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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Matt Meyer's comments about port automation spark labor rebuke
A brief remark from Gov. Matt Meyer two weeks ago about what he said was 'the need for (an) automated container port' has reignited a backlash from the longshoremen's union that last fall went on strike over that issue, among others. The backlash adds to what have been months of tensions between the governor on one side and lawmakers and certain union officials on the other over how to carry out long-delayed plans to expand the Port of Wilmington through construction of a new container facility in Edgemoor. During a meeting May 19 of a state board that oversees the Port of Wilmington, labor leader William Ashe Jr. referenced Meyer's remarks before stating that Delaware needs a new container port, but not a fully automated one 'because that eliminates jobs.' 'We can't afford to have people going out saying to the public that you're going to build a fully automated terminal,' Ashe said to the board of the Diamond State Port Corp. – a state-chartered entity that oversees the Port of Wilmington and directs its expansion. In recent years, the use of autonomous or semi-autonomous technology on ports has become increasingly common in Asia and Europe, but less so in the United States – in part because of the opposition by unionized labor. Ashe's comments came in response to remarks Meyer made during a sit-down interview with Delaware Online/The News Journal earlier this month, when he said that 'automation and the need for (an) automated container port was recognized really a couple of decades ago in Delaware.' During the interview, Meyer also said he brought a new perspective and 'new attitude that we need to get this new container port done.' Meyer did not detail the ways in which his perspective differs, but did claim that there are people 'who aren't too happy that I won the election.' Meyer became Delaware's governor after a hard-fought and costly political campaign last year that featured much of the state's Democratic establishment supporting his opponent – then-Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long. Asked about Ashe's comments on May 20, a spokesman for Meyer said the governor had never said that Edgemoor should be a fully automated port – contrasting full automation with modern automated innovations that still require workers. The spokesman, Nick Merlino, also said that it was Ashe and another port labor leader who first told Meyer over a decade ago about a 'modernized container port that would create thousands of union jobs in the state of Delaware.' Ashe declined to comment on Merlino's statement. Officials from Enstructure, the private operating company at the publicly owned Port of Wilmington, did not respond to a request to comment for this story. READ MORE: Gov. Matt Meyer talks about his first 100 days. What's been done, what's left to do Debates over how or whether to automate, or use unmanned robots, for the Port of Wilmington's operations go back to at least 2018 when Delaware struck a deal with Emirati-based Gulftainer to privatize the facility. At the time, Gulftainer CEO Peter Richards insisted that the Port of Wilmington would need to automate in order to outperform its competitors along the Delaware River, according to a report then from the Delaware Business Times. In response at that time, Ashe publicly rejected automation at the facility, insisting instead that 'everything will be monitored' by a worker. In spring of 2023, Delaware officials ousted Gulftainer from the Port of Wilmington following years of mismanagement and millions of dollars of missed leased payments to the state. Enstructure took over the operations later that summer. It is unclear today how the state's new agreement with Enstructure guides the use of automated technology at the port. Its 50-year lease contract obtained by Spotlight Delaware requires the company only to hire all existing ILA employees at the time they took over the Port of Wilmington from Gulftainer. A two-page section regarding the development of the future Port of Edgemoor is almost entirely redacted. Enstructure's registered lobbyist in Delaware, Patrick Allen, is also a longtime lobbyist for trade unions in the state. In February, Ashe told Spotlight Delaware that Allen is representing his union local, which is part of the International Longshoremen's Association. In March, the International Longshoremen's Association finalized details of a new contract with shipping companies that largely prevents East Coast ports from using unmanned, autonomous off-loading equipment. The new contract, which remains in effect until 2030, followed months of contentious negotiations in 2024 that included a three-day strike. At the May 19 meeting of the Diamond State Port Corp. board, Enstructure officials revealed a construction timeline for the Edgemoor container terminal, saying they could complete the project by December 2028. That timeline is contingent on the state reacquiring a dredging permit that a federal judge invalidated last fall, following a legal challenge filed by competing port terminals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey owned by Holt Logistics. In the federal case, U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney ruled in October that Corps of Engineers officials had acted 'arbitrarily and capriciously' when issuing the approvals to the Port Corporation. Specifically, he said, they dismissed maritime safety concerns posed by ships turning from the Delaware River's shipping lane to the Edgemoor port. Last month, the container port project hit an additional snag after a Delaware judge ruled that a state board's decision to uphold another dredging permit failed 'to reflect a rational consideration of the evidence.' The sharply worded opinion placed additional doubt and uncertainty around the ambitious $635 million port construction project. Plans for the Edgemoor port call for a facility that could handle upwards of 1.2 million containers, or roughly three times the capacity of the existing Port of Wilmington. If successful, it would become one of the 15 largest ports in North America. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware governor's comments about port automation spark labor rebuke
