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Lawmakers considered defanging controversial Delaware hospital cost review board

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Lawmakers considered defanging controversial Delaware hospital cost review board


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  • Delaware lawmakers considered removing the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board’s power to veto hospital budgets.
  • The proposal was ultimately rejected, and the board’s previously frozen funding is expected to be reinstated.
  • This decision follows ongoing debate and lobbying surrounding the board’s authority to control healthcare costs.

This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit www.spotlightdelaware.org.

In the weeks since Delaware’s powerful legislative budget committee froze funding to a health care cost-cutting board, lawmakers circulated a proposal to strip the board of its chief enforcement tool, according to a copy of the proposal obtained by Spotlight Delaware. 

The proposal to remove the board’s ability to veto hospital budgets struck at the heart of its central mission of forcing financial austerity onto the state’s health care systems – including Delaware’s largest and most politically influential one, ChristianaCare. 

It also came after a Delaware judge ruled late last month that ChristianaCare’s legal challenge to the board’s authority over its budgets could continue. 

In the end, lawmakers on the budget-setting Joint Finance Committee decided not to move forward with the proposal. 

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Instead, on Tuesday, June 17, they are expected to simply reinstate the frozen funds to the health care board, called the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board.  

Senate Democratic Caucus Chief of Staff Jesse Chadderdon told Spotlight Delaware that lawmakers had discussed the proposal to strip the board of its authority over hospital budgets, but failed to gain a consensus on the matter among the members who sit on the Joint Finance Committee.

The measure to reinstate $1 million that had been frozen from the board two weeks ago was a more palatable proposal, Chadderdon said.

Still, cuts to another $1.5 million in reserve funds, which had been in place for the board’s litigation and other costs, will remain. 

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The fact that legislators, especially those in the State Senate, even considered such a proposal is notable, as statehouse Democrats have defended the merits and need of the board over the objections of Republicans and hospital leaders for more than a year.

It is not immediately clear why lawmakers on the Joint Finance Committee want to undo the funding freeze that they approved just two weeks ago. Chadderdon asserted that the original freeze was unconstitutional. 

When asked about Tuesday’s meeting and about the proposal that had been considered, Rep. Kim Williams (D-Stanton), who chairs the Joint Finance Committee, said simply that the committee is meeting to discuss language in the state’s budget that pertains to the hospital cost review board.

What would the proposal have done?

According to the draft copy of the legislation, which was to be inserted as epilogue language to the annual state operating budget, lawmakers had considered stripping the board of the ability to punish hospital systems that are not compliant with its efforts to rein in costs, including making changes to their budget.

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It would leave a board that was largely tasked with obtaining currently private revenue and expenditure information that would better inform the public of the operation of its hospital systems and writing performance improvement plans for those found to be exceeding cost-containment goals set by the state.

If a hospital system failed to execute an improvement plan though, the board would only be able to extend or amend such a plan, but have no way of enforcing it.

It would also push back implementation of the law to next year.

Fight has drawn on

In all, the developments mark the latest chapter in more than a year of lobbying surrounding the board tasked with bringing down hospital costs in Delaware, which are among the highest in the country. 

It began last spring when hospital board members and administrators flooded Dover wearing white coats in efforts to oppose the bill that created the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board.

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It continued late last year when two opposing local lobbying forces – the Delaware Hospital Association and a coalition of public sector unions – each pressured then-Gov. John Carney over whether to nominate members to the newly created state board. 

Carney, who at the time was in his final months as governor, was seen as more supportive of the hospital cost review board than his successor Gov. Matt Meyer. 

Delaware Hospital Association President Brian Frazee told Spotlight Delaware then that Meyer had shown a willingness to make changes to the law that created the board. 

Frazee also said then that his group’s primary complaint was with the review board’s legal authority to modify hospital budgets that its members deem excessive. His comments followed assertions from ChristianaCare that the board threatens the hospital’s ability “to care for the community.” 

But, public sector unions countering Frazee’s lobbying pointed to high health costs in Delaware, and argued in a letter to the governor last year that large portions of the state government’s budget “are being devoured by unchecked health care costs that continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation.”

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Ultimately, Carney did appoint five members of the board in the waning days of his term and Meyer has added two more. They have met a handful of times but have not advanced the mission of the board in significant ways to date.

Lobbying has since sustained through this year’s legislative session, including last month when Delaware Healthcare Association and other nonprofits sent a joint letter to lawmakers urging them to postpone the implementation of the cost review board for one year.  

In response, the coalition of state worker unions again sent a competing letter, calling on the legislature to “reject the Delaware Healthcare Association’s latest request to delay the Board’s work.”

What followed was the Joint Finance Committee decision to freeze funding to the hospital cost review board. 

Williams, the committee chair, told Spotlight Delaware then that her decision to pause the funding wasn’t influenced by lobbying. 

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Instead, she said the state should not continue to pay to implement a board “whose future is so uncertain.”

