DNREC reports brisk sales on first day to purchase surf fishing permits

Seal season starts in Delaware in the winter, and last year the MERR Institute, responsible for seal monitoring and rescue, had 185 reported sightings. Delaware’s seal population is migratory, but in the last decade MERR has been monitoring an emerging colony of seals. Rather than seals being born in...

The Delaware River and Bay Authority is going ahead with plans to build a new Ship Collision Protection System for the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The new system will protect the tower structure of the bridge in the event that a ship loses control and causes a collision. Delaware River and...

DelDOT leadership briefed the State Council for Persons with Disabilities on its efforts to remedy ongoing problems with paratransit services this week. DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski says demand for paratransit, which offers an alternative to fixed-route transit for people with disabilities, fell sharply during the pandemic. But as demand approaches pre-pandemic levels, DelDOT has dozens of vacant paratransit driver positions, especially in New Castle County. Majeski says the driver shortage creates a crisis for both customers and remaining employees.

The Senate Health and Social Services Committee met to discuss retesting for lead in Delaware’s public schools. Education Secretary Mark Holodick says retesting of water in Delaware schools will cost between $1.2 and $1.5 million, not including the cost of repairs and replacing equipment. The money will come from the state General Fund.

The American Lung Association’s report shows Delaware has made strides in the past year in its efforts to end tobacco use. But American Lung Association Chief Mission Officer Deb Brown says it’s important to remember the scope of the issue. “Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable...

Gov. John Carney outlined his proposal for a nearly $5.5 billion 2024 operating budget on Thursday, debuting new plans for tax relief and investments in housing and early childhood education. Carney’s budget proposal marks a 7.4% increase over the current budget – nearly twice the normal rate of increase, though...

Gov. John Carney’s call for historic funding for housing in his 2024 budget caught the eye of both Democrats and Republicans in Legislative Hall. The nearly $5.5 billion budget includes over $101 million for affordable housing initiatives, which would be spread throughout the state. State Sen. Tizzy Lockman (D-Wilmington)...

A proposal to rework Delaware’s redistricting process failed in the House Administration Committee on Tuesday morning. State Rep. Michael Smith (R-Pike Creek) and fellow Republican lawmakers argue Delaware’s current redistricting process is effectively controlled by the majority caucus in both chambers — in Delaware's case, Democratic lawmakers. Smith contends the process is inherently political, and placing both caucuses on equal footing while redrawing districts would provide a fairer outcome.