Delaware

Del. delegation confronts federal layoffs, immigration fears in virtual town hall

Published

9 months ago

February 25, 2025

Del. delegation confronts federal layoffs, immigration fears in virtual town hall

Immigration and fears of mass deportations

Concerns over immigration enforcement and protections for undocumented Delawareans was another focus of the town hall, as residents voiced growing fears over mass deportations and family separations.

Coons told attendees that Gov. Matt Meyer is closely collaborating with local law enforcement and advocacy groups to prevent unnecessary and disruptive immigration raids.

“There are lots of families who I hear are scared of being arrested in a raid and then separated from their children,” Coons said. “As a result, they’re not taking advantage of health services or educational opportunities. The governor is trying to, in partnership with local governments and the [American Civil Liberties Union] of Delaware and the attorney general, communicate more broadly about what the expectations and standards are here in Delaware for any cooperation or refusal to cooperate with ICE, but that’s mostly a state and local matter.”

After rallies across the state advocating for immigrant protections — some even calling for Delaware to become a sanctuary state — the delegation outlined what the state has done and what more could be considered.

McBride noted that such decisions lie with state and local lawmakers, but stressed that Delaware should focus on community safety over strict immigration enforcement.

“What I can tell you is that we are working to ensure that law enforcement’s resources are not being misused for draconian family separation or mass deportations that exceed both federal law and what our priorities should be at the local and state level,” she said.

Jennings reinforced existing legal protections for undocumented residents, adding that while immigration arrests in Delaware have involved those accused or convicted of crimes, mass deportations have not occurred, though she fears that could change.

“The immigration arrests that have occurred in Delaware to date have been largely people who have been accused of or convicted of qualifying crimes,” she said. “What has not happened to date is mass deportation, mass roundups of individuals, but I think that is going to happen in the future. President Trump is under a lot of pressure right now because he promised all of these mass deportations, and the numbers aren’t adding up. He isn’t meeting his numbers, so to speak. In not meeting his numbers, he is feeling like he needs to up the ante.”

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to protect birthright citizenship for children of undocumented parents.

“We are fighting for that right now,” Jennings said. “The 14th Amendment protects them. Most constitutional scholars, including the judges who have heard these cases, absolutely believe that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship. But we will continue to be vigilant because we know this fight is far from over.”

As the town hall drew to a close, the delegation encouraged residents to raise their voices about what is happening in their communities.

“The single most powerful thing you can do is to help us bring your stories to Congress to illustrate the harm and consequences of this administration’s actions,” McBride said.

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Delaware

Here’s which stores are open for Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping in Delaware

Published

15 hours ago

November 24, 2025

Press Room

Here’s which stores are open for Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping in Delaware

Whether you need to grab some last-minute Thanksgiving ingredients or are planning to indulge in the doorbuster deals on Black Friday, you’ll need to know the store hours of your local grocery stores, malls and retailers.

This year, Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 27, and the annual Black Friday shopping rush falls on Nov. 28.

Order from Instacart:

Here’s which Delaware stores and malls are open during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

What are Christiana Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?

Christiana Mall near Christiana will be closed for Thanksgiving, but will have special expanded hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What are Concord Mall’s Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours?

Concord Mall in Brandywine Hundred is also closing its doors Thanksgiving, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.

What major retailers are open on Thanksgiving, Black Friday?

Before racing off to find Black Friday deals, check when these major retailers are open.

Target: Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
Walmart: All Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open the following day at 6 a.m. for Black Friday deals.
Boscov’s: Boscov’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Macy’s: Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Best Buy: Best Buy stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.
Kohl’s: Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
TJ Maxx: TJ Maxx stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
JCPenney: JCPenney locations will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen Black Friday at 5 a.m.
Nordstrom: Nordstrom stores will be closed on Thanksgiving and open on Black Friday.

What grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving?

If you’re looking to get supplies for your Thanksgiving dish or you forgot a key ingredient before the big meal, here are Delaware grocery stores’ hours on Thanksgiving.

Wegmans: Wegmans will close early on Thanksgiving at 4 p.m.
ShopRite: ShopRite will close early at 4 p.m.
Acme: Acme markets are open until 4 p.m.
Giant Food: Giant stores are open until 5 p.m.
Aldi: Aldi locations will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Food Lion: Food Lion stores will be open until 3 p.m.
Costco: Costco is closed on Thanksgiving.

