Good morning, Dover.

On July 21, Dover neighbors gathered at the Sankofa Cultural Arts Center for the 'Dover Voices Heard' town hall to demand action over rising gun violence and a lack of safe spaces for youth.

City officials, local business owners and advocates discussed solutions—while police reported an increase in firearm seizures and shootings earlier this year.

The Delaware Division of Small Business unveiled EDGE 2.0—a revamped grant competition offering $1.15 million for small businesses to buy equipment, rent space or hire website design services.

Applications are open from Aug. 8 to Sept. 5, and finalists in both entrepreneur and STEM tracks will compete for flexible funding.

Neighbors Organized for Credibility and Accountability in Policing has launched a citizen complaint pilot in Dover after City Council President Fred Neil criticized the police's approach to handling misconduct.

The group will collect and review complaints (without disclosing names) to document trends and work toward restoring trust in local law enforcement.

Delaware lawmakers approved amendments to create a public list of people who hurt animals—showing names, birthdates, photos and records—and stop shelters from giving pets to those on the list.

The law still needs the Governor’s signature and permits offenders to ask for early removal if they show they are safe.

Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation today that will help military families, veterans, and National Guard members access education, affordable childcare, and legal protections—steps meant to break down barriers for those serving.

He also declared July 25 as Hire a Veteran Day and awarded Chesapeake Utilities and Dover Federal Credit Union for their support of veterans.

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and John Cornyn introduced the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act, a bipartisan bill that would create a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center—providing technical help, security assessments, and research to protect state and local judges amid rising political violence. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate last year and has companion legislation introduced by Representatives Lucy McBath and Michael McCaul, with supporters saying it will enhance judges' safety and uphold the rule of law.

Gov. Matt Meyer ordered all state-owned buildings’ flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 28 to honor veteran 1st Lt. Raymond Firmani— a 103-year-old World War II B-17 co-pilot who flew 25 missions and died on July 20 after nearly a century in Delaware.

T.I. Concert at Delaware State Fair

7:30-10:15 p.m. — Delaware State Fair — Ticket price includes all fees — Experience the music of Grammy-winning artist T.I. in a vibrant fair setting.

Dover Women’s Connection Breakfast

9:30–11:30 a.m. — Maple Dale Country Club — $22 — Enjoy a morning of wellness and inspiration with a personal trainer and guest speaker.

Delaware Caribbean Carnival

11 AM - 8 PM — Legislative Mall — Free venue parking — Celebrate Caribbean culture with music, food, and family-friendly activities at the 2nd Annual Carnival.

Blue Hen Comic Con 2025

9 a.m.–6 p.m. — Delaware State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate all things comic, gaming, and toy-related at this local convention fostering community spirit.

2025 Delaware Senior Games

4 AM - 10 AM — Kent County Parks and Recreation — Varies by event — Compete in various pickleball tournaments and discover local courts and lessons in Dover, Delaware.