Delaware
Del. schools partner with University of Delaware to improve K–3 literacy rates
From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!
Delaware’s troubling 45th ranking in literacy rates underscores a nationwide issue, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2024 Kid Count report.
The report shows alarming concerns, revealing that 75% of fourth-graders in the state lack reading proficiency. Additionally, it shows that 55% of children aged 3 or 4 are not enrolled in school, pointing to substantial gaps in access to early childhood education.
Despite recent efforts to improve its literacy rate with initiatives like the Imagination Library program and the Latino Family Literacy Project, Delaware still faces significant challenges.
What is the state’s next step to address this issue?
Following two years of preparation and relationship building, the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development, Partnership for Public Education and Collaborative for Data-Driven Action will work with the Delaware Department of Education to boost literacy and ensure fair learning opportunities statewide.
“We call it DELRPP, which is in Delaware Early Literacy Research Practice Partnership,” said Monica Gant, associate secretary of the academics support team for the DDOE. “We believe this partnership will build our capacity as a state agency to better understand the available data, use that data to make informed decisions and then create systems that will expand beyond the partnership.”
This pioneering research initiative is the first of its kind and aims to uncover “blind spots” that educators may have overlooked during the most critical years of child development.
“While we look at the work that’s happening in our schools and the various amounts of data that we have across the state, this will help us to pinpoint what’s happening with students in the K-2 realm,” added Kathy Kelly, the director of curriculum instruction and professional development. “Which serves as a blind spot for us sometimes so this would really help us identify those potential blind spots and where we can provide more support.”
Salesianum’s James Dempsey breaks down win in NCCo boys 1,600
Dempsey won in 4:11.24, which moved him to third on the state all-time performance list.
The Padua and Tatnall girls and the Middletown and Saint Mark’s boys will defend their state titles at the 2026 DIAA Track and Field Championships on May 15 and 16 at Dover High.
Here is a look at the history of the meet with the most recent champions.
Which school has won the most Delaware outdoor track and field state championships?
With 21 Division I titles, Salesianum has won the most boys outdoor track and field state championships. Padua has won 25 state championships, including 23 Division I titles.
Who are the winningest Delaware high school outdoor track and field coaches?
Tatnall’s Patrick Castagno has led the most state championship teams with 12 girls titles and four boys titles. Padua’s Marnie Giunta has won 13 girls state titles.
Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
Buffalo woman pleads guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with vandalism at The Terrace at Delaware Park in October 2025.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that 40-year-old Stacy M. Matthews pleaded guilty before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town to one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Erie County District Attorney’s Office
According to the DA, on October 16, 2025, Matthews drove six juveniles under her care to a business on Lincoln Parkway, and the juveniles, between the ages of 10 and 16, intentionally vandalized outdoor furniture and windows, causing approximately $2,000 in damage to the property.
The DA said that as a condition of the plea, Matthews signed a Confession of Judgment to pay $2,000 in restitution to the victim. Matthews faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when she is sentenced on June 9, 2026 and a temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the property owner, remains in effect.
7 News spoke with Mike Shatzel, co-owner of The Terrace at Delaware Park, where the vandalism occurred, last October.
“It’s just disturbing that people have nothing better to do than come and just destroy things,” Shatzel said in October.
You can watch our previous story below.
WATCH: The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
The Terrace at Delaware Park vandalized multiple times over the last two weeks
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:58AM
RADNOR TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — A multimillion-dollar home went up in flames in Delaware County.
Heavy flames burned through the house along the 800 block of Lesley Drive in Radnor Township.
Action News has been told that everyone inside the home made it out safely.
The fire appeared to start in the attic, and went to three alarms, as smoke and flames continued to pour from the roof.
It took over two hours to get things under control.
The home is said to be a total loss.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
-
New Jersey3 minutes agoNew Jersey swim team left without pool after Wayne Community Center abruptly ends agreement
-
New Mexico9 minutes agoThe most popular baby names in New Mexico for 2025
-
North Carolina15 minutes agoBusinesses worry of potential impacts as Marion tightens water restrictions amid drought
-
North Dakota21 minutes agoHighway Patrol: Blowing dirt cuts visibility in northwest North Dakota
-
Ohio27 minutes agoWarren man sentenced for Niles police chase
-
Oklahoma33 minutes agoOklahoma judge allows former death row prisoner to be released on bond while awaiting retrial
-
Oregon39 minutes agoPeaceHealth says Oregon CEO Jim McGovern out, Heather Wall to continue as interim leader
-
Pennsylvania45 minutes agoMan arrested for allegedly posting hit list, threatening more than a dozen Pennsylvania lawmakers