Delaware residents will see widespread closures this Monday as the state observes Presidents Day, with government buildings, educational institutions, and financial markets shutting down while major retail chains continue normal operations.
For those planning errands or activities, it’s recommended to verify hours by calling businesses directly or checking their websites for location-specific schedules.
Here’s your complete guide to Monday’s closures and openings for Presidents Day 2026:
All federal and state government facilities will be shuttered Monday. Additionally, court systems and the majority of educational institutions will remain closed.
The federal holiday officially honors Washington’s Birthday, named for America’s first president George Washington, though it’s commonly referred to as Presidents Day. Many also use this time to remember President Abraham Lincoln, whose February 12th birthday falls close to the observance.
Financial institutions and U.S. stock exchanges will suspend operations Monday, resuming normal business hours Tuesday.
Major retail chains and most commercial businesses will maintain regular operating hours.
Delaware residents can enjoy free admission to national parks on Presidents Day. The National Park Service recently modified its free admission schedule, removing Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth from the list while adding Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14. The complimentary access continues for Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day weekend.
After igniting a social media firestorm with comments about extraterrestrial life, former President Barack Obama has moved to set the record straight about what he actually meant.
The controversy began during a rapid-fire question session with podcast host Brian Tylor Cohen, when Obama was directly asked about the existence of aliens.
“They’re real,” Obama responded. “But I haven’t seen them. And, they’re not being kept in Area 51.”
The brief exchange quickly went viral across social platforms, prompting Obama to post an explanation on Instagram Sunday evening to address the widespread speculation his words had generated.
“I was trying to stick with the spirit of the speed round, but since it’s gotten attention let me clarify. Statistically, the universe is so vast that the odds are good there’s life out there. But the distances between solar systems are so great that the chances we’ve been visited by aliens is low, and I saw no evidence during my presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with us. Really!” Obama wrote in his clarification.
The mention of Area 51 has long been a focal point for UFO conspiracy theorists, who have speculated about the secretive Nevada desert facility for decades.
The CIA finally confirmed Area 51’s existence in 2013, though officials made clear this acknowledgment had nothing to do with UFO crashes, alien beings, or faked moon missions.
Previously classified government records officially named the 8,000-square-mile facility after years of federal authorities declining to confirm its existence.
The installation has served as a proving ground for classified military aircraft projects, including the U-2 spy plane during the 1950s and the B-2 stealth bomber in later years.
BOSTON — Long before George Washington took the oath as America’s inaugural president, he was orchestrating a pivotal military operation that would shape the course of the Revolutionary War. Two and a half centuries ago, Washington was concluding the Siege of Boston, his inaugural campaign leading the Continental Army.
After colonial militias trapped British forces in Boston following the clashes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Washington to command their newly established army. The goal was clear: drive the occupying British troops from the strategic port city.
By this date 250 years ago, Washington was wrapping up nearly a full year of military pressure that had confined roughly 11,000 British soldiers and numerous loyalist supporters within Boston’s boundaries. His masterstroke came through dispatching Henry Knox, a young bookseller turned artillery expert, on a grueling winter journey to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to haul back dozens of cannons.
These artillery pieces, dragged across hundreds of miles through harsh winter conditions, proved decisive when aimed at British strongholds. Facing severe supply shortages and constant bombardment, British commanders chose to evacuate the city by sea on March 17, 1776.
According to historians, this British withdrawal — still commemorated in Boston as Evacuation Day — eliminated loyalist influence at a crucial moment, cut off British access to a vital harbor, and delivered a tremendous psychological victory to colonial forces.
“The success of the Siege of Boston gave new life and momentum to the Revolution,” explained Chris Beagan, site manager at Cambridge’s Longfellow House, a National Historic Site that functioned as Washington’s command center during the war. “Had it failed, royal control of New England would have continued, and the Continental Army likely would have dissolved.”
This campaign represented a crucial proving ground for Washington himself. Having left military service nearly two decades earlier after fighting for Britain in the French and Indian War, the Virginia surveyor and planter faced serious questions about his leadership abilities. His Boston triumph secured his position as commander-in-chief throughout the remaining war years.
Doug Bradburn, president of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, noted that Washington began building America’s first truly national military force, drawing militia members from Massachusetts down to Virginia. By war’s end, the Continental Army included substantial numbers of Black and Native American soldiers, creating the most racially integrated fighting force until President Harry Truman desegregated the military in 1948.
Initially, Washington — himself a lifelong enslaver who relied on hundreds of enslaved people at Mount Vernon — resisted allowing formerly enslaved and free Black men to serve. However, facing manpower shortages, Washington recognized that “there are free Blacks who want to enlist and he needs them to keep the British from breaking out” during the siege, Bradburn noted.
Expelling British forces from Boston also transformed Washington into one of America’s most beloved public figures.
“He comes to embody the cause in a time before you have a nation, before you have a Declaration of Independence, before you’re really sure what is the goal of this struggle,” Bradburn observed. “He becomes the face of the revolutionary movement.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian Rick Atkinson emphasized that Washington’s eight-plus years commanding troops prepared him for executive leadership. “Perhaps most important, it gave him a sense that Americans could and should be a single people, rather than denizens of thirteen different entities.”
Washington’s legendary status also spawned numerous false stories that endure today. The famous cherry tree tale — where young George supposedly confessed to chopping down his father’s tree, declaring “I cannot tell a lie … I did cut it with my hatchet” — was completely fabricated by an early biographer after Washington’s death, according to Mount Vernon historians.
Similarly, the persistent belief that Washington wore wooden dentures is entirely false. While he did use artificial teeth made from ivory, gold, and even human teeth, he never had wooden dental work, despite this myth being repeated by scholars well into the 1900s.
Beyond military and political achievements, Washington pursued diverse interests throughout his life. Mount Vernon records show he pioneered innovative farming techniques and championed westward expansion, purchasing up to 50,000 acres across several Mid-Atlantic states. After returning home, he constructed a whiskey distillery that became among the nation’s largest.
Washington’s relationship with slavery remained complex. While advocating for slavery’s eventual end and directing in his will that all enslaved people he owned be freed after Martha Washington’s death, he couldn’t legally emancipate all Mount Vernon’s enslaved population since he didn’t own them all.
For Washington enthusiasts, Presidents Day represents their biggest celebration. Originally created to honor Washington’s February 22 birthday, the holiday has evolved into a shopping event for many Americans. However, numerous locations still commemorate Washington’s legacy with special events.
This year’s tributes include a wreath ceremony at Washington’s Mount Vernon tomb, Continental Army demonstrations, a parade in Alexandria, Virginia, and even a month-long festival in Laredo, Texas, featuring carnival rides, pageants, air shows, and a jalapeño celebration.
WINDER, Ga. — A groundbreaking criminal trial begins Monday as prosecutors prepare to argue that a father should face murder charges for his role in his teenage son’s deadly school shooting rampage.
Colin Gray stands accused of 29 criminal counts, including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges, stemming from the September 2024 attack at Apalachee High School that claimed four lives. His 14-year-old son Colt allegedly gunned down two students and two teachers in what investigators describe as a meticulously planned assault.
This prosecution represents part of a nationwide movement where legal authorities are pursuing criminal charges against parents following their children’s involvement in fatal school violence. According to the criminal indictment, Gray provided his son with both a firearm and bullets despite having adequate warning that the teenager posed a danger to others.
Under Georgia’s legal framework, prosecutors contend this constitutes child cruelty, and the state’s second-degree murder statute applies when a child dies as a result of such cruelty.
The proceedings will take place in Winder, located in Barrow County where the tragedy occurred. While defense attorneys requested moving the trial due to extensive media coverage, and prosecutors supported the request, the presiding judge opted to keep the case local while importing jurors from neighboring Hall County. Jury selection concluded last week.
Law enforcement officials say the younger Gray methodically orchestrated the September 4, 2024 attack at the school serving 1,900 students in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
According to investigators’ accounts, the teenager concealed a semi-automatic rifle in his backpack, with the weapon’s barrel protruding and camouflaged with poster board, before boarding his regular school transportation. During the school day, he departed his second-period classroom, retrieved the weapon from a restroom, and began firing at victims in both classrooms and corridors.
Court testimony from a pretrial proceeding revealed that Colin Gray had presented the firearm to his son as a Christmas present months before the shooting occurred. Additionally, the father purchased an enhanced magazine to increase the weapon’s ammunition capacity.
Prosecutors have disclosed that the elder Gray was aware of his son’s disturbing fixation on perpetrators of school violence, including maintaining what authorities described as a shrine dedicated to Nikolas Cruz, who carried out the 2018 Parkland, Florida massacre. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation officer testified that both parents had discussed their child’s preoccupation with school shooters but dismissed it as harmless joking rather than a serious concern.
Evidence also shows Colin Gray recognized his son’s declining mental health condition and had contacted counseling services in the weeks leading up to the violence. In written communications about his son, Gray stated: “We have had a very difficult past couple of years and he needs help. Anger, anxiety, quick to be volatile. I don’t know what to do.”
A federal healthcare agency serving Native Americans and Alaska Natives will eliminate mercury-based dental fillings within the next few years, officials announced from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
For many years, the Indian Health Service has utilized dental amalgams containing elemental mercury to repair cavities and damaged teeth. Advocacy groups representing Native American communities and environmental organizations have long pushed for this change, contending that these materials expose vulnerable populations to dangerous neurotoxins, particularly those without access to private dental care.
These mercury-based amalgams, commonly called “silver fillings” because of their metallic appearance, have seen dramatic reductions in usage since the FDA upgraded their risk classification from low to moderate in 2009. Most dental practices have transitioned to plastic resin compounds, which offer both safety benefits and better cosmetic results.
By 2027, the Indian Health Service plans to completely transition to mercury-free dental materials. Statistics from the agency reveal a significant decrease in mercury filling usage among their approximately 2.8 million patients – dropping from 12% in 2005 to just 2% in 2023.
The Department of Health and Human Services, which supervises the Indian Health Service, cited increasing environmental and health worries about mercury exposure, along with international initiatives to eliminate hazardous heavy metals, as driving factors behind this month’s announcement.
“This is a commonsense step that protects patients and prevents harm before it starts,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated.
Kennedy emphasized that transitioning away from mercury-containing materials also fulfills the federal government’s legal obligations to the 575 officially recognized tribal nations.
The FDA notes that amalgam fillings may emit trace amounts of mercury vapor when installed, removed, or during activities like teeth grinding and chewing gum. The agency advises high-risk individuals – including expectant mothers, children younger than six, and people with neurological disorders – to avoid these fillings. However, both the FDA and American Dental Association maintain that current research doesn’t establish connections between mercury fillings and lasting health problems.
The World Health Organization has developed an initiative encouraging nations worldwide to discontinue dental amalgam use due to mercury exposure risks. In 2013, the United States joined other countries in signing the Minamata Convention, an international treaty addressing mercury’s harmful effects on health and the environment. Last November, treaty participants committed to eliminating mercury dental amalgams by 2034.
Although Kennedy’s 2027 timeline for the Indian Health Service exceeds the global target date, the United States still trails numerous developed countries that have already prohibited these materials.
“The rest of the world is light years ahead of us,” stated Rochelle Diver, who serves as the U.N. environmental treaties coordinator for the International Indian Treaty Council. She argued that Indian Health Service patients shouldn’t receive dental care that many practitioners now consider outdated.
The American Dental Association released a statement recognizing the decreased use of mercury fillings while maintaining they represent a “safe, durable and affordable material.”
Mercury usage in other medical equipment, including thermometers and blood pressure monitors, has also substantially declined over recent decades. While private dental practices have largely moved away from mercury amalgams, patients dependent on government healthcare programs often lack alternatives, according to Charles G. Brown, who leads the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry.
Brown noted that numerous state Medicaid programs still provide coverage for mercury-containing fillings as decay treatment.
“If you’re on Medicaid, if you are stuck in the Indian Health Service, if you were stuck in a prison or other institution, you just don’t have any choice,” Brown explained.
Nearly 4,000 Yemeni nationals living in the United States will lose their protected immigration status following a federal decision announced Friday by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Department of Homeland Security has canceled Yemen’s Temporary Protected Status designation, which had shielded Yemenis from deportation since 2015. Secretary Noem stated that her department conducted an assessment of Yemen’s current situation before making the determination.
“After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, I determined that Yemen no longer meets the statutory requirements for its TPS designation,” Noem explained in her announcement.
The Temporary Protected Status program provides safety for foreign nationals whose home countries face dangerous conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other exceptional situations that make return hazardous. Yemen qualified for this protection in 2015 as civil war escalated, involving Houthi rebels, the recognized government, and international military involvement. The ongoing conflict has created massive population displacement and a humanitarian emergency, with United Nations officials consistently highlighting critical needs throughout Yemen.
Secretary Noem defended the termination decision, arguing that maintaining protection for Yemeni nationals no longer serves American interests. She emphasized the temporary nature of the program in her statement.
“Allowing TPS beneficiaries from Yemen to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interest,” Noem declared, noting that the program was designed with built-in time limitations.
Yemeni nationals who benefited from the protection and lack alternative legal immigration status now face a 60-day deadline to depart the country voluntarily. Following the program’s expiration, federal authorities warned they may arrest and deport Yemeni individuals who remain without proper documentation.
Yemen’s government anticipated this policy change, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Ahmad Noman, who connected the decision to broader immigration enforcement efforts.
“The decision was not surprising in light of the U.S. administration’s policy of deporting immigrants living in the United States, whether legal or illegal,” Noman commented. He encouraged affected Yemenis to explore legal challenges, noting that “they can pursue legal avenues, as other Arab and non-Arab communities have done and succeeded in delaying it.” Noman added that Yemen’s Washington embassy is coordinating with officials to provide assistance.
This immigration policy change represents another contentious issue in ongoing national discussions about border security and humanitarian protections as the Trump administration implements stricter enforcement measures and reduces protective programs.
A 16-year-old girl from Chicago has passed away after courageously advocating for her father while fighting a devastating cancer diagnosis. Ofelia Giselle Torres Hidalgo lost her battle with stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma on Friday, according to a family statement.
The teenager received her diagnosis of the aggressive soft tissue cancer in December 2024 and had been receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Just three days prior to Ofelia’s passing, a Chicago immigration judge made a significant ruling regarding her father, Ruben Torres Maldonado. The court determined he was conditionally eligible for “cancellation of removal” based on the severe hardships his deportation would inflict on his U.S.-born children who hold American citizenship, according to a statement from Torres Maldonado’s legal representative.
