The State of Delaware is actively working with federal and local partners to ensure all Delaware children and school staff have safe and clean drinking water. With the help of a grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) with support from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) began a sampling initiative in Delaware schools in October 2020 to identify the levels of lead within the drinking water system.

DOVER, Del. (March 17, 2023) -  The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) saw a decrease in case rates and hospitalizations from COVID-19 over the past month and urges residents to remain vigilant and use the tools proven successful in the fight against the virus to continue these trends. While rates are down from the […]

NEW CASTLE (May 30, 2023) – Governor John Carney will present the 2023 Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards to 11 individuals, four groups, and five emerging leaders during a June 21 ceremony to recognize their remarkable service to Delaware. These prestigious awards acknowledge the significant impact that young volunteers make in their communities, inspiring others […]

MILFORD (June 6, 2023) – Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Department of Education (DOE), and Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) led a community response briefing on Friday to provide the latest information regarding the state’s efforts to address substance use […]

Due to a reduction in the Air Quality Index (AQI) CASH BOOTHS at the toll plazas OPENED at 4:45 pm today, June 8, 2023. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will continue to monitor the AQI forecast and determine the effects it may have, if any, on DMV operations for Friday, June 9, 2023. Residents […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), announces important updates to the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder section of the My Healthy Community (MHC) Dashboard.  These updates are located within this section’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) tab and present trends in prescription drug dispensing in Delaware. The […]

Per the CDC, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death and reduces the chance of suffering from Long COVID.  Anyone who has yet to receive any type of COVID-19 vaccination and those whose last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine was over two months ago may receive the updated doses when they become available in the coming days.

 The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting a potential measles exposure at the Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington on December 29, 2023. An extensive contact tracing investigation identified between 20-30 people exposed to the individual who was not symptomatic but was infectious at the time of their visit to the facility. 

NEW CASTLE (April 22, 2024) – Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and leaders from the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), along with partner community agencies, led a community response briefing on Monday to provide the latest outcome data and other information regarding the State’s efforts to support individuals struggling with substance use disorder in […]

STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY P.O. BOX 818 DOVER, DELAWARE 19903-0818 NEWS RELEASE Date: July 9, 2020 Contact: DSHS Wendy Hudson – (302) 382-7978 DSP MCpl. Melissa Jaffe – (302) 382-2136 DSP LT. COL. MELISSA A. ZEBLEY NAMED SUPERINTENDENT OF DELAWARE STATE POLICE Today Governor John Carney joined Kimberly Chandler, Acting […]

Strategic enhancements to the pedestrian safety campaign leverage grassroots influence and broad communications reach throughout Delaware DOVER, DE. (May 27, 2021) — This Memorial Day, The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is bringing back its “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign — with a few additions designed to expand its reach and impact on some of the […]

The University of Delaware and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) have recently partnered on several new projects to aid the State of Delaware’s long-term recovery efforts from COVID-19. DEMA has provided support to the Institute of Public Administration at the Biden School, Delaware Sea Grant, and the Disaster Research Center to work on three […]

Smyrna, DE – On Monday afternoon, Governor John Carney was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the request for Individual Assistance, as part of the major disaster declaration request for the State of Delaware, was denied.  The determination was made by FEMA that “the impact to individuals and households in New Castle […]

DOVER, Del. (May 19, 2022) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt this spring, during the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort. Delaware is joining the national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the […]

NEWARK (Jan. 18, 2023) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, along with top leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), led a community response briefing to provide the latest information about suspected drug overdose deaths in the state, current and emerging dangers […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm the Governor’s nominations of Josette Manning to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services; Steven Yeatman to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the Delaware Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families; and Robert […]

Owners of five Delaware businesses are thinking holidays already, and they have every reason to do so – they’ll be taking part in a state-led initiative that will provide them with rent-free commercial space for three months in a Delaware downtown from October through December.

Once-vacant properties in four Delaware downtowns have been transformed into wellsprings of opportunity thanks to a state-run program offering small business owners a head start in brick-and-mortar locations.

Five entrepreneurs jumped at an opportunity offered by the State of Delaware and used it to achieve their dreams of moving into a brick-and-mortar location.

