Joe Ciccanti

Governor Moore Announces $164M in Funding to Support Hospital Surge Care

By Joe Ciccanti / January 22, 2026

Governor Wes Moore has announced $164 million in hospital surge funding to support access to care amid high rates of respiratory illness in Maryland. The Health Services Cost Review Commission, an independent state agency that works to ensure access to high-value, affordable health care, approved the funding to assist hospitals that are strained by an…

Maryland expands Primary Care Program services

By Joe Ciccanti / January 22, 2026

The Maryland Department of Health is expanding advanced primary care delivery throughout the state. The expansion of these programs will help Marylanders access primary care more quickly, more effectively manage chronic conditions and reduce unnecessary hospital visits. Approximately 1.2 million Marylanders who are enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid could benefit from these advanced primary care…

Apartment Fire in Salisbury; Resident Displaced

By Joe Ciccanti / January 22, 2026

A resident has been displaced after an apartment fire occurred yesterday in Salisbury. The blaze broke out at a six unit, one story, senior apartment complex–on Taft Court–Apartment D in Salisbury. According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, the fire was accidental as a result of improperly discarded smoking materials.The smoke and…

Bill Introduced to Increase Delaware’s Child and Dependent Care Expense Tax Credit

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

Lawmakers have introduced House Bill 274 to expand Delaware’s Child and Dependent Care Expense Tax Credit, increasing the state match from 50% to 100% of the federal credit. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Ross Levin and Sen. Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, aims to provide greater financial relief to working families and caregivers facing rising care…

School Bus Driver Charged With Patronizing Prostitute

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

Dover Police have arrested a 62-year-old Dover man on charges of patronizing a prostitute earlier this month. While a local school district employee was reviewing video while investigating an unrelated incident on a school bus, the employee discovered footage showing the driver–Alvin Rohm– picking up a female in the area of Governors Avenue at Loockerman…

Affordability Package Introduced to Reduce the Financial Burden on Struggling Delaware Residents

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

State Representative Lyndon Yearick is advancing a package of four bills aimed at easing financial pressure on low- and moderate-income Delawareans. The proposals include: expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, doubling the retirement income tax exclusion for eligible retirees, increasing the Child and Dependent Care Credit for working families, and reducing realty transfer taxes for…

Governor Moore Releases Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Budget

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

Maryland Governor Wes Moore this morning released the Moore-Miller Administration’s proposed FY 2027 budget, focusing on three core priorities: protecting Marylanders, lowering costs for families, and boosting economic competitiveness. The plan includes nearly $900 million in cost-saving measures, no new taxes or fees, and reduces government operating expenses by $154 million. Key highlights include record…

Worcester County Commissioners Name Edward Welch New Procurement Officer

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

The Worcester County Commissioners have appointed Edward Welch to serve as the procurement officer with Worcester County Government (WCG). Welch, a military veteran, brings more than three decades of experience from his 32-year career with Perdue. Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young says Ed will be a major asset to the county, citing his professionalism, leadership,…

Cambridge Man Arrested Following Child Sexual Abuse Investigation

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

The Talbot County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 33-year-old Cambridge man following a rape and sexual child abuse investigation. Detectives say Everardo Rodas Juan Diego is accused of several criminal offenses against the juvenile girl in the Trappe area in April, 2025. Charges include second-degree rape, multiple sex offenses, sexual solicitation of a minor, assault,…

House Fire Displaces Four in Chestertown, MD

By Joe Ciccanti / January 21, 2026

Four people have been displaced following a house fire that occurred yesterday, January 20th  on Poplar Street, in Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland. According to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, an occupant discovered the fire and managed to safely escape the residence with her mother. The fire originated on the exterior rear…

Designated Warming Centers in Talbot County

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

Due to dangerously cold weather in the area, warming centers are in operation throughout Talbot county to provide residents with a safe place to get warm during regular business hours. Residents who are vulnerable to extreme cold and who do not have adequate shelter are encouraged to utilize warming centers during the hours listed below…

Legislation Filed to Protect Delawareans with Invisible Disabilities

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

Members of the General Assembly have announced new legislation that intends to promote equitable treatment for individuals with invisible disabilities in interactions with law enforcement. The legislation, known as “Eric’s ID Law,” filed by Rep.  Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, alongside Sen. Darius Brown, would establish the voluntary use of a butterfly symbol on state driver’s licenses…

Lewes Oncologist Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

A radiation oncologist who works with Delmarva Radiation Services and treats patients at Beebe Healthcare facilities has been arrested and charged with 25 felony counts of dealing in child pornography, according to Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. Dr. Samuel Birer, age 35, was taken into custody following an investigation by the Delaware Internet Crimes Against…

