Drought conditions continue to grip much of the Mid-Atlantic region as we move deeper into spring, with little relief in sight despite occasional rainfall events.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, much of the region remains under some level of drought or abnormal dryness, driven by persistent precipitation deficits over the past several months. Many areas across the Mid-Atlantic have seen rainfall totals running well below normal, with deficits ranging several inches over the past 30 to 60 days.
Maryland and Delmarva Remain a Focus
The most concerning conditions continue across Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula. Recent data shows a large portion of Maryland is experiencing moderate to severe drought, with millions of residents impacted.
On the Eastern Shore and across Delmarva, drought conditions have intensified enough to trigger official drought warnings in some areas, reflecting worsening soil moisture, groundwater concerns, and ongoing precipitation shortfalls.
In Delaware specifically, the situation has been driven by a prolonged stretch of dry weather. March marked the eighth consecutive month of below-normal precipitation, and April has continued that trend, with rainfall totals running well below average statewide.
Wider Mid-Atlantic Overview
Across the broader Mid-Atlantic region, drought conditions have fluctuated week to week, but the overall trend remains concerning. While there have been minor improvements in some areas, moderate drought (D1) still persists and has even expanded in pockets due to continued dryness and limited meaningful rainfall.
This ongoing dryness follows what has been described as one of the more significant drought stretches in recent decades for parts of the region, with impacts extending across agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
Impacts Being Felt Now
The effects of the drought are already being felt across the region:
Agriculture: Crop stress and delayed planting concerns are increasing, with some counties already receiving federal drought disaster designations.
Water Resources: Rivers and streams, including portions of the Potomac River basin, are running at unusually low levels for this time of year, raising concerns heading into summer.
Soil Moisture: Continued deficits are leading to dry soils, increasing fire risk and reducing the effectiveness of light rainfall events
Looking Ahead
While periodic systems may bring some rainfall in the coming weeks, widespread drought relief will likely require multiple soaking rain events over an extended period. With temperatures expected to trend warmer at times, evaporation rates could further limit the effectiveness of incoming precipitation.
For now, the Mid-Atlantic remains locked in a pattern that favors continued drought concerns, especially across Maryland and the Delmarva Peninsula, where conditions are among the most significant in the region.
The Coast-to-Coast Conference men’s tennis championship is approaching, and Salisbury University’s Sea Gulls are making final preparations for the tournament competition.
The annual conference tournament will determine which team advances as the C2C champion in men’s tennis for 2026.
Salisbury University’s athletic department has released preview materials highlighting the upcoming championship event, as teams across the conference prepare for the competitive tournament format.
The Sea Gulls tennis program will be looking to make their mark in this year’s conference championship as they face off against other C2C member institutions.
Tournament scheduling and bracket information will be available as the championship event approaches.
Delaware transportation officials are warning drivers about upcoming lane restrictions this Saturday morning as crews work to remove dangerous trees along a busy New Castle County roadway.
DelDOT will close one lane of southbound Route 41 (Lancaster Pike) starting at Mitchell Road and continuing to Route 48 on Saturday, May 9th between 6:00 AM and noon for hazardous tree removal operations. A brief lane closure will also affect westbound Route 48 traffic near Trinity Church during the same timeframe.
Officials are advising motorists to drive carefully through the work zone and plan for possible minor delays while crews complete the tree removal work.
New Castle County police investigators launched a probe into Newark resident Cleveland Quarles, age 37, following reports of multiple alleged sexual assaults received in December 2023.
According to authorities, the investigation revealed that Quarles employed false identities, including going by the name ‘Tim,’ during inappropriate sexual encounters with a 14-year-old girl.
The case remains under investigation as authorities work to locate Quarles, who was reportedly found in Florida following the initial investigation into the unlawful sexual contact allegations.
A pair of low pressure systems will impact the Delmarva region from Friday night through the weekend, bringing periods of light rain, gusty onshore flow, and a return to below-average temperatures.
The first system, a weak area of low pressure, is expected to pass through the region Friday night. This will deliver a quick shot of light precipitation, with most areas seeing minimal rainfall totals. Impacts from this initial system appear limited, but it sets the stage for a more complex setup heading into Saturday.
Attention then turns to a stronger system developing to the south. A deep upper-level trough digging across the Midwest and Gulf Coast states will help spawn a more organized area of low pressure over the southeastern United States. This system is forecast to lift north toward the Mid-Atlantic during the day Saturday before tracking offshore by Saturday night into Sunday.
For Delmarva, this track is critical. Current trends suggest the heaviest rainfall will remain offshore, particularly east of the coastline. However, wraparound moisture on the backside of the system will likely spread clouds and occasional rain back into the region, especially across Delaware and far southeastern New Jersey where rain chances are highest.
While this will not be a washout for most, periods of light rain and persistent cloud cover are expected through at least part of the weekend. The combination of onshore flow and thick cloud cover will also keep temperatures suppressed, with highs generally stuck in the 50s to low 60s, well below late-April normals.
Overall, the weekend will feature more clouds than sun, with occasional showers and a cool, damp feel. While beneficial rainfall is possible in spots, the bulk of the system’s moisture is expected to remain just offshore, limiting more widespread or heavier totals across the region.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball program has made an adjustment to its upcoming schedule. The Sea Gulls, currently ranked seventh nationally, will face Cairn University in their final regular season matchup on Friday, May 1st, with first pitch set for 3 p.m.
The game will take place at Donnie Williams Stadium on the Salisbury campus, serving as the season finale for the Sea Gulls’ regular season campaign.
Salisbury, MD — City crews will shut down a portion of North Division Street this Thursday, April 30, to remove a water connection as part of ongoing maintenance to Salisbury’s water infrastructure.
The Waterworks Utilities Division plans to eliminate a water service line in the 300 block of North Division Street, requiring a full street closure between East William Street and Walnut Street. City officials expect the work to start at 9 a.m. and wrap up by approximately 3:30 p.m., unless unexpected issues arise.
Utility locating services and the Central Alarm system have been given advance notice of the scheduled work.
City officials are asking residents for their understanding during the temporary road closure. Anyone with questions can reach the Utilities Division at 410-548-3103.
The University of Delaware’s men’s basketball squad has welcomed a new addition to their upcoming roster with the signing of transfer player Nick Petronio, according to an announcement made Thursday by head coach Martin Ingelsby.
Petronio will be joining the Fightin’ Blue Hens for the 2026-27 season after completing two years of play at Boston College. The transfer represents another strategic move by Coach Ingelsby to strengthen the team’s lineup for the upcoming campaign.
The Newark-based program continues to build its roster through the transfer portal as they prepare for the next season of competition.
Motorists traveling on Broadkill Road should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have reduced traffic to a single lane in both directions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that flaggers are controlling traffic flow on Route 16 in the area between Jefferson Road and Grant Drive. The lane restriction is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 PM today.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time when using this route and to exercise caution when approaching the work zone. Alternative routes may help avoid potential delays during the afternoon rush hour.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re looking at a pleasant Thursday across the peninsula with partly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures reaching near 69 degrees. You’ll notice a gentle northwest breeze at 5 to 10 mph, making it a perfect day to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
Tonight will be even more beautiful as skies clear out, with temperatures dropping to a crisp 44 degrees – perfect sleeping weather! You might want to crack those windows open.
Friday starts off sunny and gorgeous with highs around 66 degrees, so it’s shaping up to be another wonderful day. However, our weather pattern begins to shift Friday night as we see the chance for some rain showers moving in, with lows around 47 degrees.
Overall, it’s a fantastic stretch of spring weather for most of the next 36 hours. Great conditions for any outdoor activities you’ve been planning! Just keep those umbrellas handy for Friday evening.
Stay weather-aware, Delmarva, and have a wonderful Thursday!
A missing Wilmington teenager has been safely located, prompting authorities to cancel the Gold Alert that had been issued to help find him.
Aiden Carter, the juvenile who had been reported missing, has now been found, according to officials. The Gold Alert system, which is used to help locate missing persons who may be in danger, was immediately canceled once Carter was located.
No additional details about the circumstances of Carter’s disappearance or recovery have been released at this time.
SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury University Sea Gulls men’s lacrosse team delivered a commanding performance Wednesday night, overwhelming Stockton University 18-5 in the Coastal Lacrosse Conference semifinal at Sea Gull Stadium.
The fifth-ranked Sea Gulls showcased exceptional defensive play throughout the contest, shutting down the third-seeded Stockton offense while building a substantial lead. The lopsided victory propels Salisbury into the CLC championship game.
The Sea Gulls controlled the game from start to finish, demonstrating why they hold a top-five national ranking. Their defensive unit effectively neutralized Stockton’s offensive threats, limiting the visiting team to just five goals while Salisbury’s attack found the net 18 times.
With this decisive semifinal win, Salisbury advances to compete for the Coastal Lacrosse Conference title, continuing their pursuit of postseason success.
Flying glass fragments surrounded Eric Gockel as he endured what meteorologists are calling one of Missouri’s most devastating hailstorms on record.
The massive ice chunks that pummeled the Springfield region on Tuesday reached an enormous 4.75 inches in diameter. The destructive storm claimed the life of a zoo emu, left several motorists injured, cut electricity to thousands of residents, and caused extensive damage to hundreds of cars and aircraft.
“I consider myself fortunate to have escaped without injury,” said Gockel on Wednesday, describing how his windshield was destroyed while he sheltered in his vehicle on a highway shoulder during the storm’s passage.
The destructive spring weather pattern affecting the South and Midwest brought what emergency officials are calling Springfield’s most severe hailstorm ever recorded, though it didn’t break the state’s overall record. National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Burchfield in Springfield explained that Missouri’s record remains the 6-inch hail documented in 2004 near Maryville.
“This type of storm is extremely uncommon,” Burchfield explained regarding the Springfield event. “We witnessed a supercell thunderstorm with significant wind shear and tremendous energy that kept the hailstones suspended in the atmosphere for an extended period.”
Zoo staff at Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo attempted to bring animals indoors, including a 21-year-old female emu named Adam. However, spokesperson Joey Powell explained in a statement to The Associated Press that emus instinctively flatten themselves to the ground when seeking protection.
Adam succumbed to severe head injuries from the hail impact. Meanwhile, Oscar, a 17-year-old rhea (another flightless bird species), sustained hail injuries but was responding well to pain treatment Wednesday morning while the zoo remained temporarily closed.
The Springfield-Branson National Airport, located approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown, experienced some of the most severe destruction.
Airport public information officer Ren Luebbering reported that dozens of flights faced delays or cancellations, while hundreds of parked vehicles suffered shattered windshields and sunroofs.
Because rental vehicles were also damaged, some travelers required bus transportation roughly 100 miles to Bentonville, Arkansas’s airport. Luebbering described how airport personnel worked for three hours to cover the most severely damaged cars with donated tarps.
“Our team distributed approximately 300 to 400 tarps across the parking areas,” Luebbering stated. The airport posted online advisories warning visitors to “Expect damage to your vehicle.”
Nicolette Zangara from the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management said she anticipated trouble from the beginning.
“The radar imagery clearly showed the hail was increasing in size,” Zangara explained. “When we began receiving photographs from surrounding counties showing their hail damage, we immediately recognized this would be a devastating storm.”
She confirmed that several individuals contacted 911 reporting injuries from hail shattering their windshields, though specific injury counts weren’t available. Vehicle damage appears to represent the most widespread destruction, with Zangara describing her own car as so heavily dented it resembles “the surface of a golf ball.”
