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Delaware Online digital desk

Catch up on the big stories from recent days with in-depth local reporting.

From prisoner to role model

James Elliott cries while embracing his mother Robin earlier this month after being elected as the international president of Phi Theta Kappa during the honor society's annual convention in Orlando, Florida.

He went to prison for armed robbery. Now James Elliott has been named one of the top 20 community college students in the nation.

More:Delaware man escapes depths of prison to become one of top students in the country

He couldn't walk, but he wouldn't give up

At one point, getting strong enough to put on his socks was a milestone for Michael Sanzone. Now he’s back playing college level lacrosse.

More:Once near death, Delaware lacrosse player back on the field

Salesianum graduate Michael Sanzone of Wilmington barely survived a case of heatstroke last summer suffered during an ROTC ruck march and has returned to captain his Canisius College lacrosse team. Sanzone (17) is shown during a game against the Monmouth Hawks at Monmouth University.
West Long Branch, NJ
Saturday, March 30, 2019

A series of mistakes cost firefighters at a crucial moment, some say

A panicked voice could be heard over the radio: "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Second-floor, I need water!" But there was no water.

More:Where was the water when a firefighter was trapped in burning house?

Veteran’s combat training proves useful on the streets of Wilmington

Jerome Pritchett had just dropped off a friend on his way home from a baby shower and was walking toward Bill's Deli Market to buy a drink when shots rang out in Wilmington.

More:Combat training comes in handy for Army veteran amid shooting near Bill's Deli Market

Why so much surprise about a tornado in Delaware?

They’re actually more common than you think.

More:Worst tornadoes to hit Delaware: A timeline

More:We're no Kansas, but tornadoes are still a risk in Delaware

This new Phillies player is on a tear

No, not Bryce Harper, a different one.

More:Phillies' new shortstop Segura keeps pace with baseball's best hitters

Wanted: Dirty diapers

Doctors at Nemours/A.I duPont Hospital for Children want your baby's poop. Yep, you read that correctly.

More:Got poop? Nemours docs want your baby's dirty diaper for science

Trump’s free speech order? Not necessary, UD says

The UD campus has been engulfed in multiple free speech debates in recent years. Now there’s another one.

More:How Trump's free speech executive order could affect Delaware schools

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Delaware might be the next state to ban plastic shopping bags

City cites public safety as reason it closed corner store; neighbors tell a different story

New Castle County taxes are going up. If you live in a town or city, they may go higher