Sussex County Land Trust Named 2025 Dogfish Dash Beneficiary- Delawareans: participate in nation’s largest one-day food drive May 10
- Delaware sees 36% drop in drug deaths in 2024, outpacing national trend
- Delaware launches $13M grant round to combat opioid crisis
- KSI Appoints Education Leader Dr. Kristina Failing to Drive Community Engagement and Growth
- ‘Respect the zone so we all get home’, DelDOT urges for construction safety
- Investigation: man found dead after large outdoor fire in Milford
- Delaware Education Secretary appoints key leaders ahead of major school funding overhaul
Family-friendly Water and Nature Festival returns to James Farm Ecological Preserve
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‘The Price is Right Live’ coming to Playhouse on Rodney Square
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Bayhealth Neurologist Jessica Lowe honored as Delaware Woman of Impact for 2025
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Delaware launches new online dog licensing system to help reunite lost pets
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More News-P
- Bayhealth Honors 35 Graduates of Inpatient Nurse Residency Program
Bayhealth honored the newest generation of nursing professionals as 35 individuals graduated from its esteemed Inpatient Nurse Residency Program earlier this month. The year-long program, accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program, provides critical support and mentorship to nurses as they shift from the classroom into the high-stakes environment of acute care. The graduation ceremony, held April 3 at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, celebrated the dedication, growth, and success of the 35 graduates, all of whom are continuing their nursing careers within Bayhealth. Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse Executive Rosemary (Rosi) Wurster, DNP, RN, MPH, NEA-BC, FACHE, delivered the keynote address, offering praise and encouragement to the graduates as they embark on their professional journeys. Read More: ChristianaCare Physician Leader’s Husband Thanks Her Colleagues for Saving His Life Open to nurses with less than 12 months of acute care experience, the Inpatient Nurse Residency Program is designed to ensure a smooth transition from academic training to professional nursing practice. Participants receive specialized instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and guidance from seasoned mentors within Bayhealth’s Magnet®-recognized nursing team. Throughout the year, the residency spans several inpatient units, immersing new nurses in the realities of hospital care while helping them build skills and confidence in a supportive environment. All newly hired nurses who qualify are automatically enrolled in the program. Erica McPhail, MSN, RN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, Adult Inpatient Nurse Residency Coordinator, applauded the graduates for their commitment to professional development. “We are incredibly proud of this graduating class and their dedication to professional growth and excellence in patient care,” McPhail said. “Their hard work and commitment throughout this program will have a lasting impact on our health system and the community we serve.” Bayhealth’s continued investment in early-career nurses is part of its broader mission to advance healthcare excellence and serve the evolving needs of central and southern Delaware. New nurses interested in the program can email [email protected] or visit Bayhealth.org/Careers/Nursing to learn more.
... - Delaware reports steady progress in air quality despite wildfire setbacks
Delaware continues to make gains in improving air quality, according to the 2023 Annual Air Quality Report released by the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). The report, based on data from the DNREC Division of Air Quality’s statewide monitoring network, shows most pollutants remained below federal limits — though ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remain persistent concerns. The report highlights that in 2023, Delaware experienced 353 days — over 96% of the year — with air quality rated as “good” or “moderate” on the federal Air Quality Index (AQI). However, widespread Canadian wildfires during the spring and early summer triggered several days of elevated ozone and PM2.5 levels, temporarily impacting air quality across the state. READ: Doodles in Dewey back for 20th anniversary weekend of furry fun and fundraising “Even with environmental challenges beyond our control and coming our way as happened with wildfire smoke, Delaware’s air quality data continue to show steady progress,” said DNREC Division of Air Quality Director Angela Marconi. “This reflects not only decades of work to reduce emissions locally, but also our state’s ongoing collaboration in regional efforts to be key in delivering cleaner air and having a significant impact toward healthier communities.” Despite the wildfire-related setbacks, state officials say the long-term outlook remains positive. Air toxics in Wilmington, the state’s most industrialized area, remained low or declined further. Most pollutants continued to meet or fall below the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with the exception of ozone and PM2.5 — both known to be exacerbated by high temperatures and pollution from vehicles and industry. “The story of Delaware’s air is one of significant and steady progress over the years,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “We still have challenges however, ones that affect the health of both our people and the planet. That’s why we need policies, programs and tools in place to reduce emissions and pollutants and continue to make Delaware’s air even cleaner.” One point of clarification in the report addresses Delaware’s ozone classification. While New Castle County is listed as “Serious Non-Attainment” for ozone, DNREC says the designation stems from its inclusion in the broader Philadelphia Non-Attainment Area — not from local pollution. “Delaware meets all air quality standards and I have recommended to the Delaware Delaware petition to be removed from the Philadelphia non-attainment zone as we have done in the past for Sussex and Kent counties,” said David Stevenson, director of the Center for Energy & Environment for the Caesar Rodney Institute. “No action so far. Being in attainment allows approval of new business growth.” All three Delaware counties currently meet federal air quality standards for all major pollutants. The state’s monitoring system, paired with public communication tools like AirNow.gov and DNREC’s own air data portal (de.gov/airdata), allows for real-time tracking of air quality and health alerts when pollution levels rise. The full 2023 report is available here.