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Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for July 15, 2025

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Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for July 15, 2025


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The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Tuesday, July 15, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 15 drawing

06-10-24-35-43, Mega Ball: 01

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Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from July 15 drawing

Day: 7-4-6

Night: 2-0-7

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from July 15 drawing

Day: 7-2-6-8

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Night: 9-4-9-9

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from July 15 drawing

03-16-18-23-25-27

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from July 15 drawing

21-25-26-39-48, Lucky Ball: 02

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from July 15 drawing

Day: 1-7-7-4-2

Night: 3-4-1-5-9

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
  • Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
  • Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
  • Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
  • For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
  • Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
  • Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.



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Delaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for July 14, 2025

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Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for July 15, 2025


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The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, July 14, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from July 14 drawing

08-12-45-46-63, Powerball: 24, Power Play: 2

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Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from July 14 drawing

Day: 2-2-8

Night: 6-3-1

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from July 14 drawing

Day: 6-1-3-1

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Night: 8-3-6-7

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from July 14 drawing

09-17-20-24-28-33

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from July 14 drawing

19-21-26-40-48, Lucky Ball: 16

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from July 14 drawing

09-30-35-43-49, Star Ball: 08, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from July 14 drawing

Day: 9-4-0-9-3

Night: 1-9-7-9-8

Advertisement

Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
  • Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
  • Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
  • Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
  • For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.

Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?

Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.

How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?

Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.

Advertisement

When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
  • Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
  • Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.



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Hornets on the rise? Delaware State receives $20 million for new field house

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Hornets on the rise? Delaware State receives  million for new field house


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There’s a new feeling of optimism around Delaware State University Alumni Stadium, where the school’s red-and-blue hornet logo highlights a field where fall football practice will soon begin.

The Hornets began the first steps of what they’ve deemed their “Athletics Transformation Project” in 2024 to expand and enhance their athletic facilities.

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Delaware’s bond bill approved on July 1 included $20 million for DSU to construct a new field house to continue this “transformation.”

“It’s going to inject a lot of energy and goodwill into our campus,” said Athletic Director Tony Tucker. “We can’t wait to get started.”

Capitalizing on celebrity

Delaware State’s new project, years in the making, drew in-state interest. But another move by the HBCU has drawn nationwide attention.

DSU hired former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver/returnman DeSean Jackson as its new head football coach in December.

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“He’s still a very relevant name and figure,” said Tucker. “He’s brought a lot of energy to the football program, as well as the university as a whole.”

Tucker was elevated to the AD position last December just before Jackson’s hiring, which Tucker termed a “perfect storm” coinciding with the school’s “transformation.”

“This is the perfect time for Delaware State athletics, not just to revitalize itself, but to reach heights never seen before by the university,” said Tucker.

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What will the new Delaware State University field house include?

The new field house would be a 70,000-square-foot building near Alumni Stadium.

The main draw would be a 50-yard turf field, creating indoor practice space for the school’s sports teams. There would also be meeting sites, lounge spaces and new locker rooms.

Jackson said the building will help the program attract talent, an area where the Hornets have struggled in the past.

“Coming from a big school like Cal and seeing them transform over the years [through upgrades], I think it’s really gonna help with recruiting,” he said.

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“Not having people overlook us, and go to rival schools like Norfolk and Howard who have eye-popping facilities, will be huge.”

While the facilities would mostly be used by the football program, they would be available to all students.

“Other sports that do indoor training will have access, and even non-student athletes on campus will have access to the various spaces,” Tucker said. “We’re very excited for the energy and goodwill it’s going to inject into our athletic programs and our community.”

What steps lie ahead?

While the approval for the field house was huge for Delaware State, it was far from its only win on July 1.

The Joint Finance Committee included in the bill a section highlighting its desire to “work towards exploring options for funding” a new convocation center for the school.

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The center would be a new home for indoor sports such as basketball, wrestling and volleyball, while also giving the university additional ability to host events. Currently, the teams play at the campus’ Memorial Hall, an 1,800-seat arena.

The space is projected to cost $90 million. But Tucker emphasized that the center, as well as upgrades to Alumni Stadium, could have potential benefits to the entire community.

“Delaware is a small state, which we happen to be in the direct center of,” said Tucker. “Our location at the center of the state could be a shiny new place for a lot of Delaware high school competitions.”

Currently, the University of Delaware hosts many of these events. Recent controversy surfaced over the school’s rental fees, the DIAA turned away from UD as football championship host. The Class 3A and Unified football state championships were both at Alumni Stadium in 2024.

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Tucker emphasized the goal would be not to step on UD’s toes, but to benefit the greater Delaware athletic community.

“It’s just about providing a situation where our high school athletes and parents are the winners,” he said. “Not having to travel all the way to Northern Delaware would be very beneficial for some of the Southern Delaware community.”

Jackson added, however, that the improvements could lessen the gap between Delaware and Delaware State, especially in football.

“Delaware has been getting a lot of talent over us over the past year or so,” said the coach. “If we can say ‘We can play on the same playing field,’ we’re probably going to be able to get some guys we couldn’t have before.”

When will the DSU field house be built?

No timeline is set yet for the construction of the field house. However, Tucker said they have a goal of 18 to 24 months.

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The other changes will likely take more time and more funding. But Jackson feels confident they’ll come, as the team grows in success.

“The sky’s the limit,” the coach said. “I think the success we’re going to have this year will open up a lot of eyes, and make us hard to look over.”

Adam Denn is a general assignments reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him for story ideas at ADenn@gannett.com



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