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.

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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.

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, […]

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski joined state and local officials to celebrate the opening of the $21 million first phase of the Park Avenue relocation project on Friday. The nearly two-mile segment of road included reconstruction of Arrow Safety Road from Route 113 to S. Bedford Street, a new roundabout at the intersection of S. […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney, and the Delaware Libraries on Monday announced that a bilingual English/Spanish book collection option will soon be available for Delaware families. “There is nothing more important than ensuring our children learn to read by third grade so they can read to learn for the rest […]

DNREC will begin the annual treatment of downstate public ponds – Wagamons Pond in Milton and Concord Pond near Seaford – for the foreign invasive aquatic weed hydrilla on Thursday, June 13, weather permitting. Hydrilla is a non-native plant that likely entered the state through the aquarium trade. Uncontrolled hydrilla can choke ponds and other waterways, crowding out beneficial plant species and preventing fishing and boating access.

DNREC announced today that Delaware’s recreational striped bass summer slot size limit regulation has been revised and will be in effect for the July 1 start of the slot season. The revision changes the state's slot size limit from 20- to 25-inches to 20- to 24-inches.

Governor John Carney on Thursday signed House Substitute 2 for House Bill 350, creating the Diamond State Hospital Review Board.

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Social Equity Eligibility Validation Application and Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIA) Map OMC is responsible for implementing the Marijuana Control Act in Delaware, which includes a Social Equity License program. Individuals interested in applying for a social equity license must first […]

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in partnership with the Delaware State Police announce that beginning Monday, July 8, 2024, the Electronic Speed Safety Program (ESSP) will be active in the I-95/Route 896 construction zone in Newark and will last until the end of the project.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 325 and Senate Bill 326: “This budget continues our investments in Delaware’s public schools, workforce, and environment, while doing so responsibly and sustainably. We are continuing to raise salaries for teachers, provide more resources for students who need […]

DOVER, DEL. (June 21, 2024) – With all of Delaware under a heat advisory or excessive heat watch alert from the National Weather Service, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) offers information on resources and tips to help everyone stay safe this weekend and throughout the summer. While conditions such as those expected across […]

DOVER, Del. — Governor John Carney issued the following statement Tuesday regarding House Bill 282: Pursuant to Article III, Section 18 of the Delaware Constitution, I am vetoing House Bill 282 as amended by House Amendment 1, House Amendment 2 and Senate Amendment 1 (HB 282) by returning it with my objections to the Delaware […]

As Delaware readies for the upcoming launch of the state’s legal adult-use cannabis industry, state lawmakers approved legislation, proposed by State Treasurer Colleen Davis, providing protections for banks and other financial institutions that serve licensed marijuana businesses. Although marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, Delaware has joined many other states in legalizing it for […]

DOVER, DEL. (June 26, 2024) – With the weather warming up, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) urges the public to take precautions to avoid exposure to rabies and to be on the lookout for rabid animals during this active season. Rabies is endemic in Delaware, meaning it occurs regularly within the state’s wildlife populations. […]

The Delaware Natural Resources Police reports black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle in Newark, with DNREC biologists to conduct an examination of the bear.

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the following statement on the General Assembly’s override of the veto of House Bill 282. “For eight years, I’ve been focused on getting our fiscal house in order and protecting the interests of all Delaware taxpayers. I’m proud that we’ll leave our budget in strong shape for […]

Employer participation in Delaware EARNS is required by law for those who do not offer a qualified retirement plan. Beginning today, employer registration opens for the state’s new retirement saving program, Delaware EARNS. All Delaware employers who have five or more W-2 employees and do not offer a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k), […]

  Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study Highlights Vital Role of Arts and Culture in Building More Livable Communities Around the Country   Wilmington, Del. (July 1, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts today announced that Delaware’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $209.5 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program released The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024 report on June 28, 2024. The report summarizes the current state of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Delaware. It is an update to, and expansion of, Chronic Disease in Delaware: Facts and Figures, published in 2019 by DPH’s […]

Smyrna High School was named the national champion at this year’s Educators Rising conference – the second consecutive national win and the first time any team has won two years in a row.

