May 6, 2024 Press Release WILMINGTON, Delaware – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL), the Delaware Department of Education, Career and Technical Education (DOE) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) are teaming up with Delaware Gov. John Carney to celebrate the first-ever National Youth Apprenticeship Week in support of advancing job opportunities for young people […]

NEW CASTLE (May 7, 2024) – Per capita health care spending in Delaware increased 6.3% in 2022 to $9,657, outpacing a 3% growth rate benchmark, according to the State of Delaware’s fourth annual Benchmark Trend Report presented Thursday May 2 to the Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) by Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) […]

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) announced today that James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) Security Superintendent Major Jason Schaffer has been promoted to Deputy Warden of JTVCC. The promotion is effective immediately. Schaffer’s promotion fills the vacancy created when then-Deputy Warden Philip Parker was promoted in March to Warden of Howard […]

Expanded maritime facility estimated to create 6,000 Delaware jobs   WILMINGTON, Del. – The State of Delaware on Wednesday announced it will join the private operator of the Port of Wilmington, Enstructure, to build a new port terminal at a site in Edgemoor, Delaware. The Edgemoor industrial site was purchased in 2017 by the taxpayer-owned Diamond […]

Each May during National Teacher Appreciation Week, Delaware takes a moment to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of educators across the state. Businesses offer teacher specials. School administrations and parent teacher organizations provide lunches. Students and families show their thanks with notes or small gifts. Elected leaders recognize the profession. All aim to honor the profound impact educators have on shaping our students and their future. The truth is our teachers deserve a high level of appreciation all year long.

WILMINGTON, Del. (May 9, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) announces a new initiative to provide individuals in select registered apprenticeship programs with the opportunity to earn up to 42 college credits toward a bachelor’s degree at Wilmington University (WilmU). Individuals will be eligible for enrollment upon completion of their apprenticeship program.        […]

Attorney General Kathy Jennings today announced a $10.25 million 50-jurisdiction settlement with AT&T Mobility, LLC, Cricket Wireless, LLC, T-Mobile USA, Inc., Cellco Partnership, d/b/a Verizon Wireless, and TracFone Wireless, Inc. (collectively, the “Wireless Carriers”), which resolves the state attorneys general investigations into the Wireless Carriers’ deceptive and misleading advertising practices.   “Today’s settlement further demonstrates […]

As warmer weather brings people outdoors and potentially in contact with ticks, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May. According to DPH’s Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Delaware, with over 300 cases reported each year. Lyme disease is spread […]

Division of Civil Rights and Public Trust worked with UD Police Department  A University of Delaware student, who has since been banned from campus, now faces three misdemeanor charges, including Hate Crime, after vandalizing a Holocaust memorial sponsored by a Jewish student group and going on an antisemitic tirade. On the evening of May 8, […]

The state will name its 2024 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year at a statewide celebration on Monday. Delaware’s districts and the Delaware Charter School Network named local Behavioral Health Professionals of the Year for 2024. Following an application and interview process, one will be named the state honoree.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the Delaware Women’s Commission announced four exceptional women that were selected as honorees for the 2024 She’s on Her Way Award. With over 40 applications received by the committee, four nominees were chosen for their incredible work in Delaware. This year’s inductees include: […]

DNREC's proposed user fees for Deauville Beach have been approved by the Parks and Recreation Council and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. A daily entrance fee or a Deauville annual pass will be required for use of the beach from Memorial Day weekend though Nov. 30 in 2024. Deauville Beach annual passes will be available for sale starting Wednesday, May 15.

Flags are ordered to fly half-staff until sunset on May 15th.

In celebration of National Ocean Month coming up in June, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), in partnership with libraries in each county, is conducting a haiku poetry contest.

The DIAA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 DIAA/Harry Roberts-Senior Scholar Athlete awards. There were fifteen applications this year, nine from female students and six from males. The Award is named in recognition and memory of Dr. Harry Roberts, former Superintendent of the Caesar Rodney School District who served DIAA on several committees, most notably as Chair of the DIAA Sportsmanship committee for many years.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate’s confirmation of Kathleen Vavala as a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County. “Kathleen is well respected in the courtroom and the classroom, serving as Counsel in the Delaware Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel and Adjunct Professor at Delaware Law […]

