Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that took place Friday evening in Milford, leaving two people dead and one seriously injured.
The collision happened on June 26, 2026, at around 9:15 p.m. on Milford Harrington Highway near the intersection of Church Hill Road. Investigators say a Ford Mustang was heading westbound at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a Nissan Rogue that had just turned right onto the highway from Church Hill Road. The force of the impact caused the Nissan to spin out, flip over into a utility pole, and burst into flames.
Both the driver and passenger of the Nissan were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been determined.
The driver of the Ford Mustang, a 36-year-old man from Harrington, Delaware, was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The highway remained closed for roughly four hours while troopers worked to investigate and clear the scene.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage is urged to reach out to Master Corporal J. Lane at (302) 698-8457. Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Those who have been affected by this incident or any violent crime can reach the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center around the clock by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also contact the Victim Services Unit by email at [email protected].
Motorists in the area should plan for a detour as St. Augustine Road is currently shut down between Farm Lane and West Market Street due to a tree that has fallen across the roadway.
The closure remains in effect while crews work to remove the downed tree and restore normal traffic flow. No timeline for reopening has been announced at this time.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time until the road is cleared and reopened.
Motorists making their way northbound on Delaware Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Lewes should expect significant delays this afternoon.
According to traffic reports, heavy congestion along that corridor is causing backups of approximately 20 to 30 minutes for drivers traveling in that direction.
No specific cause beyond general traffic congestion has been cited for the delays. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time or consider using alternate routes to avoid the slowdown.
European authorities are scrambling to respond to a powerful heat wave that has caused significant damage to transportation infrastructure, overwhelmed hospitals, and claimed lives across the continent.
In Germany, officials reported damage to major roadways and disruptions to rail service on Saturday as the intense heat — expected to peak at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) — pushed infrastructure to its limits. In two locations outside Berlin, sections of the concrete on the A2 highway cracked and buckled under the extreme temperatures, forcing authorities to close the road. Additional highway damage was reported elsewhere throughout the country, according to German daily Bild.
In the western city of Dormagen, dozens of nursing home residents had to be evacuated for medical treatment after temperatures inside the facility climbed to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). A resident at the home passed away overnight, though a city spokesperson told German news agency dpa that it remained unclear whether the heat was responsible.
Air conditioning is not common in Germany or much of Europe, as the region has historically not experienced such extreme summer heat.
Train operator Deutsche Bahn and other rail companies urged travelers to avoid all nonessential trips on long-distance and regional trains this weekend. “Germany’s transportation infrastructure is being severely affected by the record-breaking heat this weekend,” Deutsche Bahn said in a statement. The company added that passengers could return their tickets for a full refund if they chose not to travel.
Meanwhile, in France, the worst of the heat appeared to be easing in some areas, but hospitals continued to face enormous strain. In the capital, the Paris public hospital authority activated its emergency response plan across all 38 hospitals to manage a sharp rise in patients.
According to a statement released Friday evening, the hospital authority’s emergency departments treated nearly 3,000 patients in a single 24-hour period — more than a third above normal levels. A large share of those patients were over the age of 75 and required hospitalization. Calls to medical dispatch centers surged nearly 80% compared to the same period in 2025.
Three-quarters of France, home to tens of millions of people, were placed under a red alert for extreme heat on Thursday and Friday as temperatures topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, including Paris. The country also logged its hottest average day ever recorded on Wednesday, when the average temperature measured across 30 French weather stations hit 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
In the United Kingdom, the extreme heat was expected to gradually subside over the weekend, though an amber warning — one level below the most severe red alert — remained active through Saturday night. The country broke its June heat record three consecutive days in a row this week. Friday was confirmed as the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK, with a provisional high of 37.3 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) measured in eastern England — more than one degree hotter than the previous June record set in the summer of 1976.
On Saturday, police reported that the body of a 22-year-old man was pulled from a river after he reportedly got into trouble in the water during the heat wave. Authorities across the region have cautioned people to use extra care when swimming in unsupervised locations such as rivers and lakes, following the deaths of approximately 40 people in France over the past week.
Drivers heading along Christiana Road (Route 273) where it crosses over Interstate 95 should be prepared for some delays today.
A painting operation currently underway in the area is causing intermittent lane closures on the roadway. The closures are expected to remain in effect until 5 p.m.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution when passing through the area and to budget extra time for their commute if their route takes them through that stretch of road.
Motorists traveling along Summit Bridge Road (Route 896) should be aware of an active trash operation affecting both the northbound and southbound shoulders and median.
The work is taking place between Red Lion Road (Route 71) and Pulaski Highway (Route 40), with crews occupying the shoulder and median areas during the operation.
The activity is expected to continue until 4 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to use caution when passing through the area and allow extra time if traveling this route.
Japan was hit hard Saturday as two powerful tropical storm systems struck at the same time, bringing deadly landslides, rising floodwaters, and widespread damage, according to media reports and government officials.
The two storms, named Mekkhala and Higos, unleashed heavy rainfall across the country during Japan’s typical rainy season, washing out roads and creating hazardous conditions throughout the region.
In Yamaguchi Prefecture, a man in his 70s lost his life after a landslide caused a house to collapse on Friday. Three additional people sustained injuries in the same incident, according to Japan’s Kyodo News Agency.
News footage out of Kyoto captured the Kamo River surging with fast-moving, muddy water. Authorities issued flooding alerts for portions of Kyoto, Osaka, and several other communities across western Japan.
The country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that more than 30 homes were flooded in the Nara and Hiroshima areas on Friday. The severe weather also caused disruptions to train service and airline flights throughout the affected region.
Drivers heading southbound on Interstate 95 near Newark should use caution as a trash removal operation is currently active along the shoulder of the highway.
The work is taking place between Mile Marker 5 and the Newark Toll Plaza. Crews are expected to remain on the shoulder until 4 p.m.
Motorists are advised to slow down and move over when approaching the work area, as required by Delaware’s Move Over law.
Good morning, Delmarva! It’s a stormy start to your Saturday, so keep that umbrella handy. Showers and thunderstorms are likely through much of the afternoon, with our best chance of storms arriving before 2 PM and again between 3 and 4 PM. We’ll see a few brief breaks in between, but don’t count on staying dry for long. Highs will top out near 80°F under mostly cloudy skies, with a light southeast breeze keeping things relatively calm wind-wise. Expect rainfall totals between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Tonight, storm chances linger as temperatures settle around a warm 70°F, so keep an eye on those evening plans. Heading into Sunday, scattered rain showers remain possible with a high near 81°F — another unsettled day across the peninsula. Sunday night brings a few more storm chances before clouds gradually clear. Stay weather-aware this weekend, Delmarva, and we’ll get through it together. Stay safe out there!
PARIS — A devastating heatwave has gripped France this week, described as one of the worst ever recorded, pushing city residents to abandon their sweltering apartments and check into hotels in search of air conditioning and cooling pools.
On Wednesday, temperatures in Paris climbed to 40.9 degrees Celsius — that’s nearly 106 degrees Fahrenheit — setting a new record for the month of June. This came just one day after France logged its hottest day since weather records began nearly 80 years ago.
The crisis has been made worse by the fact that very few private apartments in France are equipped with air conditioning, especially in the densely packed capital. Adding to the problem, roughly three-quarters of Paris rooftops are covered in zinc, a metal known for absorbing and retaining heat.
The result has been a surge in hotel bookings, both in major cities and in surrounding rural areas.
In the historic western French city of Tours, air-conditioned hotels were nearly completely booked earlier this week. Resident Veronique Savoye, who said the heat in her own home left her unable to think clearly, decided to check into a local hotel for a four-night stay running through Friday.
“It’s about being more comfortable, and — above all — being able to sleep,” she said.
Matthieu Evrard, CEO of hotel group Les Hotels (tres) Particuliers, described the demand as unlike anything he had seen before. “It is a quite extraordinary phenomenon. Every day, I have between five and ten people contacting me personally through various connections to get rooms in our hotels,” he said. “With the heatwave, everything has filled up in just two weeks.”
His group runs Les Maisons de Campagne, a countryside hotel brand with two properties located in the Yvelines department, about 45 minutes outside of Paris — the Chateau de Villiers-le-Mahieu, which sits within a 12-hectare park, and the Maison du Val in Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Both properties are now completely booked, despite the fact that neither offers air conditioning. Instead, they rely on ceiling fans and the natural cooling effect of their thick stone walls. The appeal for Parisians, many of whom have children whose schools closed due to the heat, also includes outdoor pools and access to the surrounding countryside.