“Late April seems particularly unlucky for our region,” she observed, referencing severe spring storms that struck the area exactly one year earlier.
Since the storm passed, Gockel has been busy filing multiple insurance claims. The hail completely destroyed his home’s gutters, and contractors are scheduled to assess his roof damage.
As a pizza business owner, Gockel reported damage to his food truck, work vehicles, and his teenage daughter’s first car, which he had purchased for her just one month ago.
Despite being accustomed to severe weather alerts, Gockel typically responds by watching storms from his front porch rather than seeking shelter.
“Usually nothing dramatic actually happens,” he reflected. “This marks the first time I’ve experienced a storm that truly matched the severity of the advance warnings.”
The University of Delaware men’s golf squad wrapped up their debut season in Conference USA with a 10th place performance at the 2026 Conference USA Men’s Golf Championship in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Playing at the challenging par-72 Texarkana Country Club, which measures 6,969 yards, the Fightin’ Blue Hens recorded a combined three-round total of 876 strokes, finishing 12 shots above par for the tournament.
The championship marked the conclusion of Delaware’s first campaign as a Conference USA member, representing a significant milestone for the program as they compete at the highest level of collegiate golf in their new conference affiliation.
Motorists using Route 72 eastbound should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews have shut down the right lane in a section of Wrangle Hill Road.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the lane closure affects the stretch between Sunnyside Lane and McCoy Road, with work expected to continue until 3 PM today.
Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute. Traffic is being directed around the work area using the remaining open lanes.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s baseball squad didn’t need much time to find their rhythm Wednesday afternoon, delivering a commanding 15-0 victory over Immaculata in just seven innings at Donnie Williams Sea Gull Baseball Stadium.
The nationally seventh-ranked Sea Gulls extended their winning streak to nine games with the dominant performance against the Mighty Macs, showcasing the offensive firepower that has made them one of the top teams in college baseball.
The lopsided victory was called after seven innings due to the mercy rule, as Salisbury’s bats came alive early and often throughout the contest. The Sea Gulls’ impressive run of success continues to build momentum as they advance through their season schedule.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s softball squad wrapped up their final home games of the season Wednesday with a doubleheader split against Catholic University at Margie Knight Sea Gull Softball Stadium.
The Sea Gulls dominated the first contest, securing a convincing 7-2 victory over the visiting Cardinals. However, Catholic University responded in the second game, edging out a narrow 2-1 win to even the day’s competition.
With the split results, Salisbury’s record now stands at 23-13 for the season, while Catholic University improved their mark to 27-11. The doubleheader marked the conclusion of home play for the Sea Gulls’ 2026 campaign.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed limit reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the maximum speed to 55 miles per hour due to current weather conditions.
The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution to help motorists navigate the highway more safely during the ongoing weather event. DelDOT monitors road conditions continuously and adjusts speed limits when necessary to protect drivers.
Motorists traveling on I-495 are advised to reduce their speed, maintain safe following distances, and exercise extra caution while the weather-related speed limit remains in effect.
The temporary speed reduction will remain in place until weather conditions improve and normal driving conditions return to the area.
Weather officials have issued a coastal flood advisory that went into effect Monday evening and will remain active until early Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the advisory at 5:41 PM on April 29th, with the warning set to expire at 1:00 AM on April 30th.
Residents in coastal areas should be prepared for potential flooding conditions during the advisory period. The weather service typically issues these advisories when tidal flooding is expected in low-lying coastal areas.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s men’s tennis squad wrapped up their regular season campaign with a disappointing 4-2 defeat against UC Santa Cruz’s Banana Slugs on Wednesday at the Sea Gulls’ home facility.
The match, held at Salisbury University’s Outdoor Tennis Center, marked the conclusion of regular season play for the local team as they faced off against the visiting California squad.
Despite competing on their home courts, the Sea Gulls were unable to secure a victory in what proved to be their final regular season contest of the year.
The University of Delaware women’s lacrosse squad has secured their position as the number one seed heading into the ASUN Conference tournament semifinals, where they will battle fourth-seeded Lindenwood.
The Blue Hens’ strong regular season performance has positioned them favorably for their postseason run as they look to advance to the conference championship game.
The semifinal contest will determine which team moves forward in the ASUN tournament bracket, with the winner earning a spot in the conference title game.
The University of Delaware Blue Hens softball squad is set to conclude their regular season schedule with a series against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
This matchup represents the final opportunity for the Blue Hens to compete in regular season action before potentially advancing to postseason play.
The series will take place on the Blue Hens’ home field as they welcome Western Kentucky to Delaware for what promises to be an important conclusion to their regular season campaign.
Delaware transportation officials are alerting drivers about upcoming overnight construction that will impact traffic flow on a busy Claymont roadway.
State highway crews will close lanes on eastbound Naamans Road between Society Drive and the northbound Interstate 95 entrance ramp beginning Wednesday, May 6th through Friday, May 22nd. The construction zone will be active nightly from 7:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. while workers replace bridge deck joints.
Transportation department officials are advising drivers to exercise extra caution when traveling through the work zone and to plan for possible delays during the construction period.
Excitement is building among Chesapeake Bay fishing enthusiasts as new regulations take effect this Friday, May 1st, allowing anglers to harvest striped bass within specific size limits for the first time this season.
Fishermen will be permitted to keep one striped bass daily that measures between 19 and 24 inches in designated Bay waters stretching from the Brewerton Channel south to the Virginia border. The harvest zone excludes most bays, tributaries, creeks and rivers, with exceptions for Tangier and Pocomoke Sounds and Potomac River tributaries below the Nice Memorial Bridge on U.S. 301. Spawning rivers remain completely closed to striped bass fishing.
Trolling restrictions remain in place, limiting anglers to six lines with barbless hooks and prohibiting stinger hooks.
Meanwhile, freshwater fishing continues to provide excellent opportunities, with trout fishing remaining strong and both largemouth and smallmouth bass offering good action. Young anglers are particularly enjoying family fishing outings during the current fishing rodeo season.
Water Conditions for April 29 – May 5:
Bay surface temperatures and river mouth readings are steady around 60 degrees, according to monitoring buoys. Smaller waterways are also maintaining temperatures in the 60s, though shallow areas and downwind locations can reach the upper 60s on sunny days. These warmer zones in low-salinity areas remain prime spots for hickory shad, which prefer temperatures between 55-65 degrees during their spawning period over the next few weeks.
Most Maryland rivers and streams are running below normal levels. Bay and river clarity remains average throughout most Maryland waters. Strong tidal currents are expected all week due to the full moon on May 1st.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Conditions
The striped bass spawning season near the Susquehanna River mouth is wrapping up, with post-spawn fish beginning their journey toward New England waters. Once these fish move south of the line between Abbey and Worton points, catch-and-release fishing becomes available. Starting May 1st, anglers south of the Brewerton Channel may harvest one striped bass daily within the 19-24 inch range.
Trolling and jigging along the main channel are proving effective this week. Light tackle enthusiasts are finding success in shallow Bay shoreline waters using paddletails, jerkbaits and glide baits.
Hickory shad continue offering catch-and-release opportunities in the lower Susquehanna River, Octoraro Creek, and near Deer Creek’s mouth, though numbers remain well below historical levels. Colorful flies, shad darts, and small gold and silver spoons are working well under various conditions.
Largemouth bass fishing remains strong at the Susquehanna Flats grass beds and area tidal rivers, with Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) also active in these waters.
White perch are entering the lower Susquehanna River, with larger females now arriving. Small jig heads tipped with grass shrimp or minnow pieces are effective, as are bottom rigs baited with grass shrimp or bloodworm pieces.
Blue catfish action is outstanding in upper Bay tidal rivers this week, with some of the largest specimens coming from the Conowingo Dam pool and open Bay waters. The Chester River holds particularly high blue catfish populations. Cut bait and scented baits work well whether fishing from boats or shore.
Middle Bay Report
Post-spawn striped bass are moving down from upper Bay spawning areas, while fish have been leaving the Choptank River for weeks. Middle Bay temperatures are holding at or slightly above 60 degrees.
Light-tackle anglers are enjoying excellent catch-and-release fishing in Bay shallows and will soon be able to harvest slot-sized fish. Exceptionally clear water conditions due to limited rainfall are creating ideal sight fishing opportunities. Topwater lures provide the most excitement, while paddletails remain another top choice.
Channel edge trolling will become popular once harvest season begins, but anglers must remember the six-line limit with barbless hooks and no stingers. When using bait, non-offset circle hooks are required and eels are banned.
White perch are moving into lower tidal river sections and transitioning to summer habitat. In deeper waters, small jigs with grass shrimp or minnows work well, along with bottom rigs using bloodworm pieces. Around structure like docks, points, jetties and oyster bars, simple bottom rigs with grass shrimp or bloodworms are popular.
The Choptank River holds good blue catfish numbers, with all regional tidal rivers and creeks supporting populations to varying degrees. The area between Choptank town and Denton typically holds the highest concentrations due to optimal salinity levels.
Lower Bay Fishing
While many larger post-spawn striped bass from the Potomac, Patuxent and Nanticoke rivers have moved through, smaller males continue lingering in the area. Light-tackle casting with topwater and paddletail lures works well in shallow Bay waters, while jigging succeeds in deeper channels.
Traditional striped bass locations include the steep channel edge on the Bay’s east side from Buoy 76R to 72B, plus Cove Point, Cedar Point, Point Lookout and Smith Point on the western shore. In the Potomac, the steep edge from St. Georges Island to Piney Point consistently produces fish, as does the Route 4 Bridge area on the Patuxent River.
White perch are present in lower tidal river sections and steadily moving toward summer areas. Black drum are being caught in Tangier Sound using peeler or soft crab baits.
Hickory shad and American shad spawning runs in the Potomac River near Washington D.C. have been hampered by extremely low water levels this month. Anglers are finding better catch-and-release action near the Cain Bridge, while Fletchers Landing pool waters have been unproductive. Expected rainfall later this week may improve this fishery significantly.
Blue catfish are providing excellent action in the Potomac River from the Route 301 Bridge to Wilson Bridge, with better fishing typically found upriver due to higher salinity levels. The Patuxent River above Benedict to Jug Bay and the Sharpstown area on the Nanticoke offer good blue catfish opportunities.
Freshwater Opportunities
Trout fishing continues benefiting from weekly stockings in put-and-take and special regulation waters. As temperatures warm, stockings will become less frequent and focus on the cooler western regions. Low stream flows due to limited rainfall are creating challenging trout conditions.
Largemouth bass are beginning to spawn statewide, though western areas typically start later due to cooler conditions. The catch-and-release season continues until June 16th, when harvest season opens for both tidal and non-tidal waters with a 12-inch minimum and five-fish daily limit. Targeting larger females in transition waters outside shallow spawning areas often proves more productive than focusing on males near spawning beds.
Chesapeake Channa remain active in areas where tidal largemouth bass are found. White paddletails excel when fishing near grass or structure. Developing grass beds will provide summer cover, while fishing large minnows under bobbers or popping corks in open water works well during spring.
Smallmouth bass have been spawning in the upper Potomac River and Deep Creek Lake for several weeks. The upper Potomac continues experiencing low flows with clear water, requiring long casts with light line toward emerging grass beds, current breaks and deep pools. Tubes, swimbaits, crankbaits and craw jigs all prove effective.
