. House Bill 281 would repeal that health care plan as an option for pensioners, while House Bill 282 would alter the makeup of the State Employee Benefits Committee. What are your thoughts about these proposals? How can the state move forward? more

Delaware Superior Court recently struck down permanent absentee and early-voting laws for general elections, ruling on a complaint that the policies violate the state constitution. Judge Mark Conner’s decision was quickly appealed by the Department of Justice, though, with Attorney General Kathy Jennings calling the lawsuit “wrong on its merits and politically extreme on its face.” How do you feel about this case? How should voting move forward in this pivotal election year? more

Milford City Council recently voted to suspend its campaign to condemn an 8-acre parcel of land via eminent domain, allowing resident Annette Billings to maintain ownership of the property. The move came after many in the city spoke out in support of Ms. Billings over the last month, via social media, signage and meeting comments. What do you think about the eminent domain process? What are the alternatives? more

The Delaware Department of Education laid out its fiscal year 2025 budget requests for public school districts and charter schools Wednesday before the Joint Finance Committee. In his recommended budget, Gov. John Carney included $2.1 billion for the department. Of that, $3 million would go toward the hiring of 20 early literacy coaches throughout the state, following 2023 assessment scores that continued to show a decline in reading results. Should this funding be included or expanded? How do you think education officials should direct state funding? What programs in public schools need the most help? more

We are two weeks into a four-week series about Harriet Tubman, the renowned advocate for Black slaves’ freedom and conductor of the Underground Railroad, which originated on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and made tracks through Delaware into Pennsylvania. During this Black History Month, who else do you feel should be recognized for their work for equality? How do you mark the month? more

Statements about campaign finances during 2023 are in from the Department of Elections, and those running for the governor’s seat had significant amounts of funding on hand at the end of the year. With nine months to go before the general election, how do these reports affect your election decisions? Why or why not is it necessary to disclose such monetary data? more

There were discussions in both Dover and Milford this week regarding how to best serve the homeless population. Meanwhile, the Springboard Collaborative Pallet Shelter Village in Georgetown, which opened about a year ago, has had success serving unhoused individuals with tiny homes and various other resources. What are your ideas on how to stem the seemingly increasing numbers of homeless people? What is working and what isn’t? more

Following various attempts over recent years, permit-to-purchase legislation has passed in a Delaware House of Representatives committee. It has met with some opposition from Republicans. How do you feel about this type of firearm regulation? What are the pros and cons of requiring such permits? more

The second leg of the Delaware General Assembly’s 152nd legislative session began Tuesday. So far, members have sworn in a new representative, Valerie Jones Giltner, and discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict and medical marijuana eligibility, among other topics. What do you think lawmakers should focus on this session? What continuing issues should be debated before the 2024 general election in November? more

After a 14-year-old student was arrested for felony assault at Lake Forest High School on Dec. 19, 2023, administrators emphasized that “safety is (the) top concern 100% of the time.” … more

The Delaware Transit Corp. has received a $500,000 grant to study the creation of a passenger rail line that would travel the length of the state and into the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Diamond State Line would include stops along the way, like in Middletown and Smyrna, and would use preexisting freight tracks. How would such a service affect your transportation in the region? How often would you use such a train? What, if any, are the disadvantages? more

A major upgrade to the intersection of Del. 18/Del. 404 and U.S. 113 in Georgetown will close several businesses, including a Royal Farms, a Hardee’s and an Arby’s. It will also require the relocation of the Delaware Technical Community College baseball field. The Department of Transportation says the goal is to decrease traffic congestion and ease motorists’ travel through the area. more

Housing officials and members of the General Assembly gathered Wednesday to discuss the ongoing housing crisis and possible ways to boost affordable residency. One presentation revealed that about 59% of Delaware renters cannot afford the fair market rate of a two-bedroom rental unit while working 40 hours per week. How have these issues impacted you or your family? What steps should the state make to help? more

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that our area could see higher-than-normal precipitation during winter 2023-24. That news has led our local electric companies to gear up their preparation efforts, with additional training, equipment upgrades and outreach to customers. How do you get ready for the season of cold, snow and ice? What is in your emergency preparedness kit? If your area is prone to power outages, how do you deal? more

It’s that time of year when Santa is welcoming visits from kids, parades are stepping off, carolers are gathering for tree lightings, and schools are presenting holiday concerts. What are your favorite area traditions? more