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DE state rep working with expired teaching license removed from House Education Committee
Rep. Sherae'a "Rae" Moore has been removed as vice-chair of the state House Education Committee, according to a statement issued by Delaware House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown. Moore's removal comes a little over three weeks after Delaware Online/The News Journal published an investigation that found her among more than 400 public school educators who were working with expired or missing licenses in March. The Middletown Democrat had also not disclosed this while her committee considered legislation surrounding the same subject, as previously reported and noted by Minor-Brown. Moore could not be immediately reached for comment on May 14. READ THE FULL INVESTIGATION: Hundreds of Delaware teachers found to be working on expired licenses in public schools Minor-Brown, in her statement issued late May 13, said it was her responsibility to uphold the integrity of the state's legislative process, especially in areas that impact the lives of children, families and educators. Her decision to remove Moore from this committee came after consulting with House leadership. "Representative Moore has held a leadership role on a committee that plays a critical part in shaping the policies that affect Delaware's students and educators," she said in her statement. "With that role comes the duty to uphold transparency and serve as a model of accountability." Moore's actions did not reflect those shared values, Minor-Brown said, adding no one should be shaping state education standards if they are not willing "to hold themselves to those same standards." Moore's teaching experience began as a second career about seven years ago, but she came to Appoquinimink School District last school year. She was elected to her house seat for the first time in 2020. As Delaware Online/The News Journal's reporting began in March, the lawmaker appeared to be working as a special education teacher at Louis L. Redding Middle School on a paraeducator permit and a teaching license that had expired in 2020. She also did not appear to have achieved an active certification to teach students with disabilities at any point, according to the state database tracking this information. In an interview on March 28, Moore told Delaware Online/The News Journal she was accepted and enrolled in a Wilmington University ARTC program in August 2024, to begin satisfying state teacher licensing requirements. She shared a Student Enrollment Services email thanking her for her application. Some seven months into this school year, the Department of Education had no record of Moore starting a program, which should have resulted in updates to the state database. Then, on April 7, Appoquinimink uploaded a "Welcome Letter" from Wilmington University's Special Education Teacher program, dated April 2, 2025. The letter showed all upcoming courses and requirements unmet. As this developed, House Education Committee chair Rep. Kim Williams drafted legislation to tighten measures that any public school employee must have a valid permit or license to work unsupervised with students, with certain exceptions for support staff. Because the state provides 70% of a licensed public school teacher's salary, the proposal also gives the state the power to claw back money from districts and charters if they intentionally retain an employee for more than 90 days after hire without a valid, required credential. During an April 9 House Education Committee hearing discussing House Bill 97, Moore shared concerns about teachers caught up in delays on the part of universities. During that discussion, all of her questions surrounded this concern. But when prompted, she directly denied the issue being about her. "If she believed there were flaws or inequities, she could have used her position to advocate for changes," Minor-Brown said. "Instead, she remained silent until she proposed an amendment to an education bill that would have personally benefited her own certification status. That action undermined the integrity of our committee process." The bill is now on track to head to the full Senate floor, having already passed in the House. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@ Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@ or (231) 622-2191. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware representative booted from state House Education Committee
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
REAL ID deadline today: TSA just banned a common item from checked luggage
In a sweeping move to enhance both security and safety at US airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rolled out two major policy changes beginning this week. Effective May 7, all adult passengers boarding domestic flights must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. Simultaneously, travelers are now prohibited from placing loose lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage, as reported by Delaware Online. All adult travellers travelling domestically must show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification as of May 7. At the same time, passengers are no longer allowed to include loose lithium-ion batteries in their checked luggage.(Pixabay/representative ) The long-postponed enforcement of the REAL ID Act is finally in effect. US citizens aged 18 and older must now present a compliant state-issued ID or an alternative federally accepted document—such as a passport or military ID—to clear TSA security checkpoints for domestic travel. Also read: Don't have a REAL ID yet? Here's what happens after May 7 and how to avoid it The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in the wake of the September 11 attacks, sets strict federal standards for issuing identification cards. States have gradually phased in compliant licenses, which typically feature a star on the upper portion. However, with compliance rates uneven across the country, many travelers risk being delayed or denied boarding if they show up without appropriate documentation. Despite years of warnings, some states—particularly in the Northeast—still report a significant portion of residents without REAL ID-compliant