Delaware
Ousted budget forecaster resigns from marijuana appeals role
What does DEFAC do for Delaware budgeting? Here’s a closer look.
Delaware’s economic council has existed for almost five decades. Here’s a look at what they do.
In the weeks following his unseating from Delaware’s long-standing economic advisory panel, long-time budget forecaster Michael Houghton announced his decision to resign from his position as the marijuana appeals commissioner from Sussex County, effective April 24.
This decision comes after Houghton was ousted from the state’s Economic and Financial Advisory Council last month.
The controversial removal by Gov. Matt Meyer came a day after a news report where Houghton criticized the Democrat’s administration “over transparency surrounding the state’s prominent corporate franchise,” according to previous reporting from Spotlight Delaware.
A March 25 letter from Meyer to Houghton shared with Delaware Online/The News Journal did not include a reason behind the leader’s decision, only that he would be choosing a new council member to fill Houghton’s seat.
Meyer later named CSC Corporate Counsel and Director of Global Government Affairs Brenda Wise as a replacement on April 7.
When asked if there were any more potential changes in DEFAC’s future or other panels, Meyer said he and his team look at and analyze each one, and then “do what’s best” for each board and commission.
“Some need new faces, and some don’t,” he said during a press conference on April 15.
Houghton told Delaware Online/The News Journal he felt it was “necessary and appropriate” for him to step down as commissioner at this time, considering the past month or so.
“There are significant issues facing the Appeals Commission,” Houghton said in a statement shared April 24. “With a new appointment to the Commission, the Governor will shape its direction and advance his policies.”
Houghton did not elaborate on what lies ahead for the commission. The news comes after around 19 social equity applicants had their provisional recreational marijuana licenses rejected after falling prey to what were deemed “‘predatory’ consulting contracts,” according to previous reporting from WHYY.
State Marijuana Commissioner Josh Sanderlin told the news outlet applicants are appealing. Sanderlin also said there could be another lottery after the appeals process ends.
This isn’t the only shake-up Meyer’s team has faced these past few days.
Mila Myles, who served as spokesperson for the Democrat, announced that April 24 was her last day in the role.
She first joined the agency as transition communications director for the then Gov.-elect’s team. She later moved into the communications director role once Meyer assumed office, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal.
“A political strategist at heart,” Myles said she will be focusing on electing Democrats across the ballot this year moving forward, according to a LinkedIn post issued April 27.
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.
A trip to Bardea Steak in downtown Wilmington
A trip to Bardea Steak in downtown Wilmington
Wilmington continues to attract all of the stars.
Pop star Nick Jonas stopped into Bardea Food and Drink in downtown Wilmington, according to a post from the popular restaurant’s Instagram.
“Great having Nick Jonas stop by for dinner during an unexpected visit to Wilmington,” the June 7 post said. “Thanks for joining us at the table.”
Jonas is currently on a brief East Coast tour, and had a show in Niagara Falls on June 4 and another show in Hanover, Maryland, on June 6.
The Texas-born, New Jersey-raised pop star is best known as a member of the Jonas Brothers band, along with some solo work. He also starred in a few television shows and movies.
Bardea Food and Drink is among the leaders in the Wilmington’s food scene, and one of several eateries operated by Bardea restaurant group in the city.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 2:20PM
CLAYMONT, Delaware (WPVI) — A shooting investigation is underway in Claymont, Delaware.
The Action Cam was at the scene on the 900 block of Peach Tree Road Saturday night as police surrounded the area of the Woodstream Garden Apartments.
Investigators say at least one person was hurt.
There has been no word on that person’s condition.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Community members lined the streets of Media on Saturday for the fourth annual Delco Pride Parade, celebrating visibility, community and support for LGBTQ+ residents across Delaware County.
Marchers carrying rainbow flags, signs and banners made their way through downtown Media before gathering at the Delaware County Courthouse for a Pride flag-raising ceremony.
For many attendees, the event represented more than a celebration.
“I think it’s so special…in a community where Pride isn’t a long-established tradition…to be able to have people be so out and proud, visible in the community,” said Abby Weissman, who marched alongside fellow members of the Hedgerow Theatre Company.
The message resonated with attendees of all ages.
“Everyone’s expressing themselves,” 11-year-old Madelyn Rothdeutsch Keckler said. “Not what people want them to be, just what they are,”
Others said the event reflected personal journeys toward acceptance.
Francis Palmarino, who marched with members of his church community, said finding a welcoming congregation helped him embrace his identity as a bisexual man.
“It’s not something to be scared of,” Palmarino said. “The idea of Pride is to celebrate togetherness.”
Parents and allies also turned out to show support for LGBTQ+ loved ones.
“It’s important for parents like me to be visible in this parade because then they know that no matter what, they are always loved,” said Nikki Brake-Silla, who attended in support of her daughter.
Volunteers with the organization Free Mom Hugs offered encouragement to attendees whose families may not be as supportive.
“Even if someone’s birth family is not accepting of them, we like to let them know there’s a place for them,” said Bonnie Kaplan.
Following the parade, eventgoers gathered outside the Delaware County Courthouse as the Pride flag was raised and members of the Transcendent Choir performed.
A.K. Hazel, a nonbinary advocate for transgender youth, said the ceremony was moving.
“I got very emotional because getting to raise the Pride flag here at all means so much, knowing that my community believes in me and the people that I love,” Hazel said.
The Delco Pride Festival is scheduled for June 13 in Upper Darby.
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