Delaware
Delaware man charged with possessing
A Delaware man is in custody and facing federal charges after several guns were found in his home, along with apparent plans to attack the University of Delaware Police Department, prosecutors and federal court documents say.
Luqmaan Khan, 25, was charged last Wednesday with illegally possessing a machine gun, Acting U.S. Attorney Julianne Murray announced in a news release.
Khan, a University of Delaware student, allegedly drew up the layout of a UDel police station and made comments to investigators about martyrdom, according to Murray and court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Wilmington.
Authorities say Khan was stopped by New Castle County police officers late on the night of Monday, Nov. 24. The officers were in Canby Park West when they spotted a white Toyota Tacoma truck and stopped the vehicle.
Khan was inside the truck and did not comply with officers’ orders to exit the truck. He was then taken into custody for resisting arrest, Murray said.
Inside the truck, officers found a .357 Glock handgun with a stabilizing brace kit attached, along with more magazines and an armored ballistic plate, and a composition notebook.
In the notebook, there were notes about more weapons and how they could be used to attack the University of Delaware Police Department.
“The notebook referenced a member of the University of Delaware’s Police Department by name, and included a layout of a building with entry and exit points under which the words ‘UD Police Station’ were printed,” Murray said.
Khan also referenced “martyrdom” in the notebook and stated in an interview with police following his arrest that being a martyr is “one of the greatest things you can do,” and was a goal of his, the affidavit alleges.
University of Delaware Interim President Laura Carlson addressed the charges against Khan in a statement to the university community Tuesday.
Carlson identified Khan as an undergraduate student and said he has been temporarily separated from the university and banned from campus until his legal matters are resolved.
“There are no known or immediate threats to the University of Delaware community. However, the press release describes evidence of a plan that targeted the University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD). This is frightening to all of us,” Carlson wrote. “The press release contains relevant information about the timeline and the actions of the New Castle County Police, the FBI, the Department of Justice and UDPD. I am incredibly grateful to these teams for their diligent investigation and coordination.”
The FBI and New Castle County police obtained a search warrant and searched Khan’s home in Wilmington on Nov. 25. The search turned up another Glock handgun, which was equipped with a “switch,” also referred to as a “Glock switch.”
This is a modification that can turn a standard semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic one, according to CBS News Philadelphia’s previous reporting. The court documents referred to the Glock with the switch as a “machine gun.”
A rifle was also found in the home, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in court. There are no weapons registered to Khan in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, the document says.
According to the document, Khan is an American citizen who was born in Pakistan. He has no prior convictions on his record.
Khan is being represented by a federal public defender. Court records show he is in custody pending a detention hearing on Dec. 11, at which time a judge could rule whether to release him on certain conditions or keep him incarcerated until the case is resolved.
New restaurant at 645 S. Ridge Road in Middletown, next to Chick-fil-A
The restaurant, at 645 S. Ridge Road in Middletown, is near Middletown-Warwick Road, in front of Kohl’s and next to Chick-fil-A
It started more than two years ago when a then-University of Delaware sophomore pitched an idea to her five roommates: an Instagram page dedicated to the eateries of Newark.
“I remember thinking, ‘What’s one thing everyone in Newark can relate to that hasn’t really been done yet?” says Hockessin native Leah Pala, 22, recalling the launch of Newark Foodies (@newarkfoodiess).
Ever since that day at Santa Fe Mexican Grill on Main Street with roommates Angelina Pala, Isabella McKenna, Katrina Heinz, Julia Query, Claire Taggart, the sextet has been posting about their meals in the college town, gaining nearly 8,000 followers.
As the housemates prepare for the final semester of their senior year, we chatted with Leah Pala about their favorite Newark spots, meals and more.
Question: Why did you start the account?
Answer: Besides the fact that we are huge foodies … it started as a fun hobby that my roommates and I did together in our free time. However, we never imagined it would get the attention it did, especially from local restaurants.
What was the first spot you featured?
Snap Pizza on Main Street.
