Delaware
Delaware Supreme Court ends lawsuit to keep governor’s emergency orders away from worship
Lawsuit fights back at emergency order restriction for churches
Lawsuit fights back at emergency order restriction for churches
Jerry Habraken, Delaware News Journal
The Delaware Supreme Court has agreed with two lower courts that dismissed lawsuits filed by two pastors seeking to prevent the state’s governor from imposing future restrictions on religious worship.
In its opinion issued Thursday, the court said freedom of religion is an essential tenet of democracy and restrictions on religious worship must be viewed with a great deal of skepticism. But the judiciary is not the forum to debate and resolve hypothetical questions regarding the constitutionality of restrictions that were lifted long before any legal action was filed.
“Moreover, public officials who act under emergent conditions and make careful, discretionary decisions based on the best information available are immune from personal liability if those actions are later determined to be contrary to the law,” the five justices said in the opinion. “For those reasons, we agree with our trial courts that the appellants’ claims could not proceed.”
Gov. John Carney’s office did not respond to a Thursday email seeking comment. Lawyers at the Neuberger Firm, one of the firms representing the pastors, said they were still digesting the ruling.
“We have 90 days to look into that which may be an error in an area not often before our state courts,” Attorney Thomas S. Neuberger said.
What the lawsuits argued
The Rev. Alan Hines, of Townsend Free Will Baptist Church in Townsend, and the Rev. David Landow, of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, filed the lawsuits in late 2021 seeking an injunction against future emergency orders that place restrictions on houses of worship such as those imposed by Carney in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic spread.
The pastors had sought a declaration that Carney’s emergency orders were illegal, including:
- Prohibiting in-person Sunday religious services
- Preventing indoor preaching.
- Banning singing.
- Barring the elderly from church.
- Prohibiting Baptism.
- Prohibiting the Lord’s Supper.
- Favoring Jewish circumcisions over Christian baptisms.
More: Lawsuits ask that governors’ emergency orders keep their ‘hands off’ houses of worship
The pastors’ lawsuits claimed Carney’s emergency orders early in the pandemic denied them their “absolute religious freedoms.”
Through their lawsuits, the pastors asked Carney and future Delaware governors to keep their “hands off” the church in future emergencies, regardless of any pretense they may offer.
In Carney’s motion to dismiss the case, his attorneys argued the governor is immune from damages for the alleged violations. They also argued for dismissal because the pastors’ violations of rights were “past exposure,” which is “insufficient to demonstrate that there is a current case or controversy entitling them to declaratory relief.”
On Thursday, the state Supreme Court said all the restrictions challenged by the pastors were lifted by June 2020 — more than 18 months before the pastors filed suit in the Chancery Court. That action, seeking injunctive relief against restrictions that no longer were in effect, was dismissed by Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster after he concluded Chancery Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction.
More: Why a Delaware judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging future COVID-19 restrictions
The Supreme Court then pointed out the pastors transferred the lawsuit to state Superior Court, where Judge Meghan A. Adams also dismissed the action, saying the pastors’ claims for declaratory relief were not capable of being decided by legal principles or by a court of justice. Adams also concluded the governor was immune from being sued for the damages claims.
More: Why a second judge dismissed lawsuits to stop Delaware governor from restricting worship
In a 45-page opinion, the state Supreme Court agreed with both lower courts.
While the case might appear to be done for now, Neuberger’s firm said the state’s highest court made it clear that governors can never issue such orders again and referred to the final page of the opinion where justices wrote:
“Case law that has developed since the Challenged Restrictions were lifted support the view that the restrictions violated Appellants’ rights. Well after the Challenged Restrictions were lifted, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, in which the Court held that a church and synagogue established that they would likely prevail in proving that occupancy limitations at public places of worship violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. A future governor confronted with a future public-health emergency would have the benefit of that precedent, but it was not available at the time Appellee made the decisions at issue.”
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.
How to safely shovel snow
The Mayo Clinic has some tips for safely shoveling snow.
Gas the snowblowers and get those shovels out because snowfall is headed for Delaware.
Snow is forecast for this weekend with bitterly cold conditions then settling in through early next week.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, placed all of Delaware under a winter weather advisory and the Delaware Bay under a gale warning.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia and areas surrounding the city are under a winter storm warning.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the Delaware weather forecast for Saturday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 14.
Delaware weather radar
When will it snow?
A period of snow is expected the night of Dec. 13 through mid-morning Dec. 14, according to the National Weather Service.