Crappie completed spawning in late March and early April and now hold near structure. Marina docks, fallen trees, bridge piers, sunken wood and brush attract crappie in both tidal and non-tidal waters. Small minnows under slip bobbers remain popular, though marabou jigs also work well.
Youth fishing rodeo events continue providing excellent opportunities for young anglers to find success in safe, family-friendly environments.
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Areas
Surf anglers are experiencing a strong black drum run along Assateague and Ocean City beaches this week, with sand fleas and clams serving as preferred baits. Large striped bass and bluefish are also moving along beaches during their northward migration. Cut menhaden, particularly the head section, resists damage from clearnose skates and dogfish better than other baits.
At Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge areas, anglers are catching and releasing large striped bass by drifting cut bait during evening and nighttime hours. Smaller striped bass are being caught during early morning and evening using paddletails and soft plastic jigs. Tautog are active near jetty rocks, bulkheads and bridge piers, taking sand flea baits. Flounder continue moving through the inlet toward back bay waters.
Channels leading from the inlet are producing the best flounder action this week. Striped bass continue providing excellent catch-and-release opportunities during morning and evening hours near the Verrazzano and Route 90 Bridge piers, with paddletails and soft plastic jigs being the preferred methods.
Charter and private boats fishing inshore and offshore wreck and reef sites are finding good numbers of tautog and flounder, with crab pieces being the most effective bait.
MINERAL WELLS, Texas — Authorities verified Wednesday that a devastating tornado struck this small Texas community, hospitalizing five individuals while destroying manufacturing facilities and tearing roofs from residential properties.
City leaders said they prepared for the worst Tuesday when they witnessed structures crumbling as severe weather hammered Mineral Wells, a community of approximately 15,000 residents located west of Dallas.
“We are most grateful for no loss of life in this event yesterday,” Mayor Regan Johnson stated during Wednesday’s press briefing. “When you see the destruction that’s here, you can tell that’s really amazing.”
National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Prater from Fort Worth confirmed the tornado struck Mineral Wells with wind speeds reaching at least 120 mph. Weather officials dispatched a survey team Wednesday to assess the devastation in the area situated 80 miles west of Dallas.
Severe weather conditions have been battering regions throughout the South and Midwest. Two fatalities occurred in North Texas over the weekend when thunderstorms generated destructive tornadoes, while a Michigan resident died Monday after being struck by a storm-toppled tree.
Tuesday brought a hailstorm that damaged roofing, skylights and parked cars at a Springfield, Missouri zoo, also claiming the life of one of its large birds. A female emu named Adam succumbed to head injuries during the hailstorm at Dickerson Park Zoo, according to spokesperson Joey Powell’s Wednesday statement.
Additional severe weather remained possible Wednesday throughout the South and portions of the Mid-Atlantic region. Weather forecasters indicated a moderate risk of damaging winds and large hail across sections of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
In Mineral Wells, city officials addressed media Wednesday amid a neighborhood littered with broken lumber, downed trees and scattered debris.
Fire Chief Ryan Dunn reported that five storm victims required hospital treatment, while emergency responders treated others for minor injuries at the scene.
“As we arrived on scene, we noticed there was a lot of debris, a lot of roofs off,” Dunn explained. “And then we started seeing buildings collapse.”
Dunn noted that the tornado primarily impacted commercial and industrial zones, though residential properties also sustained damage. At least two manufacturing companies experienced significant destruction.
Ventamatic, a company producing large fans and ventilation systems in Mineral Wells, was among those affected. The business announced on its website that workers evacuated before the storm arrived and no employees were hurt. Wednesday operations ceased “due to severe damage and ongoing safety hazards,” the company reported.
More than 9,000 residences and businesses remained without power across Texas Wednesday afternoon, based on PowerOutage.us tracking data. Approximately 230 of those outages affected the Mineral Wells vicinity.
Mineral Wells authorities announced a local disaster declaration and established an overnight curfew continuing through Wednesday, Police Chief Tim Denison confirmed.
The University of Delaware men’s lacrosse program made an impressive debut in the Atlantic 10 Conference, collecting seven postseason honors as announced by the league on Wednesday.
In their first season competing in the A-10, the Blue Hens saw three players earn All-Conference Second Team recognition: Nick Cowen, Tyler Owings, and Brendan Powers.
The conference also recognized three Delaware newcomers with spots on the All-Rookie Team: Scott Conte, Keegan Lathrop, and Colton Silverstein.
Cowen added to his accolades by also securing a place on the A-10 All-Academic Team, bringing the team’s total award count to seven.
The strong showing reflects the program’s successful transition to their new conference home and establishes a solid foundation for future seasons in Atlantic 10 competition.
A beloved community tradition is making its return to Newark this weekend as local law enforcement officers prepare to host their annual fishing event with residents.
The Casting with Cops event will take place this Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Glasgow Park Fishing Pond, located at 2275 Pulaski Highway in Newark.
Community members are encouraged to bring their fishing equipment and join officers for an afternoon of angling and relationship-building. The event represents one of the department’s most popular annual community outreach initiatives, designed to foster positive interactions between law enforcement and local families.
Organizers describe the gathering as a favorite yearly tradition that brings together people of all ages for outdoor recreation and community connection at the popular Newark fishing destination.
New Castle County police are actively searching for a missing teenager after issuing a Gold Alert Tuesday evening.
Thirteen-year-old Aiden Carter vanished from the West Newport Pike area, specifically near the 2000 block, according to the New Castle County Division of Police. Authorities report Carter was last observed around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Police describe the missing teen as standing approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall with a weight between 200 and 225 pounds.
The Gold Alert system is activated when a child or vulnerable adult goes missing under circumstances that may indicate they are in danger.
Anyone with information regarding Aiden Carter’s whereabouts is urged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police immediately.
The Dover Police Department has made history by selecting Corporal Heather Seibert as its 2025 Officer of the Year, marking the first time a woman has received this distinction in the agency’s 101-year existence.
Additionally, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith earned the 2025 Civilian of the Year award, creating another milestone as both top honors went to women for the first time in department history.
These awards highlight not just a groundbreaking moment, but also recognize the significant contributions both women have made to the Dover community.
Corporal Heather Seibert – Officer of the Year
Throughout the department’s century-plus history, Dover Police has annually honored its most outstanding officer. In 2025, that recognition goes to Corporal Heather Seibert—a law enforcement professional whose dedication, investigative skills, and thorough approach have distinguished her among colleagues.
Joining Dover Police in 2019, Seibert has earned a reputation among fellow officers as “the officer with the answers,” built through her meticulous attention to detail, eagerness to tackle any assignment, and determination to see cases through to completion.
During her dual role as patrol officer and primary shift investigator, Seibert managed an extraordinary caseload in 2025’s second quarter—answering roughly 400 service calls, completing over 80 reports, and investigating more than a dozen vehicle crashes within just three months.
Several cases from that period demonstrate her exceptional impact:
April 7, 2025 – Gunfire Investigation:
Corporal Seibert answered a 911 call about a vehicle hit by gunfire. She located bullet damage on the car and during her investigation, linked it to a second victim with a similar report. Her quick intelligence gathering and coordination with detectives resulted in a suspect’s arrest and the recovery of two weapons.
April 21, 2025 – Hit-and-Run Crash with Injuries:
Corporal Seibert investigated a hit-and-run that injured two pedestrians. Using witness descriptions of the suspect and vehicle, she searched the area for video evidence and identified the fleeing car through surveillance footage, leading to an arrest and felony charges.
May 1, 2025 – Pedestrian Injury Case:
Corporal Seibert responded to another vehicle-pedestrian crash involving serious injuries. Despite challenges obtaining information from those involved, including the victim, she canvassed nearby homes for witnesses and surveillance video. Her persistence uncovered critical evidence that led to the suspect’s arrest.
May 25, 2025 – Child Abuse Case:
On May 25, 2025, Corporal Seibert responded after a child fled to a neighbor’s house to escape abuse. She conducted a thorough yet sensitive investigation, documented the child’s injuries, and identified the mother as the perpetrator. After consulting with investigators and prosecutors, she arrested the suspect on child abuse charges and ensured the child was safely removed from the home.
Corporal Seibert’s exceptional work during the second quarter earned her Officer of the Quarter recognition and ultimately Officer of the Year. She was promoted to Detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit in January 2026.
Reflecting on her career and historic recognition, Corporal Seibert shared her thoughts:
What attracted you to law enforcement and Dover Police specifically? “I’ve been watching crime TV shows and helping my dad catch thieves in his convenience store since a young age. I’ve always loved righting wrongs and standing up for the little guy. Choosing Dover PD was really just luck. I happened to be moving to the area when I was starting my career and it was really the only department I ever looked at and never looked back.
Can you describe a particularly meaningful case you’ve handled? “It wasn’t one moment as much as a reaffirmation of why the work I do is important. In a domestic violence case, I later saw the victim again months later. She told me that our interaction was the push she needed to leave the relationship and that she and her kids were now thriving. We don’t usually get to see the positive outcomes, so it was great to see that my work contributed to helping a family long term.”
What does community service mean to you daily? “Serving the community looks different every day, but for me it means showing up and doing the job the right way regardless of the circumstances.”
Who has most influenced your career? “My husband and mom have been my biggest personal supporters. Professionally, Lt. Jeffrey Gott and Sgt. Nathanial Warren were instrumental early on—they helped shape me as an officer and pushed me to stay motivated and keep working toward my goals, even during difficult times.”
What motivates your thorough approach to casework? “I honestly just love to know the answer to the puzzle and make sure there are no loose ends. Those details can make or break a case and shed a lot of light on the big picture.”
What advice would you offer young women considering law enforcement? “Take the time to fully understand what this career demands. Law enforcement isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that affects every part of your life. If it’s something you truly want, start preparing now—both physically and mentally. Build resilience, discipline, and confidence. And don’t be discouraged by challenges or expectations—there is absolutely a place for you in this field.”
What does being the first female Officer of the Year mean to you? “I’m honored to represent the women in law enforcement who contribute to this profession every day. Our academy motto was ‘exceed the standard, raise the bar,’ and I hope this shows that I’m just the first of many and encourages others to continue raising that bar.”
How do you relax when off duty? “My favorite way to recharge is to travel and see the world. But I can’t do that every weekend, so I usually hit a yoga class and watch tv with a cup of tea and a bowl of ice cream.
Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith – Civilian of the Year
In just over one year with Dover Police, Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Smith has proven herself as a highly effective, reliable, and caring team member—earning Civilian of the Year through both her work volume and case impact. Smith has quickly taken on significant responsibilities that demonstrate both departmental confidence and her strong dedication to the position.
In 2025’s fourth quarter alone, ACO Smith handled 114 complaints, serving as lead officer on 103 of those calls. During this period, she issued numerous warnings and enforcement actions, conducted investigations that resulted in an arrest, and obtained a warrant involving seven animal-related charges.
ACO Smith’s fourth-quarter achievements earned her Civilian of the Quarter recognition and ultimately Civilian of the Year.
ACO Smith’s duties frequently place her in challenging and sometimes disturbing situations—but also position her to create immediate, meaningful change.
On November 25, 2025, ACO Smith investigated an animal neglect complaint at a South New Street apartment. She found three dogs and four cats in severely undernourished condition, with visible ribs and hips, living in an apartment covered with urine and feces. While working to secure a search warrant, the owner fled with one dog. Despite this setback, ACO Smith worked largely independently to coordinate with the Office of Animal Welfare and City Code Enforcement to rescue six animals and help condemn the residence, removing them from dangerous conditions.