Savoye acknowledged that not everyone has the financial flexibility to book a hotel stay, but said she made the decision to put part of her vacation budget toward the room. “It was what you’d call a staycation. For me, it was worth it,” she said.
All southbound lanes on Route 141 at Faulkland Road are currently closed following a crash, according to traffic officials.
Motorists traveling through the area are advised to avoid the location and plan for alternate routes until the roadway is cleared. The closure is in effect while crews work at the scene.
No further details regarding the crash, including the number of vehicles involved or any injuries, have been made available at this time. Drivers should monitor traffic updates for the latest information on when lanes are expected to reopen.
Scorching temperatures, bone-dry air, and powerful winds are driving a rapidly spreading wildfire in Utah, where the governor has declared a state of emergency and placed temporary restrictions on fireworks. The dangerous conditions across the western United States are raising alarms that even the smallest spark could trigger a disaster.
Fire crews on the ground are facing what fire managers and experts are calling unprecedented challenges. On Friday, aircraft including air tankers and helicopters had to be grounded as winds intensified over the Cottonwood Fire, currently the largest active wildfire in the country. Wind gusts reached 45 miles per hour and humidity dropped to single-digit levels, leaving firefighters with almost no tools to slow the blaze as it tore through the treetops.
“We are not expecting the weather to be kind to us for the next couple of days,” said Alyssa Mason, a spokesperson assigned to the fire. “We are seeing extreme fire behavior out there with some crown runs and definitely some spotting.”
Located in a lightly populated stretch of southern Utah, the Cottonwood Fire expanded Friday to more than 112 square miles. Among several major wildfires currently burning in Utah, it has severely damaged the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County and triggered evacuations in the area. In the nearby community of Marysvale, thick smoke blocked out the sun Friday while ash fell from the sky.
“We’re looking at a full 48 hours of critical weather that we have not seen in Utah in the last five years,” meteorologist Jason Straub told residents at a community meeting in Beaver County Friday evening.
Straub also warned that a cold front arriving Sunday could shift wind directions and push the fire into new territory before conditions begin to settle down next week.
Most of the smoke has been drifting eastward, which means air quality at well-known tourist destinations like Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks — both located well south of the fire — has not been severely impacted, though some haze has been reported near Bryce Canyon. The massive smoke plume, however, has been visible from great distances, reaching as far as Colorado.
Utah state forester Jamie Barnes said earlier this week that the situation is unlike anything seen in recent memory, acknowledging that fires are now spreading farther and faster “under conditions that defy historical expectations.”
Across the country, close to 3 million acres have burned since January, putting the nation ahead of the 10-year average. The National Interagency Fire Center reported that firefighters are working to contain fires stretching from Alaska all the way to Florida.
Low humidity and strong winds have triggered red flag warnings across a broad region running from Idaho down through southern Arizona and New Mexico. Wind forecasts in some areas call for gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour, with the harshest conditions expected from northern Arizona through central and southern Utah.
At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, officials were bracing Saturday for a potential power outage. The local utility provider warned it would likely shut off electricity as a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risk. Park visitors were advised to download maps and other key information ahead of their visit and to arrive with fully charged devices, since backup power systems may be limited.
Planned power shutoffs have become increasingly common across the West as wildfire danger has grown. Utility companies typically treat them as a last resort, weighing factors like wind speed, available fuel, and the lay of the land before making a decision. Rocky Mountain Power has issued a public safety power shutoff watch and warning for parts of central, southern, and eastern Utah through the weekend.
Tim Brown, a research professor and director of the Western Regional Climate Center, said extreme fire behavior will continue as long as the region stays hot, dry, and windy. He pointed to persistent drought conditions gripping Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico as a major contributing factor.
“I would not be surprised to see a lot of restrictions come out as we get closer to the July Fourth weekend,” Brown said. “People really need to be aware of their surroundings if they’re going to be out in the forested campground areas and grassland areas.”
Gov. Spencer Cox has put fireworks restrictions in place through July 5, noting that “this year is different” as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. Although the cause of the Cottonwood Fire has not been determined, the governor’s order pointed out that humans have been responsible for most of the wildfires in Utah so far this year.
Even in Florida, where multiple brush fires have broken out, officials are urging residents to forgo personal fireworks and leave the displays to professional, carefully organized shows.
Back at fire camp, spokesperson Mason described how Utah’s snowpack and stream flows peaked unusually early in March, creating what she described as extreme dryness across the region. That was followed by wind storms unlike anything previously recorded.
“If anything happens out there, any kind of spark hits fuels,” she said, “it is more than likely going to start a fire and more than likely going to get pretty big pretty quick.”
Heavy rainfall battered western Japan on Friday, causing flooding in multiple areas as two tropical storms moved toward the country on top of an already-active seasonal rain front.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tropical Storm Mekkhala was positioned off the western coast of Amami, a remote southern Japanese island, late Friday afternoon and was tracking northeast. A second storm, Higos, was traveling in close proximity to Mekkhala.
The JMA warned that both storms are expected to arrive in the Tokyo region by Saturday, bringing heavy rainfall with them.
Earlier Friday, a man was hurt after falling into a waterway in Nara, Japan’s NHK public television reported. Television cameras in Kyoto captured images of the Kamo River running high with murky, mud-filled water. Flooding alerts were put in place for portions of Kyoto, Osaka, and other communities throughout western Japan.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that more than 30 residences were flooded in Nara and Hiroshima on Friday. The severe weather also caused disruptions to train service and air travel in the affected areas.
Germans were preparing Saturday for dangerously hot conditions as a deadly heatwave sweeping across Western Europe was forecast to push eastward, with temperatures expected to climb close to 40 degrees Celsius — roughly 104 degrees Fahrenheit — in both Germany and Poland.
The heat system already baked Britain, France, and Switzerland in record-breaking June temperatures, and forecasters expected it to challenge more records as it crossed the Rhine River into Central Europe.
According to preliminary official data cited by German public broadcaster ARD, temperatures surpassed 41 degrees Celsius near Saarbruecken — on the border with France — on Friday, setting a new German record.
France has seen some of the worst impacts, with dozens of people — both young and elderly — losing their lives during the heat emergency. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius there have thrown rail service into chaos, disrupted power generation, led authorities to ban alcohol sales, shut down schools, and forced the cancellation of outdoor gatherings.
Meteorologist Karsten Brandt of the weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de warned that conditions would intensify before improving. “The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany,” he said.
Even major sporting events have felt the impact. Organizers of the Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon, scheduled for Sunday in Frankfurt, announced they were shortening both the cycling and running portions of the race because of the extreme heat.
Infrastructure is also under serious pressure. German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn announced it would allow customers to cancel long-distance travel bookings through early next week at no cost. The company noted that sun exposure, combined with the added threat of thunderstorms and wildfires, is putting significant strain on signals, rail tracks, and overhead wires.
Southwestern Germany has already experienced a far hotter June than is typical, and the most intense phase of the heat is expected to begin easing over the weekend, with heavy thunderstorms anticipated on Sunday.
Across Europe more broadly, the heatwave has forced historic cultural sites to close their doors, hurt agricultural production, and pushed some hospitals to their limits.
According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, temperatures have climbed as much as 18 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms. The extreme conditions are being driven by a weather phenomenon called an Omega block, which traps a large mass of hot air over a region for an extended period while pushing cooler air to the edges.
The surge in heat has sent demand for electric fans skyrocketing, while Asian air conditioning manufacturers reported a significant spike in European sales. Much of Northern Europe’s housing was designed to retain warmth rather than release it, making the heat particularly difficult to escape indoors.
The World Meteorological Organisation said the current heatwave will begin shifting toward Central Europe and the Balkans by the end of the month.
Scientists emphasized that this type of extreme heat event would have been nearly impossible without human-driven climate change, which they say has made this week’s nighttime temperatures roughly 100 times more likely than they were just two decades ago.
Motorists traveling northbound on Interstate 95 near Churchmans Marsh are facing lane restrictions following a crash that has shut down two left lanes.
The incident is causing disruptions along that corridor, and drivers should anticipate slowdowns in the affected area. Authorities are on scene managing the situation.
Travelers are advised to allow extra time, stay alert for emergency vehicles, and consider alternate routes if possible until the lanes are reopened.
