Good morning, Dover.

Heating and electricity costs rose this winter as Delaware ranked 13th for utility bills, according to Federal Reserve data.

Local households may face higher expenses as they prepare to keep their homes warm.

Delaware launched its new Paid Family and Medical Leave Program on Jan.

1 to allow eligible workers to take up to 12 weeks of leave for caregiving, parental, or medical needs. The program replaces about 80 percent of wages—with a weekly cap of $900.

Delaware law bans using hand-held devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops, while driving; drivers caught with these devices face a $100 fine for the first offense, with higher fines for repeat offenses.

Hands-free calls are allowed to help drivers keep their focus on the road.

Delaware’s Department of Labor has opened applications for its new Paid Leave program that lets eligible workers receive up to 80% of their weekly wages and offers medical, caregiver, parental and military-related leave while about 400,000 workers at 6,000 businesses may benefit.

In the past 25 years, Delaware’s anti-tobacco laws and campaigns have boosted indoor air quality — local health groups crediting the progress — even as vaping and nicotine pouches emerged.

Local health providers have expanded facilities since 2000 to serve Dover’s growing population, yet they still face challenges meeting rising demand.

Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson signed an extension through 2028 after an 8-4 season while running back James Jones entered the transfer portal.

UD quarterback Nick Minicucci said he will stay as former QBs coach Sean Goldrich left for New Hampshire.