This may start as some light rain or a rain/snow mix south and east of I-95 before quickly changing to all snow. Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early in the morning on Dec. 14.
About 1 to 5 inches of snow across the region is possible. While the location of where a zone of higher amounts can occur is less certain, the greatest chances for this is mostly across the I-95 corridor, the weather service said.
The snow will begin falling around 11 p.m. in Wilmington while snowfall will begin in the central portion of New Castle County by midnight and the southern part of the county by 1 a.m., according to the NWS.
The northern part of Kent County can expect snow to start falling around 2 a.m. and areas around Dover by 3 a.m.
Snow will begin in the southern part of Kent County and northern portion of Sussex County around 4 a.m.
Most of Sussex County can expect snow at 5 a.m. while the southern part of the county will see snowfall by 6 a.m. Areas around Rehoboth Beach can expect snow by 7 a.m.
How much will it snow?
That will depend where you are in Delaware.
A total of 1 to 5 inches of snow across the whole area. There could be a zone of 5-plus inches near I-95 into southern New Jersey and northern Delmarva, where snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour are also possible, according to the NWS.
Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early Sunday morning, forecasters said.
Most parts of New Castle County can expect up to 4 to 6 inches, while Kent County could see up to 1 to 2 inches in some areas. Sussex County should expect at least an inch, the NWS said.
Delaware snow forecast
Here’s an AccuWeather town-by-town snow forecast for this weekend in Delaware:
New Castle County
- Middletown: 3 to 6 inches
- New Castle: 4 to 6 inches
- Newark: 4 to 6 inches
- Pike Creek: 4 to 6 inches
- Wilmington: 3 to 6 inches
Kent County
- Dover: 2 to 4 inches
- Felton: 2 to 4 inches
- Harrington: 2 to 4 inches
- Milford (In Kent and Sussex counties): 2 to 4 inches
Sussex County
- Georgetown: 1 to 3 inches
- Millsboro: 1 to 3 inches
- Rehoboth Beach: 1 to 3 inches
- Seaford: 1 to 3 inches
Snow impacts
Here are some of the likely impacts of the weekend weather, according to the NWS:
- Snow-covered roads and slippery conditions possible the night of Dec. 13 and the morning of Dec. 14.
- Rain to snow could reduce the snow totals some. In addition, any pre-treating of surfaces would get initially washed away on the night of Dec. 13.
- Hypothermia or frostbite could occur with prolonged exposure and lack of proper clothing. Some impacts to infrastructure are possible the night of Dec. 14 through Dec. 16.
Windchills reach single digits, gale warning
When you’re outside shoveling, make sure to bundle up because it’s going to be bitterly cold Dec. 14 into Dec. 16.
Bitterly cold conditions will arrive Dec. 14 and continuing through early next week with the coldest time frame the night of Dec. 14 through the night of Dec. 15. Air temperatures on Dec. 16 stay below freezing across the region.
By Sunday night, the windchill will make it feel like 6 degrees in Wilmington, 4 degrees in Dover, and 5 degrees in Rehoboth Beach.
Many areas will not get above freezing from Sunday through Tuesday until a warming trend begins Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Peak gusts of 25 to 40 mph will be present Sunday into Sunday night which will result in very low windchill values.
Areas of blowing snow are possible, which may result in roads becoming snow-covered again and reduced visibility at times, according to the NWS.
Wind gusts between 35 to 40 knots are probable on the Delaware Bay and the New Jersey and Delaware Atlantic coastal waters along with hazardous seas. Areas of freezing spray are possible the night of Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.
How do I stay safe in the snow?
It is strongly recommended that you stay at home when it snows.
But if you absolutely need to drive, make sure you bear in mind the following safety tips:
- Drive slowly. Snow and ice can decrease traction on the road, so be sure to reduce your speed.
- Avoid using cruise control.
- Increase following distances from the usual two seconds to roughly five to six seconds, as it’ll take longer for you to come to a stop on snowy roadways.
- Make sure you have at least a half a tank of gas in your car.
- Make sure you have an emergency driving kit in your vehicle. 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.
If there’s a chance you’ll have to shovel your driveway or walkway this weekend, make sure you pay attention to the latest weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and boots, and drink lots of water.
Make sure you also pace yourself as you’re shoveling. Check if you feel any pain or soreness and have your phone close by in case of an emergency.
What should I do to keep warm?
With winter fast approaching, residents are recommended 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 nonperishable 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 contributed to this story.