Sophia Voight is a growth and development reporter. Reach her with feedback and story tips at svoight@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

AARP Delaware honors Bethany volunteer for community service

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2025

Press Room

AARP Delaware honors Bethany volunteer for community service

AARP Delaware recently announced Ted Spickler of Bethany Beach was honored with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award.

A retired professor, Spickler was recognized for his extraordinary dedication to community service. As an AARP Delaware advocate, Spickler regularly traveled to attend volunteer meetings, committee hearings and legislator meetings, demonstrating his deep commitment to improving the lives of older Delawareans and strengthening the community. As the legislative committee chair of Delaware’s South Coastal AARP Chapter, he keeps the committee and chapter informed about a variety of issues that affect older Delawareans and their families.

Beyond his work with AARP, Spickler is active with Citizens Climate Lobby, advocating for policies to create a healthier environment for future generations.

“Ted embodies the spirit of volunteerism, sharing his skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to support his AARP chapter, our state office and his community,” said Wendell Alfred, AARP Delaware volunteer state president. “His curiosity, dedication and kindness have been a great example for other volunteers.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

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Delaware

Ashford throws for three TDs as Wake Forest whips Delaware 52-14

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2025

Press Room

Ashford throws for three TDs as Wake Forest whips Delaware 52-14

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Robby Ashford threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as Wake Forest beat Delaware 52-14 for its third win in a row Saturday.

Jake Dickert became the winningest first-year football coach in Wake Forest history. The Demon Deacons (8-3) won for the sixth time in their last seven games.

For Dickert, it was all about challenging the Demon Deacons to be better.

“We changed the bar completely,” he said. “… It hasn’t always been easy. It hasn’t always been perfect.”

It was a special Senior Day for the Demon Deacons, with the coaching staff assembled about 11 months ago.

“To see it come all the way through is a big deal to me and to (our players),” Dickert said. “Just like we’ve done all year, we’ve got to grow from it.”

Carlos Hernandez made two touchdown catches, racking up 197 yards on five receptions. He had TD plays of 79 and 93 yards.

Wake Forest’s Carlos Hernandez (8) is tackled by Delaware’s Kshawn Cox Jr. (6) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley

Ashford was 15-for-22 for 292 yards with an interception.

Three Wake Forest players rushed for more than 60 yards, led by Chris Barnes’ 78. Ty Clark III and Demond Claiborne ran for touchdowns. Connor Calvert kicked field goals of 44, 54 and 47 yards.

Nick Minicucci threw for 140 yards and a touchdown for Delaware (5-6), which will have to beat UTEP at home in a return to Conference USA play in order to be in line for a bowl bid. As a program in transition to the Bowl Subdivision, the Blue Hens only qualify for the postseason if there aren’t enough other teams reaching the six-win threshold.

Wake Forest hit a series of big plays.

Wake Forest's Robby Ashford (2) avoids the tackle of Delaware's... — Wake Forest’s Robby Ashford (2) avoids the tackle of Delaware’s Ethan Saunders (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Credit: AP/Allison Lee Isley

“We didn’t keep them inside or in front on our defensive side,” Delaware coach Ryan Carty said. “We got to make sure those explosive plays don’t happen.”

Delaware’s Viron Ellison Jr. took a short pass and dodged tacklers for a 43-yard touchdown in the second quarter. That ended a string of nine consecutive quarters for Wake Forest’s defense without giving up a touchdown.

The Blue Hens scored with 1:59 left on backup Braden Streeter’s 25-yard pass to Max Patterson.

The Takeaway

Delaware: The Blue Hens gave up more than 30 points for the fifth time this season, allowing Wake Forest to reach that level in the first half. The Blue Hens ended up 1-5 in road games.

Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons secured their most-lopsided victory of the season and finished the non-conference portion of their schedule with a 4-0 record.

Barnes is back

The Demon Deacons welcomed Barnes, a speedster, back after missing a game with an injury. He amassed 97 all-purpose yards.

He’s return to action gave another element to the Wake Forest offense, which had 577 total yards.

“Chris is a dynamic player,” Dickert said.

Something to prove

The Blue Hens are relatively new at the FBS level. Carty said they should move on quickly from this result because there are still possibilities ahead.

“I guess we’ll find out,” Carty said. “That’s the challenge. We have to understand this is our season on the line next week. We’re either finishing with a losing record or go bowl eligible with six wins.”