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WILMINGTON, Delaware — On Wednesday, Jan. 22, for the fourth time since 2016, U.S. Attorney for District of Delaware and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Wilmington announced that they have recovered a more than 500-year-old copy of Christopher Columbus’ letter describing his discoveries in the Americas to the Government of Italy. This announcement follows a court filing in the District of Delaware, which ordered the return of this historic document to the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice, Italy. This letter, commonly known as a Plannck I edition (“Columbus Letter-Plannck I”), is exceptionally rare because this first edition only mentions the King of Spain, while the second edition, commonly known as Plannck II, acknowledges both the King and Queen of Spain. This Columbus Letter-Plannck I is valued in excess of $1,300,000.

Following a lengthy investigation by HSI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, and the Italian Carabinieri Command for Protection of Cultural Heritage, investigators determined that, sometime in or around 1875, the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice, Italy acquired a copy of the Columbus Letter-Plannck I, described above. At an unknown time between 1985 and 1988, the Columbus Letter-Plannck I was stolen from the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.

Unlike prior recovered Columbus letters, this Columbus Letter-Plannck I was not replaced with a forgery, but instead was missing from the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana for decades. The investigation determined that, in May 2003, a collector acting in good faith unknowingly purchased the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana’s Columbus Letter-Plannck I letter from a rare book dealer in the United States.

In 2019, following negotiations between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and representatives for the individual in possession of the letter, the parties agreed to permit Dr. Paul Needham from Princeton University to inspect the Columbus Letter-Plannck I, along with important evidence provided by the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Dr. Needham’s inspection ultimately assisted investigators in determining that the Columbus Letter-Plannck I was, in fact, the stolen letter that belonged to the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Accordingly, the individual in possession of the Columbus Letter-Plannck I voluntarily agreed to relinquish title and interest in the letter.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated that, “We continue to be thankful for our strong law enforcement partnership with the Government of Italy to combat cross-border crimes that bring stolen cultural property into the United States for sale. This recovery is an excellent example of international law enforcement collaboration resulting in the return of world treasurers to their rightful owners. I commend the efforts of those involved in this case, including Dr. Needham for his expertise in this field.”

“Culturally significant artifacts are assigned a monetary value in the world's marketplaces in which they are traded,” said William Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “But the cultural and symbolic worth of these objects far surpasses any given dollar value to the nations to whom they rightfully belong. HSI is pleased that today's court action is a positive step toward returning this five-century old Christopher Columbus letter to the people of Italy.”

The case is being investigated by Special Agent Mark Olexa and Investigator Mario Coppola, HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie M. McCall for the District of Delaware.

Andre Lamar

From "Family Guy" to "Martin" — the classic sitcom "Good Times" has been paid tribute to and has been parodied countless times.

Delawareans can pay homage to the show under one roof when cast members Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma), Jimmie Walker (JJ) and Ralph Carter (Michael) will all be in town to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Good Times" at Wilmington Public Library on Friday, March 15.

No tickets or registration are required for this free event. Seating is first come, first served.

The moderator for the event is actor Ernest Lee Thomas, best known as “Raj” from the ‘70s sitcom “What’s Happening!!”

What is 'Good Times' about?

Taking place in 1970s Chicago, "Good Times" depicted the challenges faced by the Evans family, headed by James (John Amos) and Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), as they strive to overcome adversity. Residing in the projects, the couple raises their three children: JJ (Jimmie Walker), Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis), and Michael (Ralph Carter).

Despite the Evans' fight against poverty, the family still managed to keep a smile on their faces, hence the title: "Good Times."

The sitcom "Good Times" ran from (1974-79) and is considered one of the most iconic Black TV shows for its mix of comedy and ability to tackle social issues.

Before the cast arrives in Delaware, here are five popular TV shows with episodes that were inspired by "Good Times."

'Martin' uses famous line from 'Good Times'

One of the most iconic lines from "Good Times" came when an emotional Florida Evans was grieving the loss of James. In the closing moments of the episode "The Big Move: Part 2" (Season 4 Episode 2), Florida is cleaning her kitchen until she has a meltdown. She shatters a glass punch bowl and screams the famous line: "Damn, damn, damn!"

Countless TV shows have parodied that scene including "Martin" in the 1993 episode "To Kill a Talking Bird" (S2 E9) where Martin's girlfriend Gina (Tisha Campbell) accidentally kills his mom's pet bird; and when Mrs. Payne (played by Martin Lawrence) discovers her beloved Ruby was dead in a shoe box, Mama Payne loses it. She shatters the drinking glass in her hand and yells Florida Evans' famous words.

