rescue dog

Rescue dog on its way to be named official state animal

Betsy PriceGovernment & Politics, Headlines

The Delaware General Assembly did not go to the dogs Wednesday. The dogs came to them. Four lucky pooches who were up for adoption or had been adopted from shelters sat through part of a Senate hearing and then part of a Senate Session as Senate Bill 37, which would make the rescue dog the official state animal, passed in …

House Administration Committee meeting

Bill to create Delaware inspector general moves forward

Ken MammarellaGovernment & Politics, Headlines

A bill to establish an “independent and nonpartisan” inspector general’s office moved forward Wednesday in a Delaware House committee. The House Administration Committee also moved along a bill to encourage filming in the state by offering tax credits. The committee started discussion to create a constitutional right of a clean environment, but, citing time, continued discussion to Thursday’s committee meeting, …

Former Delaware Gov. Mike Castle Joins ABD Board

Bryan ShupeGovernment, Government & Politics

  Former Gov. and U.S. Congressman Mike Castle has joined A Better Delaware’s Advisory Board. A Better Delaware is a non-partisan public policy and political advocacy organization that supports pro-growth, pro-jobs policies and greater transparency and accountability in state government. “Gov. Castle is one of Delaware’s most distinguished statesmen,” said Chris Kenny, chairman and founder of A Better Delaware. “ABD …

Delaware Memorial Bridge sets a record for September traffic

Ken MammarellaGovernment & Politics, Headlines

Delaware Memorial Bridge (Delaware River and Bay Authority) The Delaware Memorial Bridge this year set a record for September traffic, the Delaware River and Bay Authority announced, with 1,506,880 vehicles. Continued strength in commercial traffic and passenger car volumes offsets weakness in daily commuter numbers, with so many people still working from home. “The Delaware Memorial Bridge has now set …

Newark assessing pavement conditions on all city streets

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Government & Politics, Headlines

Newark is inspecting street quality throughout the city. (City of Newark) Newark is performing a citywide pavement condition assessment and inspection project through Nov. 22. ARRB Systems will gather pavement condition data on all city-maintained roadways. The city will use this data to identify the streets most in need of repairs and to develop a multi-year paving and preservation plan. …

Newark Councilwoman Sharon Hughes, 68, dies

Ken MammarellaGovernment & Politics, Headlines

Sharon Hughes (Newark photo) Newark Councilwoman Sharon Hughes passed away unexpectedly on Saturday at Christiana Hospital. The two-term council member was 68. “Linda and I are in shock and devastated by the loss our friend Sharon. She was a humble and committed public servant and respected throughout Newark,” Mayor Jerry Clifton said in a statement released by the city. “I …

State to mandate masks in all schools, state facilities; more rules to come

Charlie MegginsonEducation, Government, Government & Politics, Headlines, Health

Gov. John Carney said Tuesday that masks must be worn by those over the age of 2 in all public, private and parochial schools, as well as childcare homes and centers. Carney also said state employees and visitors to state facilities must wear masks indoors beginning Monday, Aug.  16. This requirement applies to everybody, regardless of their vaccination status.  The …

General Assembly eases restrictions, allowing 25 people in gallery for sessions

Betsy PriceGovernment & Politics, Headlines, Health

A few members of the public will be allowed to sit in the gallery during General Assembly Sessions.   With the Delaware General Assembly in the last month of its regular session, rules have been changed to open Legislature Hall in Dover to the public in a limited way. The statehouse will require the public to sign up to reserve …

Correction commissioner to quit to oversee state stimulus funding

Betsy PriceGovernment & Politics, Headlines

Claire DeMatteis   Delaware Correction Commissioner Claire DeMatteis is leaving her job to become special assistant to the governor, a press release said Friday. In that capacity, she will oversee management of the federal stimulus funding received by Delaware and also assist with crisis management projects across state government. The job does not require Senate confirmation. DeMatteis previously had been …

Republican bill would stop UD, DSU, DelTech requiring vaccines

Betsy PriceGovernment & Politics, Headlines, Health, Schools

A bill filed by a Millsboro Republican would stop state agencies from requiring vaccines. File photo. A Republican representative has filed a bill that would prevent Delaware colleges and universities from insisting students be vaccinated to return to campus this fall. House Bill 209 filed by Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millboro, would forbid state or local governments including any entity receiving …