On December 23, 2025, ACO Smith responded to reports of a dead dog inside a North Kirkwood Street home. Her investigation revealed the animal had starved to death while confined in a waste-filled crate. She filed charges against the responsible person and, in the same case, persuaded the owner to surrender a second dog—personally driving it to Brandywine Valley SPCA to give it a chance at a better life.
Beyond her primary duties, ACO Smith showed initiative by helping the Parking Enforcement Unit during staffing shortages. She voluntarily modified her schedule—often arriving early—to support major community events, including parades and city functions.
Despite the challenging nature of her work, ACO Smith approaches her role with a clear philosophy focused on both enforcement and education:
“I have always had a love for animals, and this is a great position to educate owners and the public on the proper laws on owning animals.”
She stresses a balanced field approach:
“I evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis and determine if education or law enforcement is appropriate.”
For ACO Smith, satisfaction comes from positive outcomes, even in the most difficult cases:
“I enjoy the variety of work that I do daily, and even the challenging moments can be rewarding when the animal is in a safe place.”
She described the recognition as both humbling and inspiring:
“It’s an honor and a shock to be recognized by my peers in such a high regard, and I hope to maintain the expectations of such an award.”
Her work demonstrates dedication not only to enforcing animal welfare laws, but to improving conditions for both animals and the broader community—often in situations where quick action makes all the difference.
The recognition of Corporal Seibert and ACO Smith represents a pivotal moment in Dover Police Department’s 101-year history. While their roles differ, both have shown unwavering dedication to service, accountability, and performing their duties with integrity and compassion.
Their work embodies the department’s core values and demonstrates the impact committed professionals can have across all aspects of public safety. Together, their service represents the standard Dover Police Department works to deliver daily.
Chief Thomas Johnson, Jr. commended both recipients, saying: “Caitlyn and Heather are highly professional, get-things-done members of our organization. In each situation they address, their empathy and compassion is clearly visible while they hold individuals accountable for their behavior. They serve the interests of justice as they champion the needs of our victims, and society as a whole. We have 150 or so stellar employees in the Dover Police Department. Dozens were nominated for their outstanding performance in 2025. ACO Smith and Corporal Seibert clearly distinguished themselves above all others and earned this annual recognition through quiet excellence. The Dover PD is happy to announce that excellence loudly and proudly. Congratulations to both of them.”
New Castle County police are actively seeking Roland Fleming, who has failed to appear in court on several felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a fatal traffic accident.
According to authorities, Fleming was behind the wheel of a vehicle that collided with and fatally injured a 72-year-old man who was operating an electric scooter on April 19, 2025. Following the deadly incident, Fleming was taken into custody but has since missed his required court appearance.
The New Castle County Division of Police has issued a capias warrant for Fleming’s arrest due to his failure to appear before the court on the pending charges related to the fatal crash.
Anyone with information regarding Fleming’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police.
Salisbury University’s athletic department has once again shattered fundraising expectations, collecting approximately $302,000 during the institution’s annual Giving Day campaign.
The athletics and campus recreation divisions achieved this remarkable fundraising milestone during the university’s 2026 Giving Day event, extending a pattern of consecutive years marked by growing donor support and financial contributions.
This latest achievement represents another chapter in what has become a consistent story of escalating philanthropic success for Salisbury University’s athletic programs, demonstrating strong community backing for the Sea Gulls’ sports initiatives.
A University of Delaware swimmer has received national recognition for his outstanding performance in the classroom.
Matvei Namakonov, who competes for the Blue Hens men’s swimming and diving team, was selected for the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association Academic All-America Third Team. The honor was announced by the organization on Wednesday from their headquarters in Greenwood, Indiana.
The Academic All-America program recognizes student-athletes who excel both athletically and academically, highlighting the balance between competitive sports and scholarly achievement at the collegiate level.
Delaware State University’s softball team has earned the No. 2 seed as they prepare to compete in the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Hornets’ strong regular season performance has positioned them favorably for the upcoming conference championship tournament. As the second-seeded team, DSU will have an advantageous path through the tournament bracket.
The MEAC Tournament represents the culmination of the conference softball season, with teams competing for the championship title and potential postseason opportunities.
Delaware State’s softball program continues to build momentum with this high tournament seeding, reflecting the team’s competitive performance throughout the 2026 season.
Conference USA revealed Delaware’s revised 2026 football schedule on Tuesday after resolving a settlement agreement with Louisiana Tech that required schedule adjustments across the league.
The Fightin’ Blue Hens will compete in a dozen games during the upcoming season, combining their four previously scheduled non-conference matchups with eight Conference USA battles. Delaware will host four conference games at home while traveling for four others.
The schedule presents a challenging slate for the reigning 68 Ventures Bowl champions, as they’ll face eight opponents that earned bowl game appearances during the previous season. This marks a significant test for the Blue Hens as they look to build on their recent postseason success.
The announcement from the Dallas-based conference office comes as leagues continue to navigate scheduling complexities amid ongoing realignment discussions and legal settlements affecting member institutions.
A developing coastal storm system could bring a period of rain to the Delmarva region on Saturday, though uncertainty remains regarding how widespread the impacts will be.
The setup involves a large, closed upper-level low lingering across southeastern Canada, with a stronger disturbance rotating around its base from the Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic. This feature is expected to help generate an area of low pressure near or just south of the region. However, forecast models continue to differ on exactly where this surface low will track and how strong it becomes.
Some guidance like the ECMWF suggests a stronger system tracking farther north, which would spread a steady shield of rain across much of Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and adjacent coastal areas. Other solutions, including the GFS model, depict a weaker and more southern track, which would keep the bulk of the rainfall offshore and result in more limited precipitation locally.
Despite the uncertainty, one consistent signal is that this system will be relatively fast-moving. Any rainfall that does develop would likely move through quickly rather than linger for an extended period.
In addition to the rain chances, temperatures across Delmarva are expected to run well below average for late April. The influence of the upper-level low will keep conditions noticeably chilly, with Saturday shaping up to be the coolest day of the weekend.
We will continue to refine the track and strength of this system over the coming days. A slight shift north or south will ultimately determine whether Delmarva sees a widespread soaking rain or only spotty, light precipitation.
Salisbury, MD — City crews will replace aging water infrastructure in the 400 block of Pinehurst Avenue on Wednesday, April 29, as part of the municipality’s continuing efforts to upgrade and maintain its water distribution network.
The street will be shut down to all vehicle traffic between Russell and Camden avenues while the work takes place. City officials say the project is set to start at 9 a.m. and should wrap up around 3:30 p.m., unless unexpected issues arise.
City staff will alert utility locating services and Central Alarm ahead of the construction.
Municipal leaders are asking residents for their understanding and patience while this brief disruption takes place.
Questions about the project can be directed to the Utilities Division at 410-548-3103.
WASHINGTON — The nation’s highest court examined arguments Wednesday regarding the Trump administration’s effort to terminate legal safeguards for migrants from Haiti and Syria who fled violence and disasters in their homelands.
Citizens from Haiti and Syria were part of a group from 17 nations covered by Temporary Protected Status, a program that permits migrants currently in America to remain with employment authorization for 18-month periods, provided the Homeland Security Secretary determines their home country remains too dangerous for return.
Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration for his second term, the Department of Homeland Security has terminated protections for 13 nations, leaving their migrants vulnerable to removal proceedings.
The legal challenge centers on whether officials appropriately evaluated circumstances in Haiti and Syria before ending TPS and whether the decision discriminated against non-white immigrants.
The legal action initially targeted Kristi Noem, Trump’s first Homeland Security secretary during his second term. However, following her dismissal and Markwayne Mullin’s appointment as the new DHS chief, he became the named defendant in all related litigation.
Legal challenges typically follow agency leadership, so when personnel changes occur, incoming secretaries inherit responsibility for ongoing lawsuits, regardless of when the cases began. This pattern continues across different administrations. Immigration rights groups initially sued Trump’s first presidency over TPS termination efforts, naming DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. By the case’s conclusion six years later, Biden’s DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had become the named defendant.
Conservative critics of TPS frequently argue that programs designed as temporary solutions effectively become permanent fixtures. Republican lawmakers often cite TPS designations that receive repeated extensions long after the original crisis has passed.
El Salvador’s TPS designation, established in 2001 following catastrophic earthquakes, serves as a prime example of this concern.
However, immigration rights supporters maintain there are no statutory time limits on TPS usage, arguing the administration seeks to return people to nations still experiencing upheaval.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that Syria’s current situation reflects both large-scale returns and ongoing humanitarian challenges. According to the agency, 15.6 million Syrians needed assistance as of March 2026, while more than 1.5 million refugees and 1.8 million internally displaced individuals have returned since December 2024.
“Internal displacement remains high (5.5 million), underscoring that returns are occurring within a still-fragile system with strained absorption capacity,” the UN agency stated in its report.
Haiti has operated without a president since Jovenel Moïse’s assassination at his residence in July 2021. While officials hope to conduct initial elections before year’s end, experts consider this timeline unrealistic given escalating gang violence.
A recent International Rescue Committee evaluation identified “grave protection risks and rapidly shrinking access to public services” for Haitian civilians, describing the nation as facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
The assessment warns that conditions may worsen as political instability persists and clashes between gangs and security forces continue.
“Millions of people in Haiti continue to face a compounding crisis of food insecurity, forced displacement, deadly disease outbreaks, and surging violence,” stated Alice Ribes, emergency country director for the IRC in Haiti. “Public services in many areas have collapsed under gang rule, leaving people with limited or no access to clean drinking water, food, medical care, and education.”
On April 16, the House achieved rare bipartisan cooperation by passing legislation extending TPS for Haitians. The measure, advanced by House Democrats with Republican support despite GOP leadership opposition, would mandate a three-year TPS extension by the Trump administration, protecting hundreds of thousands of qualifying immigrants from deportation.
The bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, and President Trump would likely attempt a veto.
Democratic Senator Edward J. Markey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida urged the Supreme Court Tuesday to reject the administration’s termination efforts.
They joined a coalition including representatives from the American Business Immigration Coalition and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, among other organizations.
“TPS holders serve as a backbone for families and our economy—caring for our elders and loved ones through illness, strengthening our communities, and making innumerable contributions daily,” Pressley said. “Our message to the Supreme Court today is simple: do your job, uphold the law, save lives, and protect our communities.”
The administration maintains that TPS recipients can safely return to their home countries, where circumstances have improved since protections were initially granted.
Immigration advocates dispute claims that safe conditions exist for returnees. They highlight a contradiction, noting the State Department advises U.S. citizens against travel to Haiti or Syria due to violence, instability, and limited basic services.
“These terminations have come without credible evidence that conditions have improved,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and Chief Executive Officer of Global Refuge, among the largest faith-based refugee assistance organizations.
“The administration is essentially arguing two things at once: that these countries are too dangerous for American tourists, but safe enough to deport families to. Policy makers cannot credibly hold both positions at the same time,” Vignarajah explained.
Immigration advocates contend the administration’s TPS termination decision ignores actual conditions in origin countries. Instead, they argue it represents part of a comprehensive deportation strategy targeting not only unauthorized immigrants but also hundreds of thousands of legal residents.
“By trying to kill TPS, they are attacking people who are living and working here legally, paying fees and taxes, following all the rules,” said José Palma, coordinator at the National TPS Alliance. “They are de-documenting people… it’s cruel, arbitrary, pointless, needless, and wrong.”