'Wayans Brothers' recreates 'Good Times'

Years before Shawn and Marlon Wayans hit it big with their film "White Chicks," they paid homage to "Good Times" on their '90s sitcom "The Wayans Bros." In the episode "Unspoken Token" (S4 E5), Shawn is stressed from work and decides to clear his mind by watching an episode of "Good Times."

The audience then sees him appear as JJ, and the cast of "The Wayans" spoof other characters from the TV show. Bern Nadette Stanis and Johnny Brown (Bookman) reprised their roles on the episode.

John Witherspoon (cast as James Evans) made fun of how the short-tempered James couldn't keep a job to save his life. Before randomly hurling a chair across the room, which almost hit Thelma, he exclaimed the ridiculous statement: "I just got fired for the last ... fifth time this month!"

'Boondocks' teases 'Good Times'

The cartoon "The Boondocks" dedicated an entire episode to poking fun at "Good Times" with a dark humor-themed show conveniently titled: "Good Times" (S4 E2). Robert "Grandad" Freeman (John Witherspoon) was going broke and snippets from the "Good Times" theme would occasionally play in the episode as a slap in his face, even when he was crying and accidentally knocked over his punch bowl (which shattered).

Things got crazy when Grandad decided to sell himself and his grandsons into slavery, followed by the final snippet of the "Good Times" theme song.

The message behind the episode may have been a social commentary on the fact that some Black people reject "Good Times" because they view it as a negative representation of Black people, while others argue it's funny and inspiring that the Evans family can still smile after having so many setbacks.

'Family Guy' pokes fun at 'Good Times'

Plenty of movies and TV shows have become the butt of a joke in the cartoon "Family Guy" and "Good Times" is no exception. In the episode "I'm Dyin’, I'm Lyin'" (S2 E9) — there's a made-up scene where the character Florida Evans complains to James and JJ about being named after a state. This revelation leads to a dramatic pause before JJ randomly breaks the ice and says his favorite slogan: "Dyn-o-mite!"

'Black-ish' closes season with 'Good Times'

The sitcom "Black-ish" became "Good-ish Times" when that very episode ran as the Season 2 finale in 2016. Dre, the father of the Johnson family (played by Anthony Anderson), falls asleep in front of the TV during a marathon of "Good Times." He ends up dreaming about his family and being charaters on the TV show.

Details about 'Good Times' 50th celebration

Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) at 6 p.m. Friday, March 15. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE, wilmington.lib.de.us or call (302) 571-7400.

Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) at 6 p.m. Friday, March 15. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE,wilmington.lib.de.us or call (302) 571-7400.

WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- A mail van was partially swallowed by a sinkhole Wednesday morning when a crater opened up in the middle of a block in Wilmington.

The mail carrier told CBS News Philadelphia she was inside the van when she felt it drop and start sinking into the hole. That's when neighbors yelled for her to get out.

"It kind of like reminded me of a monster truck scene, like if you were at a show or something like that," said Dell Thompson, who had a front-row view from his third-floor apartment.

Thompson said the sound of the crater breaking open woke up his younger brother.

It happened around 11:30 a.m. in the 800 block of West Ninth Street. When firefighters arrived, they said they found water gushing under the road.

"With a large water main break under the hole and the hole was growing pretty rapidly," Robert Pryor, the Battalion Chief with the Wilmington Fire Department, said.

Chopper 3 was over the mail van as its back tires were stuck in the 10-foot-deep sinkhole. Firefighters evacuated 10 homes on the block, as other cars near the edge of the hole were moved.

"We entered those houses and didn't find any damage or structural issues," Pryor said.

The mail van had to be removed from the hole by a tow truck, and the water was shut off to stop the sinkhole from spreading. Delmarva Power was also on scene examining gas lines and reported no leaks were detected.

Now, Thompson is hoping for a quick and painless fix.

"Hopefully, a sturdier and safer street and if there's a nuisance to the water we can get that under control," Thompson said.

The Commissioner of Public Works said the sewer was damaged by the cave in, and a camera will be sent into the hole to see if it can be repaired or needs a full replacement. It's unclear how long the repairs will take.

Traffic is being diverted around the area.

Drivers are being reminded West Ninth Street is closed from Adams Street to Monroe Street, and DART Route 8 buses have been diverted to Adams Street until further notice.