This court decision opens a pathway for Torres Maldonado to obtain lawful permanent residency status and potentially pursue U.S. citizenship in the future. Ofelia participated in the recent court proceeding through a Zoom video connection.
“Ofelia was heroic and brave in the face of ICE’s detention and threatened deportation of her father,” stated Kalman Resnick, the attorney representing Torres Maldonado. “We mourn Ofelia’s passing, and we hope that she will serve as a model for us all for how to be courageous and to fight for what’s right to our last breaths.”
Torres Maldonado, who works as a painter and home renovation contractor, was taken into custody on October 18 at a Home Depot location in suburban Chicago. His arrest occurred during a significant immigration enforcement operation called “Operation Midway Blitz,” which launched in early September.
While receiving medical treatment, Ofelia recorded a message that appeared in October on a GoFundMe fundraising page created for her family’s expenses.
“My dad, like many other fathers, is a hard-working person who wakes up early in the morning and goes to work without complaining, thinking about his family,” she said in the video. “I find it so unfair that hardworking immigrant families are being targeted just because they were not born here.”
Despite her condition, Ofelia attended her father’s October court hearing in a wheelchair. Her family’s legal team informed the judge that she had been discharged from the hospital just one day before her father’s arrest so she could spend time with loved ones. The attorneys also explained that Ofelia had been forced to pause her cancer treatment “because of the stress and disruption.”
Torres Maldonado’s legal team filed petitions seeking his release while his deportation proceedings continued. An October ruling by a judge determined his detention was unlawful and violated his constitutional due process rights, leading to a bond hearing being scheduled.
A judge subsequently approved Torres Maldonado’s release on $2,000 bond, noting his clean criminal record as a factor in the decision.
According to his attorneys, Torres Maldonado arrived in the United States in 2003. He and his partner, Sandibell Hidalgo, are also parents to a younger son.
The Department of Homeland Security had contended that he had been residing in the country without legal status for many years and possessed a record of traffic violations, including operating a vehicle without proper licensing, lacking insurance coverage, and speeding infractions. The family has requested privacy regarding funeral arrangements.
Federal investigators have discovered what could be a crucial piece of evidence in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie who disappeared from her Arizona residence three weeks ago.
The FBI announced Sunday that DNA testing on a glove discovered in a field roughly two miles away from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson residence appears to connect it to a masked individual captured on surveillance footage outside her home on the evening she vanished.
Nancy Guthrie was last observed at her residence on January 31st and reported missing one day later. Law enforcement officials discovered her blood on the front porch of her home. While alleged ransom demands were delivered to media organizations, two payment deadlines have already expired without resolution.
Medical concerns add urgency to the search, as authorities report Nancy Guthrie requires essential daily medications. According to sheriff’s dispatcher recordings, she has a pacemaker and has been managing high blood pressure and cardiac conditions.
Security cameras recorded footage of the suspected individual on Tuesday, showing someone wearing a firearm holster positioned near Guthrie’s entrance on the night she disappeared. The masked person carried a backpack and wore winter clothing including gloves, long pants, and a jacket.
By Thursday, federal agents had classified this individual as a suspect, describing him as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium frame. Investigators noted he was carrying a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
The FBI stated Sunday that the glove found alongside a roadway had been submitted for DNA analysis. The agency received initial test results on Saturday and is now waiting for official verification of the findings.
Law enforcement activity intensified Friday evening when agents blocked off a road approximately two miles from the victim’s residence. Multiple sheriff’s department and FBI vehicles, including forensic units, moved through the secured area as part of their investigation.
Officers also impounded a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking area. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed this action was connected to the Guthrie case.
Forensic teams have recovered DNA samples from the property that do not belong to Nancy Guthrie or individuals known to have regular contact with her. Investigators are working to determine the identity of this genetic material.
All evidence requiring laboratory analysis is being processed at the same out-of-state facility that has handled testing since the investigation began, according to the sheriff’s department.
Federal agents reported finding approximately 16 gloves in various locations around the residence, though most belonged to search team members who had discarded them during operations.
Both the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and FBI have established tip lines and websites for public assistance. Several hundred detectives and agents have been deployed to work this case.
Since February 1st, the FBI has processed more than 13,000 tips from the public. The sheriff’s department reports handling at least 18,000 phone calls related to the investigation.
Officials have not disclosed whether any submitted tips have provided significant leads in advancing the case.
On Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies stopped and questioned an individual during a traffic stop south of Tucson. While authorities have not explained what prompted the stop, they confirmed the person was subsequently released.
That same day, deputies and federal agents executed a court-approved search in Rio Rico, located approximately one hour south of the city.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have utilized social media platforms to share multiple video appeals directed at their mother’s suspected abductor.
The family’s Instagram messages have evolved from emotional appeals to the potential captor, expressing willingness to negotiate and even pay ransom demands, to more desperate public pleas for assistance.
Thursday’s most recent video featured simple home footage of their mother along with a commitment to “never give up on her.”
Nancy Guthrie resided alone in the affluent Catalina Foothills area, characterized by widely spaced homes set back from streets behind lengthy driveways, security gates, and thick desert landscaping.
Savannah Guthrie spent her childhood in Tucson, earned her degree from the University of Arizona, and previously worked at a local television station in the city where her parents established themselves during the 1970s. She became part of the Today show team in 2011.
In one video message, she characterized her mother as a “loving woman of goodness and light.”
Savannah has spoken about how her mother kept their family united following her father’s fatal heart attack in 1988 when he was 49 years old, at a time when Savannah was only 16 and the youngest of three children.
NEW ORLEANS — Carnival season has arrived in New Orleans, bringing with it countless strands of traditional green, gold and purple Mardi Gras necklaces.
While parade-goers once treasured glass beads that were difficult to obtain, today’s celebrations feature mass-produced plastic necklaces from foreign manufacturers that float riders distribute freely. Though spectators often collect multiple strands during parades, many end up discarded on streets or thrown away. Following severe flooding several years ago, city workers discovered over 46 tons of these plastic trinkets blocking municipal storm drainage systems.
These necklaces have become an environmental concern, yet imagining Mardi Gras celebrations without them seems impossible. This challenge led the Krewe of Freret to take a bold stance last year by prohibiting plastic beads entirely from their parade route.
“Our riders loved it because the spectators don’t value this anymore,” said Greg Rhoades, who co-founded Freret. “It’s become so prolific that they dodge out of the way when they see cheap plastic beads coming at them.”
For this year’s festivities, the krewe has returned to distributing beads, but not the traditional plastic variety. Freret joins two other parade organizations in testing environmentally-friendly alternatives created by Louisiana State University researchers.
Graduate student Alexis Strain explained that these “PlantMe Beads” are manufactured using 3D printing technology with polylactic acid, a starch-derived material known as PLA. Each individual bead consists of a large hollow sphere filled with okra seeds, allowing the entire necklace to be planted in soil where the okra helps attract decomposition-promoting bacteria.
According to Kristi Trail, who serves as executive director of the Pontchartrain Conservancy, plastic beads create dual environmental hazards. Initially, they obstruct storm drainage systems and contribute to urban flooding. Subsequently, those that escape the drains flow directly into Lake Pontchartrain, potentially endangering aquatic ecosystems. Her organization currently plans to research microplastic contamination in the lake.
Environmental consciousness during Mardi Gras has expanded over recent years, with parade organizers increasingly choosing meaningful alternatives like food items, soap products, and sunglasses instead of disposable trinkets. Trail noted that while comprehensive data on these efforts’ effectiveness remains unavailable, recent grant funding should enable future impact assessments.
“Beads are obviously a problem, but we generate about 2.5 million pounds of trash from Mardi Gras,” Trail stated.
Strain conducts her research under Professor Naohiro Kato, an associate biology professor at LSU who conceived biodegradable bead development in 2013 following conversations with environmentally-concerned community members. Drawing on his plant biology expertise, Kato recognized that vegetation could serve as bioplastic source material and began exploring potential applications.
The laboratory’s initial biodegradable prototypes emerged in 2018 using bioplastic derived from microalgae. However, manufacturing expenses for algae-based beads proved too costly to compete with petroleum-based alternatives. Strain’s subsequent experimentation with 3D printing technology led to the PlantMe Bead innovation.
For the 2026 Carnival season, LSU students have manufactured 3,000 PlantMe Bead necklaces that they’re distributing to three parade organizations in exchange for design feedback and spectator response data.
Kato mentioned an amusing development: people have expressed appreciation for the PlantMe Beads’ uniqueness and desire to preserve them as keepsakes.
“So wait a minute, if you want to keep it, the petroleum-plastic Mardi Gras bead is the best, because this won’t last,” he observed.
The research team continues developing additional sustainable Mardi Gras solutions. Strain experiments with different 3D printing materials that decompose rapidly without requiring soil planting. Kato discusses partnerships with local educational institutions to transform bead production into community engagement projects, envisioning students creating necklaces while learning about bioplastics and plant science. He also continues investigating methods to make algae-based bioplastic economically feasible.
Nevertheless, Kato emphasized that replacing one plastic type with a less harmful alternative shouldn’t be the ultimate objective. He advocates for Mardi Gras celebrations to embrace waste reduction principles.
Rhoades confirmed that Freret shares this philosophy.
“In 2025, we were the first krewe — major parading organization — to say, ‘No more. No more cheap beads. Let’s throw things that people value, that people appreciate, that can be used year-round,’” Rhoades explained.
Among their most popular distribution items are baseball caps featuring the Freret logo. Rhoades regularly notices people wearing these hats throughout the city and reports that other parade organizations have taken notice.
“I really believe that we, and other krewes, are able to inspire your larger krewes,” he said. “They want people to like their stuff. They want people take their stuff home, and use it, and talk about it, and post it on social media, and say, ‘Look what I just caught!’”
A decades-long underwater mystery has finally been solved after researchers located the remains of a passenger steamship that disappeared beneath Lake Michigan’s waters more than 150 years ago.
The international organization Shipwreck World revealed Friday that explorers discovered the Lac La Belle approximately 20 miles from shore between Racine and Kenosha, Wisconsin. The find was made in October 2022 by a team under the direction of Illinois underwater explorer Paul Ehorn.
During a Sunday telephone conversation with The Associated Press, Ehorn explained the delayed announcement occurred because his crew wanted to create a detailed three-dimensional video recording of the vessel. However, harsh weather conditions and scheduling conflicts prevented diving teams from returning to the site until this past summer.
The 80-year-old Ehorn, who has pursued shipwreck discoveries since age 15, revealed he had been hunting for the Lac La Belle’s resting place since 1965. A tip from fellow wreck researcher and writer Ross Richardson helped focus his 2022 search area, leading to the vessel’s detection through side-scan sonar technology within just two hours of searching.
“It’s kind of a game, like solve the puzzle. Sometimes you don’t have many pieces to put the puzzle together but this one worked out and we found it right away,” Ehorn explained. The discovery left him “super elated.”
While Ehorn chose not to reveal specifics about the breakthrough clue, Richardson shared in a brief Sunday phone call that a commercial fishing operator at an undisclosed location had caught something distinctive to 1800s steam vessels. Richardson withheld additional details, citing the competitive nature of shipwreck exploration and concerns about revealing research methods to other searchers.
Historical records from Shipwreck World indicate the Lac La Belle was constructed in 1864 in Cleveland, Ohio. The 217-foot vessel operated routes connecting Cleveland to Lake Superior until suffering damage in an 1866 St. Clair River collision. After being salvaged in 1869 and restored to service, the ship resumed passenger operations.
The steamer departed Milwaukee bound for Grand Haven, Michigan during stormy conditions on the evening of October 13, 1872, carrying 53 passengers and crew members along with cargo including barley, pork, flour and whiskey. Approximately two hours after departure, the vessel began flooding uncontrollably. The captain attempted to return to Milwaukee, but massive waves overwhelmed the ship, dousing the boilers. Storm currents pushed the disabled vessel southward until around 5 a.m., when the captain ordered evacuation and the ship sank stern-first.
During the rescue attempt, one lifeboat overturned while heading to shore, resulting in eight fatalities. The remaining lifeboats successfully reached the Wisconsin coastline in the Racine-Kenosha area.
According to Ehorn’s observations, invasive quagga mussels now coat the wreck’s exterior surfaces and the upper passenger cabins have deteriorated. However, the main hull structure appears sound and the oak interior components remain well-preserved.
The Great Lakes contain an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wisconsin Water Library, with most still awaiting discovery. Recent years have seen increased urgency among wreck hunters due to concerns that invasive quagga mussels are gradually damaging these underwater archaeological sites.
This marks Ehorn’s 15th successful shipwreck location. “It was one more to put a check mark by,” he noted. “Now it’s on to the next one. It’s getting harder and harder. The easier ones have been found.”
Civil rights organizations led by the NAACP have petitioned a federal court to establish safeguards for sensitive voter information that FBI agents confiscated from a Fulton County elections facility near Atlanta last month.
In a legal filing submitted Sunday evening, the groups argued that Georgia citizens provided their private details to the state in good faith when registering to vote. The January 28th raid on the county’s election operations center “violated that trust, trampled on constitutional privacy rights, and created barriers to voting,” according to their court motion.
The civil rights advocates are requesting judicial intervention to “establish appropriate restrictions on how the government handles the confiscated information” and prevent its use for anything beyond the specific criminal probe outlined in the search warrant documentation. Their demands include blocking any attempts to utilize the data for updating voter registration lists, managing elections, or enforcing immigration laws.
Additionally, the organizations want court orders requiring federal authorities to provide a complete list of all seized materials, identify everyone who has reviewed the records outside the investigation team, document any copying activities, and detail security measures protecting the information.
Justice Department officials had not responded to requests for comment about the motion by Monday evening.
Federal agents executed their search warrant at the elections warehouse located south of Atlanta, collecting materials from the 2020 election cycle including: complete ballot sets, scanner tape records from vote-counting machines, digital ballot copies generated during the initial count and subsequent recount, plus comprehensive voter registration databases. County officials have separately filed their own motion demanding return of the seized items.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Fulton County, which serves as a Democratic stronghold and Georgia’s largest population center, claiming without supporting evidence that massive voting irregularities there denied him victory in the 2020 Georgia race.
