Here’s your Delaware news today for Monday, October 26, 2026. On Good Morning Delaware, Matt Ford and Ashley Rice break down the fire that heavily damaged Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford, early voting ahead of the November 3 general election, school property tax increases and a faster reassessment timeline in New Castle County, the state’s latest jobs report, a new lawsuit against Glock, and Sean’s House expanding to Sussex County.
Delaware News Today: Top Headlines
- Fire heavily damages Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford
- Delaware early voting is underway ahead of the November 3 general election
- All five New Castle County school districts raise property taxes
- New Castle County moves up its next property reassessment
- Delaware’s unemployment rate falls to 4.6%
- Attorney General Kathy Jennings sues Glock over easily convertible handguns
- Sean’s House expands free youth mental health support to Lewes
Fire Damages Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford
An early-morning fire on Sunday, October 25, heavily damaged Lulu M. Ross Elementary School in Milford. Crews were called around 4:15 a.m., and the blaze grew to three alarms before firefighters brought it under control about three hours later. No injuries were reported.
The Milford School District says the main lobby, library, front offices, and several classrooms suffered significant damage. Lulu Ross is closed to all students, both in person and remote, from October 26 to 30, while other Milford schools are operating normally. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating. Initial findings show no evidence of criminal activity, and the cause has not been determined. Milford families should follow the school district’s latest announcements as recovery plans develop.
Delaware Early Voting Is Underway
Early voting for Delaware’s 2026 general election began Thursday, October 22, and runs through Sunday, November 1. There was no early voting on Sunday, October 25. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For current early voting hours and locations, visit the Delaware Department of Elections.
New Castle County School Districts Raise Property Taxes
All five New Castle County school districts, Appoquinimink, Brandywine, Christina, Colonial, and Red Clay, approved local property tax increases this month. Most point to a growing number of special education students and the higher cost of meeting their needs. Red Clay’s increase is the final phase of a referendum voters passed in 2024.
According to Spotlight Delaware, the average homeowner will pay about $109 more in Appoquinimink, $150 more in Brandywine, and $269 more in Christina, the largest increase. New bills go out in November and are due by December 31. That’s later than usual because of the county’s first property reassessment in about 40 years.
New Castle County Moves Up Its Next Reassessment
New Castle County also plans to speed up its next property reassessment by a year. A review of 50 commercial properties found errors such as misstated building sizes and incorrect property classifications. The county now aims to finish new assessments by July 2028, so updated values would show up on 2029 tax bills. Every property in the county, including homes, would be reassessed sooner than planned.
Delaware Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.6%
Delaware’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.6% in September, down from 4.7% in August and the sixth straight monthly decline. The state lost 800 nonfarm jobs during the month, mostly in leisure and hospitality and government, but has added about 2,100 jobs over the past year. Nationally, the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings Sues Glock
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has filed a lawsuit against Glock, alleging the company designed and sold handguns that can be easily converted into illegal machine guns with small devices known as “Glock switches.” The state is asking the court to stop Glock from selling easily convertible pistols to civilians in Delaware. The lawsuit does not affect sales to law enforcement. These claims are allegations and have not been decided by a court.
Read more in the Delaware Department of Justice announcement.
Sean’s House Expands Mental Health Support to Lewes
Sean’s House, the nonprofit that offers free, peer-based mental health support for young people, has opened a new location in Lewes, bringing its services to Sussex County. The center serves teens and young adults ages 14 to 24 at no cost, with peer support specialists on site to help young people through big life transitions.
For more on youth mental health, watch DETV teens get real about social media and mental health.
Watch Good Morning Delaware for More Delaware News
From Milford to New Castle County to Lewes, Good Morning Delaware brings you local reporting on Delaware schools, housing costs, the economy, and community resources. Catch up on our previous Delaware news update or browse more Good Morning Delaware stories.
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