Good morning, Dover.

Delaware’s school choice application for the 2026–27 school year opens on November 3 at 8 a.m. and runs until Jan 14 at 11:59 p.m.; families can apply online at SchoolChoiceDE.org to enroll in any public, charter or vocational-technical school — each school may have its own admission flavor.

Delaware State University’s Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program celebrated its tenth year this summer by hosting 180 middle school students from across the state—marking a 350 percent growth since 2016.

The program ended on July 25 with a Shark Tank—style competition where students pitched an app designed to help unhoused individuals apply for jobs and will host open houses in fall and spring for continued hands-on learning.

Trap Pond State Park has begun construction on a 5,000 square foot Cypress Splash Zone near the Bald Cypress Nature Center.

The new water play area—funded by a state Bond Bill and Sussex County—will offer four zones for different age groups and will open in summer.

DHSS officials say SNAP benefits will be on hold starting November 1 due to a government shutdown and work requirement exemptions will change at that time—officials also warn against scams asking for EBT card details.

Delaware’s insurance costs may rise as Congress fights over whether to extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act during the government shutdown.

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro said insurers had already set rates based on the idea that credits would end — a factor that might push companies out of the state.

The Military Affairs Committee of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce invites community members to attend its annual State of the Base Briefing Breakfast — registration ends November 6.

The event scheduled for Monday will update attendees on base developments.

State leaders and energy experts met Monday in Dover for the first Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force hearing to see if Delaware should use nuclear power as demand grows.

The 25-member group will meet again on December 1 at Legislative Hall and deliver a final report by December 31—this assessment could reshape the state's energy plan.

Today, in Dover, the Blood Bank of Delmarva and Delaware EMS agencies honored National First Responders Day by celebrating blood donation programs that help save lives—showing how first responders support the community.

Georgetown Speedway will host the Mid-Atlantic Championship weekend on Oct.

31 + Nov. 1 featuring the return of the Super DIRTcar Series to crown its 2025 schedule. Fans in the region will enjoy an exciting double-feature motorsports event at the track.

The DIAA announced the girls volleyball tournament bracket on Oct.

26—Caesar Rodney earned the No. 1 seed and joins seven other teams with first-round byes in a 24-team event. The tournament starts with first-round games on Oct. 29—30, followed by rounds on Oct. 31—Nov. 1 and quarterfinals on Nov. 4, leading to semifinals on Nov. 6 and a championship match at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the Carpenter Center.

The DIAA announced the field hockey tournament brackets on Oct 27—Smyrna earned the top seed in Division I after a key win while Wilmington Friends secured the top spot in Division II with a 14-game winning streak.

The Division II tournament will start Oct 29 and the Division I contest will begin Oct 30, with semifinals and championships scheduled at Rullo Stadium on Nov 7.

Smyrna and Cape Henlopen High secured top seed positions in Division I field hockey yesterday as eight Henlopen Conference teams qualified for the DIAA state tournaments—teams will compete in upcoming matches for state honors.

Dover Market Fair 2025

8 AM – 4 PM — First State Heritage Park — Free entry — Enjoy a day of community festivities at historic Dover Green.

Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase

4-8 p.m. — Delaware Agricultural Museum — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate the best local brews, wines, and spirits at this annual showcase.

Holiday Shoppes Craft & Vendor Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Delaware State Fair — $7 admission — Explore over 300 vendors and enjoy delicious food trucks at this festive craft extravaganza.

Matron Series 2025 - Harness Racing Event

4:30 - 11:55 p.m. — Dover Downs — Various fees apply — Witness thrilling races featuring foals of 2022 and 2023 hosted by the Hambletonian Society.