Weeks after Gov. Matt Meyer announced the state would open its own Office of the Surgeon General, Delaware’s top state senator said lawmakers were blindsided by a nearly $270,000 request to fund the position. https://ow.ly/yx0Y50ZwjUo

If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts yet, we'd love to hear from you. Take our brief audience demographic survey to help us better understand who we're reaching, who we're missing and how we can better serve all of Delaware. 👉 https://ow.ly/q4HR50ZwcJ0

Voters will likely have the greatest ability to make systemic changes to the direction of their local or state government in the September primary election rather than the November general election due to uncontested races. Find out for free in our latest story: https://ow.ly/fHJl50ZwfjF

Each year, kids and teens from across the state take part in the Delaware State Fair, showing off the livestock they have raised for months and vying for the opportunity to cash in for their hard work. Read for free to meet the young faces of First State agriculture: https://ow.ly/MkXv50ZvX5a

From Delmarva rates to Rehoboth elections, get involved around the First State this week: https://ow.ly/qSNE50ZvW6l

For Goose, the Delaware State Fair was about putting his best foot – or hoof, rather – forward. The 1300-pound steer, alongside his handler Catherine Maguire, took home the state fair’s top prize: a 2026 Grand Champion designation. More, for free: https://ow.ly/mq6K50ZvVWo

Georgetown was relatively unique in approving a cottage housing ordinance last year to address homelessness and affordable housing, two key issues in Delaware. But some residents and officials are continuing their pushback against the measure. https://ow.ly/ETJP50ZvbML

Last year’s legislative fight over a bill to shield companies from some lawsuits has spilled into primary election campaigns, with leading corporate law firms backing an ad blitz to defend Delaware legislators against challenges from a rising progressive movement. https://ow.ly/rERr50Zv79P

Do new affordable housing laws stifle public comment on land use? Sussex County Council says "yes," since state lawmakers' moves to increase housing supply and affordability include skipping public hearings for certain housing development proposals. Read more, for free: https://ow.ly/VxrA50ZuOKT

Late last month, lawmakers pushed forward a massive influx of new construction dollars for Delaware schools, paired with potential reforms the state's school capital spending evaluation. Read the full story for free: https://ow.ly/plFL50ZuMhJ

Meet Charlene Sams, who has spent more than a decade bringing the movement, mindfulness and breathing of yoga to young people involved with Delaware's criminal justice system. Read this full story of healing for free on our website: https://ow.ly/4Vtu50ZutKW

Months after local pharmaceutical giant Incyte abandoned plans to move its headquarters to Wilmington, state officials reallocated millions of grant dollars from the project to a new initiative to support small businesses. Read the whole story for free: https://ow.ly/KJQG50ZuouP

Reservations for Spotlight Delaware's Attorney General Debate have sold out, and the waitlist is now open. While there is no virtual option for attendance, the transcript of the debate will be published shortly after the event.

Spotlight Delaware is growing, and we want our journalism to reach and serve people across all of Delaware. Take our quick audience survey to help shape our reporting. 👉🏽 https://ow.ly/vooA50ZtXfj

A Delaware union appealed last spring's scathing ruling that the union leader retaliated against a Port of Wilmington worker by preventing him from securing jobs through an exclusive union hiring hall. The case now sits before a federal appeals court. https://ow.ly/pM6550Zu0KT

A Friday at the Delaware State Fair brings kids’ last-minute preparations of their animals for agriculture showcases, professional divers leaping into the water from a platform the height of an Olympic swimming pool and so much more. Get the full scoop on the festivities: https://ow.ly/5FK950Zu0Ca

Before casting your Delaware primary ballot Sept. 15, RSVP for our live attorney general candidate debate on Aug. 18. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot to meet the candidates before one is voted the Democratic nominee for attorney general: https://ow.ly/Ao3u50Zu01N

A Wilmington police officer pepper-sprayed a protester in her face on Friday during a protest on Interstate 95 against the police killing of Kadir Skinner, according to video of the incident. Watch the video here, and read the full story for free: https://ow.ly/Px9K50ZtOz9

After losing thousands of acres of environment-protecting forestland in recent decades, Sussex County is considering new rules to require builders to preserve a portion of the trees that sit on their land. Read more on the trees, for free: https://ow.ly/g6YG50ZtBwL

Weigh in on community issues related to community schools, your tax dollars at work, and more. Get all the info on local meetings, for free: https://ow.ly/qYvZ50Ztmyx

Wilmington Mayor John Carney has vetoed an ordinance to prevent city officials from stopping water service over delinquent bills in households including senior citizens, people with disabilities, or children under 5 years old. Read the full story for free: https://ow.ly/FzvN50ZssQ9

Three school districts may raise taxes due to higher student services costs, and other factors. But schools will face tight budgets – as taxpayers face uncertainty – until late fall, as exact increases are unknown after a property reassessment controversy. Read for free: https://ow.ly/EJ5Q50Zsoys

Kent County just approved new rules on where data centers can be built in unincorporated central Delaware. Local officials also seemed open to a full county-wide ban on the fast-growing, controversial industry. https://ow.ly/BtX450Zs2Wt

Backed by a new state law, Sussex County will pause public hearings for subdivision applications and has canceled public hearings for two proposed housing developments. County leaders have “serious, fundamental concerns” about the future of local control. https://ow.ly/kNQ150Zs0uk

The measles virus is highly contagious, with an outbreak officially declared in Delaware. Learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones: https://ow.ly/Mtli50ZrxwU

At 92 years old, Dover City Council President Fred Neil brings a unique mix of lengthy life experience and moderating presence to the often discordant body of municipal leaders in Delaware’s capitol city. Get to know Neil: https://ow.ly/iTcH50Zrp1a

After the fatal shooting of Kadir Skinner in Wilmington, Democratic state lawmakers in Delaware have advocated for several new police reform measures. To stay informed on this issue, read more: https://ow.ly/ftMQ50ZqTQv

Gov. Matt Meyer signed three bills to dramatically increase the pool of patients eligible to receive free and discounted care, put price caps on hospitals, and temporarily block the acquisition of Delaware health systems by private equity firms. Read more: https://ow.ly/KLuX50ZqToU

A proposal to “tweak” the elementary school feeder pattern at Colonial schools marks the most recent attempt to address challenges with classroom space. Read the article: https://ow.ly/63gc50ZqTc3 Let us know: what do you think of these potential changes?

The biggest port operator on the Delaware River is suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the second time in three years in an attempt to stop Delaware’s long-planned expansion of the Port of Wilmington. Get the whole story: https://ow.ly/hAol50Zqbr7