Motorists traveling through the Milford area are being asked to find alternate routes after a crash shut down Harrington Highway (DE-14) at its intersection with Canterbury Road (DE-15).
The roadway is currently closed as a result of the collision. No further details regarding the crash, including the number of vehicles involved or any injuries, have been made available at this time.
Drivers in the area should plan accordingly and allow for extra travel time until the road is reopened. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.
A section of Augustine Cut has been shut down between 18th Street and Alapocas Drive as emergency crews respond to a structure fire in the area.
Motorists traveling through that corridor should plan for the closure and find an alternate route until the road is reopened. The closure is in effect while fire crews work the scene.
No further details about the fire or an estimated time for the road to reopen have been provided at this time. Drivers are urged to use caution and follow any posted detour signs in the area.
Drivers heading northbound on S Dupont Highway at S State Street are facing a left turn lane closure due to ongoing construction work in the area.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 3:00 PM. Motorists traveling through that intersection are encouraged to allow extra time or consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays.
No further details about the nature of the construction were provided. Drivers should remain alert to signage and traffic control in the work zone.
Thousands of residents across New Zealand were still without electricity on Saturday, one day after a powerful low-pressure system moved through the country, bringing with it severe flooding and dangerous landslides.
The utility company Powerco reported more than 3,000 power outages on Saturday following storms that struck central areas of the nation, which has a population of 5.3 million. The capital city of Wellington was among the hardest-hit areas.
The country’s national weather forecasting service, MetService, signaled that the worst had passed, writing on X: “After a very wet and windy 24 hours, the weather is on its way out.”
Despite improving conditions, emergency officials continued to urge caution, warning of debris scattered across roadways, pockets of surface flooding, and a lingering threat of landslides in and around Wellington.
The storm’s impact was felt beyond downed power lines. On Friday, approximately 200 flights were canceled at Wellington’s airport. Officials in Lower Hutt, a city located northeast of Wellington, reported flooded streets and confirmed two separate landslides in the area.
The severe weather serves as a grim reminder of past tragedies. Earlier this past January, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide at a popular campground on the country’s North Island, resulting in the deaths of six people.
Motorists traveling along Vance Neck Road should plan for possible delays as intermittent lane closures are in effect between Apple Tree Lane and Marathon Drive.
The lane restrictions are due to construction activity in that stretch of roadway. Drivers are advised to use caution when passing through the area.
The closures are expected to remain in place until 6 p.m. No additional detour information was provided at this time.
Travelers making their way southbound along Coastal Highway are running into significant traffic congestion, with delays of approximately 10 to 15 minutes being reported between Lewes and Dewey Beach.
The slowdown appears to be the result of heavy congestion along that corridor. No specific incident or crash has been cited as the cause — the backup is attributed to traffic volume alone.
Drivers in the area are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes to avoid the delay.
The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit, known as SOAR, has issued public notifications alerting residents to both wanted and homeless sex offenders in the state.
Wanted Sex Offenders
SOAR is actively searching for four sex offenders who have failed to register or re-register their current addresses as required by law. The individuals identified as wanted are Gene Dukes, Charles Fulton, Troy Sanders, and Spencer Wright.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to call (302) 739-5882. Tips can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333. The four individuals listed here represent only a portion of those currently wanted. A full list is available on the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
Homeless Sex Offenders
SOAR has also issued notifications for two sex offenders who have recently been reported as homeless. These individuals — Tykeme Robinson and John Wittmer — are not currently wanted for failing to register, but authorities want to know if either person is found to be residing at a fixed address.
If you have information indicating that either of these individuals is living at a residence, please contact SOAR at (302) 739-5882 or reach out to Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333. As with the wanted list, these two individuals represent only a portion of those currently reported as homeless sex offenders. The complete list can be found on the Delaware Sex Offender Registry website.
A crash on northbound Interstate 95 has resulted in the closure of two left lanes at the Christina River Bridge, according to Delaware transportation officials.
The lane closures are causing disruptions for drivers traveling through the area. Motorists approaching the bridge should anticipate slowdowns and consider using alternate routes to avoid the backup.
No additional details regarding injuries or the cause of the crash were immediately available. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert and allow extra travel time until the lanes are reopened.
DELMARVA — A dangerous heat wave is expected to build across the region next week as a strong upper-level ridge, or heat dome, expands across the central and eastern United States.
Forecast guidance shows this ridge strengthening over the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, allowing heat and humidity to surge into Delmarva. The hottest stretch looks likely from the middle of next week into the July 4th holiday weekend.
Afternoon temperatures could climb well into the 90s, with some inland areas approaching the upper 90s. When combined with high humidity, heat index values may reach 100 to 110 degrees at times, especially away from the immediate beaches.
This heat wave may last several days, making it more impactful than a short burst of summer heat. Overnight lows may only fall into the 70s, providing limited relief and increasing the risk for heat-related illness.
The Weather Prediction Center highlights a broad area of Major to Extreme HeatRisk across much of the eastern U.S. next week, while longer range outlooks continue to show an elevated risk for extreme heat through the July 4th holiday period.
Residents should begin preparing now by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbors, and making sure cooling options are available.
With outdoor plans, beach trips and July 4th events expected across Delmarva, heat safety will be especially important. Forecast details will continue to be refined, but confidence is increasing that a prolonged and dangerous stretch of heat is on the way.
Drivers traveling eastbound on Foulk Road faced a right lane closure due to construction activity between Chatham Drive and Stones Throw Road.
The lane restriction was scheduled to remain in place until 3 PM, according to traffic incident information. Motorists in the area were encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes during the closure.
With the Fourth of July approaching and America preparing to mark its 250th birthday, Utah’s governor declared a state of emergency Friday and placed temporary restrictions on fireworks — a response to the nation’s largest wildfire, which continues to burn completely out of control.
The Cottonwood Fire, which ignited Monday in a lightly populated stretch of southern Utah, had grown to nearly 111 square miles (287 square kilometers) by Friday with zero containment reported by forestry officials. It is one of six major wildfires currently burning across Utah. The blaze has caused serious damage to the Eagle Point ski resort in Beaver County and triggered mandatory evacuation orders for nearby residents.
Bruce Brown, 76, joined the local sheriff on Thursday to survey the damage, only to discover that his cabin — which he had owned for 31 years — and others nearby had been completely destroyed.
“It looks a lot like the moon,” he said. “Just burned out. Power poles tipped over all up the canyon.”
Alyssa Olsen, 27, also lost her family’s cabin in the fire. The structure held a room full of keepsakes from her grandfather’s days on the ski patrol. It was also the last place her family had gathered for photos with her grandmother before she passed away from cancer — and her brother had planned to get married there in just two months.
“That stuff you can’t just build back,” Olsen said.
Smoke from the fire has been drifting east and northeast, leaving popular tourist destinations like Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks — located well south of the fire — largely unaffected beyond some haze near the Bryce area. Even so, visitors have shared videos on social media capturing the massive smoke plume visible in the distance. The smoke has traveled hundreds of miles, reaching as far as Colorado.
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent memory,” state forester Jamie Barnes said in a statement Thursday. “We’re seeing fires spread farther and faster under conditions that defy historical expectations. Some of the fires we’ve responded to this year are behaving in ways veteran firefighters simply haven’t seen before.”
Much of Utah is gripped by severe to extreme drought conditions, and parts of Arizona and Colorado are also experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Gov. Spencer Cox put the fireworks restrictions in place through July 5, saying “this year is different.” His order gives state forester Barnes the authority to restrict or ban fireworks displays in Utah cities and towns, rather than leaving those calls to local communities.
The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City issued a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning — the first time in the office’s history it has done so — covering five Utah counties, including the area where the Cottonwood Fire is burning. That designation was originally created to alert the public to tornado conditions. A red flag warning was also issued for most of the state, with the service urging residents to “prepare now for rapid fire growth.”
A similar warning had been issued ahead of the 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes across Pacific Palisades and Malibu. In a related development Friday, a federal judge declared a mistrial in the arson case against Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of starting that fire, after the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
Extreme fire weather was forecast for Utah on Friday, with wind gusts reaching up to 50 mph (80 kph) and very low humidity levels across the southwest desert and central and southern mountain areas, including the Cottonwood Fire zone.
Rocky Mountain Power issued a public safety power shut-off watch and warning for parts of central, southern, and eastern Utah from Friday through the weekend.
Beaver County, where the Cottonwood Fire is burning, is home to roughly 7,400 people, according to the U.S. Census.
