Joe Ciccanti
On the final day of the legislative session, the Delaware General Assembly approved a $1.25 billion bond bill for Fiscal Year 2027, funding infrastructure, education, housing, economic development, and environmental projects statewide. The spending plan in House Bill 500 includes $273.3 million for road projects, $235 million for school construction, $24.6 million for economic development…
In the early hours of July 1st, the Senate approved the $99.4 million Fiscal Year 2027 Grants-in-Aid bill, securing essential services funding to support the operation of senior centers, nonprofit organizations, fire companies, and veterans organizations throughout the First State. The bill includes more than $22 million for statewide paramedic services, $15.5 million for fire…
UPDATE (Friday, June 26th): The Sussex County Land Trust celebrated its 25th Anniversary year on Friday. The Talk of Delmarva’s Joe Ciccanti has more… Original Post: Sussex County Land Trust Executive Director Sara Bluhm tells the Talk of Delmarva that the public is invited at 12:30 PM to hear presentations on highlights regarding the…
Easton Airport is on schedule to open ALL Runways tomorrow morning, June 26th at 7:00 AM for normal operations. Some taxiway closures will take effect, causing minor operational impacts over the coming weeks as final grading work for the airfield improvement project is completed. However, at this time, no runway closures are planned for the…
Drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump as the national gas price average declines for the fifth consecutive week. Today’s national average is $3.91 per gallon. Crude oil prices have also continued to fall as the U.S. and Iran work toward a long-term deal. Despite lower prices, demand could rise as a record…
A 21-year-old Centreville, Maryland woman has been arrested for reporting a sexual assault that police determined never happened. The Laurel PD Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) investigated the reported assault on Delaware Avenue in Laurel, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred. According to police, Alexis Hawkins reported that she had been sexually assaulted…
A fire that occurred at a residential outbuilding/barn in Caroline County on Bridgetown Road in Henderson early yesterday afternoon is under investigation. The cause and origin of the blaze is not known at this time. Damage was estimated at $50,000. Five farm raised ducks perished in the fire. Anyone with information regarding this fire should…
Delaware students brought home six national championships at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta earlier this month, also earning 44 industry-recognized Skill Point Certificates. According to the Delaware Department of Education, a record 119 students and advisors represented the First State, demonstrating the knowledge, technical skills, and professionalism that prepare students…
In Dewey Beach, the new Town Hall & Public Safety Building (Phase I) is progressing well with painting, flooring, and carpet currently being installed. The contractor thinks town officials may be able to move in around August 1st, according to a statement from Town Manager Bill Zolper in the Town’s Monthly Newsletter. Once they have…
A bill related to firearm safety has passed the Delaware Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature. House Bill 141, the primary sponsor of which is State Representative Kimberly Williams, requires firearm buyers to review and sign a Firearm Responsibilities Notice before purchasing a gun. The notice, to be developed by the Department of Safety…
A 35-year-old Laurel man was taken into custody after police officers conducted a traffic stop related to a suspected DUI investigation. The traffic stop was conducted on June 19th shortly before midnight. A records check revealed that Joe Smith had two active capias warrants. When officers informed him of the warrants and attempted to take…
Worcester County’s 2026 Drinking Water Quality Reports are now available online. Also known as Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), these annual reports inform residents and visitors alike about local drinking water sources, water quality testing results, and how the County works to provide safe, reliable drinking water. The link is: https://www.worcestermd.gov/departments/publicworks/water/quality. Residents served by Worcester County…
A Delaware bill aimed at tightening fireworks laws has passed the Senate. Officials say the state’s current regulations have led to widespread confusion, with many people using fireworks outside legally permitted days without realizing they are breaking the law, while others face penalties too small to deter violations. The result has been ongoing neighborhood disturbances,…
The Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) has arrested a 60-year-old Dover woman on charges stemming from an unlicensed wine manufacturing operation conducted through Pale Moon Wine LLC. The investigation began after the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission notified DATE that products from Pale Moon Wine LLC were being sold at establishments…
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is once again asking Delawareans to help with the state’s annual wild turkey productivity survey. The survey helps DNREC wildlife biologists monitor turkey populations and reproductive success across the state, helping ensure the continued success of Delaware’s wild turkey restoration efforts. From July 1st through August 31st,…
U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride of Delaware and Mike Lawler of New York have introduced the bipartisan Stop Scamming Americans Act, aimed at helping U.S. diplomats identify and combat overseas scam operations that target Americans. McBride says the legislation would hold foreign governments accountable when they enable criminal organizations that steal personal and financial information, often…
AAA projects that nearly 209,000 Delawareans will travel 50 miles or more during the Independence Day holiday period, about the same as last year. The holiday travel period runs for nine days, from Saturday, June 27th through Sunday, July 5th. The vast majority of travelers — nearly 185,000 Delawareans, or more than 88% — are…
Delaware State Police arrested 19-year-old Aveion Edwards-Thomas and a 16-year-old male, both of Philadelphia, following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle in Kent County Wednesday night. Troopers spotted a Nissan Altima reported stolen in Pennsylvania traveling on South Dupont Highway near Walnut Shade Road around 8:30 p.m. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle…
The Delaware Senate has voted to approve a $6.99 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes funding for state employee and retiree compensation, public schools, healthcare services, public safety programs, and other statewide operations. The budget provides a 3% raise for state employees and additional pay increases for educators, while also supporting state…
Drivers are getting a break at the pump as the summer travel season heats up. For the first time since March 30th, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down to $3.99. This marks nearly 4 straight weeks of declines. Crude oil prices are down as the U.S. and Iran reach a…
Delaware State Police have arrested a 26-year-old Bridgeville man for felony gun and drug charges following a traffic stop Tuesday in Camden. On June 16th, at approximately 5:00 p.m., members of the Delaware State Police Kent County Special Investigations Unit were patrolling Berrytown Road near Willow Grove Road when they saw a Dodge Durango commit…
The Maryland Board of Public Works has approved funding to support the construction of bulkheads, piers, storm drains, utilities, and a boat ramp at Somers Cove Marina. This Marina plays a vital role in Crisfield and for Smith Island. Senator Mary Beth Carozza, who wrote a letter in support of the funding prior to approval,…
A bill providing state tax relief for tipped workers has cleared a House committee. The proposed legislation, sponsored by State Representative Jeff Hilovsky, would allow eligible workers to deduct up to $15,000 in tip income from their Delaware state taxes. The tax break would sunset at the end of 2029 unless renewed. House Substitute 1 for House…
DNREC opened the new Delaware Environmental Laboratory near Smyrna today with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. This state-of-the-art facility features scientific analysis of emerging contaminants such as PFAS, water quality testing and early detection of human and animal diseases in Delaware. Participants in the ceremonial ribbon cutting included DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson along with representatives of the state’s…