Good morning, Dover.

The Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program will begin their fifth funding cycle on Feb.

20 to boost access to healthy + affordable foods in food deserts, with an information session on Feb. 18.

The 93rd Dover Days Festival & Parade will take place May 1-2 at Legislative Mall and The Green downtown, featuring fireworks, live music, food trucks, maypole dancing and a free Kids’ Zone.

Vendor and float contest applications are open until April 22.

In FY2025, Delaware spent about $2.1–2.2 billion on public K-12 education by funding nearly $1.8 billion from the state operating budget (including salaries, instruction, and operations), $238.8 million in capital funds (for construction and upgrades), local property taxes, and federal aid to support schools.

DNREC reopened Indian River Bay for shellfish harvesting after a 21-day closure that followed a Jan.

15 wastewater release from Millsboro’s sewage system (the closure did not impact oyster harvesting in Rehoboth or crab, conch, and finfish extraction in the bay).

Delaware leaders passed House Concurrent Resolution 82 and will work with the Behavioral Health Consortium and local partners (including the Delaware Division of Public Health) to map out improvements for maternal mental health care; the final report is due by Dec.

1.

DRBA approved a $161.7M plan to improve travel safety and reliability at key transportation points — Delaware Memorial Bridge, Cape May-Lewes Ferry and regional airports.

The plan includes new ferry construction, terminal upgrades and an all-electronic tolling system set for late 2029 or early 2030.

Andrew T. Manus from Clayton urged state lawmakers and Gov. Matt Meyer to pause new data center projects — a move that may help protect our environment and control rising electric rates.

Other states are also reviewing these projects to decide if a hold is needed for careful policy building.

The Delaware Department of Correction opened free registration today for its enhanced community notification system that sends alerts by text, phone & e-mail; it will begin issuing facility alerts on March 1.

Delaware Preservation Fund is accepting applications for 2026+2027 historic preservation grants that offer property owners $2,000 to $5,000 for repair, planning, and research projects; applications close on March 6.

The Delaware Division of Public Health will host the Pathways to Thriving Summit on March 18 at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.

Up to 450 local leaders will discuss improving well-being by addressing root causes like safe housing, healthy food, and education through breakout sessions and group workshops.

Delaware basketball star Elena Delle Donne, a seven-time All-Star & University of Delaware standout, is among 21 finalists for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Her induction requires 18 of 24 votes and will be announced on Saturday, Apr. 4 on ESPN2.

Caesar Rodney High wrestlers reached the state semifinals after a 42 to 29 win over Milford on Wednesday, Feb.

11. Six regional teams advanced from the quarterfinals with strong individual performances.

14th Annual Delaware Tech Chocolate Run 5k

10 AM — Delaware Technical Community College - Charles L. Terry Jr. Campus — Check website for registration fees — Run for chocolate and enjoy a sweet community event.

PDOUS Live in Dover

10 p.m. — Le Boulevard Bar & Grill — $30 General Admission — Experience a high-energy Carnival Mashup night with PDOUS in town for the first time.