According to the FBI agent’s sworn statement used to secure the search authorization, the criminal inquiry originated from information provided by Kurt Olsen, who previously counseled Trump during his efforts to reverse the 2020 election outcome and currently holds the position of Trump’s “director of election security and integrity” tasked with investigating the former president’s defeat.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law submitted the motion representing the NAACP, its Georgia and Atlanta chapters, and the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda. The filing highlights that this seizure occurred while the Justice Department has been pursuing complete, unredacted voter registration databases from states nationwide.
Federal prosecutors have initiated legal action against no fewer than 23 states plus Washington D.C. attempting to obtain comprehensive voter information. Department officials claim they need this data to strengthen election security measures, though Democratic leaders and advocacy groups fear the sensitive information could serve other governmental purposes. Multiple federal courts across various states have denied the Justice Department’s requests for these records.
“This pattern of pursuing 2020 election materials, particularly by the same agency now controlling them, raises serious questions about voter data privacy and security while further discouraging voting participation,” the motion states.
Entertainment industry leaders are speaking out against ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, over its latest artificial intelligence technology that they claim illegally uses copyrighted material and celebrity images without consent.
The controversial tool, called Seedance 2.0, enables users to create professional-quality videos simply by typing text descriptions. While currently restricted to users in China, the technology has already sparked fierce criticism from major Hollywood organizations.
The Motion Picture Association has accused the platform of engaging in “unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale.”
Charles Rivkin, who serves as chairman and CEO of the MPA, issued a strong statement Tuesday demanding action. “By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs. ByteDance should immediately cease its infringing activity,” Rivkin declared.
The controversy intensified when Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson shared a video created with the AI tool showing digitally generated versions of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a fictional battle scene. The post prompted “Deadpool” screenwriter Rhett Rheese to express his concerns on social media platform X, writing “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.”
The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA joined the criticism on Friday, releasing a statement condemning what they called obvious copyright violations. “The infringement includes the unauthorized use of our members’ voices and likenesses. This is unacceptable and undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood,” the union stated. “Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent. Responsible AI development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here.”
In response to the mounting pressure, ByteDance issued its own statement Sunday acknowledging the concerns while defending its commitment to protecting creative rights. “(We) have heard the concerns regarding Seedance 2.0. We are taking steps to strengthen current safeguards as we work to prevent the unauthorized use of intellectual property and likeness by users,” the company responded.
Federal investigators have uncovered genetic evidence on a discarded glove that may link to the masked individual suspected in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie.
According to the FBI, the glove containing DNA material was discovered approximately two miles away from Guthrie’s residence in a roadside field. Laboratory analysis was conducted on the evidence, with the bureau receiving initial test results on Saturday while waiting for final verification, officials announced Sunday.
Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31st and was reported as a missing person the next day. Investigators discovered blood evidence on her front porch. While alleged ransom demands were delivered to media organizations, two payment deadlines have already expired without resolution.
During the search operation, law enforcement recovered roughly 16 gloves from the surrounding area, though most belonged to search team members who had dropped them during the investigation, according to federal authorities.
This evidence emerged following the release of security camera footage showing a masked individual at Guthrie’s front entrance. The surveillance video captured someone wearing a ski mask, jacket, long pants, and gloves while carrying a backpack on the front porch.
Federal agents identified this person as a suspect on Thursday, describing him as a male approximately 5 feet, 9 inches in height with an average build. The individual was seen carrying an “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack with a 25-liter capacity.
Law enforcement officials have expressed urgent concerns regarding Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs, as she requires essential daily medications. According to sheriff’s department communications obtained through broadcastify.com, she has a pacemaker implanted and suffers from elevated blood pressure and cardiac complications.
During the early stages of the investigation, authorities had previously collected genetic material from Nancy Guthrie’s property that did not match her DNA or that of people known to have regular contact with her. Investigators continue working to determine the identity of this unknown genetic evidence.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced Sunday that his party stands ready to invest massive resources in Virginia’s redistricting battle, potentially spending tens of millions of dollars to secure four additional congressional seats.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Jeffries declared Democrats will commit “whatever it takes” to ensure victory in Virginia’s April ballot measure on redistricting.
This aggressive strategy represents part of a broader national battle over congressional district boundaries as both political parties pursue increasingly combative redistricting tactics leading up to November’s midterm elections.
The GOP, which maintains a slim House majority, has already implemented new district maps in states including Texas, Missouri, Ohio, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, California voters have approved a Democratic redistricting initiative.
Maryland presents another potential battleground, where some Democrats seek to redraw maps to eliminate the state’s only Republican-held congressional seat. However, state Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Democrat, indicated insufficient support exists in his chamber and confirmed no vote is planned on the legislation.
When asked about Ferguson’s position, Jeffries said he hadn’t spoken with the Maryland leader recently but would engage in discussions “at some point” if opposition continues.
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Democratic redistricting initiative can proceed to an April voter referendum, setting the stage for the high-stakes campaign.
“We’re striking back,” Jeffries explained to CNN. “We’re going to make sure that there’s a fair national map.”
The current redistricting wars stem from a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision that removed federal courts from overseeing partisan gerrymandering cases, leaving redistricting battles to individual states. Former President Donald Trump’s calls for aggressive Republican redistricting prompted Democrats to adopt similarly confrontational tactics.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina expressed concerns on CBS’s “Face the Nation” about his party’s ability to retain House control, citing redistricting challenges among his worries.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Political leaders showed no indication of finding middle ground Sunday in the ongoing dispute over federal immigration enforcement oversight that has resulted in a Department of Homeland Security funding freeze.
The partial shutdown started Saturday when Congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s administration couldn’t agree on funding legislation for the department through September. The disagreement stems from Democratic calls for reformed immigration enforcement practices following last month’s deadly shootings of American citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis.
With Congress in recess until February 23rd, neither party appears ready to budge from their stance. The funding gap impacts multiple agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, Secret Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection.
Despite the shutdown, ICE and CBP operations continue without interruption thanks to additional funding secured through Trump’s 2025 tax and spending legislation, which allocated extra billions for deportation activities. Approximately 90% of DHS staff will keep working throughout the shutdown, though without receiving paychecks — creating potential financial strain for thousands of workers. The nation experienced a record 43-day government closure last year.
Border czar Tom Homan stated the administration refuses to accept Democratic requirements that federal agents identify themselves clearly, remove face coverings during operations, and wear unique identification numbers.
“I don’t like the masks, either,” Homan said, But, he said, “These men and women have to protect themselves.”
Democratic lawmakers are also pushing for mandatory body cameras on immigration agents and requiring judicial warrants before making arrests on private property.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, argued Democrats are simply requesting that federal agents follow standard procedures used by local law enforcement nationwide.
“And the question that Americans are asking is, ‘Why aren’t Republicans going along with these commonsense proposals?’” Schumer said. “They’re not crazy. They’re not way out. They’re what every police department in America does.”
Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed willingness to support body camera requirements and enhanced training programs. However, he opposed demands for agents to remove masks and provide clear identification, citing concerns about harassment and doxxing of officers involved in immigration operations.
“What are you going to do, expose their faces so you can intimidate their families?” Mullins said. “What we want is ICE to be able to do their job. And we would love for local law enforcement and for states to cooperate with us.”
Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt, a Trump supporter who advocated for a two-week DHS funding extension during negotiations, criticized Democrats for abandoning discussions, calling their decision “shortsighted.”
Immigration enforcement served as a cornerstone of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, with promises of aggressive detention and deportation of individuals residing in the United States without legal authorization.
According to DHS statistics, more than 675,000 migrants have been deported since Trump resumed office last year, with the department claiming an additional 2.2 million have voluntarily left the country as the Republican president prioritized immigration enforcement.
“President Trump is not going to back away from the mission, the mission that American people said they wanted him to complete, and that is securing our border and making sure that we actually do interior enforcement,” Britt said.
The comments came during Sunday morning political programs, with Homan appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Schumer and Mullin on CNN’s “State of the Union,” and Britt interviewed on “Fox News Sunday.”
Delaware State Police are actively searching for two armed suspects following a Tuesday evening robbery at a Dover tobacco store.
Authorities responded to the New York Smoke Shop at 3150 North Dupont Highway around 10:00 p.m. on January 27, 2026, after receiving reports of an armed robbery. According to investigators, two men wielding hatchets burst into the store and forced the employee to open the cash register. The pair grabbed money and several tobacco items before fleeing on foot.
Police describe both suspects as males dressed in dark clothing who concealed their identities with face masks and wore gloves during the crime.
The case remains under active investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Criminal Investigations Unit. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to Detective D. Adams at (302) 698-8442. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Crime victims and witnesses seeking support can access assistance around the clock through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. Help is available by calling the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or by emailing [email protected].
A dangerous winter storm is barreling toward the Delmarva Peninsula, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Winter Storm Warning from 7 PM tonight through 1 PM Monday.
The storm is expected to bring 7 to 13 inches of heavy snow and sleet, along with up to three-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation across central and northern Delaware, northeast Maryland, and portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
“Travel could be nearly impossible,” warns the National Weather Service. Ice buildup on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread power outages and tree damage throughout the region.
Locally, New Castle and Kent counties in Delaware, along with Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Caroline counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, are all under the warning. The hazardous conditions are expected to severely impact Monday morning’s commute.
Officials strongly advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, keep emergency supplies including a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle. For the latest road conditions, dial 511.
The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 1 PM Monday. TV Delmarva will continue monitoring conditions and providing updates throughout the storm.
Dover authorities have arrested a school bus driver after surveillance video captured him engaging in sexual activity with a woman on his bus while parked in a residential area.
Alvin Rohm, 62, of Dover, faces charges of patronizing a prostitute within 1,000 feet of a school, residence, church or other place, as well as lewdness, according to Dover Police.
The investigation began when a local school district employee was examining bus video footage as part of an unrelated matter on January 6th, 2026. During that review, the employee discovered recordings that showed Rohm collecting a woman near the intersection of Governors Avenue and Loockerman Street before driving to Jerusalem Way.
According to Lt. Mark Hoffman, Dover Police Public Information Officer, the video evidence showed Rohm participating in sexual acts with the woman and exchanging money for those services while the bus was parked on Jerusalem Way.
Police clarify that Rohm was not directly employed by the school district but rather worked for a private company that provides transportation services under contract.
School officials immediately turned over the video evidence to Dover Police, who launched their own investigation into the matter.
Authorities took Rohm into custody on January 12th without any complications. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance bond pending further court proceedings.
The case highlights the importance of surveillance systems on school buses and the ongoing oversight of contracted transportation services in the Dover area.
WILMINGTON, Del. – Authorities in New Castle County are actively searching for a Maryland man accused of running home improvement scams targeting local residents.
Police have issued a warrant for 58-year-old Richard Kirchner, who lives in Elkton, Maryland. Kirchner faces charges related to several alleged fraudulent home improvement schemes.
The investigation began on January 14, 2026, when law enforcement officers were called to several homes along South Tupelo Turn in Wilmington’s Pepper Ridge Townhouse development.
According to the New Castle County Division of Police, their investigation revealed that Kirchner was connected to multiple fraudulent home improvement operations targeting residents in the area.
Anyone with information about Kirchner’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the New Castle County Police immediately.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting Thursday with a few lingering snow flurries through 7am, but don’t worry – any accumulation will be minimal. Once that clears out, we’re looking at a much brighter day with mostly sunny skies and a high of 36 degrees. Now, bundle up if you’re heading out today! We’ve got some gusty west winds at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph. That’ll make it feel quite a bit chillier than our actual temperature, so grab that winter coat and maybe secure any loose outdoor items. Tonight turns partly cloudy and quite cold, with lows dropping to a brisk 21 degrees – definitely a night to keep the heat on and maybe enjoy some hot cocoa indoors. Looking ahead to Friday, we’re in for a treat with full sunshine and a slightly warmer high of 38 degrees. Friday night brings increasing clouds with lows around 29.
Millions of Verizon wireless customers, including Delmarva subscribers, found themselves without cellular service Wednesday afternoon as the telecommunications giant battled a nationwide network disruption affecting both voice calls and data connections.
The service interruption began impacting users around noon Eastern Time, with frustrated customers taking to social media platforms to report their devices displaying no signal bars or emergency-only “SOS” indicators.
Verizon, which serves over 146 million subscribers nationwide, acknowledged the technical difficulties and stated that their engineering teams were actively investigating the problem and working toward a swift resolution.
By mid-afternoon, the wireless carrier provided an updated statement acknowledging the significant impact on customers’ daily activities while reaffirming their dedication to restoring normal service as rapidly as possible. However, company officials did not specify what caused the widespread disruption or provide an estimated timeline for full restoration.
The outage prompted emergency management agencies in major cities to issue public advisories. Washington D.C.’s emergency alert system notified residents about the nationwide service disruption, recommending that people experiencing emergencies seek help through alternative wireless carriers, traditional landline phones, or by visiting local police stations and fire departments directly.
Similarly, New York City’s emergency management office confirmed awareness of the telecommunications disruption and announced they were coordinating with various partners to evaluate potential impacts on municipal services and critical infrastructure.
While some users reported difficulties with T-Mobile service, a company representative clarified that their network was functioning properly. The spokesperson explained that T-Mobile customers might experience problems reaching people using Verizon devices due to the ongoing outage affecting the competing carrier.
AT&T also confirmed their network operations remained unaffected by the technical issues plaguing their competitor, with normal service continuing across Delmarva, and their other coverage areas.
New Castle County police are investigating after a teenage girl was wounded in a shooting at an apartment complex Monday evening.
Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the Paladin Club Apartments located in the 8000 block of Park Court around 9:16 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2024, following reports of gunfire.
According to initial findings from investigators, a dispute took place outside the residential complex that led to a 15-year-old female being shot.
The New Castle County Division of Police is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.
A Wilmington man is now behind bars facing numerous charges after Delaware State Police connected him to an armed robbery that took place at a local grocery store last fall.
Authorities have charged 36-year-old Charles Carter with robbery and multiple related offenses stemming from the November incident at La Oaxaquena Grocery Store on North Maryland Avenue in Wilmington.
The robbery unfolded on November 14, 2025, around 3:30 in the afternoon when two men walked into the grocery store and ordered an employee to hand over cash. During the holdup, one of the robbers aimed a gun at both workers and shoppers inside the store. While attempting to reach across the counter, the armed individual stumbled and accidentally discharged the weapon once. Fortunately, nobody suffered injuries in the incident. The pair escaped with store money and personal items belonging to an employee before speeding away in a dark-colored car.
