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Progressive leader and Newark’s longtime representative John Kowalko dies at 80

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Progressive leader and Newark’s longtime representative John Kowalko dies at 80


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Former state Rep. John Kowalko, an unapologetic voice for Delaware’s progressive movement and a longtime advocate for government transparency, died Oct. 25 at the age 80.

Kowalko, sometimes called the “Bernie Sanders of Delaware,” represented Newark’s 25th District — home to the University of Delaware — from 2006 until his retirement in 2022. Known for his blunt style and fierce defense of the poor and working class, Kowalko was the most outspoken progressive in the 41-member House, long before the rise of the newer progressive wave that followed the 2020 elections.

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During his tenure, he was a tireless champion of public education and open government. As a member of the Delaware Coalition for Open Government, Kowalko pressed officials for transparency and accountability, notably seeking answers about embezzlement issues within the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund.

Even after retiring, Kowalko continued his activism. He co-founded Retirees Investing in Social Equity (RISE) Delaware, which helped block the introduction of Medicare Advantage into the state employees’ retirement health plan. Earlier this year, he celebrated a personal milestone when the long-sought Inspector General bill, an initiative he had championed for two decades, was signed into law by Gov. Matt Meyer.

In a joint statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman praised Kowalko’s decades of service and dedication to Delaware’s working families. They said Kowalko consistently fought for progressive priorities with conviction and compassion, earning deep respect among colleagues and constituents alike.

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The Senate leaders added that Kowalko’s unwavering commitment to open government helped shape a culture of greater transparency in Dover.

To share your community news and activities with our audience, join Delaware Voices Uplifted on Facebook. Nonprofits, community groups and service providers are welcome to submit their information to be added to our Community Resources Map. Contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.



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Delaware woman charged in Jersey shore hit-and-run that injured 92-year-old man

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Delaware woman charged in Jersey shore hit-and-run that injured 92-year-old man


VENTNOR, N.J. (WPVI) — A Delaware woman is behind bars in connection with a hit-and-run crash in November at the Jersey shore.

(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)

The incident happened around 6:16 p.m. on Nov. 20 in Ventnor, New Jersey.

READ MORE | Video shows Jersey shore hit-and-run crash that left 92-year-old injured

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Police said the 92-year-old victim was struck at Ventnor and Newport avenues. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

Investigators said the driver, Leslie Myers, 51, of Weldin Park, Delaware, fled the scene after the crash.

She was arrested Wednesday on charges of assault by auto, leaving the scene of an accident and other related offenses.

Myers is being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania, awaiting extradition to New Jersey.

Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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Delaware announces plan to tackle climate warming emissions

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Delaware announces plan to tackle climate warming emissions


This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.

From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.


Delaware’s top environmental regulators have proposed steps to reduce climate-warming fossil fuel pollution, while protecting residents from threats like extreme heat and floods.

The state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Wednesday released its 2025 Climate Action Plan. The nonbinding proposal outlines a path to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, as required by the state’s Climate Change Solutions Act.

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Officials said Delaware residents continue to experience the impacts of climate change including severe storms like the 2021 Hurricane Ida, which forced people out of their homes, with some remaining unhoused a year later. In addition, sea level rise and beach erosion has flooded coastal communities and damaged critical infrastructure.

“Flooding, extreme storms and heat damage infrastructure that wasn’t built to withstand these conditions, including our energy systems,” said Susan Love, the agency’s climate and sustainability section administrator. “Sea level rise is drowning wetlands and uplands, and impacting water quality and availability. Damage from storms has increased costs for infrastructure and insurance coverage, and all of these impacts can negatively impact human health as well.”

Recommendations include strategies to reduce emissions from vehicles, industrial activities and electricity production — the source of the state’s top climate emissions.

The plan, which builds on similar goals set in 2021, comes as President Donald Trump’s administration has cut clean energy funding and prioritized U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.

“There is no doubt that the reduced funding in a lot of these areas from the federal government makes these goals and strategies harder to implement,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “It is up to us to keep trying to work towards them, even knowing that it’s going to be a little harder to do without the federal resources that even a year ago we thought we could count on.”

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Delaware officials plan to promote public transit, electric vehicles and clean hydrogen

The plan calls for increased bus and train ridership while improving access to electric vehicles and charging stations. Though lawmakers repealed a mandate that would have required manufacturers to produce a set number of electric vehicles, DNREC wants to expand programs that incentivize the optional sale of electric vehicles.

However, Love emphasized the state “can’t EV our way out of transportation emission.”

“A lot of work needs to be done as well to reduce the amount that we drive vehicles, by good land use choices, mass transit and making it easier for people to walk, bike and roll to their destinations,” she said.



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Can you legally ride e-bikes and scooters in Delaware

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Can you legally ride e-bikes and scooters in Delaware


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Sure, cars and motorcycles are popular ways to get around. But if you can’t afford either one, an electric bike might save the day like Delaware’s own Superman.

Then again, is it legal to cruise around on an electric bike or electric scooter in Delaware?

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Here’s a guide to help you stay out of trouble when traveling in the Small Wonder:

What are Delaware laws for riding electric bikes?

An electric bicycle may be ridden anywhere bicycles are allowed (unless posted otherwise), which includes streets, highways, roadways, shoulders and bicycle lanes.

Delaware prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating an electric bicycle, which features pedal assist only and tops off at 28 mph.

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Difference between electric scooter, triped and moped explained

A motorized skateboard or scooter is any vehicle with two wheels on the ground, handlebars and a hand-controlled throttle or brake, designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, according to Delaware law.

While mopeds and tripeds are similar in design and size, mopeds have two wheels and tripeds have three wheels.

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Where can you legally ride motorized vehicles?

Delaware law states that motorized skateboards or scooters can be used on public streets or highways as long as they are in the neutral position or the powertrain function is disengaged. However, in Newark, you can be fined $100 for riding motorized scooters on streets and sidewalks.

Mopeds and tripeds are prohibited on interstates and operating railroads, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Do you need insurance for a triped or moped?

No motor vehicle insurance is required for operating a moped or triped, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

What rules are there for riding a scooter?

Delaware state law states that a person cannot operate a motorized skateboard or scooter while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

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Are there license and registration requirements for electric bikes?

If you want to operate scooters, they must be tagged and registered by the Division of Motor Vehicles, and the operator must have a valid driver’s license.

The Delaware DMV states that a basic driver’s license is required to travel with a moped or triped on public roadways.

The state of Delaware does not have any licensing or registration requirements for electric bikes.

Who can legally ride an electric scooter?

The minimum age to operate a scooter is 16.  No person under 12 can operate a scooter unless they are under adult supervision or a parent or legal guardian.

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Is there a law for wearing a helmet on a motorized scooter or skateboard?

To operate a motorized skateboard or scooter, bicycle-type helmets are required for those under 16, according to Delaware State law.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters



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