Delaware

Delaware Judiciary updates progress on 2022 diversity plans recommendations

Published

2 years ago

May 13, 2024

Delaware Judiciary updates progress on 2022 diversity plans recommendations

The Delaware Judiciary releases an update report to its 2022 Strategic Plan to improve diversity in the Delaware bench and bar.

Nearly two-thirds of the 50 recommendations in the plan have been implemented or will be in the coming months.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Delaware court system Kaelae Shaner says the biggest strides made are in engagement with college and pre-college students, including re-imagining and re-energizing the Delaware Law-Related Education Center.

Shaner emphasizes removing barriers to the bar exam are also significant.

“Like trimming the testing subjects and essays that are part of the bar examination,” Shaner says. “And a huge, huge barrier was the administration of the bar exam being only once per year, now offered twice a year. Also changed some of the fees associated with the bar examination.”

Shaner notes the bar is not just an exam, but an extensive process that also evaluates candidates’ moral and ethical character. She says they are taking a closer look at the way “fitness” to practice law is standardized.

Shaner says for current judges and court staff, they have started providing enhanced training to reduce implicit bias in the court environment.

Overall Shaner says the courts are understaffed but doesn’t think there is a shortage of qualified candidates. She says the courts are also working to unify job descriptions so applicants are more aware of the type of work they’ll be doing.

“Which will hopefully increase our reach and increase interest in qualified candidates for these positions,: Shaner says. “Because it’s great work, it’s rewarding work, and we have a workforce here in Delaware. I don’t think it is a shortage of qualified candidates so much as just increasing our awareness.”

Initiatives still left on the to-do list include some more long-term goals – such as alternate pathways to licensure like formalized mentorships as opposed to the bar exam.

“The biggest issue with bar exams across the country, the conversation is like, does this rogue memorization really help with on the job performance?” Shaner says.

Shaner notes other states like Connecticut and Oregon have successfully implemented a pathway through formalized mentorships.

The report also highlights the recent formation of the Delaware Leadership Council on Legal Diversity by representatives from several large Delaware firms. They are working on recruitment and retention initiatives – and reconvening the Delaware Judiciary’s Access to Justice Commission.

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Delaware

Where to find warming centers in Delaware during freezing temps

Published

9 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

Where to find warming centers in Delaware during freezing temps

As temperatures fall, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services will open multiple warming stations to provide shelter for anyone in need starting Jan. 28.

These stations will offer Delawareans “a safe, warm space to get relief from the cold,” according to a post from the department on the social media platform Facebook issued Jan. 27.

Temperatures through Jan. 30 are expected to be below freezing, with another chance of snow predicted for this weekend, according to a recent National Weather Service report.

The warming centers will include facilities located in all three counties, including Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.

Here’s what Delawareans should know.

Delaware warming stations

New Castle County

Canby Park Office, 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington

Churchman’s Corporate Center, 84 Christiana Road, New Castle

Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green St., Claymont

Kent County

James W. Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 South DuPont Blvd., Suite 101, Smyrna

Sussex County

Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel

Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St. Georgetown

Delaware warming station hours

Stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28. Stations will remain open throughout the remainder of the week, through Jan. 30.

These centers will provide space to residents in need of “a safe, warm place to go,” according to the Facebook post.

How to stay warm

With winter now in full force, residents are urged to take the necessary steps to stay safe as the weather turns cold.

This includes making sure your homes “can be safely heated” and you always have crucial items on hand in case of an emergency, including non-perishable and pet foods, water and medicine.

Delawareans are also encouraged to have a driving kit in their car this winter.

Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.

Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.

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Delaware

Delaware Senate Democrats oppose more ICE funding after Minneapolis shootings

Published

21 hours ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Delaware Senate Democrats oppose more ICE funding after Minneapolis shootings

What are journalists missing from the state of Delaware? What would you most like WHYY News to cover? Let us know.

Delaware’s congressional delegation is calling President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown lawless and vowing to oppose more money for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The effort to vote down additional DHS funding this week comes after two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents, respectively, this month in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a 37-year old mom, was killed Jan. 7, and Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs intensive care nurse, died at the hands of federal officers last week.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware said federal agents are wreaking havoc on all Americans, and that this is a pivotal moment for the country.

“It is incumbent upon all of us to do whatever we can in this moment,” she said. “Delawareans, we’re known as a state of neighbors, and I hope that that sentiment stays with us and spreads across the country, because we need it now more than ever.”

The Trump administration, as well as the president himself, have blamed the victims for their deaths. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Good a “domestic terrorist.” She said Pretti was “brandishing a weapon,” although bystander video shows Pretti holding a cellphone and trying to help a woman who had been pepper sprayed. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said Pretti intended to “massacre law enforcement agents.”

DHS received $75 billion in the massive tax and spending bill Republicans passed this summer, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.” Senators are currently scheduled to vote Thursday on six “minibus” appropriation bills to fund the government. If those fail, a partial government shutdown could begin as soon as midnight Friday. Senate Democrats want the DHS funding bill to get a separate vote from the other bills.

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Delaware

Delaware needs to take care of littering

Published

1 day ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

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