Law enforcement officers quickly determined the escape vehicle was a black Hyundai Elantra bearing Virginia license plates. The following evening, November 15, 2025, around 9:00 p.m., Wilmington Police spotted and pulled over the sedan. The driver was identified as Ignacio Reyes-Hernandez, who was subsequently arrested by State Police detectives as one of the robbery participants. Further investigation led authorities to identify Carter as the second suspect, prompting them to secure an arrest warrant.
Carter’s arrest came on January 12, 2026, when members of the New Castle County Governor’s Task Force stopped a Toyota Camry in which he was riding as a passenger. Officers took him into custody without any complications. A search of Carter revealed 9mm bullets and six oxycodone tablets on his person. Additional searching of the vehicle turned up roughly 0.68 grams of crack cocaine along with a digital scale. Investigators also linked Carter to multiple theft cases at both Concord Mall and Christiana Mall. The remaining individuals in the car were also arrested on lesser charges.
Following his arrest, Carter was transported to Troop 6 for processing. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 11 for arraignment and is currently being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. His bail has been set at $78,280 in cash and secured bonds.
The extensive list of charges against Carter includes first-degree robbery, using a firearm while committing a felony, illegal firearm possession by a previously convicted felon, first-degree reckless endangering, two counts of aggravated menacing, wearing a disguise during a felony, three counts of second-degree conspiracy, felony shoplifting over $1,500, attempted felony shoplifting over $1,500, two counts of shoplifting under $1,500, two counts of third-degree conspiracy, two counts of controlled substance possession without prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Delaware environmental and public health officials are launching a new initiative to identify water infrastructure projects eligible for federal funding support.
Starting this Friday, January 16th, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will work alongside the Division of Public Health to collect proposals for water system enhancements. This collaboration marks the beginning of their effort to establish the 2026 priority rankings for both the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs.
Officials emphasize that any project seeking financial assistance through these programs must first secure a position on the respective priority lists. The state agencies will use these rankings to determine which water quality initiatives receive funding support through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act resources.
The solicitation process represents Delaware’s systematic approach to improving water infrastructure statewide, ensuring that the most critical projects receive priority consideration for available federal dollars.
The South Wilmington Wetlands Park (shown above in 2020) was designed to create a stormwater management facility and remediate and restore 22 acres of wetlands along the Christina River in the South Wilmington area. /Delaware DNREC photo
Delaware residents will be able to submit their 2025 individual tax returns beginning January 26, 2026, according to the state’s Division of Revenue.
While the filing window opens late this month, taxpayers will need to wait an additional three weeks before receiving any refunds. The state won’t start distributing refunds until February 16, 2026, as part of enhanced security protocols designed to protect residents from fraudulent activity.
State officials are urging Delaware taxpayers to submit their returns digitally rather than through traditional mail. Electronic filing significantly reduces processing times compared to paper submissions, which can experience delays.
The three-week gap between the start of filing season and refund distribution represents the state’s commitment to implementing stronger safeguards against tax-related fraud schemes that have targeted taxpayers in recent years.
A Delaware chef is heading to the world stage after being handpicked to serve Italy’s Olympic team at the 2026 Winter Games, according to The Cafe on 26’s Facebook page.
Maria Fraser, who owns and operates The Cafe on 26 in Oceanview as executive chef, received the exclusive invitation to prepare cuisine for Team Italy during the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The selection represents a remarkable achievement for Fraser and brings significant attention to Delaware’s restaurant industry on an international level. Being chosen to feed an entire Olympic team is considered one of the highest honors in the culinary world.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, will mark the first time Italy has hosted the Winter Games since 1956. The competition will take place across multiple venues in the Italian Alps, with events scheduled from February 6-22, 2026.
Fraser’s appointment puts the Delmarva Peninsula on the map in an unexpected way, showcasing the region’s culinary talent to a global audience.
This opportunity will likely provide tremendous exposure for both Fraser and The Cafe on 26, potentially attracting food enthusiasts and tourists to the Oceanview establishment. The recognition also highlights the quality of culinary professionals working in Delaware’s restaurant scene.
Sussex County Council has unanimously rejected a massive retail development that would have brought major stores like Costco and Target to John J Williams Hwy (Rt 24) near Rehoboth Beach, citing traffic concerns that have plagued area residents for years.
The January 13th decision blocks the Atlantic Fields project, which sought to transform 73.5 acres of agricultural land at the northeast corner of John J Williams Hwy and Mulberry Knoll Road into a sprawling 665,000-square-foot shopping complex.
Council members denied the request to rezone the property from agricultural-residential use to planned commercial district, effectively killing the $175 million development that also promised to include Whole Foods, Nordstrom Rack, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Ross Stores.
Ben Hoskins, president of Southside Investment Partners, had told the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission during September hearings that the project would create approximately 1,750 permanent positions.
However, traffic impact studies revealed the development would generate more than 26,000 additional daily vehicle trips on a stretch of Route 24 that already handles nearly 19,000 vehicles year-round and over 23,700 during busy summer months.
The traffic concerns have been a persistent source of frustration for local residents, particularly since John J Williams Hwy narrows to just two lanes west of the proposed site, creating bottlenecks near two area schools. Making matters worse, the Delaware Department of Transportation has no set timeline for planned road improvements, including expanding the Love Creek Bridge.
While DelDOT had required traffic studies that led to proposed road improvements costing between $3 million and $4 million, including upgrades to Mulberry Knoll Road and John J Williams Hwy near the development site, these measures weren’t enough to address community concerns about safety and congestion around nearby schools.
The rejection represents a significant victory for residents who have long complained about deteriorating traffic conditions on this crucial corridor connecting inland communities to Delaware’s popular coastal destinations.
Nine years after a deadly shooting claimed two lives at a Newark apartment complex, investigators are still working to solve the double homicide that shocked the local community.
La’Hmeer Carter, age 20, and Brian Eller, age 32, were both fatally shot on January 12, 2015, at the Vinings at Christiana Apartments located on Vinings Way in Newark.
New Castle County Police officers arrived at the apartment complex at around 7:18 that evening after receiving reports of the shooting. The incident occurred in the 19702 zip code area of Newark.
Despite nearly a decade passing since the tragic event, the case remains open as detectives continue their investigation into what led to the deaths of both men that winter evening.
The double homicide represents one of the ongoing cold cases that local law enforcement continues to pursue, hoping that new information or evidence might eventually lead to answers for the families of both victims.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the New Castle County Police Department as investigators remain committed to finding justice for Carter and Eller.
Milford police have arrested a Dover man in connection with an attempted bank burglary that occurred earlier this month.
Authorities have charged John A Carey Jr., age 26, from Dover, Delaware, as the primary suspect in the case. The incident took place on January 8th at a local banking facility in Milford.
Law enforcement officials were able to successfully identify Carey through their ongoing investigation into the attempted break-in. The suspect now faces charges related to the unsuccessful burglary attempt.
This marks the second update police have provided regarding their investigation into the incident at the Milford-area bank. Officers continue to work on gathering additional details about the case.
The Milford Police Department has not released further specifics about the circumstances surrounding the attempted burglary or whether additional suspects may be involved.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting Tuesday with some beautiful sunshine across the peninsula, and it’s shaping up to be a pleasant day despite the chilly January temperatures.
Today will be sunny with highs reaching around 50 degrees – not bad for mid-January! You’ll feel a gentle southwest breeze at 5 to 10 mph, so it might feel just a touch cooler when you’re out and about. Perfect weather for any outdoor errands or a brisk walk.
Tonight, we’ll see clouds moving in as temperatures drop to around 38 degrees. Wednesday brings mostly cloudy skies with highs near 52 degrees, so we’ll actually warm up a degree or two.
However, here’s what you need to know for planning ahead: Wednesday night is when things get interesting. Temperatures will plummet to around 27 degrees, and we’re likely to see a mix of rain and snow developing. This could impact Thursday morning’s commute, so keep that in mind.
Enjoy today’s sunshine, Delmarva – stay warm and have a great Tuesday!
Delaware State Police have taken a 64-year-old Felton resident into custody on felony charges after what authorities say was his fifth drunk driving offense. Whitey Moore was apprehended Saturday afternoon during a traffic stop in the Camden-Wyoming area.
The incident unfolded around 2:00 p.m. on January 10, 2026, when a state trooper noticed a GMC Sierra swerving between lanes while traveling west on Henry Cowgill Road near Dundee Road. Upon running the vehicle’s registration, officers discovered the license plate was not properly registered, prompting the traffic stop.
When the trooper approached Moore’s vehicle, the driver displayed clear indicators of being under the influence of alcohol. A subsequent vehicle search uncovered several empty alcoholic beverage containers. Officers transported Moore to Troop 3 headquarters, where his condition remained consistent with alcohol impairment, leading authorities to secure a warrant for blood testing.
Records checks revealed Moore’s extensive history with impaired driving violations, showing four previous DUI convictions on his record. Additionally, his driving privileges had been suspended at the time of Saturday’s arrest.
Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 7, Moore now faces multiple charges including fifth-offense DUI as a felony, operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, and several additional traffic violations. He remains incarcerated at Sussex Correctional Institution with bail set at $5,700 cash.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting this Friday with partly sunny skies and pleasant conditions, but don’t let that fool you – changes are coming our way.
This afternoon will see partly sunny skies give way to increasing clouds, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 58 degrees. Keep that umbrella handy though, as we have a 40% chance of light rain developing after 1 PM. Southerly winds will be gentle at 5 to 10 mph, and any rainfall amounts should stay under a tenth of an inch.
Tonight, that chance of light rain continues as temperatures drop to around 46 degrees – perfect sleeping weather if you enjoy the sound of raindrops.
Looking ahead to your Saturday, rain becomes more likely with highs only reaching 53 degrees. The wet weather looks to stick around through Saturday night as temperatures dip to 41 degrees.
So enjoy this morning’s partly sunny skies, grab that rain gear for later, and have a wonderful Friday! Stay dry out there Delmarva.
A Dover contractor is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he took thousands of dollars from an elderly victim for home improvement work that was never finished.
Delaware State Police have taken 59-year-old Stephen Kurtz into custody on charges of home improvement fraud and felony theft. The investigation into Kurtz’s alleged criminal activity started in November 2025.
According to investigators, Kurtz entered into an agreement with a 64-year-old Rehoboth Beach resident in February 2025 to perform construction services. The victim paid Kurtz more than $38,000 for the promised work, but authorities say the project was never completed and the homeowner never received their money back.
Law enforcement officials secured an arrest warrant for Kurtz following their investigation. He was taken into custody on January 7, 2026, and appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2 for arraignment. Kurtz was subsequently released after posting a $10,000 unsecured bond.
The charges against Kurtz include:
• Home Improvement Fraud by False Pretense involving $1,500 or more with a victim aged 62 or older (Felony) • Theft of $1,500 or more with a victim aged 62 or older (Felony)
Delaware State Police believe there may be additional victims who were similarly deceived by Kurtz. Investigators are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by the suspect to reach out to Troop 4 Financial Crimes at 302-856-5850.
Tips can also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Milford law enforcement authorities have made progress in their investigation of an attempted bank break-in by successfully identifying the male individual they had been seeking.
Police officials confirmed that the previously unidentified suspect in the attempted burglary case has now been determined through their ongoing investigation.
The identification represents a significant development in the case involving the local financial institution, though additional details about the suspect or potential charges have not yet been released by the Milford Police Department.
This story is developing and TV Delmarva will continue to follow the investigation as more information becomes available from local authorities.
A New Castle woman who had been the subject of a missing person search has been found safe, according to local authorities.
Sharon Figueroa, who prompted officials to issue a Gold Alert when she disappeared, has been successfully located. Law enforcement has confirmed that the alert system activation has been discontinued following her safe recovery.
Gold Alerts are typically issued for missing adults who may be in danger due to age, health conditions, or other circumstances that could put them at risk.
No additional details about the circumstances of Figueroa’s disappearance or the conditions under which she was found have been released at this time.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re waking up to a chilly but pleasant start this Thursday. Calm winds and plenty of sunshine are on tap!
Today will be a beautiful winter day across the peninsula with sunny skies and temperatures climbing to a comfortable 51 degrees. It’s perfect weather for getting outside and enjoying some fresh air – just grab a light jacket for the morning hours.
Tonight will stay pleasant with partly cloudy skies and lows dipping to around 35 degrees. Looking ahead to Friday, we’ll see partly sunny conditions with highs near 58 degrees, but keep an eye on the sky later in the day as we have a slight chance of some light rain moving in Friday night.
Overall, it’s shaping up to be a nice stretch of January weather for our area.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up Wednesday with a crisp but pleasant night ahead. Temperatures will dip to around 33 degrees under mostly clear skies, with light northwest winds keeping things calm across the peninsula.
Looking ahead to Thursday, you’ll want to shed those heavy winter coats! We’re in for a beautiful sunny day with temperatures climbing to a very comfortable 50 degrees – that’s well above normal for early January. It’s perfect weather for getting outside and soaking up some sunshine.
Thursday night will see increasing clouds as temperatures drop back to 35 degrees. Friday brings partly sunny skies with highs reaching 58 degrees, though we may see our first chance of precipitation with some light rain possible later in the day.
This mild pattern is quite a treat for January! Take advantage of Thursday’s sunshine – it’s going to be a gorgeous day across the Delmarva Peninsula. Stay warm tonight, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow with your updated forecast!
Delaware State Police have taken a 49-year-old Newark man into custody on felony assault charges after he allegedly attacked a woman with pepper spray during a Tuesday afternoon road rage encounter.
Police say James Atkins became involved in a traffic dispute with a female driver on Ruthar Drive near Red Mill Road around 3:15 p.m. on January 6, 2026. According to investigators, the confrontation escalated when Atkins pursued the woman into the parking area of Aspira Delaware on Ruthar Drive. Once there, authorities say Atkins positioned his truck to prevent the woman from leaving the lot.
The victim sought assistance from school personnel in the area before returning to her car. At that point, police report that Atkins deployed pepper spray against the woman before retreating to his vehicle. A second altercation ensued when the woman approached Atkins’ truck, resulting in damage to his vehicle.
Law enforcement officers apprehended Atkins at the scene without resistance.
