Good morning, Dover.

Delaware offers creative outings this month — including a tribute concert at Milton Theatre on Jan.

4, a film premiere in Wilmington on Jan. 8, and Dover’s Winterfest Downtown on Jan. 16-17 with ice sculpting, food trucks, and local shops.

Haley Holderman of Hartly became Delmarva’s 26th female Eagle Scout in under two years with Scouting America — she met challenging requirements by earning 21 merit badges, camping 35 nights, and logging over 102 service hours while leading a project that built 20 wood duck nesting boxes.

Delaware Labor Department officials said new staffing changes and updated case procedures lowered the unemployment claims backlog from over 7,000 to under 4,000 (a drop of over 40 percent).

They will continue improving the system in 2026.

Delaware Labor Department reduced its unemployment claims backlog by more than 40 percent, cutting open cases from over 7,000 to under 4,000 through staffing changes & new technology.

Officials said the department will continue improving claim processing in 2026.

Today, 120,000 Delaware SNAP recipients face tougher work rules as federal guidelines require adults ages 18-64 to work 80 hours a month or join a training program — several exemptions have been removed, so recipients must contact their case manager to maintain benefits.

Team DelDOT cleared snow along Kenton Road in December 2025 to keep roads open and safe throughout Dover, as shown in a photo by Jerry Hull.

Delaware received $157 million for rural healthcare access today as the first installment of a five-year $785 million grant.

The funds will support projects in Sussex and Kent counties including a potential medical school and Rural Hope Centers, with details expected in the coming weeks.

Delaware insurance officials urge neighbors to secure 2026 Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage by Jan.

15 (eligibility for tax credits applies). They advise residents to use verified brokers to avoid enrollment scams.

Veolia advises homeowners to prepare pipes for cold winter weather by disconnecting garden hoses, sealing cracks, and insulating water lines to prevent costly repairs.

Residents planning trips should keep minimal heat on or drain pipes to protect against freezing before storms arrive.