Delaware
Governor Carney Announces Delaware’s General Obligation Bonds Again Earn Triple-A Ratings and Attract Excellent Pricing – State of Delaware News
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday announced that the State of Delaware has once again received the highest possible AAA/Aaa ratings from the nation’s top rating services.
The State of Delaware received competitive bids on Tuesday for its upcoming sale of $359 million of General Obligation Bonds. The State’s bonds carry the highest possible ratings assigned by the nation’s major rating services – Fitch, Moody’s, KBRA and S&P Global Ratings – contributing to excellent results for the State and Delaware’s taxpayers.
“Delawareans deserve a state government that responsibly manages taxpayer dollars,” said Governor John Carney. “I was proud to work with then-Governor Tom Carper in the 1990s when Delaware first achieved a triple-A rating from the major bond rating agencies. Over the last quarter century — through good times and bad — our General Assembly and Governors worked hard to sustain our commitment to economic growth and responsible financial stewardship. I’m confident this will remain a top priority for Delaware’s leaders.”
Ratings are assigned based on criteria that include the State’s financial performance and management, overall debt load, and approach to long-term issues ranging from financial obligations to economic development trends. The highest ratings, Aaa/AAA, are granted to states that are best managed and prepared to meet debt obligations during periods of recession or fiscal stress. The higher a state’s credit rating, the lower its cost to repay bonds.
“Bond buyers continue to show a strong appetite for investing in Delaware. Despite a significantly higher interest rate environment today than just a couple years ago, today’s bids were very competitive,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “The State’s total interest costs on its new bonds is 3.51%. That’s an increase of about 40 basis points versus last year’s bonds, consistent with Federal Reserve Policy moves over the last year. State taxpayers also realized $6.1 million in savings by refinancing $77 million of existing debt.”
All three rating reports related to the upcoming sale noted the importance of the State’s responsible budget practices and debt management practices. Fitch stressed the “proactive management and institutionalized protections designed to ensure surplus operations.” S&P’s report commented, “the State limits tax-supported debt…and adheres to clearly defined affordability parameters and rapid amortization.” Moody’s focused their comments on “strong limits on appropriations … while allocating surplus funds to non-recurring projects.” All agencies continue to regard the ratings as “stable” underpinned by the state’s strong reserves and continued economic growth.
“Delaware’s financial condition has never been stronger,” said Treasurer Colleen Davis. “The Delaware Treasury in collaboration with the Cash Management Policy Board continues to monitor strong liquidity and reserves. This lowers the State’s borrowing costs and increases interest income available for critical investments in schools, public safety, and our quality of life.”
Proceeds of the sale will fund a portion of the State’s capital program as well as refund previous bonds to realize debt service savings. Closing on the sale and receipt of bond proceeds is scheduled for May 15, 2024.
Rating reports can be found at the Delaware Department of Finance’s website.
Related Topics: general obligation bonds, triple-A rating
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday announced that the State of Delaware has once again received the highest possible AAA/Aaa ratings from the nation’s top rating services.
The State of Delaware received competitive bids on Tuesday for its upcoming sale of $359 million of General Obligation Bonds. The State’s bonds carry the highest possible ratings assigned by the nation’s major rating services – Fitch, Moody’s, KBRA and S&P Global Ratings – contributing to excellent results for the State and Delaware’s taxpayers.
“Delawareans deserve a state government that responsibly manages taxpayer dollars,” said Governor John Carney. “I was proud to work with then-Governor Tom Carper in the 1990s when Delaware first achieved a triple-A rating from the major bond rating agencies. Over the last quarter century — through good times and bad — our General Assembly and Governors worked hard to sustain our commitment to economic growth and responsible financial stewardship. I’m confident this will remain a top priority for Delaware’s leaders.”
Ratings are assigned based on criteria that include the State’s financial performance and management, overall debt load, and approach to long-term issues ranging from financial obligations to economic development trends. The highest ratings, Aaa/AAA, are granted to states that are best managed and prepared to meet debt obligations during periods of recession or fiscal stress. The higher a state’s credit rating, the lower its cost to repay bonds.