Medical personnel transported the female victim to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Following his arrest, Atkins was processed at Troop 6 headquarters and formally charged with second-degree assault, a felony offense. Justice of the Peace Court 11 conducted his arraignment, and he was subsequently housed at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution under a $10,000 cash bond.
Dover Police Department detectives are working to solve a gunfire incident that took place Tuesday evening in the unit block of South New Street.
Officers responded to reports of gunshots at 7:01 p.m. on January 6th, 2026, according to Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, the department’s Public Information Officer. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered that bullets had hit both a car and a residential property.
According to the investigation, two individuals were sitting inside a vehicle when unidentified attackers opened fire on them. Following the gunfire, one of the individuals fled the car on foot and left the area. Fortunately, neither person sustained injuries from the shooting, though the vehicle and a house in the vicinity were damaged by bullets.
The individual who fled the scene has declined to assist police with their investigation, officials said.
At this time, authorities have not released any suspect information or leads in the case.
The investigation remains active, and Dover Police are asking community members with any relevant information to call (302) 736-7130. Those who wish to provide tips can do so anonymously.
Additionally, residents can submit information through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com online. Crime Stoppers may offer a monetary reward for tips that result in an arrest.
This is case number 50-26-578. Anyone with information about the South New Street shooting is encouraged to contact Dover Police or Crime Stoppers.
Authorities have successfully located Grant Lenox, the Newark resident who had been reported missing, prompting officials to call off the search alert that had been issued.
The Gold Alert that was previously activated to help locate Lenox has now been officially canceled following his safe recovery.
No additional details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance or the location where he was found have been released at this time.
A Magnolia resident is facing multiple charges after law enforcement officers spent over two hours negotiating his surrender during a tense standoff in Dover on Tuesday afternoon.
Traymere Stevens, age 29, was taken into custody at approximately 4:49 p.m. following the incident that began around 2:27 p.m. in the Unit block of Fairway Lakes Drive.
According to Dover Police, a joint law enforcement team including the Dover Police Department’s Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit, the US Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force, and ATF agents had arrived to apprehend Stevens in connection with a shooting incident from June 2025.
When officers moved to make the arrest, Stevens fled into a nearby apartment and barricaded himself inside, refusing to come out. This prompted police to call in their Special Operations Response Team along with Crisis Negotiations specialists to handle the situation.
The standoff lasted approximately two and a half hours before Stevens voluntarily surrendered without any additional complications.
During their subsequent search of the apartment, investigators discovered significant quantities of illegal substances including 33.5 grams of cocaine and 51.5 grams of crack cocaine. Officers also recovered a silver revolver.
Stevens has been processed at SCI with bail set at $188,000 cash. He faces an extensive list of charges including Assault First Degree, multiple counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, four counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession of a Firearm By a Person Prohibited, Tampering With Physical Evidence, Criminal Mischief Over $5000, Conspiracy Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief Under $1000, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The case stems from a shooting investigation that Dover Police have been pursuing since June of last year. Stevens is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid serves as the Dover Police Department’s Public Information Officer for this case.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting Wednesday with some thick fog blanketing the peninsula, but don’t worry – it’ll clear out by 9 AM as west winds pick up.
Once that fog lifts, we’re in for a pleasant winter day with mostly sunny skies and temperatures climbing to a comfortable 54 degrees. Those west winds will be noticeable though, running 5 to 15 mph with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph, so secure any loose outdoor items.
Tonight brings mostly clear skies as we cool down to a chilly 33 degrees – typical for early January. It’s a great night to cozy up indoors!
Looking ahead to Thursday, we’ll see another nice day with mostly sunny conditions and highs around 50 degrees. Clouds will start building Thursday night as temperatures dip to 36.
Overall, it’s shaping up to be a beautiful couple of days across the peninsula after we get past this morning’s foggy start. Perfect weather for getting outside and enjoying some fresh winter air!
Stay warm and have a wonderful Wednesday, Delmarva!
Delaware State Police detectives are working to identify a suspect who held up a Claymont area convenience store during the overnight hours Tuesday.
Authorities were called to the Dash In store on Philadelphia Pike at 3700 around 2:40 a.m. on January 6, 2026, following reports of an armed robbery. According to investigators, a male suspect entered the establishment and threatened an employee while pretending to be carrying a weapon. The individual forced the worker to access the cash drawer before fleeing with money from the register. The perpetrator escaped on foot, though police have not determined which direction he traveled. Store personnel were not harmed during the crime.
Police have released a description of the individual they’re seeking: a male dressed entirely in black attire, including a facial covering and gloves.
The case remains under active investigation by Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit detectives. Authorities are asking members of the public who may have seen the robbery or possess information related to the case to reach out to Detective R. Strecker by calling (302) 365-8413. Tips can also be submitted through private messaging on the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Crime victims, witnesses, or families affected by sudden loss can access support services around the clock through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. The toll-free assistance hotline is available at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), and services can also be reached via email at [email protected].
MIDDLETOWN, Del. – New Castle County police have taken two people into custody after a chase that started when an officer noticed suspicious behavior at a local construction site.
The incident unfolded late Friday evening, January 2nd, around 11:08 p.m. when a patrol officer spotted an older Ford F-150 pickup truck with blue and white coloring departing from a construction area within the Whitehall development in Middletown.
According to police reports, the officer became suspicious when he witnessed the vehicle leaving the under-construction portion of the neighborhood. When the truck exited the development, the officer attempted to make contact with the occupants.
The situation escalated when the suspects fled the scene, leading to a pursuit through the Crystal Run Farms area. Details about the length of the chase and specific charges have not yet been released by authorities.
Both individuals were successfully apprehended and are now in police custody. The New Castle County Division of Police has not disclosed the identities of the suspects or provided information about potential charges they may face.
The investigation into what the suspects were doing at the construction site remains ongoing. Police encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact the New Castle County Division of Police.
Authorities are working to identify the person responsible for firing multiple rounds into a Frankford home Sunday evening, leaving five residents shaken but uninjured.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, when law enforcement officers were dispatched to the area of Honolulu Road and Kauffman Lane following reports of gunfire. According to initial findings from investigators, an unidentified individual discharged several rounds that hit a home where five people were present at the time.
The case remains under active investigation by Delaware State Police Troop 4’s Criminal Investigations Unit. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public and encourage anyone with pertinent details to reach out to Detective P. LaPlaca at (302) 752-3798. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those affected by crime or sudden loss have access to support services around the clock through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. The toll-free assistance line is available at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), and support can also be requested via email at [email protected].
Dover police are actively investigating an armed theft that occurred Sunday evening in a residential area of the city.
Officers responded to the unit block of Rockford Crossing at approximately 10:03 p.m. on January 4th following reports of a robbery, according to Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, the Dover Police Department’s Public Information Officer.
During their investigation, police learned that a victim had been confronted by a Black male suspect carrying a silver firearm. The armed individual ordered the victim to hand over their electric scooter.
When the victim fled the scene on foot, the suspect made off with the scooter and disappeared from the area.
Police have not released any additional suspect information or investigative leads at this time.
The case remains under active investigation. Dover Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact them at (302) 736-7130, with the option to remain anonymous.
Residents can also provide tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com online. Crime Stoppers may offer a cash reward for information that results in an arrest.
The incident has been assigned case number 50-26-367.
Dover police are seeking information about an armed robbery that targeted a food delivery driver Friday evening in the 800 block of Carvel Drive.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded around 5:43 p.m. on January 2nd when officers responded to reports of a robbery in the area. Police say the victim had been making a food delivery and discovered an unknown person sitting in his driver’s seat when he returned to his car.
The situation escalated when three additional suspects approached the scene on foot, with one claiming to be armed with a gun, according to the Dover Police Department. The group then demanded the victim hand over his belongings.
Police report the victim managed to escape by running from the scene, but the four suspects made off with items from his vehicle before fleeing the area. Authorities describe all four suspects as Black males but have not released additional descriptive details.
The investigation remains active, and Dover Police currently have no further leads to share with the public.
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid with the Dover Police Department is serving as the public information officer for this case. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information is encouraged to contact Dover Police at (302) 736-7130.
Those wishing to provide tips anonymously can reach Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or submit information online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. A monetary reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
Law enforcement officials are looking into a drive-by shooting that happened in the early hours of Friday morning in a Magnolia residential area.
Authorities were called to Whitetail Lane’s 100 block around 9:30 a.m. on January 2, 2026, following a delayed report of gunfire in the neighborhood. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered bullet casings scattered across the street in front of a home. Fortunately, no individuals were harmed and no houses sustained damage from the gunfire.
Initial findings from the investigation indicate that around 2:00 a.m. that same morning, an unidentified dark-colored SUV passed by the residence and fired several shots in the direction of the house before speeding away from the scene.
The case remains under active investigation by Delaware State Police Troop 3’s Criminal Investigations Unit. Investigators are requesting that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses relevant information reach out to Detective I. Hitchens at 302-698-8503. Tips can also be submitted through a private message on the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those affected by crime or sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides assistance around the clock via their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support can also be requested by emailing [email protected].
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re starting this Tuesday with gray skies and mild January temperatures as clouds blanket the peninsula. Expect a high near 49 degrees today with very light south winds keeping things calm.
The big weather story today is our slight chance of very light rain developing after 5 PM. Don’t worry though – we’re only looking at a 20% chance, so most of you will stay dry during the evening commute. If you do see any sprinkles, they’ll be brief and light.
Tonight, those rain chances will fade away as we drop to a pleasant 42 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.
Here’s the great news for Wednesday – sunshine returns! We’ll see beautiful clear skies with temperatures climbing to a nice 54 degrees. Wednesday night will be our coolest point of the forecast, dipping down to 33 degrees under mostly clear conditions.
Overall, it’s a pretty typical January pattern for our area. Keep that umbrella handy this evening just in case, but get ready to enjoy some sunshine tomorrow!
New Castle County police are actively searching for a missing 48-year-old woman after she vanished Monday evening from a local neighborhood.
Authorities have activated a Gold Alert for Sharon Figueroa, who was last spotted in the area of the unit block of Lea Road at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Police officials report that Figueroa’s intended destination remains a mystery, making the search efforts more challenging for investigators.
Despite conducting thorough search operations, law enforcement officers have not been successful in tracking down Figueroa or establishing contact with her.
The New Castle County Division of Police continues to investigate this disappearance and is asking anyone with information about Figueroa’s whereabouts to come forward.
WASHINGTON – Police have arrested one individual in connection with a security incident that occurred at Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio residence on Monday, according to reports from CNN.
The Vice President and his family were away from the property when the incident took place, CNN reported. An unnamed federal law enforcement official told the network that investigators do not believe the suspect successfully gained access to the home’s interior.
Local media outlets in Ohio have reported visible damage to at least one window at the residence, though authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the incident or the identity of the person taken into custody.
The investigation into the security breach remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to determine the full scope of what occurred at the Vice President’s home.
Good evening, Delmarva! Bundle up tonight as we’re looking at a chilly but quiet Saturday evening across the peninsula. Cloudy skies will blanket our region with temperatures dropping to a crisp 25 degrees. Light northwest winds will keep things calm, so at least we won’t have to deal with any biting wind chill.
The good news? Sunday brings a beautiful turnaround! Those gray clouds will clear out, giving way to gorgeous sunshine and much more comfortable temperatures reaching 38 degrees. It’s going to be a perfect day to get outside and shake off those winter blues.
Sunday night will see partly cloudy skies return as temperatures dip back down to 21 degrees – our coldest reading of this stretch. Looking ahead to Monday, we’ll see mostly cloudy conditions developing, but temperatures will rebound nicely to around 41 degrees.
Overall, it’s a typical January pattern for Delmarva – cold nights with pleasant afternoon recoveries. Make sure to layer up for those morning and evening hours, but enjoy that beautiful sunshine tomorrow! Stay warm out there, everyone!
Delaware law enforcement authorities are issuing warnings about a deceptive scheme targeting local residents as 2026 begins, with criminals posing as court officials to steal money and personal information.
Officials report receiving multiple complaints about fraudsters contacting people through various communication methods, falsely informing them they failed to appear for required jury service. The criminals claim victims now face serious legal consequences, including failure-to-appear violations or contempt-of-court penalties.
According to authorities, some of these fraudulent communications specifically impersonate the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers often include fake official documents in their messages, with some containing QR codes designed to add legitimacy to their deceptive claims and create urgency among potential victims.
Law enforcement emphasizes that legitimate court systems do not contact citizens about missed jury duty through unsolicited phone calls, text messages, or emails demanding immediate payment or personal information. Residents who receive such communications should contact their local authorities rather than responding to the scammers.
Dover Police have successfully located a 74-year-old Wyoming man who disappeared from a local hospital area over the weekend, prompting authorities to issue a Gold Alert.
Peter Reidy has been found safe, according to an update from the Dover Police Department, which has now called off the search alert that was activated earlier.
The incident began on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, around 10:16 a.m. when Reidy vanished from the vicinity of Bayhealth Kent Campus located at 640 South State Street in Dover. Police had been unable to reach him, raising concerns about his wellbeing.
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, who serves as the department’s Public Information Officer, had earlier described Reidy as a white male standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds. Authorities noted that what clothing he was wearing when he disappeared remained unknown.
The case was assigned incident number 50-25-44661 by the Dover Police Department. Gold Alerts are typically issued for missing adults who may be in danger due to age, health conditions, or other circumstances that make them vulnerable.
No additional details about where or how Reidy was located have been released by police at this time.
New Castle County authorities have successfully located Joseph Schretzman, leading to the cancellation of the Gold Alert that had been issued for the missing person.
Officials confirmed that Schretzman has been found safe, bringing the search effort to a positive conclusion. The Gold Alert system, which is used to help locate missing adults who may be vulnerable due to age or other circumstances, is no longer active for this case.
No additional details about the circumstances of Schretzman’s disappearance or recovery have been released at this time.
New Castle County Police are still searching for answers in the unsolved murder of a Newark man that occurred on the final night of 2019.
Twenty-six-year-old Jahlil Patton was discovered fatally wounded next to his wrecked vehicle on Taylor Drive in the Beech Hill area of Newark on December 31st, 2019. Police officers arrived at the scene at 11:12 p.m. after receiving reports of someone lying near a car.
When authorities reached the location in the 19702 zip code area, they found Patton beside his crashed automobile. The circumstances surrounding both the vehicle accident and the shooting death have left investigators with numerous unanswered questions.