Wildlife watchers in Delaware this time of year are apt to happen upon young animals, particularly deer fawns, that appear to have been left alone, even abandoned in their natural environment – and “So tiny, so helpless…so cute!”, they look very much like they need rescuing by a kind public hand or two. Almost always, that’s not the case – rather, these young’uns are waiting for a parent’s return from foraging or from a nearby vantage of keeping a close eye on them. Thus, DNREC's reminder: If you find them alone, leave them alone.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney issued the following statement on Thursday after signing Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 2: “As I said in my State of the State Address, reducing gun violence in our communities is a shared priority, and we’ve made progress these past seven years. We have banned assault weapons, bump stocks, […]

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that deserves time and attention from policymakers. Today, Delaware took a strong step toward safer communities. I applaud the Governor, our Attorney General, legislators, and especially the countless advocates for sounding the alarm that we need to do more to protect our kids and families,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long. “Permit to purchase is a proven method to make our state safer and help save lives in Delaware by increasing responsible gun ownership.” 

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reminding drivers why it’s important to buckle up during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket enforcement effort. OHS is partnering with local and state police to conduct high-visibility enforcement starting May 20, – June 9, to ensure drivers and passengers buckle up every trip, every time.

Shannon Gronau, a school counselor from the Milford School District, is the state’s 2024 Delaware Behavioral Health Professional of the Year.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney issued the following statement today on the passage of House Substitute 2 for House Bill 350. “Rising health care costs are having a significant impact on Delaware families and state taxpayers,” said Governor Carney. “House Bill 350 will help lower the growth of health care costs in our state, while making sure we’re […]

Offshore wind developer US Wind, Inc. has submitted multiple permit applications to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for its wind energy project offshore of Maryland. To inform the public and engage Delawareans in the regulatory process, DNREC will host a public information session on Wednesday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Beacon Middle School, 19483 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes, Del.

DOVER, Del. – The 2024 Lt. Governor’s Wellness Leadership Challenge has announced this year’s award recipients. The winning submissions came from individuals, organizations, and institutions across Delaware who committed to enacting better health and wellness for their communities, ultimately helping to elevate the well-being, productivity, and prosperity of the state of Delaware. The mission of […]

A State of Delaware program that helps small businesses start or grow during the first few years of operation hit a major milestone Thursday. The Delaware Division of Small Business announced the most recent grant awards for the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) competition on May 23rd in Dover. The awards given to 10 Delaware small businesses for the spring 2024 round, bring the total number of businesses awarded funds under the EDGE program to 100.

Forecasters predict that the Atlantic hurricane season that begins on June 1 could be very active. Governor John C. Carney, Jr. has proclaimed May 27 to May 31 as Hurricane Awareness Week, and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency urges everyone to visit PrepareDE.org to find resources on how to “make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed.” Residents and visitors can also use the Know Your Zone tool to locate their evacuation zone, which can help inform when and how to evacuate in an emergency.

Investing in tomorrow while honoring the past As the nation wraps up its Memorial Day observances, Delawareans eagerly anticipate another significant celebration just two days later. May 29th marks 529 Day, a time aimed at highlighting the critical importance of saving for higher education through 529 education savings plans. These plans, named after Section 529 […]

The Cape Henlopen Vikings girls lacrosse team defeated Tatnall Hornets on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to reclaim the DIAA girls lacrosse state championship. Tatnall came into this year as the reigning state champs after beating Cape last year 10-9 at Delaware State University. 

WILMINGTON, Del. — On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, the State of Delaware’s Department of Human Resources, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, hosted a panel discussion featuring descendants of the Delaware cases that […]

DOVER, Del. – President Biden has proclaimed Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designated the hour of 11 a.m. as a time to collectively unite in prayer and reflection. President Biden also has asked all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m., and has […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) ended this year’s Delaware Grown Week celebration by launching the “Delaware Grown Road Trip” to encourage residents and visitors to hop in their cars to experience Delaware’s rich and flavorful agricultural heritage, as they travel rural roads to explore Delaware’s many produce farms, farmers markets, and meet specialty crop farmers.

The Office of Veterans Services (OVS) and the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs (DCVA) have scheduled two events in observance of Memorial Day. As in previous years, OVS and DCVA will host ceremonies on separate days. The first will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Bear, Delaware. […]

STAR-Delaware Merit supports students’ educational enrichment and financial empowerment     DOVER, Del. — Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and school leaders gathered on Thursday to recognize more than 60 students as part of a new program to support the educational journeys of Black students.     STAR-Delaware Merit is a statewide merit awards initiative coordinated by Lt. Governor Bethany […]

A Wilmington man has been convicted in a nearly four-year-long cold case. On May 15, Dashawn Daley, 29, of Wilmington pleaded guilty to Murder 2nd Degree, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. This conviction follows an investigation into the fatal 2019 shooting of then 29-year-old Hakeem Smalls. “I am grateful […]

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Monday, June 3, 2024, to honor former Speaker of the House and President of Delaware Technical Community College, Orlando “Lonnie” George, on the day of his interment.

