Two Delaware students were recognized today with Young Environmentalists of the Year Awards, presented by Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin at the Delaware State Fair, along with three winners of the annual Youth Fishing Tournament.

West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware for the first time for 2024 in sentinel chickens that help the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control monitor the state for mosquito-borne illnesses, DNREC announced today. The initial WNV occurrence was found in eight sentinel chickens sampled July 22 by the DNREC Mosquito Control Section which returned positive test results from the Delaware Division of Public Health Laboratory two days later.

Two districts and two charter schools will benefit from the federal Rural and Low Income Schools program grant to provide rural districts and schools with financial assistance for initiatives aimed at improving student achievement.

A DNREC grand opening today of a new boat ramp facility at Records Pond near Laurel in Sussex County. Construction began earlier this year on the new facility – which includes a new boat ramp with courtesy dock, expansion of existing parking lots to accommodate boat trailers, and new decking for an existing fishing pier on Records Pond.

Early childhood professionals who earn a Child Development Associate credential now also can receive 12 credits at Delaware institutes of higher education under a new agreement with the state.

Public information meetings are planned this month on the update to the State Energy Plan.

According to Secretary Scuse, there was no better person to receive his very last Secretary’s Award than Dr. Mark Isaacs. In selecting this year’s honoree, he felt that Isaacs deserved to join the long list of people who have positively impacted Delaware agriculture through his service as a farmer, researcher, and educator.

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is excited to unveil the latest edition to their online services at dmv.de.gov, Della the Chatbot. Della began assisting customers on the website in early June 2024. DMV partnered with Google Cloud and SID Global Solutions Digital in the development of the AI-powered chatbot that will provide customers […]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control have signed an agreement to protect and restore beaches along the Delaware Bay.

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney has appointed Caesar Rodney High School student Sage Sawhney to serve on the State Board of Education. He has reappointed Dr. Megan Szabo, the Assistant Principal at Magnolia Middle School, to serve a third term on the board. “We need students and educators to be at the table when […]

Today the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) announced a new grant program, the Tournaments, Events, and Athletic Meets Sponsorship (TEAMS) Program, designed to expand the office’s resources in recruiting sporting events to Delaware. The program aims to attract new regional, national, and international sporting events at amateur, collegiate, and professional levels while ensuring that current sports events maintain their place and continue to grow for years to come in Delaware.

In early June, DNREC kicked off a summer internship program to offer accomplished college students and recent graduates an opportunity to work alongside experts in public service and science.

Dover, Del. August 7, 2024 – The Delaware State Housing Authority  (DSHA) has awarded over $5,000,000 in Housing Stability Program (HSP) grants to eight community partner organizations throughout the state. HSP’s mission is twofold: to prevent imminent evictions by offering emergency rental assistance to households facing court dates, and to secure new housing opportunities by […]

Statewide, DEL. (August 7, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts is investing nearly $4.5 million in more than 100 arts and community organizations that will serve Delawareans statewide with arts programming and services, arts education, and arts marketing and promotion. This first round of funding for FY2025 includes General Operating Support, Project Support, […]

The Delaware Department of Education has developed guidance for districts and charter schools on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.

NEW CASTLE, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday, August 7, joined Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst, Secretary of Education Mark Holodick, other elected officials, and advocates to sign two pieces of legislation that support student mental health in schools.   Governor Carney signed House Bill 200 and House Substitute 1 for House Bill 5 at […]

Groundbreaking ceremony touted $56 million for early education, senior care, and community programs   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney joined U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Darius Brown, State Representative Stephanie T. Bolden, other elected officials, and community members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kingswood Community Center.   Kingswood Community Center, managed by […]

The Office of Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is pleased to announce that it will begin accepting online applications using the Salesforce platform starting Monday, August 19, 2024, and closing on Monday, September 30, 2024. 125 licenses are available: Marijuana Cultivation Facility- 60 LT-1: Open Cultivation License: 20 LT-2: Social Equity Cultivation (≥2500 ft2): 10 LT-3: Microbusiness […]

The Delaware Division of Revenue is warning the public of a new tax scam that’s happening in Delaware. Victims receive a letter from the “Tax Processing Unit” that threatens property seizure and wage garnishment unless the victim calls a toll-free number to “avoid enforcement.”

More than 100 Delawareans, from newborns to seniors, attended story time at the Dover Public Library to wish Smokey Bear a happy 80th birthday on August 9, which marks Smokey’s official birthday.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is warning backyard flock owners who may have recently purchased poultry, fowl, and poultry equipment from an individual in Hartly, Delaware, selling through online marketplaces and local venues within the past 45 days.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the 28th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation, preserving 40 farms and 2,262 acres of farmland. With this announcement, the Carney administration has preserved 403 farms, the highest number in the program’s history.

For Immediate Release: August 13, 2024 Contact: Samuel Barry, Policy Advisor (302) 382-0651, Samuel.Barry@delaware.gov The tracker is a publicly accessible tool for Delawareans to learn about how Prescription Opioid Abatement and Remediation Grants have been distributed to date. Dover, DE – Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia E. York published an official Prescription Opioid Settlement Tracker […]

DNREC announced today the 2025 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) grants will have a focus on equity. This change comes after the CEPF grant process was revamped to better address community needs and strengthen partnerships.

Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis, alongside U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, celebrated the first-ever ABLE Savings Day, highlighting the importance of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. This new initiative aims to boost awareness and participation in ABLE accounts, which are instrumental in enhancing financial independence for individuals with disabilities. “ABLE accounts […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney and First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney on Wednesday joined Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware, Casey Family Programs, literacy and early education advocates, and students to launch a Reading Tour. This Reading Tour will highlight the importance of literacy and encourage children and families to take advantage of the […]

New statewide student assessment results reinforce students’ continued need for help to recover from pandemic school building closures.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that special hunting permits for Delaware State Parks can now be conveniently purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold in the state. The special permits are available online at Digital DNREC, at DNREC’s main campus in the Richardson and Robbins Building in Dover, and at more than 40 licensing agents statewide. The special permits, which cost $10 for residents and non-residents can now be purchased when buying a Delaware hunting license. These park permits will no longer be available for sale at Delaware State Parks offices.

 Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities until sunset on Thursday, August 22, 2024, to honor Sussex County EMS employee and volunteer firefighter, Thomas Berry.  

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined members of the General Assembly and advocates on Thursday, August 15, to sign a package of bills that will make Delaware’s neighborhoods and higher education campuses safer.   Legislation signed Thursday includes House Bill 311, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 342, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 270, and House Bill 155. […]

From August 16 to September 2, police officers will be patrolling statewide to remove impaired drivers off Delaware roadways. This initiative aligns with the busy Labor Day Holiday weekend. If your celebrations include drinking, make sure to plan a safe and sober ride home.

Governor John Carney has ordered Delaware flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to recognize National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

DOVER, DEL. (August 20, 2024) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare’s (OAW) Delaware Animal Services (DAS) announces the arrest of a man and woman after 20 dogs were rescued from a home in Bridgeville. Ray Anderson, age 42, and Melissa Layton, age 40, of Bridgeville were arraigned Aug. 15. DAS […]

The Delaware State Fire Commission is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new building scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 am. The ceremony will be held at the Delaware Fire Service Center, 1463 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, Delaware. “Our long-awaited new building will replace the current one attached to the rear […]

Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced on Monday that a Maryland resident was arrested for allegedly stealing the identity of a registered nurse (“RN”), and then trying to use those credentials to fraudulently obtain employment in Delaware nursing homes.  “The licensing system for healthcare professionals is crucial to patient safety,” Attorney General Jennings said.  “The Delaware Department of […]

Delaware wildlife artist Richard Clifton and Nebraskan artist Dennis Arp took top honors in DNREC's annual Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests, with Clifton's painting of a Canada goose for the 2025/26 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and Arp's painting of a brook trout for the 2025 Delaware Trout Stamp.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney and First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney joined Senator Coons, members of the General Assembly, Mayor Mike Purzycki, the Christina School District, the Delaware Department of Education, the Wilmington Learning Collaborative, educators, students, families, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy. “The brand-new Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen a stretch of oceanside beach at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sunday, Sept. 1. The Point’s bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter. The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have worked together since 1990 to implement a management plan to increase beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations. Thus far in 2024, 24 species of shorebirds, 10 species of terns including the federally threatened roseate tern, and seven species of gull are among the species observed at The Point.

Delaware's 2024/25 hunting season opens Sunday, Sept. 1 when Delaware deer hunters are set to go afield with archery equipment and crossbows. Also opening Sept. 1 are the resident Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons - the upcoming season will be the first for which Sunday hunting for gamebirds is permitted.

Students across Delaware benefitted from multiple enrichment programs this summer designed to enhance literacy skills and overall well-being. Backed by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), Governor John Carney, and key community partners, the programs were offered in school districts and charter schools statewide.

A Wilmington man has been sentenced to life plus ten years in prison for convictions stemming from the fatal shooting of Thaddeus Blackman in 2023.     On August 16, Kevin Berry, 34, was sentenced to life plus an additional 10 years in prison for convictions of Murder First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that A-Del Construction of Newark has been awarded the contract for the replacement of the Bancroft Bridge in Alapocas Run State Park. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 1 and be completed in April 2025. Replacement of the existing Bancroft Bridge has been one of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s highest priorities since its emergency closure September 2021 when it was damaged beyond repair due to Hurricane Ida floodwaters.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE by Delaware, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin and 25 other states Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin, their coalition partners, and other states will take possession of more than $190 million in unclaimed property. August 28, 2024 – Officials from the state of Delaware, and officials from the states of Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, […]

 Governor Carney has ordered the Delaware flag to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from sunrise to sunset, in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, as declared by Senate Joint Resolution 8.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney was joined by Senator Darius Brown, other members of the General Assembly, and advocates on Thursday, August 29, to sign Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254, which creates the Delaware Grocery Initiative and addresses food insecurity in urban and rural food deserts. The bill signing was held at the Kingswood Food Bank Mobile […]

Delaware Natural Resources Police have identified a suspect in a hit-and-run incident at Deerfield Golf Club involving a golf cart, resulting in multiple charges.

More than 142,000 children are enrolled in schools across the state and we want all of them to get to and from school safely each day whether they are walking, riding a bus or bike, or being dropped off.

Killens Pond State Park in Kent County will be host site for the 2024 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program the weekend of Oct. 4 to 6, DNREC announced, with registration opening Sept. 4. The three-day event is expected to sell out quickly, with registration closing Sept. 18.

To celebrate September as National Preparedness Month, more than 45 public safety agencies, nonprofits, and utilities will join together for the 18th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, Delaware. There is no cost to attend and free parking is available onsite at the park. There is no rain date. The event offers attendees a chance to meet first responders and public safety experts in a fun, friendly environment where families can find a wealth of information and resources to promote emergency preparedness and help them “make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed” by visiting PrepareDE.org. Family Emergency Preparedness Day is sponsored by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Kent County Parks and Recreation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Delaware State Fire School, and the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has identified this year's first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a New Castle County resident. Additionally, the Office of the State Veterinarian within the Delaware Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first two cases of WNV in Delaware horses this year.