... - Doodles in Dewey back for 20th anniversary weekend of furry fun and fundraising
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time as Doodles in Dewey returns April 25–27 to celebrate its 20th year of fluffy festivities, community spirit, and charitable impact. The annual event, hosted by PAWS for People, brings hundreds of Doodle dogs and their humans to the Rehoboth, Dewey, and Lewes area for a weekend of fun—all in support of healing pet therapy programs. The highlight of the weekend is the beloved “Doodle Romp,” taking place Saturday on Dewey Beach. Last year’s event drew more than 600 Doodles and over 1,000 participants from 14 states and Washington, D.C., raising over $38,000 for PAWS for People. “We are so pleased to once again host this spirit-filled event which provides critical funding to further our mission,” said Clarice Ritchie, executive director of PAWS for People. “The proceeds from the weekend will provide impactful, healing pet therapy visits to those in our local and regional community who need a furry, friendly visitor. This special Doodles event has been rewarding and fun for everyone involved: Doodles, their owners and PAWS!” Doodles in Dewey schedule Friday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. Doodle Costume Parade on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk (Registration at 4:30 p.m. at the Bandstand) Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doodle Romp on Dewey Beach (McKinley Street) The main event features beach play, vendors, shopping, and an auction. Sunday, April 27 at 10 a.m. Yoga on the Beach (End of McKinley Street) Wind down the weekend with a relaxing yoga session—with or without your pup. Throughout the weekend, “Yappy Hour” events will be hosted at various local restaurants. Registration is available online here. On-site registration is $15 per person for ages 13 and up, while kids under 12 and all Doodles are free. Dogs require a $5 Dewey Beach dog license, available here. PAWS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing comfort, hope, and healing through pet-assisted therapy. Their teams visit hospitals, schools, eldercare facilities, libraries, and more across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
... - Bikes, Bugs, and Spring Fun: Milford’s Bug and Bud Festival Returns April 26
MILFORD, DE — Spring will be in full bloom on Saturday, April 26, as Downtown Milford comes alive for the 22nd Annual Bud and Bug Festival. Running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this year’s festival promises a day packed with entertainment, local vendors, food trucks, and the always-anticipated People and Pet Parade — with a new twist. “This year we have changed it up just a bit,” said Neyda Albarran, Promotions Chairperson for Downtown Milford Inc., the organization behind the event. “We want to promote the fact that Milford is bicycle friendly, so we are asking children and adults to decorate their bicycles with spring-themed decorations. We also want to see some fun costumes.” In addition to floral bike flair, festival-goers are encouraged to dress in costumes inspired by nature. Participants can compete for prizes in categories like best “bug,” best “flower,” and best “tree,” with awards given in both adult and child divisions. Leading the whimsical parade will be Grand Marshal Charles Gray, known for his longtime leadership with the Milford Community Parade. The route begins in front of Studio You on Washington Street, loops around Penny Square, and travels down Walnut Street, ending at the Milford Public Library amphitheater, where prizes will be awarded. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy live entertainment at the amphitheater. The Dixieland Band kicks off the musical lineup at 10 a.m., followed by Colombian singer Rossei Trivino at 2 p.m. The Fuzaholics take the stage at 3 p.m., and DJ Dave & the Vibes Brothers will close out the day with 80s and 90s dance hits and karaoke. Families will also find plenty to do in the Kid’s Zone, which will feature bounce houses and games — all free of charge. “We have over 125 craft vendors as well as about 15 food trucks,” Albarran added. “We’ve set up two food courts to make it easier for people to grab something to eat, but we also encourage everyone to check out our local restaurants and stores that day.” READ MORE: Kids reel in summer fun with free ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ events To promote local shopping and dining, Downtown Milford Inc. is offering raffle entries for festival-goers who spend money downtown. For every $5 spent at participating businesses starting Friday, April 25 at 4 p.m. through Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m., shoppers can bring their receipt to the Downtown Milford table at 15 North Walnut Street to receive a raffle ticket. “Keep in mind that we have expanded our footprint,” Albarran noted. “Receipts from places like Not Too Shabby, Glasshowes, Big Oyster, or even Southern Delaware Golf Course count too.” The Bud and Bug Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Volunteers are still needed to help with various activities throughout the day. Those interested in lending a hand can fill out this form here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdz1pwSsRPx7Uue1RHoMHLWREiJ_vG4Fu6RaLBKFqJ3C1IFcg/viewform. For more information you can contact Downtown Milford at 302-839-1180 or 302-393-6808. As always, Downtown Milford Inc. invites the community to come together to celebrate spring, support local businesses, and enjoy all that Milford has to offer.
... - DMV urges residents to check REAL ID compliance ahead of May 7 deadline
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is reminding residents to ensure their driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID compliant ahead of a federal enforcement deadline set for May 7. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the deadline will not be extended. After that date, only REAL ID-compliant identification or other federally accepted forms, like a U.S. passport, will be accepted for boarding commercial flights, entering federal buildings, and accessing certain secure facilities. READ: 10 schools honored with Purple Star recognition for supporting military families REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs are marked with a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. According to the DMV, no further action is required for individuals who already have this gold star on their card. Those without a compliant ID can visit any Delaware DMV location—no appointment necessary—to upgrade. Required documentation includes proof of identity, Social Security number, two proofs of Delaware residency, and proof of any legal name changes. A complete list is available here and here. “With the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deadline of May 7, 2025, quickly approaching, now is the time to update your driver license if you plan on flying or need to enter a federal building. We encourage Delawareans to make an informed decision on whether a REAL ID is right for them and visit our website to learn more and make sure you have your required REAL ID documents before visiting a DMV location,” shared DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings. DMV Director Amy Anthony noted that Delaware began issuing REAL ID cards in 2009 and estimates that approximately 85% of Delawareans are already compliant as of March 2025. “Delaware was one of the first states to begin issuing REAL ID compliant DL/ID cards in 2009, resulting in approximately 85% of our residents being federally compliant as of March 2025. And remember, if you have the gold star on your license, you have your REAL ID,” Anthony said. Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was designed to enhance national security by setting minimum standards for license issuance and production. Once fully enforced, federal agencies will not accept IDs that are not REAL ID compliant for official purposes. Those without compliant identification could face delays, additional screening procedures, or be denied access to flights and federal facilities.
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