Separately, the Iron Fire — located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) southwest of Salt Lake City — had burned through 63 square miles (163 square kilometers) by Friday and was 26% contained. That fire had forced the evacuation of Eureka, a town of about 1,000 residents, along with people at a nearby ranch. Those residents were allowed to return Thursday.
While investigators have not determined what started the Cottonwood Fire, Gov. Cox’s emergency order noted that more than 75% of Utah’s wildfires this season have been caused by human activity.
Red flag warnings stretched across a wide portion of the western United States on Friday — from Idaho down through southern Arizona and New Mexico — indicating that low humidity, warm temperatures, and strong winds were creating extreme wildfire risk. Those warnings were expected to continue into Saturday, with winds of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 km/h) and very low humidity. The most dangerous conditions were forecast from northern Arizona into central and southern Utah.
In New Mexico, firefighters were working to contain a wildfire that forced evacuations at campgrounds and a YMCA camp in the Jemez Mountains. In Arizona, a separate fire near Sedona prompted evacuations last weekend, burning several hundred acres of steep, rugged terrain near Oak Creek Canyon.
Motorists traveling on Levels Road over Route 301 should plan for slowdowns as construction crews have closed left lanes in both directions.
According to traffic officials, the eastbound and westbound left lanes on Levels Road over Route 301 are currently shut down due to construction activity. The lane restrictions are scheduled to be lifted by 3:00 PM.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes until the work is completed and the lanes reopen.
Maryland state parks are rolling out a full slate of activities this week to honor America’s 250th anniversary, with events including a historic tree planting, a Fourth of July bike parade, historical reenactments, and hands-on crafts for children.
Parks will remain open on Independence Day, giving families the chance to start a new holiday tradition — whether that’s hitting the trails, exploring park exhibits about American history, or enjoying a patriotic picnic in the great outdoors.
Visitors should be aware that reservations are required on July 4th at several parks to prevent overcrowding and traffic delays. Those parks include: Gunpowder Falls State Park (Hammerman Area), Greenbrier State Park, Point Lookout State Park, Newtowne Neck State Park, North Point State Park, Rocks State Park’s Kilgore Falls area, Rocky Gap State Park, Sandy Point Park, and Swallow Falls State Park. Reservations can be made at parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
Liberty Tree Planting — Janes Island State Park, Crisfield July 1 at 11 a.m. As part of the statewide Maryland Liberty Tree Project, a tulip poplar tree descended from Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree will be planted at the park to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Foraging 101: Eating Maryland State Parks — Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park, Cambridge July 3 at 6 p.m. This beginner-friendly program offers an introduction to wild foods found in Maryland state parks. Attendees can learn how Indigenous peoples and freedom-seekers gathered food from the land, and discover what edible plants may already be growing in their own backyards.
Fourth of July Festival — Assateague Island State Park, Berlin July 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campers and beachgoers are invited to join the annual Independence Day bike parade through the state campground. Registration runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the ranger station parking lot, with the parade heading to the Nature Center. Prizes will be given out, and all participants must wear helmets. The Nature Center will also host raffles, games, food, drinks, crafts, and tie-dye activities.
A Miller’s Life for Me — Freedman’s State Park, Brookeville July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can try their hand at thrashing, winnowing, and hand-grinding wheat. The program explores the history of mills in the Patuxent River Valley and their importance to local farmers, including the Howard family.
Traditional Children’s Games and Crafts — Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek July 4 and July 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can stop by the visitor’s center to play classic games like jacks, mancala, and marbles, and learn how to make traditional crafts including yarn dolls.
… And Zeal for Liberty… — Fort Frederick State Park, Big Pool July 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through historical interpretation, visitors can learn about the men and women who lived at Fort Frederick during the American Revolution. The fort served as a holding site for British prisoners of war. Scheduled activities include musket-firing demonstrations, military drills, and children’s drills.
Exhibit Hall Tour — Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Church Creek July 5 at 2 p.m. A park ranger will lead a guided tour through the exhibit hall at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park.
Miles for Maryland — All State Parks, Year-Round There’s still time to join the Maryland Park Service’s Miles for Maryland challenge. The goal is to hike 250 miles within Maryland state parks over the course of the year — one mile for each year since the United States was founded. Participants can submit photos from their hikes for a chance to win prizes.
America in Miniature — All State Parks, Through November 15 A photographic scavenger hunt organized by the Maryland Park Service is also underway through November 15. More details are available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Celebrate All Year Long The America 250 celebration continues through the end of 2026. Upcoming highlights include a U.S. trivia trail walk at Assateague State Park in August and a program at Fort Frederick exploring American military gear from 1753 to 1953. A full calendar of events is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
Twenty-seven incarcerated individuals in Delaware took a major step forward Thursday, walking across a stage in cap and gown to receive their high school diplomas during commencement ceremonies held inside two state prisons.
The Delaware Department of Correction and the Delaware Department of Education partnered to host the graduation events, which took place in the chapels of Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution and Sussex Correctional Institution.
The ceremonies were held to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of students who completed their high school education while serving time behind bars, marking the close of the academic year.
Graduates were joined by others to observe the milestone occasion at each of the two correctional facilities.
The City of Rehoboth Beach has issued its latest edition of “Lines in the Sand,” dated June 26, 2026.
“Lines in the Sand” is a regular publication from the City of Rehoboth Beach used to share official updates, announcements, and information relevant to residents and visitors of the coastal community.
The full contents of this particular edition were not available for review at the time of this report. For complete details, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Rehoboth Beach’s official website.
Northbound Route 13 at the St. Georges Bridge is currently closed following a crash, according to Delaware transportation officials.
Motorists traveling through the area are advised to allow extra time or find an alternate route while crews work at the scene. The closure is in effect as of the time of this report.
No further details regarding the crash, including the number of vehicles involved or any injuries, have been made available. TV Delmarva will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The New Castle County Division of Police has announced the passing of retired K9 Ax, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a canine who gave years of service to the community.
Ax was born on September 1, 2013, in Slovakia, and came to the United States to join the Division in 2015. He was paired with Master Corporal Chad Carter, and the two worked side by side protecting and serving the residents of New Castle County.
After years of dedicated work, Ax officially retired on November 14, 2023, closing out a career that spanned nearly a decade from his birthplace in Slovakia to the streets of New Castle County.
NEWARK, Del. — The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is warning drivers about upcoming lane restrictions at the Interstate 95 and Route 896 interchange in Newark.
Starting Monday, June 29th and running through Thursday, July 2nd, the northbound Route 896 on-ramp to northbound I-95 will be narrowed during daytime hours. Drivers should expect the restriction to be in place Monday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Thursday from 7 a.m. until noon.
According to DelDOT, there are no impacts expected on Route 896 itself or on Route 72 during this period.
For more details on the I-95/Route 896 Interchange Project, visit 95896improvements.com.
Motorists heading along Vance Neck Road between Apple Tree Lane and Marathon Drive should plan for delays as intermittent lane closures are in effect due to construction activity in the area.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until 6 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes until the work is completed.
Travelers heading along Pulaski Highway, also known as Route 40, should be aware of shoulder closures currently in place in both directions between the Maryland state line and Christiana Road, which is Route 273.
According to DelDOT, the closures are due to a trash operation taking place along that stretch of roadway. Both directions are affected, and the restrictions are expected to be lifted by 4:00 PM.
Drivers passing through the area are encouraged to remain alert and allow extra space as crews work along the shoulder. No lane closures have been reported, but conditions may cause slowdowns near the work zone.
Delaware is taking a homegrown approach to building its teacher workforce, supporting 67 school-based professionals who are working toward becoming certified educators.
The group, which spans 12 Delaware school districts and charter schools, recently signed formal commitments to begin their teacher apprenticeship programs in Fall 2026.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the state’s educator pipeline by investing in adults who are already embedded in local schools and communities, allowing them to grow into teaching roles while remaining connected to the students they serve.
Drivers traveling along Cherry Road should be prepared for intermittent lane closures between Ivy Lane and Ridge Drive due to construction activity.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until 5 PM, according to traffic officials. Motorists in the area are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using an alternate route to avoid potential delays.
Drivers in the area of Elderon Drive at the Elderon Drive loop should be prepared for intermittent lane closures due to ongoing construction activity.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until 6 p.m., according to traffic officials. Motorists traveling through the area may experience delays during that time.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using alternate routes to avoid the construction zone.