The case has since been classified as a cold case homicide, with detectives continuing to seek information from the public that might help solve Patton’s murder. The timing of the incident, occurring just minutes before the start of 2020, marked a tragic end to the year for the victim’s family and the Newark community.
Anyone with information about this unsolved homicide is encouraged to contact New Castle County Police as investigators work to bring closure to this case that has remained open for more than five years.
Delaware State Police have taken a 45-year-old Wilmington resident into custody following an incident at a Newark shopping plaza that began as a report of suspicious activity.
Victor Shipley was apprehended Monday afternoon after authorities responded to Center Pointe Plaza on Churchmans Road on December 29, 2025. Officers initially received calls about a suspicious individual in the area.
When troopers arrived at the shopping center located at 1291 Churchmans Road, witnesses pointed them toward Shipley, who was seen moving through the parking area and storing personal belongings beneath a parked vehicle.
According to the police investigation, Shipley confronted a female shopper who was putting items in her car and asked her for money. The woman complied, giving him an undetermined sum before getting into her vehicle to drive away. However, Shipley then climbed into the passenger side of her car and made inappropriate demands while taking her keys and preventing her departure.
The situation caught the attention of another person in the area, who approached the pair and became concerned enough to contact emergency services. Shipley eventually exited the woman’s vehicle and was taken into custody by arriving officers without resistance. The victim suffered minor injuries during the encounter.
Following his arrest, Shipley was transported to Troop 2 headquarters where he was processed on several criminal charges. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2 for arraignment and was subsequently held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution with bail set at $56,000 cash.
The charges filed against Shipley include:
• Attempted to Commit Robbery First Degree (Felony) • Attempted to Commit Sexual Extortion (Felony) • Unlawful Imprisonment Second Degree
Delaware State Police have released the name of the pedestrian who was killed in a deadly hit-and-run incident that occurred Sunday in Wilmington. The victim has been identified as Serina White, a 40-year-old woman from Dallas, Texas.
Authorities have also made progress in identifying the vehicle involved in the fatal collision. Police say they have determined the suspect vehicle is a maroon 2011 Nissan Altima.
The investigation into this deadly crash remains active under the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Officials are reaching out to the community for assistance in solving this case. Corporal K. Oakes is asking anyone who may have seen the crash occur, possesses surveillance footage or dash-camera video, or has any pertinent details about the vehicle in question to call (302) 365-8483.
Those with information can also reach out through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
For individuals or families affected by crime or sudden loss who need support services, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center provide around-the-clock assistance. Help is available through their 24-hour toll-free line at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), or by emailing [email protected].
Delaware residents are being advised to prepare for substantial traffic disruptions on Monday, January 5th, as the state pays its final respects to fallen Delaware State Trooper Cpl/1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook.
The memorial service will be held at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center, located at 631 S. College Avenue in Newark. Authorities are warning drivers to expect considerable delays in the surrounding area between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The extended timeframe for potential traffic impacts reflects the anticipated large attendance as law enforcement officers, community members, and officials gather to honor the fallen trooper’s service and sacrifice.
Motorists planning to travel through or near the South College Avenue corridor are strongly encouraged to seek alternative routes or allow extra time for their commutes throughout Monday.
New Castle County Police are actively searching for a 72-year-old Newark resident who vanished from his home earlier this week.
Authorities have activated a Gold Alert for Grant Lenox, who departed from his home on Sentry Lane around 11:30 Monday night on December 29, 2025, and hasn’t been seen since.
Police report that Lenox’s destination remains unknown, and investigators have no information about where he may have been heading when he left his residence in the unit block of the street.
Search teams have been working around the clock to locate the missing man, but their efforts have not yet yielded results, according to the New Castle County Division of Police.
Anyone with information about Grant Lenox’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Delaware State Police have announced that property owners can now begin the process of retrieving vehicles and personal belongings left behind at the Wilmington DMV following an incident on December 23, 2025.
Anyone who abandoned cars, personal items, or other belongings at the DMV facility on 2230 Hessler Boulevard in Wilmington should reach out to state police to arrange pickup, according to authorities.
For safe and organized property recovery, owners must email Detective D. Grassi at [email protected] to coordinate the process. Police say further instructions will be given once contact is made.
Authorities warn that some areas of the property remain off-limits as investigators continue examining the line-of-duty death case. State police are asking for continued patience and understanding from the community while the investigation proceeds.
Anyone affected by crime, serving as a witness, or grieving the sudden loss of a family member can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. Help is available around the clock by calling the toll-free number 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or sending an email to [email protected].
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Barbers, cosmetologists and other licensed beauty professionals in Maryland will be required to complete domestic violence awareness training beginning Jan. 1, 2026, under legislation approved by the General Assembly and signed into law this year.
The requirement, established under House Bill 1547, mandates at least one hour of training as part of licensure and renewal through the Maryland Department of Labor. State officials say the course must be taken from an approved provider and is intended to help licensees recognize signs of domestic abuse, understand appropriate responses and know how to refer clients to professional resources.
Supporters of the measure say salons and barbershops often serve as trusted spaces where victims may disclose abuse long before contacting law enforcement or social services.
“People talk to their barber or stylist,” said Christian Tillery, a Maryland barber interviewed by WBAL-TV. “We’re like street psychiatrists. Having tools to handle those conversations properly matters.”
Maryland joins a growing list of states that have adopted similar requirements for the beauty industry.
Illinois implemented a one-hour domestic violence training requirement for many cosmetology licensees after legislation passed in 2016, with continuing education rules following. Tennessee now requires domestic violence training for beauty professionals as part of licensure compliance, with the state warning that failure to complete the course can invalidate a license. Arkansas mandates domestic violence and sexual assault awareness training for cosmetology students and includes legal protections for licensees who act — or choose not to act — in good faith. Washington state has approved a one-hour domestic violence and sexual assault awareness course tied to certain beauty licenses.
Advocacy groups backing the measures argue the training is about awareness, not intervention. Programs such as the Professional Beauty Association’s “Cut It Out” initiative emphasize that stylists are not expected to investigate abuse, confront suspected abusers or give legal advice — only to recognize warning signs and share support resources when appropriate.
Not everyone in the industry supports the mandate.
“I’m here to provide a professional service to hair, beauty and skin,” said Annette Moneski, a longtime Maryland stylist and salon owner, in a WBAL-TV interview. Moneski questioned whether the state should require training that could blur professional boundaries or create legal and safety concerns for licensees.
Some salon owners have also raised concerns about additional costs, time burdens and the fear of mishandling sensitive situations — particularly for independent operators without corporate legal support.
State officials counter that the training is brief, standardized and designed to reduce risk by clearly defining what beauty professionals should and should not do.
Domestic violence advocates say the policies reflect a broader national effort to expand early-intervention awareness beyond traditional healthcare and education settings.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence during their lifetime — a statistic often cited by lawmakers backing the training.
The Maryland Department of Labor is expected to release final guidance on approved training providers and compliance procedures ahead of the 2026 start date.
Delaware State Police are searching for a driver who fatally struck a pedestrian and fled the scene Sunday evening in Wilmington.
Authorities responded to East Lea Boulevard near Colony Boulevard around 9:15 p.m. on December 28, 2025, following reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian. According to preliminary findings from investigators, an unidentified vehicle hit the pedestrian before leaving the area. The direction the vehicle was traveling and other details about the incident remain under investigation.
The victim, a 40-year-old woman visiting from Dallas, Texas, was transported to a nearby hospital where medical staff pronounced her deceased. Police are withholding her identity while they work to inform her relatives.
Traffic along the roadway was halted for roughly two hours as investigators examined the crash site and cleared the area.
Authorities are urging anyone who saw the collision, captured surveillance or dash-camera video, or possesses information about the vehicle to reach out to Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those affected by crime or sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center, which provides round-the-clock assistance via their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support is also available by emailing [email protected].
New Castle County Police are searching for a missing 14-year-old boy who vanished from his Newark home early Monday morning.
Authorities have activated a Gold Alert for Joseph Schretzman, who disappeared from his family’s home on Langley Court around 1:40 a.m. on December 29, 2025.
Police report that the teenager left his residence in the unit block of Langley Court and has failed to return home. Law enforcement officials say they currently do not know where Joseph might be located.
The Gold Alert system is used by Delaware authorities to help locate missing individuals who may be in danger or vulnerable due to their age or circumstances.
Anyone with information about Joseph Schretzman’s whereabouts is urged to contact New Castle County Police immediately.
New Castle County Police continue their search for answers in a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania man nearly 18 years ago on New Year’s Eve.
Ira Graham, age 50, became the victim of a fatal shooting incident that occurred on December 31, 2007, along Peachtree Road in the Stoneybrook Apartments community located in Claymont.
According to police records, officers were alerted to the shooting around 7:45 in the evening when they received notification from Wilmington Hospital. Graham had been brought to the medical facility by someone he knew, but despite medical efforts, he died from the gunshot wounds he sustained.
The case remains open as investigators work to identify those responsible for Graham’s death and bring closure to his family after more than a decade of uncertainty.
Dover police are actively investigating an armed robbery that targeted a food delivery driver Sunday afternoon in a residential neighborhood.
Officers responded to a call at 12:01 p.m. regarding the robbery incident in the unit block of Edgehill Avenue. When police arrived at the scene, they spoke with the victim to gather details about what happened.
According to the police investigation, the victim had been making a food delivery to a residence in the neighborhood when the crime occurred. A Black male suspect wearing a black ski mask, black jacket, and jeans confronted the delivery driver. The suspect then pulled out a handgun and demanded the victim’s property before taking off on foot from the scene.
Dover Police Department’s Master Corporal Ryan Schmid is serving as the public information officer for this case. The incident has been assigned case number 50-25-46151.
At this time, investigators have not released any additional information about potential leads in the case.
Police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to reach out to the Dover Police Department by calling (302) 736-7130. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or submit tips online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. A cash reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
New Castle County Police continue their investigation into the unsolved murder of a 53-year-old man who was fatally shot in the Garfield Park community more than eight years ago.
Lonnie M. Dixon was killed on December 27th, 2016, in what has now become a cold case homicide. Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the first block of Karlyn Drive in New Castle around 7:45 that evening after receiving multiple reports of gunshots in the area.
The shooting occurred in the Garfield Park neighborhood, located in the 19720 zip code area of New Castle. Despite the passage of time, investigators have not closed the case and continue seeking information that could lead to an arrest.
Anyone with information about Dixon’s death is encouraged to contact New Castle County Police. The department relies on community assistance to help solve cold cases like this one, where leads may have gone cold but justice remains a priority.
Newark law enforcement officials have taken a suspect into custody in connection with an armed robbery that took place the morning of December 20th in a residential neighborhood.
The incident unfolded around 9:20 a.m. on December 20, 2025, when police received a call about an armed robbery in the 200 block of Madison Drive. Responding officers arrived at the scene and interviewed the victim about what had transpired.
According to the victim’s account to police, the suspect approached the residence and knocked on the door. When the victim answered, the individual allegedly committed the armed robbery.
Newark Police Department investigators worked to identify and locate the suspect following the reported crime. The department has not yet released additional details about the suspect’s identity or the specific charges being filed.
The investigation into this incident remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Police have not indicated whether any weapons were recovered or if additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
This marks another criminal incident in Newark as local law enforcement continues efforts to maintain public safety in residential areas throughout the city.
Newark Police Department officials are currently conducting a search for a 40-year-old suspect facing multiple serious criminal charges.
Authorities are seeking Jeremy King, a white male whose most recent known residence was located in Bear, Delaware. Police have issued an active warrant for King’s arrest.
The charges against King include three separate counts of strangulation along with one additional count, according to Newark Police Department officials.
Anyone with information regarding King’s current whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Newark Police Department immediately.
WILMINGTON, Del. — The Delaware Transit Coalition is urging state leaders to reconsider a proposal that would eliminate in-person SEPTA ticket services at the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Wilmington Amtrak Station, citing concerns over equity, accessibility, and policy consistency.
In a letter sent to Governor Matt Meyer, coalition leaders criticized plans to close the station’s staffed SEPTA ticket office, which officials have reportedly justified by pointing to an estimated $35,000 annual operating loss.
The coalition argues that the relatively small cost of maintaining the ticket office stands in sharp contrast to the state’s handling of much larger revenue losses in Delaware’s automated tolling system.
According to figures cited in the letter, toll collections on Interstate 95 and State Route 1 generate more than $190 million annually. However, approximately $143.4 million in unpaid tolls, penalties, and fees remain outstanding statewide. The coalition notes that only about eight percent of that amount is typically collected, prompting the state to implement toll amnesty programs to address enforcement challenges.
By comparison, the coalition says the SEPTA ticket office provides essential in-person assistance for a wide range of riders, including seniors, people with disabilities, low-income travelers, and passengers without access to smartphones or credit cards. The office also assists travelers during service disruptions and supports first-time or infrequent riders unfamiliar with SEPTA’s automated systems.
“Removing this service would disproportionately affect those least able to navigate automated systems,” the letter states, warning that the change could create a two-tier transportation system where motorists retain human-centered support while transit riders lose it.
The coalition argues that the social, safety, and operational benefits of in-person ticket services outweigh the modest operating cost, particularly when viewed alongside substantially larger losses in automated toll revenue.
The letter concludes by urging state officials to maintain the staffed SEPTA ticket office in the interest of equity, accessibility, and consistent transportation policy.
The letter was signed by Delaware Transit Coalition representatives John D. Flaherty and Jakim Mohammed.
Delaware State Police are investigating a reported shots fired incident that occurred late Friday night along Interstate 95 in Wilmington.
Troopers were notified on December 27, 2025, after a vehicle was found to have sustained damage believed to be caused by gunfire. The preliminary investigation determined that the incident occurred the previous evening, December 26, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
According to investigators, the driver was traveling southbound on I-95 near Shipley Road when a loud noise was heard. Due to adverse weather conditions at the time, the driver did not immediately realize the vehicle had been struck. Upon arriving at their destination, the driver noticed damage to the vehicle and contacted police.
Responding officers observed damage and evidence consistent with the vehicle being struck by gunfire. The driver was not injured, and no suspect information is available at this time.
The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone who witnessed the event or may have information related to this case is asked to contact Master Corporal A. Hom at (302) 660-4314. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Milford Police have arrested a local man following a reported burglary in progress earlier this week.