Ryan Hughes

Ryan Hughes joined CBS News Philadelphia in June 2022. He previously worked at WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he's covered stories ranging from weeks on the Surfside condo collapse, to the impact of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, and the Super Bowl in Miami.

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Living in Wilmington, Delaware, is a harmonious blend of historical charm, economic vibrancy, and community warmth. From the scenic Riverfront District, offering a lively hub of entertainment, to the history resonating through well-preserved landmarks, the city is a great place to call home. So whether you’re searching for apartments in Wilmington, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what Wilmington is known for, this Redfin article will be your guide.

1. Financial hub

Wilmington has earned the reputation of being a financial hub due to its concentration of banks, credit card companies, and financial institutions. The city serves as a major corporate center, hosting numerous headquarters and playing a pivotal role in the financial industry. Its nickname, “Corporate Capital,” reflects the prominence of Wilmington as a key player in the financial sector.

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Wilmington is historically significant as the headquarters of the DuPont company, a major American chemical company. The city’s association with DuPont underscores its role in the development of the chemical industry and technological innovations. Hagley Museum in Wilmington offers insight into the DuPont family legacy, revealing their impactful contributions to science and industry.

3. Riverfront District

The Riverfront District is a vibrant and revitalized area along the Christina River, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and recreational activities. Known for its picturesque waterfront, the district has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Wilmington’s Riverfront District, featuring theaters, restaurants, and parks, evolves into a dynamic urban space, enhancing cultural and economic vitality.

4. Historical sites

From the Old Swedes Church, one of the oldest churches in the United States, to the Hagley Museum showcasing the industrial legacy of the DuPont family, these sites offer a glimpse into Wilmington’s deep historical roots. Wilmington’s dedication to preserving its history fosters a tangible link to the city’s rich heritage for residents and visitors.

5. Proximity to Philadelphia

Wilmington’s strategic location places it in close proximity to Philadelphia, contributing to its appeal as part of the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Residents thrive with seamless access to a dynamic urban center, embracing cultural attractions, educational institutions, and economic opportunities. This geographical advantage enhances Wilmington’s connectivity and serves as a key factor in its position within the broader regional landscape.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

WILMINGTON – Novo, a financial solutions platform provider for small businesses and one of the fastest growing private companies in the country, has opened a Wilmington office as part of its expansion plans.

Founded in 2016 by Michael Rangel and Tyler McIntyre, the fintech company is now headquartered in Miami. It has built a platform for small businesses that combines a checking account with a variety of business services like invoicing and financing options, while integrating with payroll services.

It ranked No. 38 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies, with a three-year growth rate of 9,906%. Novo was also named to the Forbes Fintech 50 list, which highlights “the top private companies that are transforming finance through technology,” in both 2022 and 2023.

It has surpassed $20 billion in small business transactions and serves more than 200,000 customers. Notably, it has developed integration partnerships with leading online retailers Amazon and gig economy platform Fiverr, among others.

Another recently developed product is Novo Funding, which offers loans to small businesses to for working capital. Since its launch, Novo Funding has issued more than $70 million.

In May, the company opened an outpost location at the Stat International coworking space on Orange Street in Wilmington. It has hired a dozen employees since then and “will continue to grow the office in the coming years,” according to an announcement Friday by the state’s public-private economic development organization, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, regarding the investment.

According to online job listings, Novo is hiring for collections and servicing specialists, or those who contact customers who are behind on payment to negotiate repayment terms, in Wilmington.

“Small businesses make up more than half of Delaware’s workforce — an incredible testament to the work Delaware has done to make small business creation and growth as accessible as possible,” said Grant Sahag, vice president of operations at Novo, in a statement. “The Novo team is honored to be a part of Delaware’s thriving small business community.”

Delaware, and Wilmington in particular, are home to some of the largest fintech operations in the country, including those by JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Discover, Capital One, Citibank and Barclays. A growing number of companies, including Ally Financial, City National Bank and Goldman Sachs, have also established operations here in recent years. The activity has also birthed other local successes, such as Best Egg.

Seeking to capitalize on that leading industry, the University of Delaware recently opened the FinTech Innovation Hub on its Newark campus to continue to advance financial service technology design, operations and security research and instruction in the First State.

“Novo’s decision to expand to Wilmington is great news for the First State,” Gov. John Carney said in a statement Friday. “We want to be the place companies consider when starting and growing their businesses. Novo’s move to Wilmington shows that our efforts to make Delaware inviting to corporations are working and that the Delaware Prosperity Partnership is making a difference.”