Viles Dorsainvil, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Haitian Support Center and a Haitian TPS holder, explained: “TPS provides dignity, stability, and hope… TPS represents more than protection. It represents the ability of families to stay together.”
The Public Rights Project, a non-governmental organization assisting local governments with litigation, submitted an amicus brief detailing economic, workforce and public service consequences cities would experience if TPS ends.
Filed April 13, the brief represented a coalition of 47 local governments, mayors and community leaders nationwide urging the Court to maintain TPS.
The court allocated 80 minutes for arguments, though proceedings could extend to two hours or longer.
Following post-pandemic protocols, other justices permit 77-year-old Justice Thomas, the court’s longest-serving member, to ask initial questions before general questioning begins. During a second round, justices pose questions by seniority order, with Chief Justice John Roberts, seated centrally as the most senior, leading off.
Before arguments commence, justices will handle routine business, issuing at least one decision from fall or winter arguments. The majority opinion author will read a summary from the bench. The court will then ceremonially admit lawyers to the Supreme Court bar before livestreaming begins.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University baseball player Jackson Inman has received his second national recognition of the season after being named to the D3baseball.com National Team of the Week, the organization announced Wednesday morning.
The third baseman from the seventh-ranked Sea Gulls has now earned the prestigious weekly honor three times during his collegiate career. The latest selection represents his second appearance on the national team this season.
D3baseball.com made the announcement recognizing outstanding performers across Division III baseball programs nationwide.
Delaware transportation officials are warning drivers about upcoming lane restrictions on Interstate 495 north this Thursday as crews tackle necessary drainage repairs.
DelDOT has scheduled the maintenance work for Thursday, May 7th, running from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. During this six-hour window, the left lane of northbound I-495 will be closed approximately half a mile beyond the Edgemoor on-ramps.
State transportation officials are advising drivers to exercise extra caution while traveling through the construction zone and to plan for possible minor traffic delays during the repair period.
New Castle County police have filed charges against a teenager accused of operating a stolen vehicle scheme through social media platforms.
Law enforcement officials launched their investigation in September 2025 after receiving reports about someone allegedly marketing stolen Honda and Acura automobiles on various social networking sites.
Through their investigation, officers identified 18-year-old Ailear Braxton as the person behind the alleged operation. According to police, Braxton operated under several different identities across social media platforms while conducting the illegal sales.
The case highlights the growing trend of criminals using online platforms to facilitate illegal activities, particularly in the auto theft sector.
Details about the total number of vehicles involved or the scope of the alleged operation have not been released by authorities at this time.
Delaware environmental officials are notifying residents that the state’s yearly prohibition on most outdoor burning begins Thursday, May 1st, and will remain in effect until September 30th.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control says the seasonal restrictions help maintain air quality standards during the months when ozone levels are typically at their highest.
While most forms of outdoor burning will be prohibited across the state during this period, residents can still enjoy cooking fires, recreational campfires, and ceremonial bonfires throughout the year as long as they burn approved materials like firewood, charcoal, propane, or natural gas.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University athletics are making waves nationally as three Sea Gulls teams have secured positions in the top-10 of this week’s Roadie Joes Rankings, released on the final Wednesday of April.
The university’s women’s lacrosse squad, men’s lacrosse team, and baseball program all earned prestigious spots in their respective national rankings, highlighting the strength of Salisbury’s athletic programs across multiple sports.
The rankings, which showcase the nation’s top collegiate athletic programs, underscore the continued excellence of Sea Gulls athletics as the spring sports season progresses.
A Delaware Department of Transportation worker suffered injuries Monday afternoon when a vehicle veered off Route 1 and collided with his grass-cutting equipment near Duck Creek in Smyrna.
The incident occurred on April 26 as the DelDOT employee was performing routine grass maintenance along the highway. According to officials, a vehicle traveling south departed the roadway and crashed into the state tractor.
The collision resulted in significant damage to both the maintenance equipment and the striking vehicle. Fortunately, the DelDOT worker avoided life-threatening injuries despite the severity of the crash.
Delaware State Police responded to the scene and issued a citation to the motorist involved in the collision. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for highway maintenance crews working along busy roadways.
Drivers using Foulk Road are facing traffic delays today as construction work has forced the closure of the right lane in the southbound direction at Silverside Road.
According to Delaware Department of Transportation officials, the lane restriction is expected to remain in effect until 3:30 PM this afternoon.
Motorists are advised to plan for extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone. Drivers should merge safely into the left lane before reaching the work area.
More than 15 Newark police officers received recognition for their exceptional service during the past year at the department’s annual awards ceremony held on April 24, 2026.
The recognition event took place at the Courtyard by Marriott Newark-University of Delaware, where law enforcement personnel and civilian staff members gathered to celebrate outstanding contributions to public safety and community service.
The ceremony highlighted the dedication and professional achievements of officers who went above and beyond their regular duties to serve the Newark community throughout the previous year.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are conducting traffic control operations today along Broadkill Road (Route 16) near the Route 1 northbound interchange.
The flagging operation is taking place at both the entrance and exit ramps connecting Broadkill Road to Coastal Highway (Route 1) northbound. DelDOT officials say the work zone will remain in effect until 5 PM today.
Motorists traveling through the area should expect possible delays and plan for extra travel time. Drivers are advised to use caution when approaching the work zone and follow all posted signs and flagging personnel directions.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re looking at a pleasant spring day with temperatures reaching a comfortable 66 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. The morning and early afternoon should stay dry, making it perfect for any outdoor activities you have planned.
However, keep that umbrella handy for later! We’re tracking a 40% chance of rain showers developing after 4pm, with southeast winds picking up to 5-10 mph and gusts reaching 25 mph. Any rainfall should be light, with amounts less than a tenth of an inch expected.
Tonight brings a more active weather pattern as showers and thunderstorms move through the peninsula, with temperatures dropping to a cool 52 degrees. The good news? This system moves out quickly!
Thursday looks absolutely beautiful with mostly sunny skies and highs near 67 degrees – perfect weather to get back outside. Thursday night will be mostly clear and crisp with lows around 43 degrees.
Overall, it’s a typical spring pattern with a quick-moving system bringing brief rain before beautiful conditions return. Stay weather-aware this evening, and have a wonderful Wednesday, Delmarva!
Motorists traveling on Federal School Lane in New Castle County will encounter lane restrictions overnight due to ongoing construction activities.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane on Federal School Lane westbound is currently blocked between Chaddwyck Road and U.S. Route 13.
The lane closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 6 a.m., according to DelDOT’s traffic incident reporting system.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when navigating through the construction zone during the overnight hours.
The University of Delaware’s men’s basketball team has welcomed a new addition to their lineup for the 2026-27 season with the signing of transfer player Eugene Alvin, according to an announcement made Tuesday by head coach Martin Ingelsby.
Alvin comes to the Blue Hens program after completing his previous season playing for Morgan State University. The Newark-based team continues to build their roster as they prepare for the upcoming basketball season.
Coach Ingelsby confirmed the signing as part of the program’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their competitive position for the 2026-27 campaign.
FREDERICK, Md. – The Salisbury University Sea Gulls baseball squad continued their impressive winning streak with a commanding 11-1 victory over Hood College on Tuesday, marking their eighth consecutive triumph this season.
Playing at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, home to the minor league Frederick Keys, the seventh-ranked Sea Gulls dominated through aggressive base running and strategic offensive play. The team recorded a season-best 11 stolen bases while executing five sacrifice bunts during the eight-inning contest.
The Sea Gulls’ running game proved unstoppable as they consistently pressured the Hood Blazers’ defense throughout the afternoon. Their combination of speed on the basepaths and timely hitting resulted in a lopsided victory that ended after eight innings due to the mercy rule.
This latest win extends Salisbury’s hot streak and solidifies their position as one of the top-ranked teams in college baseball. The Sea Gulls will look to continue their winning ways as they advance deeper into the season.
Drivers traveling northbound on Route 896 will need to merge into the left lane due to ongoing construction work affecting traffic flow between Cobble Creek Curve and South Old Baltimore Pike.
The Delaware Department of Transportation has implemented a right lane closure that will remain active until 6 a.m. as crews complete necessary roadwork in the area.
Motorists should expect potential delays and are advised to allow extra travel time when using this corridor during the construction period.
Motorists traveling on northbound Interstate 95 should expect delays as construction crews continue work that has shut down the two right travel lanes between exits 4 and 5.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the lane restrictions will remain in place until 5 a.m. Drivers are advised to use caution in the work zone and allow extra travel time during the closure period.
Traffic is being directed into the remaining open lanes while the construction activity continues overnight.
DOVER, Del. – Delaware’s baseball squad secured a victory on the road Tuesday evening, defeating Delaware State University 7-5 in their annual Route One Rivalry showdown.
The Blue Hens traveled to Dover to face their in-state competitors, coming away with the win in what has become a highly anticipated matchup between the two Delaware universities.
The Route One Rivalry represents the ongoing athletic competition between the University of Delaware and Delaware State, named after the major highway that connects both institutions.
Tuesday’s contest saw Delaware emerge victorious by two runs in a competitive game that showcased both teams’ abilities on the diamond.
Delaware Department of Transportation crews are performing maintenance work that will slow traffic on a busy stretch of Interstate 495 through late tonight.
Northbound I-495 between U.S. Route 13 and Philadelphia Pike is experiencing reduced speeds due to sweeping operations currently underway. The maintenance work focuses on cleaning the entrance and exit ramps in this corridor.
DelDOT officials say the sweeping operations will continue until midnight tonight. Motorists traveling through this area should expect slower than normal traffic conditions and plan for additional travel time.
The affected section includes multiple on and off ramps that serve as key access points for commuters and commercial traffic in northern New Castle County.
Drivers traveling on northbound U.S. Route 13 should expect delays due to ongoing construction work that has shut down the right lane in a busy corridor.
The lane closure affects the stretch of highway between Hamburg Road and Federal School Lane, with work scheduled to continue until 6 a.m.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when driving through the construction zone. Traffic is being funneled into the remaining left lane during the closure period.
Motorists traveling on northbound U.S. Route 113 should plan for delays and alternate routes as construction crews close the left turn lane at Kruger Road overnight.
According to DelDOT, the left turn lane restriction will remain in place until 6 a.m. as crews complete necessary roadwork in the area.
Drivers needing to make left turns at this intersection are advised to seek alternative routes or plan extra travel time during the construction period.
Motorists traveling on Kruger Road should expect periodic lane restrictions due to ongoing construction activities. The work zone extends from US Route 113 to Kings Road, where crews are causing intermittent lane closures.
According to DelDOT, the construction-related lane restrictions will remain in effect until 6 AM. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes when possible.
The Delaware Department of Transportation continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the construction work progresses.
Good evening, Delmarva! We’re wrapping up this Tuesday with mostly cloudy skies and mild temperatures holding steady around 48 degrees tonight. Light southeast winds at about 5 mph will keep things comfortable as you head out this evening.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, we’re tracking some active weather moving into our area. Temperatures will climb to a pleasant 66 degrees, but don’t let that fool you – we’ll see increasing clouds with showers and thunderstorms becoming likely as the day progresses. Wednesday night will bring more widespread shower and thunderstorm activity, so keep those umbrellas handy and stay weather-aware.
The good news? Thursday looks much brighter! We’ll start with a chance of morning rain showers, but expect mostly sunny skies to return as we warm back up to 66 degrees.
