Delaware
Delaware Republicans seek to limit governor's ‘unfettered’ powers
(The Center Square) — Delaware Republicans seek to limit the governor’s “unfettered” powers by requiring more legislative oversight and setting limits on emergency declarations.
One proposal filed by the Assembly’s GOP minority would require the Legislature to create a new joint committee on Oversight of Agency Regulations and enhance lawmakers’ oversight of new regulations.
Another would require the Legislature to reauthorize emergency declarations — such as those set by Democratic Gov. John Carney during the COVID-19 pandemic — every 180 days.
A summary of the bill says it intends to “require the legislative branch to reasonably restrict or confirm the executive branch in its exercise of emergency powers, thereby maintaining a balance or separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of state government.”
“State regulations can carry the weight of law, placing new restrictions, burdens, and costs on Delaware citizens, but Delawareans have virtually no ability to impact the regulatory process,” said state Rep. Jeff Spiegelman, R-Townsend, the bill’s primary sponsor. “While state agencies are required to publish pending regulations and solicit feedback, they are not compelled to make any changes in their proposals, regardless of public opinion.”
Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Cedar Creek Hundred, said the bill recognizes the need for the governor to act quickly in the event of an emergency or disaster but sets limits on that authority.
“If an emergency lasts more than 180 days, this bill would require the legislature to approve extensions of the governor’s state of emergency order,” Wilson said in a statement. “Through their legislators, citizens would have a voice in the renewal of emergency orders and the mandates they contain.”
Lawmakers cited a recent decision by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to set new regulations restricting the state’s sale of fuel-powered cars, trucks and SUVs.
Those rules require vehicle manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of new zero-emission passenger cars and light-duty trucks in model years 2026 through 2035.
State environmental officials say the rules will lead to more zero-emission vehicles on the road in Delaware, reducing gasoline and diesel fuel consumption and maintenance costs due to more fuel-efficient vehicles.
But Republicans have pushed back hard against the proposed regulations, arguing the changes would be an unfunded mandate on the state’s consumers, forcing them to buy expensive electric vehicles.
Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, has filed a bill that would block state agencies from setting similar setting regulations without public legislative input. He said the implementation of the EV regulations illustrates the need for limits on executive powers.
“The regulation was finalized despite overwhelming opposition to it,” he said. “When elected leaders display such a high level of disregard for the people they are supposed to be serving, it’s clear the system is dysfunctional and in dire need of reform.”
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:19PM
ASTON, Pa. (WPVI) — Summer camps are in full swing, and on Wednesday the Action Cam was in Aston, where kids are getting some hands-on learning at Delaware County Technical School.
Middle school students are exploring career pathways as they build, cook, design and create in state-of-the-art classrooms.
They are doing everything from carpentry to cosmetology.
By the end of camp, the kids will create STEAM-based projects that they can take home.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Across the State Trained AmeriCorps VISTA members will be on-site at 21 Delaware Libraries providing walk-in assistance for digital literacy
DOVER, Del. — The Delaware Libraries today announced the launch of a 10-week summer program aiming to support Delawareans on digital literacy.
The AmeriCorps Digital Literacy Specialists assist the public with computer and technology questions, including completing online applications, navigating websites, and building basic digital skills. As patrons become more comfortable, specialists can introduce them to the many free computer training programs and learning resources available through Delaware Libraries including in-person classes. This project is an initiative of the Division’s Social Innovation Team.
“Libraries are proud to expand their digital literacy specialist supports this summer with a presence in 21 Delaware Libraries,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware. “The digital landscape is ever evolving, and the Delaware Libraries stands at the ready to help Delawareans navigate AI, software skills, social media concepts, and more.”
There is no appointment needed for a meeting or to ask a question to a Specialist.
The Specialists are trained to support many concepts, including:
- Essential Software Skills
- Personalized Assistance
- Workplace Technology
- AI – Understanding & Help
- Basic Computer Skills & Classes
- Social Media Help
- Navigate Internet, Avoid Scams
- Using Tech in Daily Life, Device Help
- Learning Express, Northstar Certification
- And Much More!
Visit DelawareLibraries.org/Digital to view a full schedule of Specialists. For more services visit DelawareLibraries.org/GetConnected!
Delaware Libraries offer specialty library cards for every age group, including a My First Delaware Library Card for birth to age 5, a Super Library Card for children ages 6–12; a Teen Delaware Library Card for ages 13-17 and Delaware Library cards for everyone.
Sign up for a Delaware Library Card today! It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Online!
Instructions in Spanish are also available. (En el sitio web de las bibliotecas de Delaware se pueden encontrar instrucciones en español para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca gratuita de Delaware)
Programming celebrating the Delaware Libraries’ 125th anniversary will continue throughout the year.
Delaware
Talk & Film Bring Delaware’s Revolutionary Story to Life at Archives’ First Saturday Program – State of Delaware News
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Delaware Public Archives will host a special First Saturday Program featuring a presentation and a screening of a new documentary exploring Delaware’s pivotal role in America’s founding.
The event will begin with a shortened presentation of Independence or the Bayonet, examining the critical days leading up to July 1776 through the perspectives of Caesar Rodney, George Read, and Thomas McKean.
Following the presentation, attendees will watch Caesar Rodney’s Ride: The Story of Delawareans and the Declaration of Independence, a new one-hour documentary presented by the Delaware Heritage Commission. The film explores Caesar Rodney’s legendary overnight ride to Philadelphia and the important role Delawareans played in the fight for American independence.
This special program is part of the Delaware Public Archives’ ongoing Delaware 250 educational programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and highlighting Delaware’s unique contributions to the nation’s founding.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information about the Delaware Public Archives or to learn more about upcoming events and programs, visit archives.delaware.gov.
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