The Office of the Delaware State Fire Marshal reminds Delawareans and visitors that fireworks are prohibited in the State of Delaware, with the following exceptions:  Certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other nonairborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on July 4th, […]

DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Rare Disease Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, taking its first steps to address innovation and research, patient care, and affordable and accessible treatment therapies.     Delaware is one of 27 states with a Rare Disease Advisory Council. Established by Senate Bill 55, sponsored by Sen. Nicole Poore […]

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 […]

DOVER, Del. — As the 152nd General Assembly comes to a close, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Sunday highlighted historic investments in early education, protections for reproductive justice, and actions that support a safe, healthy, and thriving Delaware.    “As second in command for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of serving with […]

With new Delaware hunting licenses going on sale this week, DNREC announced the 2024/25 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide is now available in hard copy from license agents throughout the state, at DNREC's recreational licensing office in the Richardson & Robbins Building at 89 Kings Highway in Dover and in a readily referenced online edition.

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 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.

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 […]

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 […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced today the selection of four women for induction into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame for 2024. The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee received more than 50 applications, and the Committee selected four of the top nominees for their […]

The Smart Food Program, a first in the nation project, will save food waste and reach families in need by using an AI-driven app to match surplus food to SNAP demands    WILMINGTON, Del. — Delaware will be the first state to pilot an innovative app to help those hardest hit by economic challenges stretch […]

The Delaware Technology Student Association (DETSA) proudly announces the outstanding performance of its student leaders June 26-30, 2024 at the 2024 National TSA Conference held in Orlando. This year's conference celebrated the continuous advancement and innovation of youth pursuing STEM careers. Delaware students showcased their skills and creativity, achieving seven notable Top 10 placements across various technical and professional competitive events.

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.

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.

On Aug. 1, the Delaware Tourism Office will reopen the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund for applications. Established through the FY24 Bond and Capital Improvements Act, the fund provides financial support to new or existing sports facilities that hold events throughout the year to attract out-of-state visitors and contribute to the state and local economy.

DOVER, DEL. (July 24, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is now providing health equity training through the Health Equity Institute of Delaware (HEIDE). Led by the Office of the Medical Director and Office of the Chief Health Equity Officer, HEIDE helps providers and public health workers approach their work from a health equity perspective. […]

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.

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.

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.

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, […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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.

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.

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.

Delaware Treasurer Colleen Davis has announced the distribution of this year’s Aspire529 awards. Aspire529 is a program for youth in or aging out of the foster care system to help them pay for expenses related to higher education. This year’s recipients, two from New Castle County, two from Kent, and one from Sussex plan to […]

The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), in partnership with the Division of Small Business, officially launched the Delaware Agricultural Financing Program (DAFP) today. This new program aims to increase the viability of Delaware’s agricultural industry by broadening lending opportunities across the agricultural sector.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and Delaware SHA/SHIP Partnership Coalition are seeking public input on the draft 2023 Delaware State Health Assessment (SHA), a statewide assessment identifying the primary health needs of Delawareans. The SHA is conducted every five years and will inform the co-creation of a State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) with […]

MONEY MATCH is One of Several Ongoing Initiatives to Increase the Return of Unclaimed Property to Owners The second week of September means it is time for back-to-school, pumpkin spice lattes, football, cool fall weather, and the State of Delaware’s annual MONEY MATCH check program. This week, the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property will return […]

Twenty of the state’s top teachers will be honored at a celebration on Oct. 15, when one of them also will be named Delaware’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.   The candidates were nominated by their districts or the Delaware Charter Network during the 2024 calendar year because of their superior ability to inspire students […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Delaware 250 Announces Summer 2024 Grant Recipients September 9, 2024 DOVER, Delaware – Delaware 250 is pleased to announce the recipients of its summer cycle of grants. These grants, which support planning and programming for the upcoming United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, represent dynamic initiatives from across the state. The awarded projects […]

The Fire Prevention Commission was honored by a visit from Senator Carper on September 13, 2024.  This was an opportunity for the Fire Commission to celebrate Senator Carper and the years of support and dedication that he’s shared with first responders both nationally and in Delaware. Representing the Delaware Fire Service Center was the Fire […]

The OWAA's Delaware Women Status Report highlights advances in women's leadership and health while noting ongoing issues like wage gaps and high childcare costs. Read the full report at OWAA’s website.

Insurers approved to offer plans with benefits equal to or greater than the forthcoming state plan Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that the Department of Insurance has approved Delaware’s first private Paid Family Medical Leave plans. These filings, reviewed by independent actuaries and against state requirements, provide options for businesses who wish to purchase […]

On Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 10:30am, the Delaware Public Archives will present a new offering, “Tales from the Vaults,” that will present four unique spooky stories culled from the collections of the Delaware Public Archives. “We’re excited to share this special thematic Saturday event to the public,” said Stephen Marz, State Archivist and Delaware […]

The U.S. Department of Education today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of the National Blue Ribbon Schools, including two schools in Delaware. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.   

OHS encourages Delawareans to “love your neighbor” by consistently following safe driving protocols when it comes to speed, driving under the influence, and more.  DOVER, Del. (Sept. 26, 2024) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) recently kicked off an all-new educational and motivational initiative centered around a compelling call to action all Delawareans can get behind: […]

  New series aims to bring behind-the-scenes access to Delaware homes   Statewide (September 26, 2024) – Get ready to be inspired by the vibrant arts community in Delaware as the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with DETV, proudly announces the launch of “Arts Alive Delaware,” a new documentary TV series showcasing the […]

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