“Bond buyers continue to show a strong appetite for investing in Delaware. Despite a significantly higher interest rate environment today than just a couple years ago, today’s bids were very competitive,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “The State’s total interest costs on its new bonds is 3.51%. That’s an increase of about 40 basis points versus last year’s bonds, consistent with Federal Reserve Policy moves over the last year. State taxpayers also realized $6.1 million in savings by refinancing $77 million of existing debt.”
All three rating reports related to the upcoming sale noted the importance of the State’s responsible budget practices and debt management practices. Fitch stressed the “proactive management and institutionalized protections designed to ensure surplus operations.” S&P’s report commented, “the State limits tax-supported debt…and adheres to clearly defined affordability parameters and rapid amortization.” Moody’s focused their comments on “strong limits on appropriations … while allocating surplus funds to non-recurring projects.” All agencies continue to regard the ratings as “stable” underpinned by the state’s strong reserves and continued economic growth.
“Delaware’s financial condition has never been stronger,” said Treasurer Colleen Davis. “The Delaware Treasury in collaboration with the Cash Management Policy Board continues to monitor strong liquidity and reserves. This lowers the State’s borrowing costs and increases interest income available for critical investments in schools, public safety, and our quality of life.”
Proceeds of the sale will fund a portion of the State’s capital program as well as refund previous bonds to realize debt service savings. Closing on the sale and receipt of bond proceeds is scheduled for May 15, 2024.
Rating reports can be found at the Delaware Department of Finance’s website.
Related Topics: general obligation bonds, triple-A rating
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
How to safely shovel snow
The Mayo Clinic has some tips for safely shoveling snow.
Gas the snowblowers and get those shovels out because snowfall is headed for Delaware.
Snow is forecast for this weekend with bitterly cold conditions then settling in through early next week.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, placed all of Delaware under a winter weather advisory and the Delaware Bay under a gale warning.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia and areas surrounding the city are under a winter storm warning.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the Delaware weather forecast for Saturday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 14.
Delaware weather radar
When will it snow?
A period of snow is expected the night of Dec. 13 through mid-morning Dec. 14, according to the National Weather Service.
This may start as some light rain or a rain/snow mix south and east of I-95 before quickly changing to all snow. Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early in the morning on Dec. 14.
About 1 to 5 inches of snow across the region is possible. While the location of where a zone of higher amounts can occur is less certain, the greatest chances for this is mostly across the I-95 corridor, the weather service said.
The snow will begin falling around 11 p.m. in Wilmington while snowfall will begin in the central portion of New Castle County by midnight and the southern part of the county by 1 a.m., according to the NWS.
The northern part of Kent County can expect snow to start falling around 2 a.m. and areas around Dover by 3 a.m.
Snow will begin in the southern part of Kent County and northern portion of Sussex County around 4 a.m.
Most of Sussex County can expect snow at 5 a.m. while the southern part of the county will see snowfall by 6 a.m. Areas around Rehoboth Beach can expect snow by 7 a.m.
How much will it snow?
That will depend where you are in Delaware.
A total of 1 to 5 inches of snow across the whole area. There could be a zone of 5-plus inches near I-95 into southern New Jersey and northern Delmarva, where snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour are also possible, according to the NWS.
Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early Sunday morning, forecasters said.
Most parts of New Castle County can expect up to 4 to 6 inches, while Kent County could see up to 1 to 2 inches in some areas. Sussex County should expect at least an inch, the NWS said.
Delaware snow forecast
Here’s an AccuWeather town-by-town snow forecast for this weekend in Delaware:
New Castle County
- Middletown: 3 to 6 inches
- New Castle: 4 to 6 inches
- Newark: 4 to 6 inches
- Pike Creek: 4 to 6 inches
- Wilmington: 3 to 6 inches
Kent County
- Dover: 2 to 4 inches
- Felton: 2 to 4 inches
- Harrington: 2 to 4 inches
- Milford (In Kent and Sussex counties): 2 to 4 inches
Sussex County
- Georgetown: 1 to 3 inches
- Millsboro: 1 to 3 inches
- Rehoboth Beach: 1 to 3 inches
- Seaford: 1 to 3 inches
Snow impacts
Here are some of the likely impacts of the weekend weather, according to the NWS:
- Snow-covered roads and slippery conditions possible the night of Dec. 13 and the morning of Dec. 14.