On December 15, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers with the Milford Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 11000 block of Farmerfield Street in the Simpson’s Crossing development. Upon arrival, officers located Rousevel Delva, 39, of Milford, inside the home.
Investigators determined that Delva did not reside at the residence and allegedly forced his way inside when another occupant entered the home. Police also reported that property inside the residence was damaged prior to Delva being taken into custody. He was arrested without incident.
Delva has been charged with the following offenses:
Burglary in the Second Degree (Felony)
Two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Offensive Touching
Criminal Mischief under $1,000
Following his arrest, Delva was presented before Justice of the Peace Court 3. He was committed to the Department of Correction after failing to post a $12,200 secured bond. A no-contact order with the victims was also issued.
Delva is scheduled to appear at a later date in Sussex County Court of Common Pleas for a preliminary hearing.
Dover Police are actively investigating a shooting incident that took place on Christmas Eve afternoon, where four people were targeted by gunfire but escaped without injuries.
The incident unfolded at 3:55 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th, when law enforcement officers responded to reports of gunshots in the Mifflin Road area. Police arrived to find four victims who reported being fired upon by an unidentified shooter near the pedestrian walkway that links Trafalgar Drive to Mifflin Road.
Fortunately, all four individuals involved avoided injury during the shooting incident, according to Dover Police Department Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, who serves as the department’s Public Information Officer.
Authorities have not yet developed any suspect leads in the case and are asking for the community’s assistance in gathering information about the shooting.
The investigation remains active, and Dover Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to reach out to the department at (302) 736-7130. Those who prefer to remain unnamed when providing tips may do so.
Additionally, community members can submit anonymous tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com online. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward through the Crime Stoppers program.
The case has been assigned incident number 50-25-45860 as the investigation continues.
Authorities are searching for a gunman who held up a Claymont pharmacy on Christmas Eve morning, making off with cash and personal belongings from a customer.
The incident unfolded at Darley Pharmacy on 111 Darley Road around 9:50 a.m. on December 24, 2025, according to Delaware State Police. Investigators say a white male entered the establishment and pulled out a firearm, ordering an employee to hand over money from the cash drawer. After the worker cooperated with his demands, the armed man also forced a customer to surrender their belongings before escaping with both the stolen cash and personal items. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the holdup.
The case remains under active investigation by Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit detectives. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this crime to reach out to Det. D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Tips can also be submitted through private messages to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
For those affected by crime or sudden loss, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center provide round-the-clock support through their hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support services can also be accessed by emailing [email protected].
A 30-year-old Dover resident is facing serious charges after authorities say she deliberately struck two teenage girls with her vehicle during an early morning confrontation on Saturday.
Ciara Footman was taken into custody following the incident that occurred at 1:47 a.m. in the Wells Fargo parking lot located at 137 South Bradford Street in Dover. According to Dover Police, officers responded to reports of a vehicular assault and discovered a 13-year-old girl suffering from severe injuries after being hit by a car. A 17-year-old was also struck by the same vehicle.
Both young victims were rushed to Bayhealth Kent Campus where they received medical treatment for their injuries.
Police investigators determined that Footman had been involved in a verbal dispute with the two teenagers while they were all in the parking lot. Authorities say Footman then got into her car and intentionally drove into the victims before leaving the scene.
Delaware State Police later found Footman in her vehicle on the 200 block of East Street in Camden and arrested her without any resistance. She was then brought to the Dover Police Department for booking and arraignment proceedings.
After her court appearance, Footman was released on a $6,000 secured bond. She now faces multiple charges including Vehicular Assault First Degree DUI Related, Vehicular Assault Second Degree DUI Related, Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence, Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury, and Driving While Suspended or Revoked.
The Dover Police Department reminds the public that Footman is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The case has been assigned incident number 50-25-45332. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Master Corporal Ryan Schmid at the Dover Police Department.
Delaware State Police have released details for memorial services to honor Corporal Grade One Matthew T. “Ty” Snook, who was killed while serving in the line of duty on December 23, 2025.
The ceremony celebrating Cpl/1 Snook’s life and service will occur on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center on 631 S. College Avenue in Newark, Delaware 19716.
Community members may attend a public viewing scheduled from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Following the viewing period, uniformed emergency responders present will participate in a pass and review ceremony. The memorial service will begin immediately afterward.
When the service ends, final tribute ceremonies will be conducted outside the Bob Carpenter Center, with all formal proceedings anticipated to wrap up around 3 p.m.
The burial will remain private, restricted from public and media attendance.
Regarding media coverage, the services will not be open to press, though a designated media area will be set up outside the venue. Additional information will be shared later by the DSP Public Information Office.
Dover police have taken a local man into custody while continuing their search for a second suspect in a Sunday night shooting that wounded one person.
David Robinson, 46, of Dover, was arrested following the shooting incident that unfolded around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 21st in the unit block of Stevenson Drive.
Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered evidence of a shooting at the scene, though initially found no suspects or victims present. A 39-year-old Dover man later sought treatment at Bayhealth Kent Campus for a gunshot wound to his lower body sustained in the incident. The victim declined to give police a statement about what happened.
The shooting also caused damage to a vehicle that was struck by bullets during the incident.
Through their investigation, detectives determined that the victim had just stepped out of a vehicle when an unidentified suspect opened fire on him. Police learned that Robinson had also exited the same vehicle and discharged a handgun during the confrontation.
Authorities apprehended Robinson without incident in the 900 block of Carvel Drive. Investigators also recovered an RG14 .22 caliber revolver in the 100 block of Willis Road that they believe is connected to the shooting.
Robinson was processed at Sussex Correctional Institution on $45,100 cash bail. He faces multiple charges including Possession of a Firearm By a Person Prohibited, two counts of Reckless Endangering, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Criminal Mischief.
The investigation remains active as police continue searching for the additional suspect who allegedly fired shots during the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Dover Police Department.
Robinson is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Delaware State Police detectives are actively investigating an armed robbery that took place at a local pharmacy in Claymont on Christmas Eve morning.
Authorities responded to Darley Pharmacy at 111 Darley Road around 9:50 a.m. on December 24, 2025, following reports of an armed robbery in progress. According to investigators, a white male suspect entered the establishment and brandished a handgun while demanding cash from the register.
The pharmacy employee complied with the suspect’s demands. During the incident, the armed individual also targeted a customer who was present at the location, ordering them to surrender their personal property. The customer complied with the suspect’s commands.
The suspect fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash and stolen property. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit has taken charge of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public in identifying the suspect.
Anyone with information related to this robbery is encouraged to contact Detective D. Patterson at (302) 365-8404. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Delaware State Police Facebook page via private message or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
For individuals who have experienced crime as a victim or witness, or families dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, support services are available around the clock. The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, operating in partnership with the Delaware Victim Center, can be reached 24 hours a day at their toll-free helpline: 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Support can also be requested via email at [email protected].
Delaware State Police expressed heartfelt appreciation to community members, partner agencies, and fellow law enforcement officers for the tremendous show of respect demonstrated during the dignified transfer ceremony honoring fallen Cpl/1 Matthew T. “Ty” Snook.
Community members gathered along streets, observed moments of silence, and held signs expressing appreciation and solidarity as Cpl/1 Snook received his final escort. State police officials expressed deep appreciation for the kindness extended to Cpl/1 Snook’s loved ones and to officers who remain on duty during this period of tremendous grief.
Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, emphasized the significance of the community response. “The outpouring of support shown today serves as a powerful reminder that Cpl/1 Snook’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Crotty stated. “On behalf of the Delaware State Police, I thank the public and our law enforcement partners for standing with Ty’s family and with our agency during this heartbreaking time. We continue to ask for prayers for his wife, his daughter, and the entire family.”
Governor Matt Meyer also honored the fallen trooper’s memory and service. “Cpl/1 Matthew ‘Ty’ Snook was a dedicated Delaware State Trooper whose courage and commitment to protecting others was evident every day he put on his uniform. He was also a husband and a father. In his final moments, he showed the kind of bravery most of us can only imagine, reflecting the highest values of service. As we hold his wife, his little girl, the law-enforcement community, and all who loved him close in our hearts, may we honor Ty’s legacy by striving to build a world worthy of the sacrifice he made,” Meyer said.
Secretary Joshua Bushweller of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security reflected on the tragic loss. “We are mourning the tragic loss of one of our own Delaware State Troopers, Cpl/1 Matthew ‘Ty’ Snook, who was murdered in the line of duty. This is a devastating time for Ty’s family, for the men and women of the Delaware State Police, and for our entire law enforcement family across the state. Cpl/1 Snook made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Delaware—answering a call to protect others, never knowing it would be his last. His courage, commitment, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We ask all Delawareans to keep Ty’s family, friends, and fellow troopers in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Bushweller said.
State police officials continue to express gratitude for ongoing community support as the department mourns Cpl/1 Snook’s death.
Delaware State Police have taken two individuals into custody following a traffic stop that uncovered a stolen vehicle and illegal narcotics in Seaford on Tuesday evening.
Authorities arrested Lisa Savage, 53, from Salisbury, Maryland, and Lavarr Holbrook, 47, from Seaford, Delaware, during the incident that occurred around 8:15 p.m. on December 16, 2026.
A Troop 5 officer conducting routine patrol duties on Concord Road spotted a 2009 Lincoln MKS that had previously been flagged as stolen by Salisbury Police Department. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and successfully apprehended both occupants without any resistance.
Following standard procedure, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of both the vehicle and the suspects. Investigators discovered drug-related equipment linked to Savage, while Holbrook was found carrying approximately 1.53 grams of heroin and roughly 0.76 grams of crack cocaine hidden on his body.
Both suspects were transported to Troop 5 headquarters for processing. Savage faces multiple charges including felony receiving stolen property valued over $1,500, possession of drug paraphernalia unrelated to marijuana, and operating a vehicle without a valid license. Justice of the Peace Court 7 arraigned her and set bail at $3,200 cash before she was transferred to Sussex Correctional Institution.
Holbrook was hit with more serious charges, including felony manufacturing/delivering/possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession and consumption of controlled or counterfeit substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia not related to marijuana. His arraignment resulted in a $4,400 cash bond, and he was also committed to Sussex Correctional Institution.
A Bridgeville man is facing multiple felony charges after Delaware State Police discovered heroin during a Thursday afternoon traffic stop that also resulted in his fourth DUI arrest.
Marcus Massey Jr., 24, was pulled over around 3:20 p.m. on December 18, 2025, while a state trooper was patrolling near Cypress Swamp in Frankford. According to police, Massey’s vehicle had drifted from its lane and nearly collided with oncoming traffic, prompting the traffic stop.
During the encounter, the trooper noticed indicators that Massey was under the influence and conducted Standard Field Sobriety Tests. A subsequent search uncovered approximately 4.29 grams of heroin hidden on Massey’s body. Police records also showed that Massey had been convicted of DUI three times previously.
Massey cooperated during his arrest and was brought to Troop 4 headquarters for processing. He appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 2 for arraignment and is now housed at Sussex Correctional Institution under an $11,503 secured bond.
The charges against Massey include:
Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
4th Offense Driving a Vehicle Under the Influence of Any Drug (Felony)
Possession of Controlled Substance, Tier 2 (Felony)
Delaware State Police have taken a 50-year-old Newark man into custody after he allegedly stole prescription medications and personal belongings from an elderly resident at the senior living facility where he worked.
John Oboyle, who was employed as a maintenance worker at Stonegates Senior Living Community on Kennett Pike in Greenville, was captured on surveillance video taking items from a resident’s home on December 15th. The incident came to light when the elderly resident became suspicious after noticing medicine and other personal items repeatedly disappearing from their residence.
Concerned about the ongoing thefts, the resident set up a surveillance system that included both visible and concealed cameras throughout their living space. The security footage revealed Oboyle entering the home and taking prescription drugs along with portions of the newly installed camera equipment, according to investigators.
While Oboyle had authorized access to enter residents’ homes as part of his maintenance duties, police determined he had no legitimate work-related reason to be inside this particular resident’s dwelling when the theft occurred.
Authorities responded to the senior living community on December 17th after receiving the theft report. That same day, troopers apprehended Oboyle at his Newark residence and transported him to Troop 1 for processing.
The maintenance worker now faces three felony charges: second-degree burglary, acquiring controlled substances through theft, and theft from a victim over 62 years of age involving property valued under $1,500. Following his arraignment at Justice of the Peace Court 2, Oboyle was released after posting a $6,000 unsecured bond.
Delaware State Police are alerting the community about two registered sex offenders who are currently without permanent housing in the state.
Officials emphasize that Clayton Crooks and Rasoul Hanner are not being sought for any registration violations or other crimes. This announcement serves as a public safety notification regarding individuals who have reported being without a fixed address.
Residents who observe either individual staying at a specific location are encouraged to contact authorities at 302-672-5306. Community members can also share information anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-847-3333.
State police clarify that while this notification highlights recently reported cases, a comprehensive database of all registered offenders without permanent addresses is available through the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
Complete background information and photographs of both individuals can be accessed by clicking on their profiles in the state’s online registry system.
This type of community alert helps law enforcement maintain accurate records of registered offenders’ locations while keeping Delaware residents informed about public safety matters in their neighborhoods.
Dover Police have issued warrants for a 54-year-old Felton man accused of attacking a security guard and taking his vehicle during a Friday morning incident at a local shopping plaza.
Authorities are seeking Jermaine Finney in connection with the assault and vehicle theft that occurred around 11:43 a.m. at Dover Mart Shopping Center on South DuPont Highway.
According to Dover Police Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, the incident unfolded when a private security officer responded to reports of shoplifting at one of the businesses in the shopping center. When the security guard arrived and attempted to confront Finney about the alleged theft, Finney became uncooperative.
Police say a physical struggle ensued between Finney and the security officer, during which the victim suffered injuries to his upper body. Finney managed to break free from the altercation and escaped by stealing the security guard’s 2015 Jeep Wrangler bearing Delaware license plate PC537097.
Investigators have positively identified Finney as the suspect and obtained arrest warrants. However, both Finney and the stolen vehicle remain missing as of this report.
The case has been assigned incident number 50-25-45233, and the investigation continues under the direction of Dover Police detectives.
Anyone with information about Finney’s location is urged to contact Dover Police immediately at 302-736-7111 or dial 911. Citizens can also reach the department’s main line at 302-736-7130.
Those wishing to provide anonymous tips can contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or submit information online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. A monetary reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest.
