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Delaware Dems promise multiple bills targeting guns will pass before the end of June

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Delaware Dems promise multiple bills targeting guns will pass before the end of June


Delaware’s Democratic lawmakers have launched plenty of payments collectively recognized as a “gun security package deal” that look to do every part from strengthening background checks, to holding gun producers and sellers chargeable for violence, to the outright banning of sure weapons, attachments, or modifications.

Gov. John Carney and Democratic leaders within the state Senate and Home launched the package–which contains plenty of payments launched on Thursday, June 2, 2022, and likewise lists some efforts that have not even had payments launched yet–with the intent of passing the laws earlier than June 30, 2022, when the Common Meeting adjourns. 

“We now have an obligation to do every part we are able to to forestall tragedies like we’ve seen throughout the nation from occurring right here in Delaware,” stated Carney. “It is a historic, significant package deal of laws and I look ahead to seeing these payments on my desk this session.”

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The payments listed as included within the package deal embody: 

The package deal of gun security laws contains:

  • Banning the sale of assault weapons (HB 450)
  • Limiting high-capacity magazines (SB 6)
  • Elevating the age from 18 to 21 to buy most firearms (HB 451)
  • Strengthening background checks by reinstituting the Firearm Transaction Approval Program (HB 423)
  • Holding gun producers and sellers chargeable for reckless or negligent actions that result in gun violence (not but launched)
  • Banning using units that convert handguns into totally computerized weapons (not but launched)

Senate President Professional Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Chief Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman additionally issued a joint assertion Thursday: 

“From information cycle to information cycle and elections cycle to election cycle, Delawareans have been steadfast of their need to see us take motion that may cut back the gun violence plaguing our communities and tackle the wave of mass shootings gripping our nation. Governor Carney and the advocates who constructed consensus round this package deal of robust, public security payments deserve an amazing quantity of credit score for demanding motion after the most recent spherical of horrific mass shootings. The security of our youngsters and our communities merely can’t anticipate infinite debate and fence sitting. After working for years to boost the extent of accountable gun possession in our state, we and our colleagues within the Senate Majority Caucus stand able to move these crucial, lifesaving measures this yr. If we’re not doing every part we presumably can to finish gun violence, we’re not doing sufficient.”

On Wednesday, June 8 HB 450 and 451 can be heard within the Home Administration Committee, with plans to them on the Home ground the next day, if launched They might then undergo the identical course of within the Senate as shortly as attainable. The rest can be heard in each chambers earlier than the tip of the month, lawmakers promised. 

“Final week, an 18-year-old legally bought a military-style semi-automatic rifle and used it days later to homicide 19 elementary faculty college students and two academics in Uvalde, Texas. Ten days earlier, an 18-year-old used a legally bought semi-automatic rifle to kill 10 individuals at a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y. The incidents have reignited discussions throughout the nation about gun security and requires legislative motion to forestall future tragedies, and we’re answering that decision,” stated Home Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Majority Chief Valerie Longhurst and Majority Whip Larry Mitchell in their very own joint assertion. “Taken collectively, these payments may have a big and significant influence in combating gun violence and stopping future tragedies from occurring in Delaware. Whereas we are able to’t change the previous, we are able to be taught from it and attempt to stop it from occurring right here. We’re dedicated to passing robust firearm laws that may make our communities safer.”

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Delaware

Middletown school leader charged with sharing child sex abuse material to messaging app

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Middletown school leader charged with sharing child sex abuse material to messaging app


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A Middletown school administrator was arrested after state prosecutors say he uploaded child sexual abuse material online to a messaging app.

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The Delaware Department of Justice announced 25 felony charges involving possession of child sexual abuse material against 43-year-old Justin Smith, the head of school at St. Anne’s Episcopal School since July of 2024. The Justice Department said Friday night that they have “no indication” at this time that Smith’s crimes are linked to his role at the school.

Still, they noted St. Anne’s − a self-described independent school serving grades preschool through eighth, according to its website − is “fully cooperating” with the investigation.

Attorney General Kathy Jennings called the evidence “shocking and abhorrent” in a written statement Friday, noting that Smith’s job put him in a position of trust with children.

Smith’s charges do not involve contacting a child, according to the DOJ, and there are no victims affiliated with the school or community at this time.

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Because of Smith’s job, however, the state is asking the public to come forward with any information they may have in this case. Anyone with information can contact the Delaware Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at (302) 739-2030. 

What prompted the investigation of Justin Smith?

Investigators from the state Department of Justice and Delaware State Police, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received multiple CyberTips from Kik Messenger warnings, according to the Justice Department. The warnings indicated that social media accounts belonging to Smith had uploaded child sexual abuse material from an IP address belonging to Smith.

