Dmitry Martirosov

Dmitry Martirosov is a reporter covering K-12 education for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He writes about the issues affecting students, teachers and families and has a particular interest in transparency, as well as the day-to-day political battles over education. Before joining the Democrat-Gazette, he covered government and politics in Charlottesville, Virginia, and was a political reporter based in Columbia, Missouri, where he covered the state legislature in Jefferson City. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he studied journalism and political science.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Authorities in the country of Georgia say they have disrupted a major nuclear smuggling attempt involving several Chinese nationals accused of trying to buy uranium on the black market, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced Saturday that three Chinese citizens were detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase roughly 4.4 pounds of uranium for $400,000, according to the outlet.

Officials said the suspects were planning to traffic the nuclear material to China via Russia, the outlet reported. 

“Three Chinese citizens have been detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase 2 kilograms of nuclear material — uranium,” the agency said, according to the AP. 

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Video footage released by the agency shows security officers in the Georgian capital seizing bottles containing what was identified as uranium and arresting multiple individuals at the scene.

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Two bottles identified as uranium were confiscated over the weekend in Georgia’s Tbilisi.  (State Security Service of Georgia)

According to the SSSG, one of the suspects had overstayed his visa and was living in Georgia illegally, the AP said. He allegedly led efforts to locate and acquire the radioactive substance, even bringing in experts from abroad to assist, the outlet added. Other members of the group reportedly coordinated the operation from China.

The perpetrators were identified and detained while “negotiating the details of the illegal transaction,” the security service reportedly said.

The agency did not specify when the arrests occurred or provide the identities of the suspects.

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Georgian officials escort a suspect after authorities foiled a uranium smuggling plot in Tbilisi. (State Security Service of Georgia)

The latest arrests follow a similar case in July, when Georgian authorities detained a foreign national and a Georgian citizen accused of planning to sell uranium worth $3 million. Officials said that material could have been used to construct explosive devices or carry out terrorist attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.