What do you like about doing these videos?
We love being able to collaborate with local business owners and spotlight specific menu items that can genuinely help their businesses grow, especially small, locally owned spots. It’s also exciting to try new places and experience a wide variety of food. One of our favorite parts is hosting giveaways, which help boost visibility for both the business and our account while getting the community involved. It’s always fun seeing how far students will go for a gift card.
Any parts you don’t like?
There honestly isn’t much to dislike, but filming can get awkward at times, especially in sit-down restaurants. Obviously, we are not professionals, so six girls spending 20 minutes trying to get the best angle of their meal can get us a few stares. Coordinating six different schedules can also be challenging, between all of us and the restaurants. Most of the time, only two or three of us are able to go, but we always make it work.
Do you contact the owners before you arrive or tell them who you are when you’re there?
We usually reach out ahead of time. That’s when we discuss what kind of content we will create, whether it’s a post, video or stories. When we arrive, we sometimes have to remind them who we are, but it’s never an issue.
Do you pay for the food?
When we coordinate with restaurants ahead of time, we typically don’t pay, which we’re very grateful for. However, we never expect it.
What do you love about dining in Delaware?
I love how much variety Delaware offers. There’s a great mix of small, local spots and higher-end restaurants. I also love how a lot of places focus on creating an experience, offering live music, seasonal events, and themed nights.
Do you ever get recognized? What’s that like if you do?
At first, we preferred staying anonymous and didn’t think it was necessary to be in the posts and videos. But as the account grew, especially among UD students, it became harder to hide our little secret, especially from our close friends. Towards the end of sophomore year, students would come up to us if they saw us filming and ask if we were Newark Foodies. It was never anything crazy, but it was always fun seeing classmates’ reactions. We still don’t think a ton of people know who we are, especially underclassmen.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve had while filming?
There isn’t one specific moment, but there have been several times where all six of us go in, order way more food than planned, thinking we’ll only take a few bites each, when we really end up finishing everything. There have also been times when only a couple of us go in planning to bring back food for the rest … and somehow it never makes it home.
What’s the best eatery you’ve featured?
This is such a hard question because everything we have tried has been great. If we had to choose one, it would be The Greenhouse Gastropub on Main Street. After our first visit, we brought friends and family back immediately. The food is consistently flavorful, and the staff is always so welcoming. They have a really unique and fun atmosphere, especially the upstairs bar. Every meal we’ve tried is truly out of this world and we think they deserve more recognition.
Without naming names, is there one that was particularly bad or an experience that went poorly? What happened?
Honestly, no. We’ve had zero bad experiences. Everyone we’ve worked with has been incredibly kind and generous and the entire experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
Best dish you’ve tried in one of your videos?
This one’s tough, but we’d have to say the cheesesteaks, especially the beef and buffalo chicken cheesecakes, from Balboa Steaks. It’s genuinely comparable to some of the best Philly cheesesteaks. We’d also have to say Santa Fe’s nachos, easily some of the best we’ve had in Delaware.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve tried?
We haven’t tried anything too unusual, but the steamed BBQ pork buns from Ugly Dumpling stand out since none of us had tried anything like that before. Running this account has definitely made us more adventurous with food.
What are your top three restaurants or eateries in Delaware, whether you’ve featured them or not?
Our top three would be The Greenhouse Gastropub, Klondike Kate’s, and UD students’ go-to Sunday morning spot, The Hot Original Bagels.
Is there a Delaware restaurant or eatery that’s not well-known that should get some recognition and why?
We don’t think enough people know about Cafeneo in Newark. They have delicious Greek food, seasonal coffee drinks, and a beautiful interior that is completely different from anywhere else in the area. It’s such a unique spot that deserves more attention.
What’s really surprised you about being a food influencer?
How open and excited restaurants are to collaborate, especially since our audience isn’t that big. We thought reaching out might be difficult, but owners have been just as eager to work with us as we are to work with them. They’ve made the entire process easy and genuinely fun.
