Delaware
Candidates for Delaware governor debate education, infrastructure and integrity
Rotary Club of Wilmington hosts Meet the Mayor’s candidate forum
Former City Treasurer Velda Jones-Potter and Gov. John Carney make closing statements at the Rotary Club of Wilmington’s Meet the Mayor’s candidate forum.
Candidates battling to become Delaware’s next governor laid out their plans Thursday for education, infrastructure, immigration and other key issues.
The Rotary Club of Wilmington hosted a state gubernatorial debate on Thursday afternoon. The debate followed a similar Wednesday night event held by the Delaware Journalism Collaborative.
Five of the six candidates facing off next month in the Delaware primaries participated in Thursday’s debate: Democrats Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer and former Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara; and Republicans Delaware House Rep. Mike Ramone and businessman Bobby Williamson – met to discuss key issues surrounding the First State.
The third Republican candidate, Jerrold Price, did not attend.
What did the candidates talk about?
After opening remarks, each candidate faced questions on a variety of topics.
Candidates were asked what actions they would take as Governor if federal deportation of immigrants was implemented. The question referenced a recent WHYY report regarding the difficulties many immigrants in both the First State and the country face in obtaining citizenship
O’Mara said he would take steps to help Delaware become “the most welcoming state” for immigrant communities, including providing access to affordable housing and quality education.
Ramone stated he would “go to the problem itself” and find new ways of amending and modifying different pathways to citizenship to be more attainable and achievable via bipartisan support.
Candidates were asked what policies or initiatives candidates would implement to expand early childhood education across the First State.
Williamson advocated for private, charter and vocational schools as additional choices for children and parents alike.
Meyer talked about the importance “quality [and] top-notch” education, proposing working alongside businesses to provide incentives for on-set childcare and initiating early nursing programs and partnerships for low-income families.
Another question focused on candidates’ strategies for updating and restoring statewide infrastructure.
Williamson noted the importance of community input when making improvements to infrastructure and overall efficiency, such as addressing which roads and pathways need repair.
Citing his past experiences lobbying for the passage of legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, O’Mara said we need to preserve the framework of the past while also “building the infrastructure of the 21st century,” such as utilizing clean and renewable energy resources like solar power and offshore wind.
Candidates were asked how they would best reflect the core values upheld by the Rotary Club – which include service, leadership, diversity, fellowship and integrity – in their respective administrations.
Hall-Long said she has embodied these same values throughout her years in public service, and how, as a self-described “innovator,” plans to invest in fair, equitable solutions that work for all.
Meyer said he abides by those same values in his role as New Castle County Executive, establishing this expectation for all employees and members of his team on day one to be “a government of principles” that best serves the needs of all people – an expectation, he says, he plans to take with him to the Governor’s office.
Candidates also were asked how they would contribute to the presence of arts and culture throughout the First State.
Citing the influence of his own family, Ramone explained how continued investment of the arts across Delaware will not only help preserve the value and appreciation for the field, but also unite people across different political lines together.
Hall-Long stressed how supporting the “creative economy” of Delaware, specifically uplifting the presence of women and BIPOC-owned businesses, as being “absolutely paramount.”
For their last question, candidates were asked why Delawareans should vote for them in the upcoming primary elections, set to take place on Sept. 10.
Hall-Long reiterated her intentions to better strengthen state education and healthcare systems, saying “innovation [and] new ideas is what you’ll get” under her leadership.
Meyer said, in order to better prepare for the future of Delaware, change must start in the present, including electing leaders that “have public service, not self-service.”
O’Mara noted how his campaign is about making “significant changes” that provide hope and opportunity for the next and for future generations.
Ramone stated how his experiences as both a businessman and state House Representative has shaped him into the kind of “problem-solver” who will do their best for the First State.
A third-generation Bridgeville resident, Williamson credited his knowledge of the area and his belief in granting everyone a voice will lead Delaware into a brighter, more equitable future.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. Reach her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
An in-depth look: Delaware’s governor race gets crowded with 3-way primary for Republicans, Democrats
Delaware
Delaware football vs. UTEP live updates. Blue Hens have big early lead
UTEP at Delaware in Conference USA football
Blue Hens host Miners in 2025 finale with possible bowl bid available
Joe Silver’s 1-yard run scoring run has extended Delaware’s lead to 31-14 with 2:01 left in the first half over UTEP at Delaware Stadium.
The 6-play, 62-yard drive featured Nick Minicucci’s 47-yard pass to Kyre Duplessis on the play before the touchdown.
UTEP had just cut the Blue Hens’ lead to 24-14 with 5:05 left in the second period when Skyler Locklear passed 64 yards to Josh Schuchts his second long TD toss.
