Heeeeeeeeeee’ssss back. Rep. Ed Osienski, D-Newark, filed new versions Friday of his bills to legalize the sale of marijuana and to create a marijuana industry in Delaware. He said during a press conference that he believes the new legislators elected to the General Assembly — which includes many progressives — will help him get the votes he needs to pass …
Ankle monitor leads to 6th man charged for dog fighting
An ankle monitor led to the arrest of the sixth man who has been charged with animal cruelty and more in a Seaford dog fighting case. The Office of Animal Welfare and state police raided a Seaford resident Jan. 8 and charged five men then. The officers rescued 14 animals that day. One died and five required medical care. Four …
Carney: State will focus on jobs, schools, safety
Gov. John Carney’s annual State of the State address Thursday revolved around the need to bring good jobs to the state and make sure people were ready to take those jobs. In front of a packed Senate chamber, Carney said the people of Delaware want politicians to work together to solve problems. He pointed out that compared to six years …
Wilmington man charged in 8-year-old murder of teen
A 24-year-0ld Wilmington man has been arrested and charged with the 2015 murder of a Wilmington teenager that touched off years of gang wars and more violence. Oliver “Butter” Henry is accused of 1st degree murder for the January 2015 kili.ng of 16-year-old Jordan Ellerbe and three counts of attempted murder 1st Degree for the shooting or attempted shooting of …
I-95 cap park would cost $360 million to $398 million
A park over Interstate 95 in downtown Wilmington would cost $360 million to $398 million to design and construct, according to a new feasibility study. The study, prepared for the Wilmington Area Planning Council, was endorsed Jan. 17, said Dave Gula, principal planner for the council. “The feasibility study will be turned over the partner agencies … to develop a …
Adding retirees to health panels passes Senate
Despite vehement opposition from a state retirees’ group, a bill that would add retirees to committees that help determine health care options overwhelmingly passed the Senate Wednesday, just moments after it had cleared a committee hearing. Voting against it were three Republican senators. Senate Bill 29, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, would give retirees a voice by …
Bill to give police $20 million heads to House floor
A bill authorizing a one-time $20 million fund for Delaware police agencies to use for recruiting passed unanimously Wednesday through the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Wednesday. In the same meeting, a bill that would create a separate offense for the theft of mail, including packages, from a residence was heard, but the vote outcome was not clear. …
New 2-story Newark library to be built on same site
New Castle County has decided to update the Newark Free Library on the same site. The new, two-story building will have 50% more interior space, and there will be 80% more parking, Diana Brown, manager of the county’s 10 libraries, said this week. “Details of what will be inside will be developed with public hearings this year,” Out & About …
Bill to allow tenants to stop paying rent stuck in committee
A proposed bill that would allow tenants to stop paying rent when life- or safety-threatening issues had not been repaired failed to pass out of committee Tuesday. House Bill 37, sponsored by Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker, D-Wilmington, drew praise from both sides of the aisle as well as from apartment associations and others who deal with renters for wanting to …
House passes bill to address excessive motor vehicle noise
A bill that would crack down on excessive motor vehicle noise passed the House Tuesday. Just one legislator, Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, voted no, but gave no comment. House Bill 35 would require the Department of Safety & Homeland Security to present a report and plan to the General Assembly for a comprehensive motor vehicle noise and abatement program. The …