Bottom line: enjoy the mild evening tonight, but be prepared for wet weather Wednesday into Wednesday night. Relief comes Thursday with sunshine returning to the peninsula.
Stay dry out there, and I’ll see you tomorrow with your updated forecast!
The Goldey-Beacom Lightning baseball team has secured the second-place position in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference standings following an 8-7 victory against Wilmington University.
The crucial conference matchup took place at Doyle Field in Hockessin, where the Lightning managed to edge out their opponents in what proved to be a decisive game for playoff positioning.
With this victory, Goldey-Beacom has officially clinched the runner-up spot in the CACC standings, positioning the team favorably as the conference tournament approaches.
NEWARK, Del. – The Blue Hens women’s basketball team has successfully recruited transfer student-athlete Sanyiah Littlejohn from George Mason University, according to an announcement made Tuesday by head coach Sarah Jenkins.
Littlejohn will be joining the University of Delaware’s women’s basketball roster after her time with the George Mason program.
Authorities are looking into a deadly collision in Somerset County that took the life of a road maintenance worker on Monday afternoon.
The victim has been identified as 70-year-old Dipakkumar Patel from Delmar, Maryland. Somerset County emergency responders declared him dead at the crash site.
Maryland State Police from the Princess Anne station were called to the scene around 12:40 p.m. after reports of an accident on northbound Route 13 near King Miller Road in Princess Anne. According to initial findings, Patel was seated in a stationary Maryland Department of Transportation Ford Fusion while conducting highway maintenance work when the collision occurred.
Investigators say Amanda Correa, a 31-year-old Salisbury resident driving a Dodge Caravan, crashed into the back of Patel’s work vehicle for undetermined reasons. Correa was traveling with one passenger when the impact happened. Emergency crews rushed both individuals to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Traffic continues to be disrupted on northbound Route 13 at Revels Neck Road as investigators examine the crash scene. Maryland Department of Transportation highway officials are on location helping manage road closures and alternate routes for drivers.
Once the investigation concludes, findings will be forwarded to Somerset County’s State’s Attorney’s Office for examination. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is heading up the ongoing investigation.
OCEAN CITY, MD – Multiple members of the Ocean City Police Department earned statewide honors Tuesday for their exceptional work promoting highway safety throughout the region.
The officers were celebrated at the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s Traffic Safety Specialist Awards Luncheon, which took place April 28, 2026, in Edgemere, Maryland.
The Traffic Safety Specialist Program recognizes law enforcement officers who show exceptional expertise, comprehensive training, and unwavering commitment to making roadways safer for all travelers.
This recognition underscores Ocean City Police Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety through focused traffic enforcement and education initiatives.
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Fire officials in southern Georgia say they’re preparing for an extended firefighting campaign against two massive wildfires that have leveled dozens of residences, despite weekend rainfall that significantly aided containment operations.
“A little bit of rain is going to help us, but it’s not going to get us out of this situation,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp told a news conference after touring the fire areas Tuesday. “We’re going to be in this for a while.”
The blaze in rural Brantley County has scorched approximately 35 square miles and wiped out more than 80 residences, with containment levels jumping to 32% as of Tuesday, according to the fire command team. This marks a dramatic improvement from Monday’s 6% containment figure.
Sunday’s precipitation provided crews with the opportunity to expand containment barriers around the fire’s edges and eliminate smoldering hotspots, according to Johnny Sabo, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission.
“As that number increases, our confidence at holding it in that footprint increases,” Sabo told reporters. He added: “We have a long way to go. I just want to stress that.”
A second, more extensive wildfire spanning the Georgia-Florida border has consumed over 50 square miles in the lightly populated Clinch and Echols counties. Sabo reported that firefighting teams have successfully prevented this blaze from expanding beyond its current boundaries for four consecutive days, with containment at 23% on Tuesday.
The second fire destroyed one residence along with several dozen outbuildings and smaller structures, said Don Thomas, a Georgia Forestry Commission spokesperson.
An abnormally high number of wildfires are active this spring throughout the Southeast region. Researchers attribute the elevated fire risk to a deadly combination of severe drought conditions, strong winds, climate change effects, and accumulated dead plant material.
Georgia has reported no fire-related injuries or fatalities. However, a volunteer firefighter in Nassau County, Florida, died last week after experiencing an unspecified medical emergency while fighting a brush fire.
Improvements in controlling the Brantley County fire led local authorities to cancel evacuation orders Monday for approximately 1,500 residents who had abandoned their homes. Around 2,500 people remain displaced, said Susan Heisey, a spokesperson for the fire command team.
Returning residents have been cautioned by local authorities to stay ready for potential re-evacuation if conditions deteriorate.
Both Georgia fires started during the state’s most severe drought in two decades, which has left extensive pine forests and wetland areas extremely dry and prone to ignition.
Fire investigators determined the Brantley County blaze began April 20 when a metallic balloon contacted a power line, generating an electrical discharge that ignited ground vegetation. The Clinch and Echols counties fire started April 18 from a spark that fell while a man was welding a gate, state officials reported.
Weather predictions indicate high probability of additional rainfall over the fire zones this weekend. Thunderstorms are also possible, which could generate lightning strikes capable of starting new fires.
Authorities have not provided estimates for how long the Georgia fires might continue burning, stating only that substantial rainfall will be necessary to fully extinguish them.
Sabo referenced a massive lightning-sparked fire in the nearby Okefenokee Swamp in 2011 that burned for nearly twelve months.
Three University of Delaware men’s tennis standouts have been honored with Conference USA all-conference recognition following the program’s inaugural season in the league.
The conference revealed Tuesday that Tobey Lock, Euan Mackenzie, and Luke Tollenaar all received all-conference selections, marking a strong debut for the Blue Hens in their new athletic home.
The trio’s recognition highlights the immediate impact Delaware’s tennis program has made since joining Conference USA, with all three players earning spots among the league’s top performers in the program’s first year of CUSA competition.
A new art exhibition celebrating the beauty of natural stone formations opens next week at a Wilmington gallery, featuring the abstract works of artist Kira Krell.
The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery will host “Stone Formations,” a solo showcase of Krell’s latest creations, running from May 1 through May 29, 2026.
Krell’s artwork features rich textures and abstract designs that encourage visitors to pause and contemplate nature’s lasting impact on our world. The exhibition focuses on how natural geological structures can inspire artistic expression and personal reflection.
The gallery, located in Wilmington, regularly features works by local and regional artists as part of the state’s commitment to supporting the arts community.
Salisbury University’s athletic program is looking ahead to the 2026 Capital Athletic Conference Championships as the Sea Gulls prepare for competition.
The university’s athletic department has issued a preview of the upcoming championship events, though specific details about participating teams, event schedules, and venue information were not immediately available.
The CLC Championships represent a significant opportunity for Salisbury University athletes to compete at the conference level and showcase their skills against other member institutions.
Additional information about the championship schedule, participating sports, and competition dates is expected to be released as the event approaches.
Authorities in Smyrna are working to determine what caused a deadly accident yesterday that claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl on an electric scooter.
The tragic incident unfolded around 4:54 p.m. on April 27, 2026, when a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck heading west on Greens Branch Lane near Eagle Way struck the child, who was riding her scooter north on Eagle Way toward the intersection with Greens Branch Lane.
Officials with the Smyrna Police Department say they are still working to piece together exactly how the deadly crash occurred between the young rider and the pickup truck.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal accident remains ongoing.
Delaware is expanding mandatory health insurance coverage for chiropractic and physical therapy services as part of efforts to reduce opioid dependence among chronic pain patients.
Currently, Delaware law requires all health insurance plans in the state — including individual policies, group coverage, state employee benefits, and Medicaid — to provide unlimited chiropractic and physical therapy visits for chronic back pain treatment. However, this coverage has been limited to specific areas of the spine.
A recent evaluation by the Patient Centered Care Subcommittee, part of the Addiction Action Committee within Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services, revealed important gaps in the current system. The subcommittee surveyed Delaware-based chiropractic and physical therapy practitioners to assess how well the existing coverage requirements were working.
While the survey results indicated that unlimited coverage has enhanced care for chronic pain sufferers, researchers discovered the benefits were restricted to only two spinal regions: the thoracic area (middle spine from neck base to rib bottom) and the lumbar region (lower back area).
Health officials noted that comprehensive chiropractic and physical therapy care can help patients avoid both opioid medications and costlier medical interventions. However, the current limitations on which body areas receive coverage may reduce treatment effectiveness and restrict patient recovery potential.
The new legislation addresses these concerns by expanding coverage requirements to include the entire spine plus other neuromusculoskeletal areas, including arms and legs, without annual or lifetime visit restrictions.
Insurance companies will need to comply with these enhanced coverage mandates for any policies that are issued, renewed, or modified after December 31, 2026.
The legislation also includes technical language updates to align with current Delaware legislative drafting standards.
A traffic accident has resulted in the closure of the right merge lane on East Chestnut Hill Road coming from Salem Church Road, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.
The crash has blocked access to the merging lane, prompting authorities to shut down that portion of roadway to vehicle traffic. DelDOT is advising motorists to avoid the area if possible and to use alternative routes while emergency crews and transportation workers address the situation.
No details about the severity of the collision or potential injuries have been released at this time. Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate delays and exercise caution around the accident scene.
This is a developing situation and road conditions may change as crews work to clear the wreckage and reopen the affected lane to normal traffic flow.
Law enforcement officials in New Castle County are alerting residents about a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting people seeking government permits.
Detectives with the New Castle County Division of Police are looking into a case where scammers created fake email addresses that mimic official county government communications. The fraudulent scheme specifically targets individuals who have submitted permit applications.
According to investigators, the scam works by sending victims official-looking emails that falsely claim to be from New Castle County offices. These deceptive messages request additional fees supposedly needed to complete the permit application process.
Police say the fake emails are designed to appear authentic, making it difficult for residents to distinguish them from legitimate county correspondence. The criminals behind the scheme are attempting to collect unauthorized payments from unsuspecting permit applicants.
Authorities are urging residents to verify any unexpected payment requests by contacting the appropriate county office directly through official phone numbers rather than responding to email solicitations.
The University of Delaware’s men’s basketball team has welcomed a new addition to their upcoming roster through the transfer portal. Head coach Martin Ingelsby revealed Tuesday that Steven Solano has committed to play for the Blue Hens during the 2026-27 season.
Solano brings two years of collegiate experience to Newark, having competed for Saint Joseph’s University over the past two seasons. The transfer represents another strategic roster move as Coach Ingelsby continues building his program for the upcoming campaign.
The announcement was made from the university’s Newark campus, adding another piece to what promises to be an evolving Fightin’ Blue Hens lineup for the 2026-27 academic year.
DALLAS – The University of Delaware women’s tennis program celebrated major recognition Tuesday as the Conference USA announced its postseason awards, with five Blue Hens student-athletes receiving honors.
Leading the way was Gorman, who captured the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year award for her outstanding debut season with the program.
The announcement from Dallas marks a significant achievement for the Delaware tennis program, highlighting the depth of talent on the roster this season.
In addition to Gorman’s individual recognition, four other Blue Hens earned spots on the All-Conference USA teams, demonstrating the program’s competitive strength within the conference.
The awards recognize the top performers across Conference USA women’s tennis programs for their achievements during the 2025-26 season.
A key piece of weather monitoring technology has reached a significant milestone after serving the eastern United States for twelve months.