The tips prompted investigators to execute search warrants on the social media accounts, the state said, which found more child sexual abuse material.

Smith was arraigned and taken to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $625,000 cash bail.

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Delaware vets get creative to help heal at art classes hosted by CreatiVeterans

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Delaware vets get creative to help heal at art classes hosted by CreatiVeterans


CreatieVeterans focuses on small, supportive classes capped at 12 participants, allowing veterans to explore a variety of artistic techniques that vary across all three counties.

“In New Castle County, we have ‘Working with Clay.’ In this, specifically, participants will use hand-building techniques with clay, including pinching, quilling slab and texture technique,” Henry said. In quilling slab, artists shape designs out of tiny strips of clay.

“We have in Kent County, ‘Gelli Plate Printing with ‘Es,’’” Henry said. Gelli plate is a gelatin-like plate made of solidified mineral oil that’s used to transfer images onto a canvas.

“Veterans can “explore by transforming magazines and images in nature and different textures you can put on the plate,” Henry said. “Then, in Sussex County, we have ‘Mixed-Media Collage Making.’ This is exploring craft embellishments, paper and found art materials and they’ll be making these collages on wood.”

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Participants experiment with charcoal techniques, blending and shaping textures to bring their visions to life. The hands-on approach highlights the immersive nature of the workshop. (Courtesy of Mariposa Art)

Ensuring accessibility across all three counties was a central focus of the program’s design.

“I feel like it is known that New Castle [County] in general gets more of a focus. It’s kind of known as an art hub,” she said. “It’s really important that we reach Kent County and Sussex County, you know, the more rural areas. So, no one has to drive up to New Castle County or north. It’s important that they have access right near them.”

“This is all for all genders, all ages for veterans. This is a mix of a lot of different generations together and I feel like that impact can allow so much value and insight,” Henry added. “Depending on where those veterans served, what branch. I just think it allows a lot of opportunity for veterans to create a bigger community than they already have.”

Some of the eight-week sessions are already underway, participants are preparing to share their creations in community exhibitions held in each county. These exhibitions will allow veterans to celebrate their accomplishments with family, friends, and local supporters.

While New Castle County’s class is fully booked, veterans are still encouraged to register for classes in Kent and Sussex Counties.

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Following a long history of Olympic success, UD’s Figure Skating community in mourning

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Following a long history of Olympic success, UD’s Figure Skating community in mourning


Those involved with the University of Delaware’s High Performance Figure Skating Center have celebrated many triumphs, including in the U.S. Nationals and Olympics.

On Thursday they endured the opposite extreme, mourning the deaths of one coach and two young skaters in a plane crash Wednesday night.

“With a heavy heart, we struggle to express the impact of this tragedy on our Blue Hen community,” UD athletic director Chrissi Rawak shared in a social-media message.

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Coach Alexandr Kirsanov and young skaters Angela Yang and Sean Kay died when the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, collided with a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

Rawak paid tribute to Kirsanov, saying his “passion and commitment touched many lives, leaving a permanent mark on our campus.”

What was originally known as UD’s Ice Skating Science Development Center opened in 1987 when Ron Ludington, who had coached numerous national- and Olympic-level skaters, moved over from the Skating Club of Wilmington.

Though not operated by the university, the UD skating center is located at the school’s Fred Rust and Gold ice arenas located south of campus with other athletic facilities at the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex.

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Ludington retired in 2010 but maintained some involvement and died in 2020 at age 85. But the skating program has continued to thrive, with many of Ludington’s skaters becoming coaches at UD.

Among UD-based skaters who excelled at the highest levels were the 1992 Olympic pairs duo of Calla Urbanski and Rocky Marval and 2006 world champion Kimmie Meissner. Three-time national champion and two-time Olympian Johnny Weir also got his start at UD.

The skating center was also a destination for those from other countries with high-level figure skaters, especially Russia.

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One of them, Oleg Ovsyannikov, sat in front of an international media throng in 1998 and said “I want to say thank you to all the people at the University of Delaware.” Around his neck was the silver medal he had just earned in ice dancing at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, with partner Anjelika Krylova.

Tara Lipinski, who had periodically trained at UD, soon after became the youngest figure-skating Olympic gold medalist when she won the women’s singles at age 15.

More than 30 figure skaters with ties to Delaware rinks competed in the Winter Olympics for the U.S. from 1972 through 2006, including eight at the 1984 Games and six in 1988.

That history has long made UD a draw for figure skaters with high aspirations. Emmanuel Savary, a long-time UD skater, placed 13th at the recent U.S. Championships in men’s singles.

“They get excited and see the possibility that maybe they can be there someday, that it’s a reality,” UD coach Pam Gregory told DelawareOnline/The News Journal before the 2018 Olympics.

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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.



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