Governor Moore Announces $2.6 Million in Additional Industry-Led EARN Workforce Development Grants

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

Governor Wes Moore has announced an additional $2.6 million investment in Maryland’s workforce through the EARN Maryland program, aimed at helping businesses train workers and meet growing industry demand. The funding will support more than 100 employers and connect over 750 Marylanders with job training, industry credentials, and support services. Governor Moore said the investment…

Fundraising Foundation Launched in Lewes to Address Fire and EMS Funding Needs

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

In response to mounting fire/rescue calls and emergency medical services (EMS) costs, the Lewes Fire Department (LFD) and the Greater Lewes Foundation (GLF) have announced the creation of a dedicated fundraising foundation. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance existing funding appeals and to secure new funding sources to support the growing demand for fire response…

DelDOT Seeks Public Input on Delaware’s 20-Year State Rail Plan

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

DelDOT is asking Delaware residents to share their thoughts on the future of rail transportation through a new online survey tied to the 2025 State Rail Plan (SRP). The State Rail Plan will guide railroad policies, strategies, and investments for the next 20 years, covering freight rail, intercity passenger rail, and commuter rail across the…

Amendment Introduced Related to Hospital Budget Review Bill

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

Legislation–SA1 to SB213– has been introduced by Senator Bryan Townsend to amend the original bill pertaining to hospital budget review. The amendment exempts long-term acute care hospitals from certain budget review requirements, clarifies hospital financial reporting standards to the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board, and adds new accountability measures related to cost-containment agreements. It also…

Senator Blunt Rochester Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Delaware

By Joe Ciccanti / January 20, 2026

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend by attending and speaking at several events across Delaware to honor Dr. King’s legacy. She attended the Sussex County MLK Celebration Banquet in Georgetown, spoke at an interdenominational MLK service in Wilmington, and delivered remarks at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.…

Delaware State Police Arrest Seaford Man and Bridgeville Teen for Several Vehicle Thefts

By Joe Ciccanti / January 19, 2026

Earlier this month, Delaware State Police troopers and detectives began investigating multiple vehicle thefts throughout western Sussex County. Following the investigation into the thefts, police have arrested 22-year-old Antwoine Savage of Seaford and a 16-year-old male, from Bridgeville for vehicle theft and related charges, and 20-year-old Lamir Faison of Bridgeville for gun and drug charges.…

Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash in Milford

By Joe Ciccanti / January 19, 2026

A pedestrian was struck and killed this morning after entering the northbound lane of North Rehoboth Boulevard at around 6:30 a.m. as a 2024 BMW X3 was travelling northbound. Police and EMS responded to the scene and tried to save her life. According to Milford Police, the 81-year-old woman was transported to an area hospital…

Town of Dewey Beach Update on Infrastructure Projects

By Joe Ciccanti / January 19, 2026

The Town of Dewey Beach continues to make progress on several infrastructure projects. Town Manager Bill Zolper stated that construction of the new Town Hall and Public Safety building is advancing, with the roof now in place, second-floor framing underway, utility rough-ins being installed, and some drywall completed on the first floor; installation of doors…

Suspected Real Estate Fraud in Grasonville

By Joe Ciccanti / January 19, 2026

The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff received a report of suspected real estate fraud in Grasonville. The reporting party said they were contacted by an unknown individual claiming to be a private landlord offering a Grasonville home for rent at $1,300 per month and repeatedly requesting a $70 application fee before meeting in…

Laurel Man Sentenced in Child Sexual Abuse Case

By Joe Ciccanti / January 15, 2026

A 34-year-old Laurel man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty in November, 2025 to multiple felony charges, including continuous sexual abuse of a child and dealing in child pornography. A related case remains pending in Maryland. The charges Jesse Frank faces stem from a multi-state investigation that began in March…

Three Delaware Police Agencies Earn State Accreditation

By Joe Ciccanti / January 15, 2026

The Dagsboro, Ellendale, and Selbyville Police Departments have each earned state accreditation from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC). As part of the rigorous process, a team of DPAC assessors ensured all accreditation standards were met by completing a comprehensive on-site inspection, reviewing agency policies and procedures, and conducting interviews with department members. Department of…

Several U.S. Senators Send Letter to Tech Companies Demanding the Removal of Sexualized, AI-Generated Images

By Joe Ciccanti / January 15, 2026

U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester led seven of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to major tech and social media companies raising concerns about the rise of AI-generated, sexualized images, including those depicting minors, appearing on their platforms. The Senators asked about policies for removing such content, preventing its distribution, and notifying victims. Reports…