CLAYTON, Del. – The 2024 Lt. Governor’s Wellness Leadership Challenge award ceremony on Wednesday hosted the largest class of honorees, shining a light on creative ways to address food insecurity, chronic disease prevention, postpartum care, and more.      This year’s winning submissions came from individuals, organizations, and institutions across Delaware who committed to enacting better health […]

Defendant reoffended immediately after conviction A drug dealer has been declared a habitual offender and will serve 18 years in prison after being caught dealing enormous quantities of fentanyl. James Demby, 33, was arrested in May 2023 after law enforcement became aware that he was selling drugs out of the Fairview Motel outside Wilmington. Demby […]

Delaware 250 is pleased to announce the recipients of its inaugural cycle of grants to support planning and programming for the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial Anniversary in 2026.  This anniversary recognizes 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A special project of the Delaware Heritage Commission and the Delaware Public Archives, Delaware […]

Conviction is State’s first use of updated “partial nudity” statute  A Wilmington man could spend the rest of his life in prison following a litany of felony convictions in a child pornography case. Sheldon Lee, 64, was convicted on May 16 of 50 felonies — 25 counts of Dealing in Child Pornography and 25 counts […]

WILMINGTON, Del. — Community and state leaders highlighted the need for robust reentry supports to help returning citizens thrive during the first Delaware Day of Action, a special convening for criminal justice advocates and policymakers.      Hosted by Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Senator Darius Brown and Representative Melissa Minor-Brown in partnership with REFORM Alliance, the Delaware […]

For the third consecutive year, the ASPIRE529 program will again offer financial assistance to youth in or aging out of the foster care system seeking higher education according to State Treasurer Colleen Davis. “The high school graduation rate for youth in foster care in Delaware is just over 50 percent, with less than 5 percent […]

Wilmington, DE, May 31, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC) and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), in partnership with Governor John Carney’s office, are proud to announce a press conference to highlight their efforts in supporting homeownership and community development across Wilmington and the entire state of Delaware. The press conference, […]

NEW CASTLE (June 3, 2024) – An extended program that provides 12 weeks of free diapers, wipes, and home-delivered meals to low-income mothers participating in the state’s Diamond State Health Plan Medicaid program is designed to give Delaware families the healthiest start possible by reducing maternal stress, food and diaper insecurity during the critical postpartum […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday announced that he will nominate Thomas Pedersen to serve as Court of Common Pleas Judge in Sussex County, and Candace Holmes to serve as Family Court Commissioner in Kent County. Governor Carney also will renominate Family Court Judge Mardi Pyott to serve an additional term in Kent County […]

DNREC will present a free lecture Thursday, June 13 to introduce property owners to living shorelines in Delaware, a type of green infrastructure using natural materials. The hour-long lecture hosted by the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach is presented by the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship in conjunction with the Delaware Living Shorelines Committee.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Friday, June 7, 2024, to honor former State Representative and Wilmington City Councilman Joseph G. Di Pinto on the day of his interment.   “Tracey and I were saddened to hear about Joe Di Pinto’s passing. […]

Secretary of Education Mark Holodick is pleased to recognize the following students for their submissions in this year’s Esri’s 2024 ArcGIS webapp competition. Students were challenged to create and share interactive mapping projects using ESRI ArcGIS software. Delaware entrants to this national competition must create a digital Storymap that explores some aspect of life in Delaware.

More than 300 youth anglers turned out on a perfect early summer day June 1 to cast their lines in the 38th annual Youth Fishing Tournament, hosted by the Delaware Natural Resources Police at Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County.

Olympic athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee delivered a motivational keynote address DOVER, Del. (June 6, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program hosted its second annual Advancing Healthy Lifestyles Conference today. At Delaware State University’s (DSU) Martin Luther King Jr. Conference Center, approximately 300 participants came together […]

Wilmington, Del.  – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Don James’ exhibition, “Beyond the Facade: Architectural Portraits,” on view from June 7-28, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, June 7 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Don James, from Milton, Delaware, is a photographer who finds inspiration in natural, industrial, […]