Matthews, Moul plays spark Hens
Delaware has turned two more big defensive plays into points.
Blake Matthews stopped Miners running back Ashten Emory for no gain on fourth-and-2 from the UTEP 42.
Delaware then added Nate Reed’s 37-yard field goal with 10:24 left in the first half to extend its lead to 17-7.
But the Blue Hens quickly added to that on Gavin Moul’s 16-yard return of a fumble for another TD that made it 24-7.
Delaware has outgained the Miners 178-74 in total yards.
Freshman Scott Moore gets first TD
After being stopped on downs at the UTEP 37 on one series, Delaware covered the necessary ground on the next to extend its lead.
The Blue Hens lead the Miners 14-7 at Delaware Stadium after a 4-yard TD pass to freshman tight end Scott Moore with 14:26 left in the second quarter.
Delaware ate up big chunks of yardage on the 9-play, 69-yard march, which was all first and second downs. Nick Minicucci’s 12-yard pass to running back Joe Silver, back after missing several games with an injury, was the longest.
Blue Hens, Miners trade TDs
The first career interception by Blue Hens freshman Jamarion Kolagbodi has yielded dividends for the Blue Hens.
The cornerback picked off a UTEP pass on the game’s first play at Delaware Stadium.
Delaware took over at the 50 and nine plays later quarterback Nick Minicucci scooted up the middle on fourth-and-2 for a 17-yard touchdown with 11:11 left in the first period.
Another key play was Minicucci’s 7-yard pass to Sean Wilson on fourth-and-5 from the UTEP 45.
But the Miners quickly tied it 7-7 after Skyler Locklear floated a 49-yard TD pass to Kenny Odom, who’d gotten a step on his coverage as he sped downfield on the next series.
Close games galore
Delaware’s last four home football games have been decided in the final seconds.
There’s no reason to expect anything different in the Blue Hens’ 2025 regular-season finale.
Delaware (5-6, 3-4) and UTEP (2-9, 1-7) kick off at 1 p.m. in the Conference USA game at Delaware Stadium on Nov. 29.
A victory makes Delaware bowl eligible in its first FBS-level season, though NCAA rules regarding transitional programs mean there must be a shortage of bowl-worthy teams for the Blue Hens to get a bid.
The last four Delaware Stadium matchups have ended on Nick Minicucci’s overtime touchdown run that beat UConn 44-41, a missed field goal in a 27-24 loss to Western Kentucky, a late onside kick recovery to beat Middle Tennessee 31-28 and Nate Reed’s 51-yard field goal that nipped Louisiana Tech 25-24.
It has certainly been riveting football theatre.
Watch on ESPN+
UTEP, moving next year to the Mountain West, making this the first and likely last meeting between the schools, has had its own down-to-the-wire decisions, including in its last two games. The Miners were tied with Missouri State in the fourth period before losing 38-24 and were beaten by a late long field goal against Jacksonville State 30-27.
Such is the nature of Conference USA and life in the bowl subdivision, the Blue Hens have learned.
“This conference has been so, everything’s a close game,” Delaware coach Ryan Carty said. “There are so many overtime games. There’s so many times where those one-score games kind of go one way or another at the end of the game.’’
The Hens expect nothing different against UTEP.
“They’ve been in almost all of them,” Carty said of the Miners. “It seems like every week they’re either having a comeback victory or comeback loss, they’re in a three-point game, they’re in a seven-point game, one-possession game . . . Coach [Scotty] Walden has done such a great job of keeping these guys fighting together and fighting till the end. They play hard and they play physical and they finish games.”
Hen scratch
Delaware will honor 22 players in Senior Day activities pregame . . . Fintan Brose and Jack Hall will play in their 55th Delaware games, which will tie them at No. 3 in UD history . . . Nick Minicucci is No. 1 in CUSA and fourth nationally with 290.5 passing yards per game, a UD single-season record. He is first in CUSA and No. 8 in FBS with 307.3 total yards per game. His 3,196 yards passing this year are fourth most in a UD season . . . Delaware is No. 1 in CUSA in both punt (15.7) and kick return (23.5) yardage . . . Delaware is 30-1 under Ryan Carty when scoring 30 or more points . . . UTEP has No. 2 passing defense (213.73 ypg) in CUSA but allowed 606 yards and seven touchdowns last two games . . . UTEP has No. 5 third-down defense in FBS (.294).
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
Delaware
Delaware seeks applicants for new inspector general position
The bill, sponsored by state Sen. Laura Sturgeon, D-Brandywine Hundred, created an independent inspector general office tasked with finding instances of fraud, waste and abuse within state government and the General Assembly. Once chosen, the appointee will hire a staff, which is required to be certified in investigation, auditing or evaluation within three years. The inspector general has subpoena power authority to compel document production and issue public reports exposing corruption and wrongdoing.