WineKnot, P.C. Rods and Nest Spa & Boutique launched with the help of the state-run program MILTON, Del. (Dec. 17, 2014) – For the second straight year, a state program has sparked the launch of new businesses in downtown Milton, helping entrepreneurs move their enterprises into once-vacant brick-and-mortar locations. Wine Knot Shop, P.C. Rods and […]

MILFORD, Del. (Dec. 22, 2014) – Something tasty just popped up in downtown Milford. City, state and other local officials celebrated the arrival of Patty Cakes, a participant in this year’s Project Pop-Up program, with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 at the business, which is at 22 S. Walnut St., Milford. Patty […]

Since its inception in 2012, the Project Pop-Up program has been successful in helping 14 businesses sign long-term leases in once-vacant downtown spaces.

Governor Carney created the working group with Executive Order #1 WILMINGTON, Del. – The Delaware Economic Development Working Group submitted its report to Governor John Carney on Friday, recommending a plan to implement a public-private partnership – the Delaware Prosperity Partnership – that would restructure Delaware’s economic development efforts. The nonprofit partnership, as recommended by […]

Visitors to the historic lighthouse in Fenwick Island may have noticed some significant upgrades over the last few years, the most recent of which include a facelift for the 165-year-old seaside structure.

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.

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. — 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 […]

Notice of Funding Opportunity About Delaware 250 The year 2026 will see the United States Semiquincentennial, the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America’s (and Delaware’s) independence. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Delaware’s unique history and its contributions over the course of the nation’s history. This is a story that begins millennia […]

The annual sign-up period for the Kent Conservation District’s popular Cover Crop Cost-Share Program – funded in part by DNREC – has opened and runs through Aug. 30. The program helps Kent County farmers offset seed, labor, and equipment costs when planting fall cover crops that help protect local water quality, build healthy soils, and capture carbon from the atmosphere.

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 […]

Attorney General Kathy Jennings released today the following statement on the Supreme Court of the United States’ ruling in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma: “Today the Supreme Court issued a ruling that jeopardizes a $45 million opioid settlement that Delaware reached with Sackler family. While this represents a setback for us, we are not giving up. […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued the following statement on the Delaware Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of absentee and early voting: “I’ve always believed that we should make it easier, not harder, for Delawareans to exercise their fundamental right to vote. I’m pleased that the Supreme Court has unanimously confirmed that Delaware […]

Seven sites will benefit from 21st Century Community Learning Center grants to establish or expand community learning centers that provide students with enrichment opportunities when school is not in session. 

NEW CASTLE (July 8, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) is conducting a series of town hall meetings in July with Delaware residents who are interested in learning more about the child support process in the State. The discussion will address subjects such as how […]

Fourteen districts or charter schools will benefit from McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Education for Homeless Children and Youth grants to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence.

DNREC is seeking volunteers to join the 37th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 45+ sites to help keep the state’s beaches and waterways clean.

The Delaware State Fire Commission has recently announced the implementation of new updated emergency medical services (EMS) protocols aimed at improving healthcare response in critical situations. These protocols were established after extensive consultations with medical professionals, emergency responders, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. The objective is to ensure a consistent and standardized approach […]

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.

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.

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, […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

A series of community engagement sessions in late October is planned to gather input on updating the state’s Climate Action Plan.

Photo Caption: From left to right: Anna McDermott of the Food Bank of Delaware, State Rep. Ed Osienski, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Cathy Kanefsky, Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO, and Megan Zavala of the Food Bank of Delaware pose for a photo in front of the Hurricane Helene donation to impacted areas.  NEWARK, […]

Under Lt. Governor Hall-Long’s leadership, efficiencies to the Board of Pardons have significantly reduced wait times, streamlined processes and ultimately help Delawareans achieve stability in all aspects of life    DOVER, Del. – More Delawareans have been recommended for and been granted a pardon or commutation during the past eight years than at any point […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued a statewide drought watch after receiving guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC). Delawareans are asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor uses of water during the drought watch. This decision follows an assessment of conditions by the WSCC on October 25. The drought watch will remain in effect until […]

Delaware's five public housing authorities (PHA) and AffordableHousing.com have partnered to simplify the housing assistance application process. Applicants will soon be able to submit and manage waiting list applications for all participating PHAs through a single, centralized platform.

Kindergarteners across Delaware are participating in the Kindergarten Oral Health Screening Program for the first time this school year, provided by the Bureau of Oral Health and Dental Services (BOHDS) within the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). This new annual program is intended to improve the oral health of Delaware children and prepare them for […]

Following the recent public license lottery held by the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) on October 24, 2024, the OMC is pleased to announce the official list of applicants selected to participate in Delaware’s regulated marijuana industry. This lottery marked a key step in the OMC’s fair and transparent licensing process. The OMC has […]