- Rain to snow could reduce the snow totals some. In addition, any pre-treating of surfaces would get initially washed away on the night of Dec. 13.
- Hypothermia or frostbite could occur with prolonged exposure and lack of proper clothing. Some impacts to infrastructure are possible the night of Dec. 14 through Dec. 16.
Windchills reach single digits, gale warning
When you’re outside shoveling, make sure to bundle up because it’s going to be bitterly cold Dec. 14 into Dec. 16.
Bitterly cold conditions will arrive Dec. 14 and continuing through early next week with the coldest time frame the night of Dec. 14 through the night of Dec. 15. Air temperatures on Dec. 16 stay below freezing across the region.
By Sunday night, the windchill will make it feel like 6 degrees in Wilmington, 4 degrees in Dover, and 5 degrees in Rehoboth Beach.
Many areas will not get above freezing from Sunday through Tuesday until a warming trend begins Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Peak gusts of 25 to 40 mph will be present Sunday into Sunday night which will result in very low windchill values.
Areas of blowing snow are possible, which may result in roads becoming snow-covered again and reduced visibility at times, according to the NWS.
Wind gusts between 35 to 40 knots are probable on the Delaware Bay and the New Jersey and Delaware Atlantic coastal waters along with hazardous seas. Areas of freezing spray are possible the night of Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.
How do I stay safe in the snow?
It is strongly recommended that you stay at home when it snows.
But if you absolutely need to drive, make sure you bear in mind the following safety tips:
- Drive slowly. Snow and ice can decrease traction on the road, so be sure to reduce your speed.
- Avoid using cruise control.
- Increase following distances from the usual two seconds to roughly five to six seconds, as it’ll take longer for you to come to a stop on snowy roadways.
- Make sure you have at least a half a tank of gas in your car.
- Make sure you have an emergency driving kit in your vehicle. Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.
If there’s a chance you’ll have to shovel your driveway or walkway this weekend, make sure you pay attention to the latest weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and boots, and drink lots of water.
Make sure you also pace yourself as you’re shoveling. Check if you feel any pain or soreness and have your phone close by in case of an emergency.
What should I do to keep warm?
With winter fast approaching, residents are recommended to take the necessary steps to stay safe as the weather turns cold.
This includes making sure your homes “can be safely heated” and you always have crucial items on hand in case of an emergency, including nonperishable and pet foods, water and medicine.
Delawareans are also encouraged to have a driving kit in their car this winter.
Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.
Olivia Montes contributed to this story.
Delaware
Search Warrants in Dover Lead to Arrests for Drug and Gun Offenses – Delaware State Police – State of Delaware
The Delaware State Police have arrested 39-year-old Neal Barnes, 52-year-old Anthony James, and 51-year-old Kevin Walker, all from Dover, Delaware, for felony drug and gun charges following three search warrants in Dover.
On December 11, 2025, members of the Kent County Drug Unit executed search warrants at three residences on the 60, 70, and 100 blocks of Vanessa Drive in Dover. The search warrants were obtained following an investigation of Neal Barnes, Anthony James, and Kevin Walker for the distribution of illegal narcotics from their residences. During the search warrants, all three suspects were detained inside their respective homes without incident, and a child was present in Walker’s residence.