A westbound lane on Janice Road at Nassau Commons Boulevard is temporarily closed as construction work is underway in the area.
Motorists traveling westbound through that intersection should be prepared for lane restrictions and potential slowdowns. The closure is scheduled to lift by 4:00 PM.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using alternate routes until the lane reopens.
Drivers traveling along Doc Frame Road should be prepared for potential delays due to an ongoing construction operation.
A mobile flagging crew is currently working on the roadway between Gravel Hill Road and Mt Joy Road. The flagging operation, which directs traffic through the work zone one direction at a time, is expected to remain in place until 5 PM.
Motorists in the area are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using an alternate route to avoid delays.
Motorists traveling eastbound on Rogers Road should plan for a lane restriction currently in effect due to construction activity.
The right lane is closed along the stretch between Oakmont Drive and Newcastle Avenue, also known as Route 9. Drivers in the area are advised to use caution and allow for extra travel time.
The lane closure is expected to remain in place until 5:00 PM. No detour information was provided, but travelers may want to consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays.
A crash on Delaware Route 1 near Wrangle Hill Road has caused significant traffic disruptions in both directions.
The southbound side of DE 1 is fully closed at the Wrangle Hill Road intersection, also known as DE 72. Meanwhile, northbound traffic on DE 1 is down to a single lane due to a left lane closure at the same location.
Motorists traveling through the area are urged to allow extra time or find an alternate route until the roadway is cleared.
Good morning, Delmarva! It’s going to be a hot one out there today, with temperatures climbing to a steamy high near 90 degrees under partly sunny skies. A southwest breeze of 5 to 10 mph will be blowing, but don’t expect much relief from the heat. The good news is that most of your Friday looks dry — however, keep an eye on the sky after 5 PM, as a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms moves in for the evening hours. Precipitation chances stay low at around 20%, but if you have outdoor plans tonight, it’s worth having a backup option ready.
Heading into tonight, storm chances increase, with showers and thunderstorms possible as we drop to a low near 70 degrees. Saturday looks unsettled as well — expect showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with a cooler high of 81 degrees. A stormy Saturday night is also on the table before we hopefully start to dry things out.
Stay weather-aware this weekend, Delmarva, and keep TV Delmarva close for the latest updates. Stay safe out there!
A crash on Interstate 95 southbound has resulted in the closure of two left lanes near the Churchmans Marsh area, according to Delaware transportation officials.
The lane closures are causing disruptions for drivers traveling southbound through that stretch of highway. Motorists in the area are advised to slow down, proceed with caution, and allow extra travel time.
Drivers are encouraged to check for updates on road conditions before heading out and to consider alternate routes if possible to avoid delays in the affected area.
A ramp closure is currently in effect for drivers traveling from Edgemoor Road to Interstate 495 southbound, according to Delaware transportation officials.
The closure is the result of ongoing construction in the area and is expected to remain in place until 12:30 a.m.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid delays during the closure period.
Drivers traveling along West Lebanon Road, also known as Delaware Route 10, should be aware of intermittent lane closures currently in effect in the area.
The closures are located between the roundabout and US 13 and are the result of active construction work in the corridor. Lanes may open and close periodically throughout the overnight hours.
The lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until 3:00 AM. Motorists in the area are encouraged to use caution, slow down in the construction zone, and allow for additional travel time if passing through.
A stretch of Valley Road is experiencing intermittent lane closures as construction crews work in the area between Hunter Way and Fitness Way.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 6:00 AM, according to traffic officials. Drivers traveling through that corridor may experience brief delays during that time.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using an alternate route until the construction activity wraps up and the road returns to normal operation.
Drivers traveling eastbound on Kirkwood Highway should be aware of an ongoing lane restriction in the area.
According to DelDOT, the eastbound right lane on Kirkwood Highway between Meadow Wood Road and Millcreek Road is currently closed due to construction activity. The closure is expected to remain in effect until 6 a.m.
Motorists in the area are encouraged to use caution, allow for additional travel time, or consider alternate routes until the lane reopens.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation into a building fire that broke out Wednesday in Newark.
Firefighters from the Christiana Fire Company were called to the scene at 56 South Old Baltimore Pike — the location of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel — at approximately 1:28 p.m.
When crews arrived, they discovered smoke coming from the building. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Motorists traveling along Kirkwood Highway should plan for intermittent lane closures in both the eastbound and westbound directions due to ongoing construction activity.
The closures are in effect between Cleveland Avenue and Dillwyn Road and are scheduled to continue until 6:00 AM.
Drivers in the area are advised to use caution, allow extra travel time, and follow the direction of any traffic control personnel or signage on site.
An emergency full road closure is currently in place on Woodland Road between Lonesome Road and Woodland Ferry Road.
Authorities have shut down the stretch of roadway completely, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and plan for alternate routes while the closure remains in effect.
No further information regarding the cause or expected duration of the closure has been released at this time. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert for updates as the situation develops.
Motorists traveling along Old Beach Road should be aware of a southbound shoulder closure currently in place between Buffalo Road and Bowers Beach Road.
The closure is the result of ongoing construction activity in the area. Drivers are advised to use caution when passing through the affected stretch of road.
The shoulder closure is expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m.
A Wilmington man will spend the next 59 years behind bars after a jury found him responsible for a deadly collision that claimed two lives and sent four more people to the hospital.
DeJuan Robinson, 28, was handed the lengthy prison sentence on June 24. The punishment follows a verdict reached by a Superior Court jury, which found Robinson guilty on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, as well as two additional counts connected to the fatal crash.
The case was prosecuted by the Department of Justice, which secured the conviction and the multi-decade sentence against Robinson for his role in the collision.
If you’ve been hearing big numbers thrown around about Rehoboth Beach’s city budget and aren’t sure what to make of them, city officials want to clear things up.
Is the City of Rehoboth Beach financially healthy?
According to the city, the answer is yes — emphatically. Over the last 14 fiscal years, the day-to-day operating budget has grown at roughly 6% annually, a pace consistent with inflation, population growth, and the challenge of keeping skilled workers in a competitive coastal job market. The city currently holds $53 million in unrestricted reserves, which is $19 million above what its own financial policy requires.
What does the $50 million budget actually mean?
The total adopted budget for the current fiscal year comes to approximately $50 million. City officials say that number can be misleading because it combines three very different categories of spending that shouldn’t be treated as one lump sum.
The first category is day-to-day operating costs — things like employee salaries, services, supplies, and routine upkeep. Those expenses total about $29.9 million across all city departments this year.
The second category covers one-time capital projects, which are major infrastructure investments that occur in specific years and don’t repeat. For context, the city spent $26 million on the Ocean Outfall project in 2019, which pushed that year’s total budget to $48 million. A new City Hall cost between $8 and $9 million in 2017 and 2018. This year’s capital spending of $13.6 million is largely tied to required wastewater and water quality work.
The third category is debt service — paying off past infrastructure investments over time, similar to a mortgage. Annual debt payments have grown from $735,000 to $6.2 million, reflecting financing for City Hall, the outfall project, Beach Patrol facilities, and related projects. When those debt payments are separated out, the growth in actual operating spending looks even more modest.
Does Rehoboth Beach have a $12.5 million deficit?
No, according to city officials. The city says it is wrapping up the current fiscal year with a projected surplus of $1.5 million and has run surpluses for several years in a row. Current projections show surpluses continuing through at least 2031.
The $12.5 million deficit claim was attributed to a fellow commissioner who was quoted in the Cape Gazette. City officials say the figure appears to have been calculated by adding up the costs of potential future capital projects — items that have not been approved, funded, or formally proposed in any budget. That, they say, is not how a deficit is defined or measured.
Could the city fund those future projects?
Yes, over time and with careful planning, officials say. Each year, the Mayor and Commissioners — with public input — decide which projects to move forward, when to schedule them, and how to responsibly pay for them. No project is automatically approved simply because it appeared in a planning document.
Why does the city plan five years out if it only approves one year at a time?
Multi-year forecasting helps city leaders identify future needs early, avoid surprises, and make better decisions today. It is described as a planning tool, not a spending commitment. Residents have a say each year in what actually gets funded.
What should residents focus on?
Rather than debating a number that officials say doesn’t reflect the city’s true financial condition, residents are encouraged to weigh in on the questions that actually shape Rehoboth Beach’s future: Which infrastructure projects should be prioritized? How should the city use reserves that exceed its own requirements? What investments deliver the most value to residents? And how can the city maintain long-term financial stability while meeting community needs?
