Newark Post | by Josh Shannon State Rep. John Kowalko is seeking his seventh term in District 25 but first must survive a challenge from political newcomer Bryan Rash on Tuesday. District 25 encompasses the southern half of Newark, from Main Street down to just south of Old Baltimore Pike and from the state line west to South Chapel Street. Kowalko, a retired union machinist and community activist who lives on Kells Avenue, was first elected in 2006, defeating longtime incumbent Stephanie Ulbrich. The Democrat has developed a reputation of […]

WHYY | by Cris Barrish The oil refinery in Delaware City has a long history of serious or fatal accidents tied to lax safety procedures, and of major environmental violations and toxic releases. Now yet another accident has hospitalized three workers with burns, including one in critical condition. The State Fire Marshal’s office initially reported a minor explosion Tuesday at the sprawling refinery along the Delaware River. They revised their account Wednesday, saying the near-tragedy was caused by the “release of a heated product under pressure.” Fire officials did not […]

Newark Post | by Josh Shannon Thousands lined Main Street on Sunday afternoon to watch Newark’s 71st-annual Halloween parade. More than 70 groups marched in the parade. Following the parade, kids had the opportunity to trick-or-treat at Main Street businesses. Read original article.

Delaware Public Media | by Sarah Mueller Some Delaware lawmakers and Delmarva Power ratepayers say it’s time to re-examine an agreement with Bloom Energy forcing a controversial $5 fee on to Delmarva utility bills. The Public Service Commission rejected a petition to review the 2011 deal creating the surcharge, saying it lacks the authority to do so. The petition by a Middletown ratepayer argues Delmarva customers shouldn’t be on the hook for the fee through 2033 because Bloom Energy has already failed to live up to its promises, including job […]

Delaware State News | by Matt Bittle The state Public Service Commission on Tuesday rejected a petition seeking to review an agreement with Bloom Energy that costs Delmarva Power customers several times more than expected and has failed to create the promised jobs. The commission unanimously agreed it lacks the authority to alter the contract with Bloom, which the official tasked with representing the interests of consumers called “a horrible deal.” The petition stems from a 2011 deal that was expected to be an economic boon but ended up falling […]

Newark Post | Features Candidate forum: Wednesday, 6:45 p.m., at McVey Elementary School, 908 Janice Drive. The Robscott Manor Civic Association will host a forum with several candidates for local, state and federal office. Confirmed attendees include Stephanie Hansen, Christine Metzing, John Kowalko, Bryan Rash, Kathleen Jennings, Bernard Pepukayi, Robert Arlett, Nadine Frost, Demitri Theodoropoulos and James Spadola. Giant yard sale: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Road. Annual event raises money for Tri-State Bird Rescue. Main Street Mile: Saturday, 9 a.m., on Main […]

Chemical Watch | Global Risk & Regulation News Delaware has become the first US state to ban outdoor lead-based paint. Governor John Carney (D) signed HB 456 into law on 29 August. The Act, introduced to “protect public health”, bans the use of lead paints on structures such as bridges, water towers, playground equipment, highways, parking lots, and utility towers and poles. The prohibition on any new use of lead-based paints, pigments and coatings will be effective from 1 January 2020. Any use of such items that began before that […]

The News Journal | by Karl Baker As Delaware’s fuel cell surcharge for Bloom Energy ticked past $200 million this month, a longtime critic formally challenged the validity of the deal the company reached with lawmakers eight years ago. John Nichols, of Middletown, is petitioning utility regulators to review Delaware’s decision to impose a fuel cell tariff on Delmarva Power electricity bills – money the utility uses to purchase electricity from Bloom Energy. He claims it has placed a “burden” on homes and businesses. The surcharge, which acts as a […]