During a search of Barnes’ residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately 2.76 grams of cocaine
- Approximately 99.76 grams of crack cocaine
- 9mm handgun and ammunition
- .38 caliber handgun and ammunition
- Digital scales
- Drug paraphernalia
During a search of James’ residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately 19.88 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 52.59 grams of cocaine
- Drug paraphernalia
- $2,472 in suspected drug proceeds
During a search of Walker’s residence, detectives found the following items:
- Approximately .69 grams of heroin
- Approximately .35 grams of methamphetamine
- Approximately 11.77 grams of crack cocaine
- Approximately 31 ecstasy pills
- Approximately 14 acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride pills
- Approximately 21 buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual films
Barnes was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $57,000 cash bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Felony)
- Possession of a Firearm/Destructive Weapon if Previously Convicted of a Violent Felony (Felony) – 3 counts
- Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
James was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $146,000 cash bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 3 (Felony)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Walker was arrested and taken to Troop 3, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on a $39,500 secured bond.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Felony) – 2 counts
- Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance except Human Growth Hormone without a Prescription – 5 counts
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Committing a Drug Offense with a Child in the Dwelling
Disclaimer: Any individual charged in this release is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
View All News Posts
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Crews and customers across the Delaware Valley are gearing up for the region’s first accumulating snowfall of the season, expected late Saturday into Sunday morning.
PennDOT says it has more than 100,000 tons of salt ready and plans to deploy over 400 trucks across the region for this event.
Road crews began brining operations Friday, which will continue through the weekend with plowing on Sunday.
READ MORE | Accuweather Alert: Light snow to blanket the region Saturday night into Sunday morning
“Maybe 1 to 3, maybe a little bit more depending on how the storm tracks,” said Brad Rudolph of PennDOT.
He added that timing is key with the snow beginning to fall on Saturday night, while many may be out and about, and with thousands expected to travel to Lincoln Financial Field Sunday for the Eagles game against the Raiders.
Preps underway for first snow of the season in Delaware Valley
“People are going to travel, they’re going to need to take it slow. We’re going to push back snow from travel lanes, we’ll make the roads passable. They may not be completely clear of snow and ice, something to consider,” Rudolph said. “We expect this storm to push out relatively early Sunday, well before that Eagles game, but we still might have some cleaning up to do. We’ll be working long after this snow is done.”
At Stanley’s Hardware in Roxborough, workers spent Friday unpacking boxes and moving thousands of pounds of salt and other supplies to fill commercial and individual orders.
“Our aisle is filled right now. We have tons of skids of rock salt, ice melter, shovels,” said Joe Jaconski of Stanley’s Hardware.
Customers were already stocking up.
“We have food, we have shovels, just had to get some salt just to make sure we’re keeping the sidewalks nice and safe for everyone,” said Matt Skomsky of Roxborough.
Customers were steady at Stanley’s Friday, and business is expected to pick up through the weekend, but managers say don’t wait to get ready.
“I recommend just being ahead of it. Try to beat the storm because when the storm comes, it gets very busy in here-the lines wrapped around,” Jaconski said.
PennDOT urges drivers to keep their distance from plow trucks and check the forecast before heading out.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Charging e-bike suspected in destructive Miami house fire
BU spoils Northeastern final game at Matthews Arena
Denver hosts Houston on 4-game home skid
WEST SEATTLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: As seen from two wheels
Nick Canepa: Latest College Football Playoff flap has me defending Notre Dame
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Video: At Least Two Killed in Shooting at Brown University
FBI ousts reinstated whistleblower over unauthorized media talks, ‘poor judgment’
EU dismisses Russia’s lawsuit against Euroclear as ‘speculative’
Multiple people shot near Brown University, police say
Inside Minnesota’s $1B fraud: fake offices, phony firms and a scandal hiding in plain sight
-
Alaska1 week agoHowling Mat-Su winds leave thousands without power
-
Texas1 week agoTexas Tech football vs BYU live updates, start time, TV channel for Big 12 title
-
Ohio1 week agoWho do the Ohio State Buckeyes hire as the next offensive coordinator?
-
Washington5 days agoLIVE UPDATES: Mudslide, road closures across Western Washington
-
Iowa7 days agoMatt Campbell reportedly bringing longtime Iowa State staffer to Penn State as 1st hire
-
Miami, FL1 week agoUrban Meyer, Brady Quinn get in heated exchange during Alabama, Notre Dame, Miami CFP discussion
-
Cleveland, OH7 days agoMan shot, killed at downtown Cleveland nightclub: EMS
-
World6 days ago
Chiefs’ offensive line woes deepen as Wanya Morris exits with knee injury against Texans