NOAA’s GOES-19 satellite officially completed one full year of operations as GOES-East on April 28, providing essential weather data and imagery for the entire eastern seaboard, including Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.
The advanced geostationary satellite has delivered vital information during numerous high-impact weather events throughout its first year of service. From tracking severe thunderstorms to monitoring hurricane development, GOES-19 has enhanced forecasting capabilities for meteorologists across the region.
Since taking over the GOES-East position, the satellite has continuously observed weather patterns from its position 22,300 miles above Earth’s equator. This strategic location allows it to maintain constant surveillance of weather systems affecting the eastern United States.
The satellite represents the latest in weather monitoring technology, offering improved resolution and faster data transmission compared to its predecessors. These enhancements have translated into more accurate forecasts and earlier warnings for potentially dangerous weather conditions.
GOES-19’s successful first year demonstrates the ongoing advancement of satellite technology in protecting communities through better weather prediction and monitoring capabilities.
The National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center conducted a routine emergency alert test on Sunday afternoon, issuing a practice tsunami warning that remained active for exactly one hour.
The test alert was activated at 12:31 PM EDT on April 28th and concluded at 1:31 PM EDT the same day. These periodic drills are conducted by the National Tsunami Warning Center to ensure emergency communication systems function properly during actual coastal emergencies.
Such testing exercises help verify that warning systems can effectively reach coastal communities and emergency management agencies when real tsunami threats arise.
DOVER, Del. — Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is rolling out a series of special events this May as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.
The agency is encouraging residents to step back in time through various educational programs that highlight Delaware’s role in American history. Participants will have opportunities to explore the First State’s maritime heritage and experience traditional English Country dancing, an art form that dates back centuries.
The programming will also feature encounters with historical interpreters, including a portrayal of an officer from the Loyal American regiment, giving visitors a chance to interact with figures from Delaware’s Revolutionary War past.
These commemorative events are part of the statewide effort to recognize America’s semiquincentennial anniversary, showcasing Delaware’s unique contributions to the nation’s founding story.
Goldey-Beacom College’s men’s golf program celebrated a trio of players earning All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference recognition this season.
Senior golfers William Kelly from Auckland, New Zealand, and Guillermo de Miguel from Cadiz, Spain, both secured spots on the all-conference team for the second time in their collegiate careers. Meanwhile, freshman Matteo Sasdelli from Florence, Italy, captured his inaugural all-conference selection.
The honors highlight the international talent and competitive success of the Lightning’s golf program, with players representing three different countries on the prestigious conference team.
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has successfully blocked the federal government from distributing machine gun conversion devices throughout the First State and 16 other jurisdictions.
The Delaware AG spearheaded a multi-state legal coalition alongside New Jersey and Maryland that reached a settlement with the Trump Administration on Friday. The agreement prevents thousands of these conversion devices from being distributed to Delaware and the other participating states.
The attorneys general filed a notice of voluntary dismissal on Friday, effectively closing their legal challenge after securing the protective agreement. The coalition’s efforts ensure these devices will not make their way into Delaware communities.
The settlement represents a significant victory for public safety advocates who have raised concerns about the proliferation of devices that can convert firearms into automatic weapons.
Delaware transportation officials are reporting a lane closure on a major roadway following a vehicle accident Tuesday.
The right lane of northbound Route 1 at the Roth Bridge has been shut down due to a traffic crash, according to DelDOT incident reports. The closure is impacting traffic flow in the area as emergency crews respond to the scene.
Drivers traveling northbound on Route 1 should anticipate delays and may want to seek alternative routes until the roadway can be fully reopened. Officials have not yet provided details about the severity of the crash or an estimated timeline for clearing the incident.
This is a developing situation and motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling through the area.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has honored two accomplished fishermen with Master Angler status after they each successfully caught 10 different fish species at trophy size within state waters.
Josh Porter from Baltimore City and Hien Tram from Burtonsville have become the 29th and 30th individuals to reach this prestigious milestone since Maryland launched its recreational fishing award program in 2019.
The FishMaryland initiative serves as the state’s recreational fishing recognition program, designed to encourage year-round angling while promoting accessible and diverse fishing experiences throughout Maryland waters.
Josh Porter
Porter, who resides in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, prefers fishing the tidal rivers and reservoirs near his home. “I just love the relaxation and peace that I find when fishing,” he said.
His fishing journey began in childhood when his father, who frequently fished Chesapeake Bay waters from his Boston Whaler, taught him fundamental angling techniques. Porter’s passion was rekindled as an adult when he began joining a friend’s family fishing trips. Today, he often brings his 1-year-old son along, making each outing particularly meaningful.
After earning multiple angler awards, Porter set his sights on achieving Master Angler recognition. His most cherished catch was also his first award-winner: while driving home from work with his fishing gear, he decided to make a spontaneous stop. He landed a Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) in shallow overflow waters, describing the surface strike as explosive and thrilling.
Another memorable battle involved a 25-inch rainbow trout from the Patuxent River. Arriving early to meet a fishing companion, Porter made several casts with a small Trout Magnet lure when the massive trout struck. The fish was so powerful it nearly straightened the hook.
His most meaningful catch was an 8-inch red-breasted sunfish from Jones Falls stream. He had decided to walk where he used to exercise his recently deceased dog, bringing his rod along for some casual fishing. This catch earned him his ninth species award.
Porter’s trophy catches included: Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) at 30 inches, largemouth bass at 22 inches, smallmouth bass at 20 inches, rainbow trout at 25 inches, hickory shad at 18 inches, carp at 30.5 inches, chain pickerel at 25 inches, blue crab at 8 inches, redbreast sunfish at 8 inches, and yellow perch at 14 inches.
Hien Tram
Tram, the 30th Master Angler, brings three decades of fishing experience to his achievement and primarily fishes from shorelines.
As a self-taught angler, Tram developed his skills by observing other fishermen, studying YouTube content, and reading magazine articles. His fishing career started during high school when he and friends would fish local waters with handlines, sometimes even skipping classes for fishing excursions.
“There is always something new to learn,” Tram explained about his passion for the sport. He discovered the FishMaryland program in spring 2024, noting that he had previously caught qualifying fish but hadn’t photographed them with measuring tape, which the program requires.
Tram enjoys challenging himself and considers shore fishing for red drum his most difficult undertaking. He extensively researched locations and techniques, focusing on the lower Eastern Shore. His 49-inch red drum became his favorite award-winning catch.
For aspiring Master Anglers, Tram offers this advice: “You can’t catch fish if you’re sitting at home thinking about it.”
Tram’s qualifying catches were: carp at 30.5 inches, Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) at 32 inches, hickory shad at 18.5 inches, striped bass at 42 inches, blue crab at 8.25 inches, spotted seatrout at 26.5 inches, kingfish at 14.5 inches, red drum at 49 inches, white perch at 13 inches, and chain pickerel at 24 inches.
The Department of Natural Resources’ fish conservation efforts are supported through fishing license sales, tackle purchases, boat acquisitions, and marine fuel sales. Anglers can obtain licenses through MD Outdoors online or at authorized agent locations throughout the state.
Salisbury, MD — Hannah Long has been selected to fill the position of Public Information Officer for the City of Salisbury, working directly within the Mayor’s Office.
Long’s responsibilities will include overseeing the city’s public communication initiatives, handling Maryland Public Information Act requests, and ensuring residents receive prompt and reliable information. She will report to both the Mayor and City Administrator while working alongside the Director of Communications and providing support for the Mayor’s Office daily functions.
Her background includes multiple positions within Salisbury city government. Long initially worked as an Office Administrator for the Fire Department, where she built skills in organization, communication, and operational assistance. She subsequently moved to the Clerk’s Office, where she gained experience with legislative procedures and municipal government operations.
“Now, as a Public Information Officer, I’m excited to step into a new role where I can be a bridge between the City and the community,” said Long. “I want to ensure information is clear, timely, and easy to understand. With my background in both administrative and legislative work, I feel like I bring a balanced perspective, and I’m really looking forward to growing in this role and connecting more with the community.”
City officials expressed optimism about Long’s appointment and her potential to enhance community communication and public engagement efforts.
Salisbury, MD. — Water utility crews in Salisbury will temporarily shut down a portion of Riverside Road next week as they prepare for major water infrastructure improvements.
The Waterworks Utilities Division has scheduled test pitting operations for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, along the 800 block of Riverside Road. This preliminary work will set the stage for installing a new 12-inch insertion valve as part of ongoing enhancements to the city’s water distribution network.
Motorists should plan alternate routes as Riverside Road will be completely blocked to through traffic from South Boulevard to Monticello Avenue. Officials expect the road restrictions to remain in place from 9:00 a.m. until roughly 3:30 p.m., though unexpected complications could extend the timeline.
City officials say they have coordinated with utility location services and Central Alarm ahead of the scheduled work.
Salisbury officials are asking residents for understanding as crews complete this essential infrastructure upgrade.
Questions about the project can be directed to the Utilities Division at 410-548-3103.
Motorists traveling on westbound Route 4 in New Castle County are dealing with traffic delays today due to ongoing construction work.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that the right lane of westbound Newport Pike (Route 4) is currently closed between Glen Berne Drive and East Redmont Road.
The lane restriction is scheduled to remain in place until 4 PM today. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when passing through the construction zone.
Drivers traveling on Newport Pike should expect delays this afternoon as construction crews continue work that has shut down the right lane of traffic.
The lane restriction affects westbound Route 4 traffic between Glen Berne Drive and East Redmont Road, according to DelDOT officials. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 4 PM today.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use caution when driving through the construction zone. Traffic is being maintained in the remaining lanes during the work period.
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s athletic department celebrated excellence Monday evening during the second annual Sammys Athletics Awards Show, recognizing the top performers from the 2025-26 academic year.
The ceremony took place at Holloway Hall’s Jackson Family Auditorium, where the university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee served as hosts for the special evening event.
Two Sea Gulls student-athletes claimed the night’s most prestigious recognition as Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Football standout Micah Brubaker earned the honor on the men’s side, while women’s basketball player Nicole Miller received the award for female athletes.
The awards ceremony represents a growing tradition for Salisbury University’s Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation, as they continue to spotlight the achievements of their student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom.
Delaware’s Office of Auditor of Accounts has released findings today confirming financial wrongdoing and improper use of state resources by the former leadership of Marydel Volunteer Fire Company in Kent County.
The state audit verified claims of financial misconduct involving the volunteer fire company’s former president and treasurer, according to the investigatory report issued by the auditor’s office.
The probe centered on allegations against the former MDVFC president and treasurer, with investigators confirming that state resources were misused and finances were improperly handled.
Marydel Volunteer Fire Company serves the Kent County community, and the misconduct involved the organization’s top leadership positions responsible for overseeing operations and financial management.
A widespread round of much-needed rainfall is expected to move into the Delmarva region late Wednesday, continuing overnight into early Thursday as a strong cold front pushes through the Mid-Atlantic.
The system is being driven by a robust upper-level trough and developing area of low pressure tracking across the eastern United States. As this setup evolves, a surface low is forecast to develop along the cold front and track near or across the southern half of the region early Thursday morning, enhancing rainfall coverage across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Rain is expected to begin as early as Wednesday afternoon from west to east, with the steadiest and heaviest rainfall occurring Wednesday night into the pre-dawn hours Thursday.
Atmospheric moisture will be notably elevated ahead of the front, with precipitable water values climbing to around 1.00 to 1.50 inches. In addition, a strengthening low-level jet of 40 to 45 knots at approximately 850 mb will promote strong warm air advection and lift, allowing for periods of moderate to occasionally heavy rain.