Authorities have released the identity of the victim in Friday night’s deadly single-car accident in Delmar. Tyler Wright, age 24 and a resident of Delmar, Delaware, succumbed to injuries he received in the crash, according to Delaware State Police.
The investigation remains active under the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Officials are appealing to the public for assistance, asking anyone who saw the accident occur or has information related to the incident to reach out to Master Corporal R. Albert at (302) 703-3266. Tips can also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Support services are available for those affected by this tragedy. The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center provide around-the-clock assistance to crime victims, witnesses, and families who have experienced sudden loss. Their toll-free support line operates 24/7 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). Those seeking help may also reach out via email at [email protected].
A 23-year-old Dover resident is facing serious criminal charges after police connected him to two separate robbery incidents at a local apartment complex, including one case that remained unsolved for nearly two years.
Dover Police Department officials announced they have arrested Nashere Edwards in connection with an attempted robbery that took place at Cedar Chase Apartments last month. During their investigation, detectives also determined Edwards was responsible for an earlier armed robbery at the same location in March 2024, where authorities say he brandished a firearm and stole items from a victim.
Edwards was taken into custody on December 9, 2025, without any complications and is currently being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on $147,000 cash bond. He faces a lengthy list of charges including First Degree Robbery, two counts of Attempted First Degree Robbery, two counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon, two counts of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Selling Stolen Property.
The most recent incident occurred on Sunday evening, November 9, 2025, when Dover Police responded to Cedar Chase Apartments on North DuPont Highway at approximately 6:35 p.m. following reports of an attempted robbery. When officers arrived on scene, they spoke with the victims who described their encounter with the suspect.
According to the police investigation, the perpetrator was described as a Black male standing approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall. He was wearing camouflage face covering, a black hooded sweatshirt, and jeans when he approached the victims with a handgun and demanded money. The victims refused to comply with his demands and managed to escape by driving away from the scene.
Police remind the public that Edwards is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone who may have additional information about these incidents is encouraged to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com online, where a cash reward may be available for information that leads to an arrest.
Local law enforcement has launched an urgent search for a missing Delaware senior citizen who vanished from a Dover hospital area over the weekend.
Dover Police Department officials activated a Gold Alert Sunday for Peter Reidy, age 74, who lives in Wyoming, Delaware. The elderly man was last spotted near Bayhealth Kent Campus, located at 640 South State Street in Dover, on Sunday, December 14th around 10:16 in the morning.
According to Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, the department’s Public Information Officer, police have been unable to reach Reidy since his disappearance, raising significant safety concerns. The clothing Reidy was wearing when he went missing remains unknown.
Authorities describe the missing man as a white male standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds.
Dover Police are urging anyone who may have seen Reidy or has information about his current location to immediately contact them at 302-736-7111.
Gold Alerts are typically issued for missing adults who may be in danger due to age, mental or physical disabilities, or other circumstances that put them at risk.
Dover authorities are seeking the public’s help after a local restaurant was broken into during the early morning hours on Wednesday.
Police responded to Paras Pizza & Gyro at 283 North DuPont Highway around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday following reports of a break-in. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered damage to the restaurant’s front glass door.
According to Dover Police Department’s investigation, the crime took place at approximately 2:34 a.m. when an unidentified individual broke into the establishment by damaging the front entrance. After gaining access to the restaurant, the suspect took money from the business before fleeing the scene.
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer for the Dover Police Department, confirmed that investigators currently have no suspect leads to share with the public.
The case remains under active investigation, and law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Community members can reach the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130, with the option to remain unnamed when providing tips.
Additionally, residents may submit anonymous information through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 800-TIP-3333 or visiting their website at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. Those who provide information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a monetary reward.
Delaware State Police have taken into custody two suspects following a Tuesday evening traffic stop in Seaford that uncovered a stolen vehicle and illegal narcotics.
The suspects, identified as 53-year-old Lisa Savage from Salisbury, Maryland, and 47-year-old Lavarr Holbrook from Seaford, Delaware, were apprehended around 8:15 p.m. on December 16, 2026.
A Troop 5 officer conducting routine patrol along Concord Road spotted a 2009 Lincoln MKS that had previously been reported as stolen to the Salisbury Police Department. The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the two occupants before placing them under arrest without resistance.
Following the arrest, law enforcement conducted a search of both the vehicle and the individuals. Investigators discovered drug-related equipment linked to Savage, while Holbrook was found carrying approximately 1.53 grams of heroin and roughly 0.76 grams of crack cocaine hidden on his body.
Both suspects were transported to Troop 5 headquarters for processing. Savage appeared before Justice of the Peace Court 7 and received a $3,200 cash bond before being transferred to Sussex Correctional Institution. She faces charges including:
Receiving Stolen Property > $1500 (Felony)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Not Related to Marijuana
Driving Without a Valid License
Holbrook was also processed through Justice of the Peace Court 7 and assigned a $4,400 cash bond before his transfer to Sussex Correctional Institution. His charges include:
MILFORD, Del. — Joseph M. Greene, 42, of Milford, was arrested and formally charged on July 11, 2025, in connection with a domestic-related homicide in the Windward Grove Development on July 10, 2025, authorities announced.
Greene faces charges of first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all felonies.
Following his presentment at Justice of the Peace Court 7, Greene was ordered held at the Department of Correction on a $710,000 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Sussex County Court of Common Pleas at a later date.
The investigation was supported by the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force, Delaware State Police, and Delaware Department of Justice.
GEORGETOWN, Del. — The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce recently held a Lunch & Learn featuring Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, who shared strategies for businesses to cut costs and improve safety. Navarro highlighted the state’s Workplace Safety Program, which could reduce workers’ compensation insurance expenses by up to 19%. He noted that the initiative focuses on making workplaces safer, aiming to lower the number and impact of injuries.
Despite the potential savings, only about 10% of eligible companies are currently taking advantage of the program, according to Navarro. He stressed that the Delaware Department of Insurance aims to support businesses, not create obstacles, encouraging more firms to participate. The event underscored the department’s commitment to helping local companies thrive while prioritizing employee well-being.
The Chamber of Commerce used the session to promote upcoming events, urging businesses to stay connected for future insights and networking opportunities. These gatherings offer a chance to engage with local leaders and industry experts, providing tools to strengthen operations. The organization emphasized the value of staying informed and involved to ensure business success in the region. Navarro’s presentation served as a reminder of available resources that could ease financial pressures while fostering safer work environments. The Georgetown Chamber continues to position itself as a hub for growth, encouraging members to leverage its events for practical solutions and community support.
MILTON, Del. — The Milton Town Council plans to discuss acquiring six parcels of land at its Monday, March 17, 2025, meeting, eyeing the site for a potential new police station and town meeting space. The properties, spanning roughly 2 acres, include lots at 117 and 119 Broad St., 111, 113, and 115 Magnolia St., and 203 Mulberry St.
Town officials say they are exploring the idea of building a modern police station on the land to meet the community’s growing needs. Additionally, the site could house a new facility for town meetings, consolidating key municipal functions. The council’s discussion comes as part of ongoing efforts to plan for Milton’s future infrastructure, though no final decisions have been made. A vote on the purchase could happen as early as the March 17 meeting, depending on the outcome of the talks.
The roughly 2-acre area under consideration sits in a central part of Milton, making it a practical option for public access and police operations. Authorities have not released details on costs or specific designs for the proposed buildings, but the potential purchase marks a step toward addressing space constraints for both law enforcement and town governance. The council’s decision will hinge on factors like budget, community input, and long-term planning goals as Milton continues to develop.
SMYRNA, Del. — Delaware State Police are investigating an alleged road rage incident that led to a shooting on Route 1 southbound near Smyrna on March 14, 2025. Authorities say the incident unfolded around 8:43 p.m. near Exit 119, involving a black Infiniti sedan and a black pickup truck.
Police report that the two vehicles were driving south when the pickup allegedly struck the rear of the Infiniti. The suspect vehicle then reportedly pulled alongside the sedan, and an unknown individual inside fired a gun, hitting the Infiniti. The driver, a 27-year-old Delaware man, and his two passengers escaped injury. After the alleged shooting, the pickup continued south on Route 1 and left the scene, according to police.
Investigators have not released further details about the suspect or the pickup truck involved in the incident. The investigation remains active as troopers work to piece together what sparked the confrontation and identify those responsible. Authorities say the event highlights the dangers of escalating road disputes, though no injuries were reported in this case. Police are urging anyone with information about the alleged incident to come forward as they continue their efforts to track down the suspect vehicle and determine the full circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire on the busy highway.
MILFORD, March 6, 2025 — The Milford School District issued a statement to parents today regarding an incident involving a student bringing an airsoft gun to Milford Central Academy. The district reassured families that the situation was swiftly handled and that no students or staff were endangered.
According to the district’s message, the airsoft gun was spotted by several students, prompting immediate action from school officials. The item, which contained no airsoft pellets, was confiscated without delay. The district emphasized that at no point was school safety compromised during the incident.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” the Milford School District stated in its communication. The district confirmed that the matter will be addressed in accordance with its established code of conduct.
Students are being encouraged to remain proactive in maintaining a secure environment by reporting any suspicious activity, items, or concerns to a teacher or trusted adult. “Their vigilance helps us maintain a safe environment,” the district noted, expressing gratitude to the school community for their cooperation.
DELMARVA – New data from the CDC reveals a national decline in drug overdose deaths between 2022 and 2023, and both Maryland and Delaware showed modest improvements in their overdose rates. In Maryland, the age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths dropped from 40.3 to 39.3, while Delaware saw a decrease from 55.3 to 53.
Michelle Hardy, Director of the Local Behavioral Health Authority in Wicomico County, believes education and awareness efforts have contributed to the decline, particularly in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Despite these positive trends, Hardy warns that overdoses are increasing among individuals aged 55 and older, as well as minority communities.
Efforts to combat the overdose crisis include reducing stigma and increasing access to life-saving medications such as naloxone (Narcan). Don Keister from Attack Addiction emphasized the importance of making naloxone more widely available to families and individuals at risk.
However, the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in street drugs remains a serious threat, as xylazine cannot be countered by naloxone. Hardy urges vigilance and continued education about the dangers of drug use.
Local groups, like Attack Addiction, continue to raise awareness and provide support, with a 5k event planned for March 1st in Old Newcastle.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland lawmakers are considering a new tax on sugary drinks that could raise nearly $500 million annually to fund free school meals, child care subsidies, and the state’s general fund. House Bill 1469, dubbed the “For Our Kids Act,” was introduced in the 2025 regular session with its first reading on Feb. 10, 2025, sponsored by Del. Emily Shetty, D-Montgomery County.
The bill imposes a 2-cents-per-ounce excise tax on distributors of sugary beverages, including sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas, as well as syrups and powders used to make them. Drinks with artificial sweeteners, like diet sodas, are also included, but natural juices with no added sugar are exempt. The tax would take effect July 1, 2025, with annual adjustments tied to inflation.
Revenue from the tax is projected at $450 million to $500 million yearly. Of that, $189 million would expand free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students and qualifying private schools, while $50 million would boost state child care subsidies. The remainder—roughly $210 million—would flow to the general fund. The legislation mandates that these funds supplement, not replace, existing budget allocations.
Shetty, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, frames the bill as a dual-purpose measure. “We have significant funding shortfalls for high-priority programs, and we also have a public health crisis,” she said, citing rising health care costs tied to obesity and diabetes. The bill’s fiscal note aligns with her estimate, projecting $477 million in revenue for fiscal 2026, though it notes potential administrative costs of $296,000 to implement the tax.
Opposition has emerged from the beverage industry. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Beverage Association warned that the tax could raise prices by up to 60% on some drinks, piling onto the state’s 6% sales tax. “There could not be a worse time to burden working families and small businesses,” the group stated, calling for alternative budget solutions.
The bill has no Senate companion yet, but it’s backed by the American Heart Association, which points to similar taxes in cities like Philadelphia generating both revenue and health benefits. A hearing date is pending. If passed, Maryland would be the first state to enact a statewide sugary drink tax of this scope.
For more information, the full text of HB 1469 is available on the Maryland General Assembly website.
GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Georgetown Police Department recovered a credit card skimming device from El Mercado store at 15 Layton Ave. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2025. Skimming devices, like the one pictured, are used to steal customers’ banking information.
Police are contacting local businesses to ensure they regularly check for these devices. Authorities advise anyone who has visited El Mercado since Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, to review their banking statements for discrepancies or unauthorized access.
The Georgetown Police Department is working with El Mercado to ensure customer security. Video surveillance provided by the store shows the skimmers were placed by individuals not associated with the business. Investigators are working to identify the suspects.
El Mercado has taken steps to have their systems inspected. All questions about this incident should be directed to the Georgetown Police Department at 302-856-6613, case number 25-1206. Updates will follow as the investigation continues.
DELAWARE — The former police chief and captain of the Bethany Beach Police Department have pleaded guilty to wire fraud for allegedly stealing overtime funds.
Court documents revealed that Michael Redmon, 58, the former chief, and Darin Cathell, 49, the former captain, allegedly claimed overtime shifts they did not work. Redmon allegedly submitted at least 174 false claims, totaling 760 hours and $81,890 in overtime pay. Cathell allegedly submitted a minimum of 185 fraudulent claims, amounting to 800 hours and $67,970 in stolen funds.
The two men allegedly took the funds over several years, with some of the money originating from federal grant programs. Both Redmon and Cathell have admitted to the theft and face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The stolen funds were part of the police department’s overtime budget, which was intended for shifts worked by officers. The investigation began after discrepancies were found in the department’s payroll records. Redmon and Cathell are scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2025. This case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability within law enforcement agencies
WILDWOOD, N.J. — Will Morey, President and CEO of Morey’s Piers, has been reappointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board for a third term. This reappointment highlights Morey’s commitment to the travel and tourism industry, which he has contributed to for decades.
The board advises the Secretary of Commerce on critical issues related to travel and tourism, such as visa policies, infrastructure development, aviation security, and sustainable tourism. Under the Visit America Act, the board has become a congressionally mandated federal advisory body.
Morey’s experience in the tourism sector includes his previous role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. His broad experience positions him as a key advisor in shaping the future of the U.S. tourism industry.
As part of his duties, Morey will provide guidance on policies that support the tourism sector’s growth and address challenges that affect the industry’s development. The Travel and Tourism Advisory Board has an essential role in influencing national tourism strategies.