The city’s bottom line: Rehoboth Beach is on solid financial footing, the $50 million budget reflects planned investment rather than runaway spending, and the so-called $12.5 million deficit is not a deficit at all.
Motorists traveling southbound on Nassau Road between New Road and Coastal Highway (Route 1) should be aware of an active lane closure due to ongoing construction work.
The closure is expected to remain in place until 5:00 PM. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using an alternate route to avoid potential delays in the area.
Delaware State Police have arrested a 27-year-old Philadelphia man on felony weapons charges and driving under the influence after his vehicle caught fire along Interstate 495 late Wednesday night.
Shortly before 11 p.m. on June 24, 2026, troopers were dispatched to the northbound lanes of I-495 near East Holly Oak Road after reports came in of a burning vehicle. When they arrived, officers discovered a Subaru Outback completely consumed by flames. They also spotted the driver walking away from the scene and quickly stopped him. That driver was identified as Isaiah Church. A local fire company was called to the scene and put out the blaze.
As troopers investigated the incident, they searched Church and found a loaded 9mm handgun along with two large-capacity magazines on his person. He was taken into custody without any resistance.
Officers noted multiple indicators of impairment and determined that Church had been drinking alcohol. He was transported to Troop 1, where the DUI investigation continued. Church continued to display signs of impairment throughout the process.
Church was arraigned through the Justice of the Peace Court and released on a $6,300 unsecured bond. He faces the following charges:
Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine (Felony) – 2 counts
A young homeschool student from Northampton County, Virginia, has made a meaningful contribution to the preservation of local history by donating a 3D-printed replica of the historic Arlington plantation.
Caleb Dail presented the detailed replica to Northampton County as a way of honoring the area’s rich historical heritage. The model was crafted using 3D printing technology to recreate the appearance of the Arlington plantation.
The donation represents a creative intersection of modern technology and historical preservation, with a young student using contemporary tools to bring attention to a significant piece of Northampton County’s past.
Delaware’s Indigenous and Cuban cultural communities are set to benefit from a major national funding initiative aimed at preserving and celebrating folklife traditions in communities of color.
The US Regional Arts Organizations (USRAO) has revealed the recipients of its Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color grant program. In total, $3.34 million will be distributed among 96 selected grantees across the country.
As part of the award structure, 56 organizations will each receive $50,000 grants to support their cultural and folklife programming efforts.
The initiative reflects a broader national commitment to investing in the living cultural traditions maintained by Indigenous, Cuban, and other communities of color throughout the United States, including right here in Delaware.
Delaware authorities have reached the end of a lengthy criminal case after the final defendant tied to a four-year gang crime spree received his sentence, bringing a major law enforcement effort to a close.
The criminal activity stretched from January 2020 through December 2024, and its conclusion marks the end of an extensive collaboration among the Delaware Department of Justice, the Wilmington Police Department, the New Castle County Police Department, and the Delaware State Police.
On June 15, Javour Tabron, 30, of Wilmington entered a guilty plea to charges including Illegal Gang Participation, Attempted Murder in the First Degree, and Possession of a Firearm During the commission of a felony.
With Tabron’s sentencing, all defendants connected to the Exit 4 criminal organization have now been held accountable, marking the conclusion of what prosecutors described as a years-long investigation and prosecution effort spanning multiple Delaware law enforcement agencies.
DELMARVA — The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows some improvement across portions of the Maryland Eastern Shore, but the region remains locked in a significant drought pattern with severe to extreme drought still covering much of Delmarva.
The newest drought map shows the most serious conditions remain focused across Delaware, the central and upper Maryland Eastern Shore, far southern New Jersey, and portions of the lower Eastern Shore into Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Areas shaded in red remain in Extreme Drought, while orange indicates Severe Drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is produced weekly by NOAA, USDA and the National Drought Mitigation Center, using categories from D0, Abnormally Dry, through D4, Exceptional Drought.
For Maryland as a whole, drought remains widespread. Drought.gov lists 92.3% of Maryland in drought, with 54.2% in Severe Drought and 22.7% in Extreme Drought. The national drought summary also notes ongoing short-term and long-term precipitation deficits across parts of Maryland, with year-to-date deficits of more than 5 inches reported in several locations.
On Delmarva, the improvement this week appears most noticeable across parts of the lower Maryland Eastern Shore, where some areas have been reduced from extreme drought into severe drought. That is a step in the right direction, but it does not erase the longer-term rainfall deficits that have built up over the past several months.
Delaware continues to be one of the hardest-hit areas locally. Drought.gov lists 100% of Delaware in drought, with 34.9% in Severe Drought and 65.1% in Extreme Drought. Sussex County remains fully affected by drought, with the county ranking as the 7th driest year-to-date over the past 132 years from January through May 2026. Kent County also remains fully affected, ranking as the 4th driest year-to-date over the same 132-year period.
Recent showers and thunderstorms have helped in spots, especially where heavier rainfall occurred, but much of the rain has been uneven. That means one town may see temporary relief while another nearby area remains very dry. For drought recovery, the region needs repeated rounds of steady, soaking rainfall rather than brief downpours that quickly run off.
The concern going forward is the building heat expected into late June and early July. The latest national drought summary notes that hotter-than-normal weather is expected from the Plains to the Atlantic Coast heading into the June 30 through July 4 period. Higher temperatures, increasing humidity and stronger evaporation rates can quickly offset short-term rainfall gains, especially across farmland, lawns, gardens and shallow-rooted vegetation.
While the Maryland Eastern Shore did see some improvement this past week, the message remains clear: Delmarva still has a long way to go. Severe to extreme drought remains firmly in place across much of the peninsula, and it will take a more sustained wet pattern to bring meaningful, long-term relief.
Goldey-Beacom College has reason to celebrate both on the field and in the classroom. Four student-athletes from the school’s Women’s Tennis and Men’s Golf programs have been selected to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference All-Academic Team.
The recognition highlights the commitment of these student-athletes to excelling not only in their respective sports but also in their academic pursuits at the collegiate level.
Three University of Delaware student-athletes have earned one of Conference USA’s top academic and athletic honors, the league announced Thursday.
The conference’s Faculty Athletics Representatives (FAR) named the trio as 2025-26 Conference USA Scholar-Athletes of the Year. The announcement was made from Dallas, where the league is based.
The awards are determined by a vote among the conference’s 12 Faculty Athletics Representatives and recognize the top student-athletes in each conference-sponsored sport. Selection is based on a combination of grade point average, athletic achievement, and service contributions.
Electric scooters are showing up more and more across Delaware, but riders should be aware that not every e-scooter falls under the same category when it comes to state law.
Authorities are reminding the public that knowing where you are allowed to ride, following the rules of the road, and making responsible choices while on a scooter are all essential steps to protecting yourself and those around you.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or hopping on an e-scooter for the first time, officials say the message is simple: learn the law before you ride, and always ride with safety in mind.
For the most up-to-date information on local police news and public safety guidance, residents are encouraged to stay connected with local law enforcement resources.
For more than three decades, antique tractor fans across Delaware have gathered at the State Fair for one of the season’s most beloved agricultural traditions — the Antique Tractor Pull, hosted by the Delaware Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R).
This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, inside the Quillen Arena at the Delaware State Fair. Spectators can watch at no charge, though a standard fair admission ticket is needed to get onto the fairgrounds.
The competition draws participants of all ages and backgrounds. Each tractor on the track represents countless hours of restoration and upkeep, as drivers spend much of the year preparing their machines — many of which are genuine pieces of agricultural history. During the event, competitors attempt to pull a weighted sled as far down the track as possible, with the greatest distance in each class earning the win. Still, organizers say the competition is about much more than bragging rights — it’s a celebration of shared passion and community.
“The Antique Tractor Pull is something the whole family can enjoy,” said YF&R State Chair Connor Vincent. “We love seeing kids experience it for the first time while also bringing back memories for those who grew up watching or competing.”
The day kicks off with event registration and check-in at 7:00 a.m. A drivers’ meeting follows at 8:30 a.m., and the first hook gets underway at 9:00 a.m. The event will also include the announcement of YF&R Scholarship winners. Participants are encouraged to pre-register at www.defb.org/yfr/antique-tractor-pull/.
The entry fee is $20 per hook across all classes. Event T-shirts will be sold on-site for $25 each, with youth sizes available at $20.