While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few embedded thunderstorms cannot be ruled out, particularly across Delmarva late Wednesday afternoon into the evening. Instability remains limited due to expected cloud cover, but if any breaks develop allowing for greater surface heating, a low-end risk for a stronger thunderstorm could emerge given the favorable wind shear in place.
Overall rainfall totals are expected to range between one-half inch and one inch across the region, with locally higher amounts possible where heavier downpours occur.
The rain will be beneficial, especially as much of the region continues to experience longer-term dry conditions and emerging drought concerns. The steady rainfall should help improve soil moisture and reduce ongoing fire weather concerns that have developed in recent weeks.
Conditions will improve quickly early Thursday morning as the cold front and associated low pressure system exit the region, bringing an end to the rain and a return to drier weather.
Wilmington-based pharmaceutical giant Incyte Corporation exceeded Wall Street expectations for its first-quarter financial results on Tuesday, powered by increased sales of its cancer treatment medications.
The Delaware company reported adjusted earnings of $1.81 per share, significantly higher than the $1.37 per share that analysts had predicted, according to LSEG data. Quarterly revenue reached $1.27 billion, surpassing the anticipated $1.21 billion.
Sales of Jakafi, one of Incyte’s flagship cancer drugs, climbed 7 percent to $757.8 million during the quarter, exceeding projections thanks to increased usage across all approved medical conditions.
However, Opzelura, the company’s skin condition treatment for eczema and vitiligo, generated $143 million in sales – a 20 percent increase from the previous year but below the $161.9 million that Wall Street had expected.
Despite the strong quarterly performance, Incyte maintained its previously announced full-year revenue projection of $4.77 billion to $4.94 billion, which some industry observers interpreted as a cautious approach that might indicate potential challenges ahead.
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets predicted a muted stock market response, pointing to concerns about Opzelura’s growth trajectory, upcoming patent expiration issues for Jakafi, and questions surrounding the company’s research pipeline competitiveness.
In leadership news, Incyte announced that Suketu Upadhyay will join as chief financial officer beginning May 4. Upadhyay previously served as executive vice president and CFO at Zimmer Biomet and held senior financial positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
GREENWOOD – Delaware transportation officials are warning drivers about a major road closure coming to Sussex County next week.
The Delaware Department of Transportation will shut down Route 16/Market Street between Route 13 southbound and Queen Street beginning May 4th and lasting through May 12th, depending on weather conditions. The closure is necessary for road reconstruction work in the area.
Officials have established detour routes to help drivers navigate around the construction zone. Motorists traveling southbound on Route 13 should continue south, then turn right onto Governors Avenue, followed by a right turn onto Mill Street to complete the detour.
For drivers heading eastbound on Route 16, the alternate route involves turning right onto Mill Street, then left onto Governors Avenue, followed by a left turn onto Route 13 northbound to reach their destination.
The week-long closure will affect traffic flow in the Greenwood area as crews complete the necessary reconstruction work on this section of roadway.
Delaware State University’s softball program received recognition this week as pitcher White was selected for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honor.
The conference announced its weekly softball awards, recognizing top performers from across MEAC schools. White’s selection highlights her exceptional performance on the mound for the Hornets during recent competition.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regularly honors standout student-athletes in various sports throughout the academic year, celebrating excellence in collegiate athletics among member institutions.
As temperatures rise and daylight hours extend, residents across our region are spending more time outdoors. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources continues examining the state’s rich ecological diversity by looking at springtime lunar traditions and their connection to local wildlife.
Dating back to English records from 1779, Native American peoples throughout the Americas created names for full moons, typically linking them to seasonal animal behaviors or significant local events.
Moon naming practices differed greatly based on geographic regions and tribal language groups among Indigenous communities. Additionally, some traditional moon names originated from European colonists or developed within the past century.
Using traditional Algonquian lunar names offers an excellent opportunity to examine Maryland’s distinctive wildlife and seasonal transitions.
Spring Lunar Cycles:
April
This lunar period is commonly known as the Pink Moon, linked to the flowering of moss phlox or the related creeping phlox species. An alternative designation might be the Breaking Ice Moon, referencing spring’s warming temperatures.
Both phlox varieties have recently gained recognition as excellent alternatives to conventional grass lawns, serving as low-maintenance ground cover that benefits both humans and pollinators. While their peak blooming occurs in April, these plants can flower as early as February in Maryland, with intermittent blooms continuing through September.
Phlox represents just one of many native species producing vibrant pink flowers.
Redbud trees, a native small to medium species, also bloom during April. Their bright magenta flowers compete with famous cherry blossoms in visual appeal. Softer pink tones appear in Southern and sweet crabapples, both supporting pollinators and native wildlife.
Wild geranium starts blooming in April, though its coloration leans more purple. Early azalea begins flowering in mountainous areas during April, living up to its name.
Many indigenous plants, including flowering dogwood, transition through pink on their way to white flowers, or combine pink and white like the pinxter flower. Flowering dogwood provides year-round color with red autumn foliage and berries that birds enjoy during fall and winter.
Gardeners can maintain native pink flowers throughout the entire growing season.
Several invasive plants also bloom pink in April, making them easier to identify and remove, including Common Vetch and Incised Fumewort.
Recommended Pink Moon Activities: Design your garden to incorporate more native flowering plants!
Consider replacing at least part of your lawn with moss phlox this year. It remains low – maximum six inches – meaning fewer hot days cutting non-native grass lawns.
May
Flower Moon
Explorer Jonathan Carver documented May as the Flower Moon in 1779, noting the name was common among several Indigenous peoples in northern states. By May, numerous flowers bloom throughout Maryland’s varied ecosystems.
Flowering plants utilize scent and color to attract pollinators, but one less visible element involves colors only seen under ultraviolet light. Human vision doesn’t include much UV spectrum, but many pollinators, including bees and butterflies, perceive wavelengths invisible to humans.
Bee color vision is sometimes called “bee purple,” and while humans cannot see this spectrum, researchers have developed methods to visualize patterns flowers create to attract pollinator attention.
May marks Gardening for Wildlife Month – perfect timing for considering how garden flowers affect native pollinators. Native flowers support more than butterflies; many native moths, birds, and bees feed directly from them, while bats, birds, frogs, and others consume the insects that feed on them. During bird breeding season, insect protein is crucial for rapid chick growth. Research shows 96% of terrestrial birds feed insects to their babies, requiring 6,000-9,000 insects to raise a single Carolina chickadee brood.
Recommended Flower Moon Activities: Continue garden work in May’s beautiful weather, but challenge yourself further by replacing ornamental flowers with native species or planting one for a neighbor.
June
Strawberry Moon, Hot Moon
June is called either the Strawberry Moon or Hot Moon, depending on sources. While North American strawberry species deserve attention, considering water sources early in the season may prevent hot months from becoming unbearable.
For wildlife, even small water amounts can make suburban or urban habitats tolerable versus desert-like. Backyard ponds are familiar options, but bird baths, puddling stations for bees and butterflies, rain gardens, and water drips are also valuable features that may be more manageable for those without space, time, or ability to maintain ponds.
A common concern about standing water features involves creating mosquito breeding sites. For frequently changed water locations like puddling stations or bird baths, this is less concerning. Adding pumps, fountains, or waterfall features to ponds prevents larvae survival.
Where this isn’t possible, larvae can be controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) or Bacillus sphaericus. These bacteria affect mosquito larvae’s digestion, killing larvae while leaving other animals and people unharmed. Avoid pesticides around water features, as these kill more than targeted insects and can be consumed by birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Recommended Hot Moon Activities: Ensure your outdoor space includes a water feature! Select and install one that’s easy to maintain, placing it somewhere quiet. Puddle containers and bird baths don’t need to be expensive – a large ceramic thrift store bowl or unused clay pot bottom works as effectively as costly options and is easier to clean.
The University of Delaware has published their latest weekly athletics roundup, providing Blue Hens fans with current information about upcoming sporting events and team activities.
The weekly athletics digest serves as a comprehensive resource for supporters following the various Blue Hens athletic programs throughout the academic year.
University athletics officials regularly distribute these updates to keep the campus community and local fans informed about scheduling changes, game results, and other important announcements related to Delaware’s collegiate sports teams.
Motorists traveling on Old Mill Bridge Road northbound should plan for potential delays due to ongoing construction work affecting traffic flow between Waters Run and County Lane.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that crews are implementing periodic lane restrictions in the area as part of construction activities. The temporary traffic pattern is expected to remain in effect until 6 PM today.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when navigating through the work zone. The intermittent nature of the lane closures means traffic conditions may vary throughout the day as construction crews complete their scheduled tasks.
Motorists traveling on Old Mill Bridge Road should expect delays and plan alternate routes as construction crews continue work that requires intermittent lane restrictions.
The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that northbound traffic between Waters Run and County Lane is being impacted by the ongoing construction project. Drivers in the area are experiencing periodic lane closures that are expected to continue through 6 PM today.
Officials advise commuters to allow extra travel time when using this route and to exercise caution when approaching the work zone. Traffic may be temporarily stopped or redirected as crews complete their work.
Motorists traveling on Sussex Highway in the northbound direction should plan for potential delays this evening due to ongoing construction work.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials report that the right lane of Route 13 North has been closed to traffic in the area between Boyce Road and the Waller Road/Mount Zion Road intersection, also known as Road 480.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 8 PM today as crews complete their work. Drivers are advised to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and allow extra time for their commute.
Traffic is being maintained in the left lane during the closure period.
Wilmington police are investigating a significant package theft that occurred Friday afternoon at a business on Capitol Trail.
Law enforcement responded to the 3600 block of Capitol Trail around 4:00 p.m. on April 10, 2026, after receiving reports of stolen mail packages valued at roughly $3,700.
Investigators examined evidence from the scene and have identified a Hyundai vehicle connected to the theft. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to track down the suspect.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about package theft affecting local businesses in the Wilmington area.
Delaware Department of Transportation officials are reporting a traffic disruption on South Fifth Street at Main Street where the left lane remains blocked following a vehicle accident.
The lane closure is impacting traffic flow in the area as emergency responders and cleanup crews work at the crash site. Drivers traveling through this intersection should anticipate possible delays and consider using alternative routes if possible.
DelDOT has not provided information about when the lane is expected to reopen or details about any injuries from the collision. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving through the area and follow any posted detour signs.
Motorists traveling southbound on North Star Road are dealing with traffic restrictions today as DelDOT has temporarily closed the right turning lane and right shoulder.
The closure affects the stretch of roadway between Celestial Way and Papermill Road, with normal traffic patterns expected to resume by 5 PM this evening.
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when navigating through the work zone area.
Motorists traveling on northbound Revel Road should plan for delays as Delaware Department of Transportation crews continue work operations in the area.
The ongoing project is affecting Route 410 northbound in the stretch between Godwin School Road and Lakeview Road, where flagging personnel are directing traffic around intermittent lane restrictions.
DelDOT officials indicate the traffic control measures will remain in effect until 6 PM today. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and exercise caution when approaching the work zone.
Motorists traveling through the intersection of Doncaster Road and E Edinburgh Road should plan for potential delays as construction crews continue work in the area.
DelDOT reports that intermittent lane restrictions are currently in effect at this location, with the closures expected to remain in place through 6 PM today.
Drivers are advised to use alternate routes when possible or allow extra travel time if passing through the construction zone is necessary.