Delaware
Search Warrants in Dover Lead to Arrests for Drug and Gun Offenses – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
The Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Neal Barnes, 52-year-old Anthony James, and 51-year-old Kevin Walker, all from Dover, Delaware, for felony drug and gun charges following three search warrants in Dover.
On December 11, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit executed search warrants at three residences on the 60, 70, and 100 blocks of Vanessa Drive in Dover. The search warrants were obtained following an investigation of Neal Barnes, Anthony James, and Kevin Walker for the distribution of illegal narcotics from their residences. During the search warrants, all three suspects were detained inside their respective homes without incident, and a child was present in Walker’s residence.
During a search of Barnes’ residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately 2.76 grams of cocaine
- Approximately 99.76 grams of crack cocaine
- 9mm handgun and ammunition
- .38 caliber handgun and ammunition
- Digital scales
- Drug paraphernalia
During a search of James’ residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately 19.88 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 52.59 grams of cocaine
- Drug paraphernalia
- $2,472 in suspected drug proceeds
During a search of Walker’s residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately .69 grams of heroin
- Approximately .35 grams of methamphetamine
- Approximately 11.77 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 31 ecstasy pills
- Approximately 14 acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride pills
- Approximately 21 buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual films
Barnes was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,000 cash bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
- Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
James was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $146,000 cash bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Walker was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $39,500 secured bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 5 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Committing a Drug Offense with a Child in the Dwelling
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
View All News Posts
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Crews and customers across the Delaware Valley are gearing up for the region’s first accumulating snowfall of the season, expected late Saturday into Sunday morning.
PennDOT says it has more than 100,000 tons of salt ready and plans to deploy over 400 trucks across the region for this event.
Road crews began brining operations Friday, which will continue through the weekend with plowing on Sunday.
READ MORE | Accuweather Alert: Light snow to blanket the region Saturday night into Sunday morning
“Maybe 1 to 3, maybe a little bit more depending on how the storm tracks,” said Brad Rudolph of PennDOT.
He added that timing is key with the snow beginning to fall on Saturday night, while many may be out and about, and with thousands expected to travel to Lincoln Financial Field Sunday for the Eagles game against the Raiders.
Preps underway for first snow of the season in Delaware Valley
“People are going to travel, they’re going to need to take it slow. We’re going to push back snow from travel lanes, we’ll make the roads passable. They may not be completely clear of snow and ice, something to consider,” Rudolph said. “We expect this storm to push out relatively early Sunday, well before that Eagles game, but we still might have some cleaning up to do. We’ll be working long after this snow is done.”
At Stanley’s Hardware in Roxborough, workers spent Friday unpacking boxes and moving thousands of pounds of salt and other supplies to fill commercial and individual orders.
“Our aisle is filled right now. We have tons of skids of rock salt, ice melter, shovels,” said Joe Jaconski of Stanley’s Hardware.
Customers were already stocking up.
“We have food, we have shovels, just had to get some salt just to make sure we’re keeping the sidewalks nice and safe for everyone,” said Matt Skomsky of Roxborough.
Customers were steady at Stanley’s Friday, and business is expected to pick up through the weekend, but managers say don’t wait to get ready.
“I recommend just being ahead of it. Try to beat the storm because when the storm comes, it gets very busy in here-the lines wrapped around,” Jaconski said.
PennDOT urges drivers to keep their distance from plow trucks and check the forecast before heading out.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
How much snow did Indiana get? Snow totals for Dec. 13
Pittsburgh braces for heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures | Live First Alert Weather
Richmond County deputies searching for suspect after armed robbery on Wheeler Road
How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
Abrupt funding freeze leaves Ohio manufacturing programs with uncertain future
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Video: At Least Two Killed in Shooting at Brown University
FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’
EU dismisses Russia’s lawsuit against Euroclear as ‘speculative’
Multiple people shot near Brown University, police say
Inside Minnesota’s $1B fraud: fake offices, phony firms and a scandal hiding in plain sight
-
Alaska1 week agoHowling Mat-Su winds leave thousands without power
-
Texas1 week agoTexas Tech football vs BYU live updates, start time, TV channel for Big 12 title
-
Ohio1 week agoWho do the Ohio State Buckeyes hire as the next offensive coordinator?
-
Washington5 days agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa7 days agoMatt Campbell reportedly bringing longtime Iowa State staffer to Penn State as 1st hire
-
Miami, FL7 days agoUrban Meyer, Brady Quinn get in heated exchange during Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami CFP discussion
-
Cleveland, OH7 days agoMan shot, killed at downtown Cleveland nightclub: EMS
-
World6 days ago
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