For additional details, reach YF&R State Chair Connor Vincent at [email protected] or contact the DEFB state office by phone at 302-697-3183.
SALISBURY, Md. — Salisbury University’s athletics department is celebrating a pair of its student-athletes after they were named recipients of the 2025-26 Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) Medal of Inspiration.
The award went to Nadia Bullock, a member of the women’s basketball team, and Austen Cave, who competes in cross country and track & field. Both were recognized for showing exceptional determination, commitment, and meaningful contributions to their respective sports programs.
The C2C Medal of Inspiration is considered a prestigious honor within the conference, highlighting student-athletes who demonstrate a strong spirit of perseverance throughout their collegiate careers.
Delaware State Police are conducting a fatal crash investigation following a deadly pedestrian incident that took place Wednesday morning in Wilmington.
According to authorities, the crash happened around 10:00 a.m. on June 24, 2026, at the intersection of northbound Brookside Drive and North Maryland Avenue. A Peterbilt dump truck was sitting at a red light on northbound Brookside Drive when a pedestrian began walking westbound along the sidewalk on the eastbound side of North Maryland Avenue, heading toward the intersection.
When the traffic light changed to green, the Peterbilt driver began executing a left turn onto westbound North Maryland Avenue. During that turn, the pedestrian crossed into the truck’s path and was struck by the front end of the vehicle.
The pedestrian, a 57-year-old man from Wilmington, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are withholding his identity until his next of kin have been notified. The truck’s driver, a 47-year-old man from Smyrna, Delaware, was not hurt in the incident.
The road was shut down for roughly two and a half hours as investigators worked to document and clear the scene. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has video of the incident is urged to reach out to Trooper First Class T. Carnevale at (302) 464-3329. Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a violent crime or sudden loss and needs support, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center offer assistance around the clock through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also reach the Victim Services Unit by email at [email protected].
Delaware students made their mark on the national stage earlier this month, taking home six championship titles from the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference held in Atlanta.
In addition to the six national championships, the delegation earned 44 industry-recognized Skill Point Certificates — a credential that reflects hands-on technical ability in high-demand fields.
This year’s Delaware contingent was the largest in state history, with a record 119 students and advisors traveling to Atlanta to compete. The group showcased a combination of technical knowledge, professional skills, and real-world problem-solving abilities.
Officials noted that the results reflect students putting their classroom learning into action and demonstrating the kind of readiness that employers in high-demand careers are looking for.
Delaware and Wilmington are being celebrated for their thriving arts communities after earning high marks in a prestigious national ranking.
SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, unveiled its 10th annual Arts Vibrancy Index on June 25, 2026. The index placed Delaware 11th out of all 50 states when it comes to arts vibrancy, while Wilmington landed at 57th among 100 communities evaluated across the country.
The recognition highlights the cultural vitality found throughout the state, from its largest city to communities statewide.
For more than four decades, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has been working to give largemouth bass a fighting chance in the state’s tidal rivers. Since the early 1980s, the agency has released more than six million of the fish into those waterways, with the goal of boosting existing populations and creating better fishing opportunities for Maryland anglers.
The program carries real economic weight. Each year, the DNR issues permits for more than 400 fishing tournaments centered on black bass — the broader genus that includes largemouth bass — making tidal bass fishing a significant recreational and economic driver for the state.
The stocking effort runs year-round and is funded through state fishing license fees.
Spring: Where It All Begins
The process kicks off each April when fisheries biologists take an electrofishing boat onto the Potomac River to collect adult largemouth bass. Between 20 and 30 fish are gathered, with a ratio of two to three males for every female. These adult fish — known as broodstock — are then brought to the Joseph Manning Hatchery at Cedarville State Forest, where they spawn naturally in hatchery ponds. The young fish are left in a predator-free setting until they’ve used up their yolk sacs, the built-in nutrient supply they’re born with. The adult fish are then returned to their original spots on the Potomac.
The number of newly hatched fish — called fry — produced each season depends heavily on factors outside the hatchery’s control, including water temperature, spawn timing, and the availability of zooplankton for the fry to feed on. In 2025, conditions were nearly ideal, and the Manning Hatchery ponds turned out far more fry than the facility could raise to larger sizes. Those extra fry became the first batch stocked for the year, released into areas of Maryland’s tidal waters with the best habitat for young fish — typically shallow areas with plenty of underwater vegetation and large pieces of woody debris that offer cover from predators and easy access to food. In 2025, a total of 40,000 bass fry were stocked in prime habitat areas along the Potomac and Patuxent rivers.
Summer: A Second Wave
Fish not released in May are either kept in hatchery ponds or moved to large indoor tanks, depending on the size they’re being raised to reach. Those grown in the ponds are targeted to reach two to four inches in length. At that size, they have a better chance of survival than newly hatched fry, though they still need quality habitat to find food and avoid predators. These fish are typically released in June, when underwater vegetation in tidal areas is more plentiful. In 2025, more than 26,000 fish in that size range were stocked across the Nanticoke, Choptank, Potomac, Wicomico, and Patapsco rivers, along with Marshyhope Creek.
Fall: The Largest Fish
Fish transferred to indoor tanks are raised to four inches or more and are generally released in October or early November, since reaching that size takes additional time and feeding. These fish are grown with the help of a bead filter — a piece of equipment purchased through donations to the Black Bass Conservation Fund — which keeps water quality high and allows a large number of fish to grow in tanks much smaller than outdoor hatchery ponds. The filter makes it possible for the DNR to stock roughly 4,000 additional fish of four inches or more each year. Because of their larger size, these fish have the best survival odds and can be placed in waterways that may not have ideal young-fish habitat but can still support healthy fisheries thanks to abundant food sources and good adult habitat. In 2025, a total of 4,375 fish were stocked in the Middle, Choptank, and Patapsco rivers, as well as Marshyhope and Tuckahoe creeks.
Making Every Fish Count
As the target release size goes up, so does the time and food needed to get there — creating a trade-off between the number of fish stocked and their individual size. Decisions about where to stock, when to do it, and what size fish to use are guided by available habitat data and findings from the department’s Tidal Bass Survey, which tracks the long-term health of Maryland’s tidal bass fisheries. Results from the survey are published in the Black Bass Annual Review on the DNR’s website.
By matching fish size to habitat conditions and directing stocking efforts toward waterways most in need of supplementation, the DNR aims to give every stocked fish the best possible shot at survival — and give Maryland anglers the most value for the license fees that make the program possible.
The program is supported by Maryland fishing license sales, the Sportfish Restoration Act, and the Black Bass Conservation Fund. Information about the conservation fund and how to contribute is available on the DNR website.
Leadership Delaware Inc. has completed its second cohort of the year for the Leadership Development Series workshop, offering participants a chance to sharpen their leadership skills through a structured, six-session program. Mikayla Paul, Assistant Executive Director and Marketing Coordinator for DEFB, was among those who attended, thanks to support from a sponsorship provided by Corteva Agriscience.
Paul described the series as a meaningful and eye-opening experience, noting that each session was thoughtfully designed to build on the one before it. The program pushed her to reflect on her own growth, both personally and professionally, while helping her clarify the type of leader she hopes to become.
The workshops kicked off with a deep dive into participants’ own leadership styles — exploring the influences that shaped them, the values they hold, and the leaders they look up to. Sessions then shifted toward the human side of leadership, covering how to understand generational differences, build trust with others, and deliver feedback in ways that genuinely help people improve.
As the series continued, participants worked on communication and vision — learning how to speak with intention, develop a shared sense of direction, and become stronger public speakers. Later sessions tackled navigating change, staying open to new ideas, and understanding how leaders help shape the culture around them by reinforcing values and recognizing achievements both large and small.
The final week brought the full experience full circle, giving participants a chance to reflect on what it truly means to lead with impact and see how far they had come over the course of the program.
Fellow participant Blake Moore offered his perspective on what made the series stand out. “The discussions we had were one of the most important parts, since we could share real-world, real-time leadership challenges,” he said, adding that leadership is an ongoing journey rather than a destination.
Paul said she walked away from the program feeling more prepared, motivated, and dedicated to continuing her growth as a leader. Those interested in learning more about Leadership Delaware or the Leadership Development Series can visit leadershipdelaware.org.
Motorists traveling along Ponds Lane should plan for potential slowdowns this afternoon as a flagging operation is active in the area.