identification. Motor vehicle departments across the US have reported surges in last-minute applications, leading to appointment backlogs and extended wait times. TSA agents are now authorised to deny access to those without the required documentation or send them through time-consuming secondary screening processes, as reported by Delaware Online. New ban on loose lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage Adding to the operational changes, the TSA has introduced a new safety regulation that bans loose lithium-ion batteries from all checked luggage. These batteries, commonly used in smartphones, cameras, laptops, and other portable electronics, must now be stored only in carry-on bags—and preferably inside their devices or in individual battery cases. The change stems from growing concerns about the fire hazards posed by lithium batteries in cargo holds, where suppressed fires can be difficult to detect or extinguish midflight. While most airlines already restrict spare batteries in some form, this new nationwide directive standardises the policy and expands TSA's enforcement role, as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. Travelers found with loose lithium-ion batteries in their checked bags could face confiscation of the items or delays in screening. Power banks and battery packs—especially those not properly packaged—are now a major focus for security personnel during baggage inspections. What travelers need to know Passengers flying from US airports are strongly advised to: *Check whether their state ID or driver's license is REAL ID-compliant (look for a star symbol). *Bring an acceptable federal ID if they do not yet have a compliant license. *Keep all lithium-ion batteries in carry-on bags, ideally installed in devices or inside protective cases. *Arrive early at the airport to account for possible delays at security checkpoints. Also read: REAL ID deadline: 5 states that don't have to comply by May 7 The combination of identity verification and onboard safety is reshaping the air travel experience in the US at a time when airport traffic is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Officials emphasise that these changes are permanent and that compliance is essential to ensure both security and efficiency in the skies.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
SMH...Delaware Firefighter Faces Hate Crime Charge After Allegedly Chasing His Black Coworker Around With a Noose, and That's Not All
For over a year, a Black firehouse employee didn't come forth about the torment he experienced from his two white coworkers. Now that the two have been found out, they're facing some serious consequences. The Millville Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware suspended 27-year-old Jay Droney and 23-year-old Jordan Hastings after finding out what they did to a Black employee back in February 2024. According to a charging document released April 16, the employee was working a shift that wasn't typically on his schedule, per Delaware Online. Around dinner time, he made his way to the outdoor grill to make himself something to eat. However, that didn't happen without being allegedly harassed by Droney and Hastings. Court documents say the employee saw the two practicing knots. When the employee began grilling, Droney allegedly walked out the side door swinging an orange rope shaped like a noose. 'Come here, boy!' Droney allegedly shouted before chasing the employee, while making additional racist comments, authorities said. Meanwhile, police say Hastings recorded the whole ordeal. Following the incident, Droney was accused of making even more racist jabs at the Black employee including slurs and cotton field references. None of this came up until earlier this month when the employee finally aired out his grievances, Delaware Online reports. The court documents say Droney wrote a letter to local news complaining about suspicious behavior from the fire company. 'What about all the things [Droney] has done to me?' the employee then asked, prompting others to demand he spill the tea. The reason he was reluctant to say anything about the incident sooner was due to 'not wanting to cause any problems' - a sentiment a lot of Black folks can relate to. Shortly after this, both Droney and Hastings were suspended from Millville, per ABC 7 News. By April 15, the two had warrants for their arrest. The two face charges of a hate crime, second-degree conspiracy and harassment but were released from jail on their own recognizance. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man shot dead near Clarence Street Church of God is Seaford's second homicide this year
A 32-year-old man, who police said was shot by "an unknown number" of people in Seaford on Tuesday evening, has died, marking the city's second homicide so far this year. The Seaford man's identity is being withheld until his family is notified, Delaware State Police said. Police were sent out to Clarence Street, between Thomas and Chandler streets, for a report of a shooting about 5:50 p.m. Tuesday. This is the same block as the Clarence Street Church of God. Arriving officers found a wounded man suffering from gunshot wounds. The first responders began life-saving efforts until he was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police. Shootings tracker View Delaware Online/The News Journal's database of shootings in Delaware since 2017. While the killing occurred in Seaford city limits, police there have asked the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit to investigate. Police said their preliminary investigation indicates the man "was shot by an unknown number of suspects." Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact investigators at (302) 741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333. This is Seaford's second homicide in as many months. Schweitzer Dessin, 23, was fatally shot on March 12 after court records indicate he was caught in the crossfire of two shooters fighting over a dice game. Three others were injured in the shooting. More: Seaford homicide victim shot 5 times likely caught in dice game crossfire: Court docs A 23-year-old man has been charged in last month's shooting. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Seaford man dies after being shot by 'unknown number' of people