The selection panel includes Sturgeon, Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez and members of the Delaware Bar Association and Association of Chiefs of Police. It also includes members of the public and community activists. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings chairs the panel.
“I’m excited that we’re finally at this point where we’re taking in applications and I just can’t wait for Delaware to have an inspector general to create another layer of accountability, transparency and trust in our state government,” Sturgeon said.
Applicants should have a record of integrity and ethical leadership, and experience in government oversight, investigations or public accountability, according to the State Department website.
The list of criteria for evaluating candidates includes requiring applicants to have 10 years of expertise in areas such as law, financial analysis, accounting, ethics or auditing. The ideal candidate would have prior experience in an office of inspector general.
DELCOG board member Keith Steck is on the subcommittee that created a list of qualifications for the job description. Steck, who has worked in an inspector general’s office at the federal level, said he is looking for someone with certain skills.
“They have to set up the function of the office administratively and the IG has to be independent,” he said. “That’s going to be an important point, I think. And then clearly investigative experience.”
The pick for inspector general will serve a five-year term.
While the state Attorney General and Auditor do investigations, Steck and other advocates said an Office of the Inspector General will not replace or duplicate the work of those agencies, a concern of those opposed to its creation.
Delaware
In Stock Today Cabinets LLC Expands Fabuwood Wholesale Distribution to Meet Delaware’s Growing Construction Demand
835 Pulaski Hwy, Bear, DE – November 26, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
In Stock Today Cabinets LLC has expanded its wholesale distribution operations in Delaware to serve the state’s robust construction and remodeling market, valued at $1.5 billion annually. The company’s Delaware facility now provides contractors, builders, and dealers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region with direct access to Fabuwood wholesale kitchen cabinets, addressing critical supply chain challenges that have plagued the industry with 8-12 week lead times.
Delaware’s construction employment has reached 24,700 workers as of July 2025, representing a 6 percent increase from February 2020 levels, according to AGC Construction Employment Data. This growth, combined with the state’s median household income and strong housing market dynamics, has created substantial demand for reliable cabinet suppliers who can support accelerated project timelines.
The expansion positions In Stock Today Cabinets as an authorized Fabuwood distributor serving all three Delaware counties—New Castle, Sussex, and Kent—while extending coverage to Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding Mid-Atlantic states. The company offers the complete Fabuwood Allure product portfolio, including Galaxy Frost White, Galaxy Horizon Gray, Galaxy Nickel, Galaxy Cloud White, Luna shaker styles, and the Designer Collection featuring Cabernet Red, Forest Green, Macadamia Beige, Mint Green, Orchid Purple, and Galaxy Mocha finishes.
“Delaware’s remodeling market represents a significant opportunity for contractors and builders who need in-stock Kitchen Cabinets without the traditional waiting periods,” said Emin Halac, spokesperson for In Stock Today Cabinets LLC. “By maintaining extensive inventory and offering same-day pickup for select models, we enable construction professionals to meet their project deadlines while accessing wholesale pricing that helps offset material cost increases affecting the industry.”
The IBISWorld Delaware Remodeling Market report indicates that kitchen and bathroom remodeling represents a major segment of the state’s construction activity, with homeowners investing a median of $60,000 for major kitchen remodels and $20,000 for minor updates. Kitchen remodels offer a 96 percent return on investment for midrange projects, making cabinet quality critical for maintaining property values.
In Stock Today Cabinets provides wholesale kitchen cabinets that meet rigorous quality standards, including KCMA certification, Q12 quality protocols, solid wood construction, dovetail drawers, and Blum soft-close hardware. All Fabuwood products carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty, providing contractors and their clients with long-term assurance.
The company’s Delaware operation offers comprehensive support for construction professionals, including wholesale pricing structures, regional territory protection for dealers, marketing and sales support, technical training programs, and access to Fabuwood’s recently expanded production capacity. This infrastructure ensures consistent inventory availability for contractors managing multiple projects across the region.
In Stock Today Cabinets LLC operates as a multi-state distributor specializing in premium all-plywood kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. The company maintains locations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Texas, offering both ready-to-assemble and fully assembled cabinet options. As an authorized distributor of Fabuwood and FIBO products, the company provides design consultations, delivery services, and multiple selection of cabinet styles to meet diverse project requirements.
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For more information about In Stock Today Cabinets LLC, contact the company here:
IST Cabinets Delaware
Emin Halac
(302) 321-1771
delaware@istcabinets.com
835 Pulaski Hwy, Bear, DE 19701, United States
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
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