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Is there a cuisine Delaware doesn’t have much of that you’d love to see come here?
Honestly, Delaware offers most of the cuisines we love. There are great options for Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Mediterranean and American food. I think Delaware does a really good job offering solid staples for each cuisine.
Is there a food trend you are so over?
Overpriced food with very small portions. We haven’t featured any places like that, but I’ve definitely been to restaurants in Delaware where that’s been the case. And in my opinion, it’s not worth it.
And finally, do you have any advice for anyone hoping to become a food influencer on Instagram?
Our biggest advice is to stay consistent and not be afraid to reach out to restaurants. The worst thing they can say is no. It can feel silly and awkward filming at first, but it’s worth it. Most importantly, have fun with it, get creative and be open to what business owners want to showcase. We’re just six college girls with zero background in marketing or influencing, so if we can do it, anyone can.
Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).
Delaware
State Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Fatal Crash in Newark – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
The Delaware State Police is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Friday evening in Newark.
On January 16, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a Kia Sportage was stopped behind a Subaru Outback in the left lane of eastbound Pulaski Highway, west of David Place. At the same time, a Hyundai Kona was traveling eastbound on Pulaski Highway, approaching the stopped Kia. For reasons currently being investigated, the Hyundai failed to stop and crashed into the rear of the Kia. The collision pushed the Kia forward causing it to crash into the rear of the Subaru.
The driver of the Hyundai, 85-year-old Melvin Pitt of New Castle, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. On January 17, 2026, Pitt died from the injuries he sustained during the crash.
The passenger of the Hyundai, an 83-year-old woman from Newark, Delaware, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The occupants of the Subaru and Kia did not report any injuries.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed the crash or has video to contact Sgt. J. Jefferson at (302) 365-8484. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov
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Plan for DuPont Plaza includes three stores and a restaurant
The plan for DuPont Plaza includes three stores and a restaurant between Citizens Bank and Tim Hortons
Dumpster diving isn’t a novel concept, but its trappings seem to be trending.
Videos on TikTok or Instagram will give firsthand views of hands picking though local shopping mall trashes, Sephora or Ulta dumpsters and much more. The “Dumpster Dive King” in Boston has some 4.3 million followers on one platform, while Ella Rose – or GlamourDDive – maintains more than 2.4 million TikTok followers and an online shop from Texas.
“My enjoyment of dumpster diving has helped me open my eyes to the waste that is involved in everyday retail and corporations!” the 21-year old wrote online.
That could be the hefty bag of untouched Lululemon products, a cardboard box stocked with sealed designer perfumes seemingly from a closed Macy’s, tossed out clearance items from a T.J. Maxx, or countless other hauls from the diver and content creator.
But is it legal?
Most states lack specific laws against dumpster diving, though trespassing laws essentially restrict such forays to public property. Likewise, the Supreme Court ruled in a 1988 case from California that searching trash put on the public curb is legal and can be done by police without a warrant.
Here in Delaware, there are similarly no statewide laws against the practice. After a simple review, some local governments providing waste removal have more specific policies.
In Wilmington, city code prohibits rummaging through garbage containers “unless requested to do so by the person to whom the container belongs.” That effectively bans any dumpster dives on private property, if enforced, unless the owner agrees.
Many shopping malls and stores have back areas that are largely considered private property, according to FindLaw.com, which also notes proper signage could be used in court to show a business took appropriate precautions.
Over in Newark, tampering with any city waste containers, including dumpsters, is similarly banned without authorization, according to an Eastern Shore Dumpster Dive community online. Dover also does not allow anyone to disturb or scatter waste put out for collection, per city code.
Overall, dumpster diving in Delaware must generally be limited to public areas, like roadsides, parks or sidewalks, avoiding no-trespassing signs or making a mess.
Sadly for some, most commercial and retail dumpsters are considered private.
There could be a world where a business owner may not mind someone turning around, recycling or getting creative with their trash – but many may also worry about their liability for what’s found, or the safety risks involved with dumpster diving.
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