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has received reports of out-of-state entities contacting potential social equity applicants in Delaware. These entities may be trying to trick you into paying for help securing a social equity license.   The OMC does not endorse these activities and is working to investigate them, partnering with the Department […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced today that Mark Short has been named the new Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund (DESBF) administrator. He will begin his new role as the DESBF administrator on November 1.

DNREC will hold a joint virtual public hearing Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. on multiple permit applications and authorization requests made to DNREC by wind energy developer US Wind, Inc. involving Delaware aspects of the company’s proposed Maryland offshore wind project.

More than 140 students and advisors from across Delaware joined more than  12,000 other members at the 47th annual HOSA-Future Health Professionals International Leadership Conference in Houston last week. Delaware students represented the First State in competitive events that included: medical math, public health, behavioral health, community awareness, and more.   

DOVER, DEL. (July 8, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) invites the public to explore My Healthy Community, a platform for Delaware’s environmental health data, during National Environmental Public Health Tracking Awareness Week. This annual observance, from July 8 to July 12, is dedicated to empowering communities to use heath data to […]

On July 1st, the Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit launched a new personal data privacy portal, privacy.delaware.gov, as a navigational tool for parents, consumers and businesses that handle Delawareans’ personal data to help prepare for the upcoming implementation of the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA), which goes into effect in January 2025. […]

DNREC invites families of all ages to participate in “Life in the Bay,” the popular youth education program geared toward children aged 6 and older, but with equal appeal to adults who want to learn about fish and other aquatic creatures that live in the Delaware Bay.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control unveiled its new Action Trackchair an all-terrain wheelchair donated from the Ford Bronco Wild Fund June 12 at the Deerfield Clubhouse at White Clay Creek State Park. The event highlighted accessibility improvements statewide and featured the first publicly accessible all-terrain wheelchair available for public use in the state of Delaware. Delaware was the recipient of a nationally competitive grant for one of seven AXIS model Trackchairs provided through the Bronco Wild Fund Access Grants and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has confirmed a find of box tree moth (BTM; Cydalima perspectalis) at a private residence in Kent County, Delaware. The box tree moth is a federally regulated pest that primarily feeds on boxwood species (Buxus spp.). If left unchecked, it causes significant damage and can potentially kill the plants. Boxwoods are a popular ornamental evergreen shrub common to many landscape environments in the United States.

Dover, Del. (July 16, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) requests the cooperation of the public at this time to assist in making every effort to reunite stray dogs with their owners before contacting the Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services for pickup or taking them to Brandywine Valley SPCA, the state’s […]

Underscoring the importance of safety for water enthusiasts in Delaware, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and Smyrna’s Citizens’ Hose Company teamed up to highlight recently installed buoyant life rings at the Woodland Beach fishing pier and boat ramp.

The Delaware Department of Justice has secured five years in prison followed by probation for a Wilmington woman who stole thousands of dollars worth of goods from Delaware retail chains between 2023 and 2024.      On July 10, Jasmine Williams, 36, was sentenced to five years of Level V prison followed by one year of […]

Attorney General Kathy Jennings this week filed a complaint against former Delaware investment adviser Elbert C. Smalls and his investment advisory firm, known as Winyah Financial Services, LLC or Winyah Financial, LLC (formerly operating in Delaware as Sun Financial Services, Inc.). The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Investor Protection Unit (the […]

DNREC continued to diversify marine habitat for angling and diving experiences on Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system today by sinking two vintage vessels – a retired City of Baltimore fireboat and a World War II-era tugboat – onto Reef Site 11, the Redbird Reef, that also contains 750 retired NYC "Redbird" subway cars.

Dover, Del. – July 22, 2024 –The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and Discover Bank announced a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership to expand homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income residents across the state. Over the past decade, the collaborative lending program has provided more than $500 million in mortgage financing to 2,780 first-time homebuyers with […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined members of the General Assembly including sponsor Representative Sherae’a “Rae” Moore, leadership from the Delaware Department of Education, and administrators of the Red Clay School District to sign House Substitute 2 for House Bill 125 on Tuesday, July 23. This legislation expands access to free breakfast and lunch to […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a community workshop at the Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP) Officer's Club Wednesday, July 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to give community members and park visitors the opportunity to share feedback about the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s planned capital projects in the park. Community members can drop in any time during the workshop to review informational display boards for the capital plans in CHSP.