Delaware

True justice in Delaware requires effective and compassionate rehabilitation

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2024

Press Room

True justice in Delaware requires effective and compassionate rehabilitation

3-minute read

Jasmine Dixon
| Special to the USA TODAY Network

On Dec. 7, 2000, the worst thing imaginable happened to my family: my older brother Yusuf Dixon was tragically murdered by an acquaintance of his. The loss for my family was unspeakable. Every day I think about my brother, what his life would have been like, and how much I miss him in my own life.

The person who killed him was arrested, prosecuted and convicted. He was barely an adult but sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

My family and I have spent the years since we lost my brother talking about what justice would look like for us. Of course, we were angry and devastated by the senseless loss of my brother, but over the years, our conversations often turn to concern for the man convicted of his murder.

My brother’s murderer has been incarcerated for over two decades and will be eligible for parole soon. He’s missed out on his 20s and 30s and will likely come out of prison middle-aged and with few resources. I believe strongly that he should have access to a supportive and compassionate probation program that helps him succeed in the community. It makes no sense that two lives need to be ruined: my brother already lost his life, but continuing to punish the person who killed him once he has served his time does not bring my family justice. That is why I am a strong supporter of Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 4 — SB 4 — sponsored by state Sen. Marie Pinkney.

SB 4 would reform our probation system to ensure that those leaving prison are given the tools they need to succeed. I hear from far too many people on probation that they are often set up to fail, as one minor technical violation — like missing a meeting with their probation officer or failing to complete an educational course — could land them back in prison. Under this new legislation, most people on probation would only go back to prison if they commit a new crime. Probation officers would be encouraged to use more rehabilitative tools to work with people on probation to keep them out of prison and help them to meet all the conditions of their probation.

SB 4 would also require each person’s probation conditions to be individualized for their specific needs. Currently, nearly every person on probation in Delaware receives identical rules they must follow. This makes little sense considering the wide variety of needs each person has. I want the probation system to assess my brother’s killer for his specialized needs that must be addressed for him to successfully transition out of prison, rather than receiving a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for him.

The pain that my family went through when we lost my brother is something we want no other person to ever go through, and that is also why I am passionate about probation reform. If the person who killed my brother is given all the tools to succeed, my hope is that he will be able to get a job, stable housing, mental healthcare and be able to reconnect with his family. All of those things are the key factors to ensure he does not commit a new crime in the future and is able to make positive contributions to our community.

My brother was a loving, joyful person who I remember as a man who cared deeply about his community. The person who took him from us has been punished, and it is a better testament to Yusuf’s memory to show mercy, grace and forgiveness. Justice for my family is honoring the values my brother had: restoration, not retribution. Please honor crime victims like my brother and help to create a justice system that promotes rehabilitation and compassion.

Jasmine Dixon is the Sussex County Organizer for Network Delaware.

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Delaware

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 10, 2026

Published

5 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Delaware Lottery Mega Millions, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 10, 2026

The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Friday, April 10, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 10 drawing

03-18-36-42-49, Mega Ball: 06

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 3 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 2-4-8

Night: 0-1-3

Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 4 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 6-6-3-8

Night: 7-3-1-5

Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from April 10 drawing

04-10-17-19-25-26

Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Day: 4-2-6-7-5

Night: 1-9-3-1-4

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.

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

Lower Slower Delaware Festival returning to Frankford vineyard April 12 – Milford LIVE! – Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

Published

17 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Lower Slower Delaware Festival returning to Frankford vineyard April 12 – Milford LIVE! – Local Delaware News, Kent and Sussex Counties

The third annual Lower Slower Delaware Festival will take place April 12 at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery, featuring live music, food and family-friendly activities. (Photo courtesy of Salted Vines.)

A local vineyard in Frankford will host the third annual Lower Slower Delaware Festival on April 12, offering a full day of live music, food and family-friendly activities.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery and is open to the public at no cost.

Organizers say the festival is designed to highlight local culture in Sussex County, featuring live entertainment, regional food vendors and small businesses.

Live music is scheduled throughout the day, beginning with Whiskey Graves at 11 a.m., followed by an afternoon performance from String Theory at 3 p.m.

Several food vendors are expected to participate, including Carl’s Gourmet Hots & Sandwiches, Fast Italian, Luv Thai, Taco Reho and Tipsy Flamingo.

In addition to food and music, local vendors will be set up throughout the property offering handmade goods and other items.

Seating will be available on-site, though attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Outside alcohol is not permitted on the property in accordance with Delaware law.

The event is one of several spring gatherings taking place across Sussex County as the coastal region heads into the busy summer season.

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate. She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.

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Delaware

Rehoboth officials announce road closures for April 12 running festival

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Rehoboth officials announce road closures for April 12 running festival

Thousands of runners are expected to compete Sunday, April 12, in the Coastal Delaware Running Festival 9K, half-marathon and full marathon.

The race routes will take participants around Rehoboth Beach and surrounding areas, causing brief closures and restrictions.

Access to the following Rehoboth-area roads will be restricted to street residents only from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 12: Henlopen Avenue (Henlopen Acres residents should use Second Street for access), Columbia Avenue, Grove Street from Columbia Avenue to Henlopen Avenue, Gerar Street, Sussex Street between Fifth and Fourth streets, Ocean Drive and Surf Avenue.

Drivers should also anticipate possible brief closures on the following roads from 7 to 9 a.m.: Lake Avenue, Oak Avenue, Second Street from Columbia Avenue to Lake Avenue, Virginia Avenue first block, and First Street from Virginia Avenue to Lake Avenue.

City of Rehoboth Beach officials appreciate motorists’ cooperation and patience during these closures.

For more information, including maps and pictures, go to codelrun.com.

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