The work zone is located between Montchanin Road, also known as Route 100, and the cul de sac at the end of Ponds Lane. Traffic control personnel are directing vehicles through the area.
The flagging operation is expected to remain in place until 5:30 PM. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and follow the directions of flaggers on site.
Twelve Salisbury University Cross Country and Track & Field athletes have been named to the 2025-26 Academic All-District teams, an honor presented annually by College Sports Communicators to recognize student-athletes who stand out both competitively and academically.
The recognition is awarded to some of the top student-athletes across the country, with selections based on performance in athletic competition as well as achievement in the classroom.
Salisbury University’s program placed an even dozen members on the list, with six honorees coming from the women’s programs and six from the men’s programs.
DELMARVA – After a relatively seasonable stretch to end this week and through the weekend, confidence is increasing that a significant surge of heat will arrive across the Mid-Atlantic by the middle of next week, bringing the potential for dangerous heat and humidity to the Delmarva Peninsula.
Forecast guidance continues to show a strong upper-level ridge expanding eastward from the Plains and Great Lakes into the Mid-Atlantic by Wednesday. This pattern will allow temperatures to climb steadily while humidity increases, pushing heat index values into the 100‘s during the second half of next week.
While exact temperatures will become clearer over the coming days, the overall signal for a prolonged period of above-normal warmth continues to strengthen.
The National Weather Service’s latest long-range outlook highlights a broad area of Major HeatRisk expanding across much of the eastern United States from Sunday through Tuesday, with the threat lingering into early July. Additional outlooks indicate an elevated risk for excessive heat extending through the Independence Day holiday period across much of the eastern U.S.
For Delmarva, the hottest stretch currently appears to begin around Wednesday and continue into next weekend, when afternoon temperatures climbing well into the 90s, combined with increasing humidity, could produce heat index values exceeding 100 degrees.
Unlike short-lived hot spells, this pattern may also feature warm overnight lows in the 70s, limiting overnight cooling and increasing the cumulative stress on the body over several consecutive days.
Although this is still several days away and forecast details will continue to be refined, confidence is increasing that the region will experience its most significant stretch of heat so far this summer.
Residents should begin preparing now by:
Staying well hydrated.
Limiting strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Checking on elderly family members, neighbors, and those without reliable air conditioning.
Never leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles.
Planning outdoor work or recreation for the morning or evening hours whenever possible.
We will continue monitoring the strength and duration of the developing heat dome over the coming days. If current trends continue, heat-related advisories or warnings may become necessary for portions of the Mid-Atlantic next week.
Construction work is causing intermittent lane closures on Vance Neck Road between Peachtree Lane and Marathon Drive, according to Delaware transportation officials.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m. Drivers traveling through that stretch of road should anticipate possible delays and consider using alternate routes if available.
No further details about the nature of the construction were immediately provided. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert and follow any posted traffic control signs in the area.
SALISBURY, Md. — Crews with the City of Salisbury’s Department of Waterworks Utilities Division are scheduled to swap out a fire hydrant in the 800 block of Eastern Shore Drive this Thursday, June 25, as part of the city’s continuing push to upgrade and maintain its water distribution infrastructure.
During the project, drivers heading westbound on Eastern Shore Drive between West Lincoln Avenue and Fulton Street should expect a temporary single-lane traffic pattern. Work is set to kick off at 9 a.m. and wrap up by around 3:30 p.m., assuming favorable weather and site conditions.
Both utility locators and Central Alarm have been informed about the upcoming work. Drivers passing through the area are asked to slow down and plan for possible minor delays while the project is underway.
The city is asking for the public’s patience as workers carry out this needed infrastructure improvement. Anyone looking for additional information can reach the Utilities Division by phone at 410-548-3103.
Drivers traveling through the Townsend area of New Castle County will need to find an alternate route starting this summer. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is warning motorists that Walker School Road will be closed for an extended period beginning Wednesday, July 1st.
The closure will remain in place until Saturday, October 24th, affecting the stretch of Walker School Road between Gum Bush Road and Saw Mill Branch Road. During that time, crews will be working to replace Bridge 1-453 in the area.
Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow extra travel time when heading through that part of New Castle County.
LONDON (AP) — A suffocating heat dome has settled over much of western Europe this week, sending temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius — that’s 104 degrees Fahrenheit — across numerous locations.
What makes this event particularly notable is that it’s happening in June, well ahead of the traditional peak of summer. Both daytime highs and overnight lows are shattering previous records. High humidity levels are adding a tropical feel to a region normally known for its mild, temperate climate.
The scorching air is originating in north Africa, pushing northward through Spain and France before reaching countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands — nations that simply aren’t built or prepared for this level of heat.
Forecasters say conditions should ease slightly in the days ahead, but not before more records potentially fall. And with July and August — historically Europe’s hottest months — still on the calendar, this could be just the beginning.
Here’s a look at the key numbers telling the story of this extraordinary heat event:
23.5 — High humidity is making the heat especially miserable by preventing the body from cooling itself through sweating. This is a serious overnight problem in countries like the U.K., where air conditioning is uncommon. The Met Office, the U.K.’s national weather agency, confirmed that the country’s highest June overnight low temperature of 23.5 C (73.4 F) was recorded at Bute Park in Cardiff. In England, temperatures in Plymouth only dipped to 23.0 C (73.4 F), provisionally setting a new English record for the warmest June night.
26.2 — Germany experienced even more stifling overnight heat, tying its record for the warmest night on record. The German Weather Service reported that temperatures in Bad Bergzabern, located in the Rhineland-Palatinate region in western Germany, never dropped below 26.2 C. That matches a record set back in July 2019.
30 — France has arguably suffered the most, with three-quarters of the country under a red alert through at least Friday. On Wednesday, France logged its hottest day in recorded history. The Meteo France weather agency reported that the national thermal indicator — an average drawn from 30 weather stations across the country — reached 30 C (86 F) for the very first time. That mark could fall again on Thursday, with forecasters predicting highs of 40 to 42 C (104 to 108 F) in several areas.
31 — Formula 1 officials have designated the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix a “heat hazard,” with temperatures expected to exceed 31 C (87.8 F) on race day Sunday. That threshold triggers a requirement for drivers to carry additional cooling equipment. It will mark the first time these regulations — introduced just one year ago — have been applied to a European F1 race.
36.1 — The United Kingdom set a new record for its hottest June day, with 36.1 C (96.9 F) measured at Gosport in southern England. That record is widely expected to be surpassed in the coming days, as the Met Office has expanded its red heat alert to cover much of central and southern England, as well as Wales.
43.7 — Spain, along with perhaps Greece, is one of Europe’s most heat-hardened nations. Yet even Spain is feeling the strain. An all-time national record of 43.7 C (110 F) was recorded earlier this week in the village of Tama, located in the Cantabrian region — an area typically known for its cooler temperatures and lush, green scenery along the Atlantic coast.
1887 — Ireland’s all-time temperature record could come under threat on Thursday, according to Met Éireann meteorologist Gerry Murphy. The Republic of Ireland’s hottest temperature ever recorded was 33.3 C (91.9 F), set at Kilkenny Castle on June 26, 1887.
Harrington Raceway served as the stage Wednesday for the first leg of Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund, or DSBF, competition featuring 3-year-old trotters.
Four divisions, each carrying a $20,000 purse, were contested to complete the opening round of the series. The first pair of divisions on the card were set aside exclusively for fillies.
Among the standout performances of the evening, Top Flight Champion turned in a commanding effort under driver Eddie Dennis, crossing the wire ahead of the field by a remarkable 19 lengths. The victory marked the seventh win of the horse’s career.
Country music fans and beachgoers are getting a shot at attending one of the East Coast’s most popular beachfront music festivals — completely free of charge.
Ocean City, Maryland announced a sweepstakes tied to its Beach & Boots Country Calling Festival, scheduled for October 2026. The contest will award four winners, each of whom may bring along one guest, giving eight people total the chance to attend the festival without spending a dime.
Organizers describe the event as one of the premier beachfront country music festivals on the entire East Coast. The announcement was made on June 24, 2026.
Whether you’re a die-hard country music fan or simply love spending time at the beach, this sweepstakes offers a rare opportunity to take in a major live music event in a stunning oceanfront setting.
To learn more about Ocean City and enter the sweepstakes, visit www.ococean.com
Drivers heading southbound on Route 1 between Smyrna and Dover should slow down and stay alert — a trash removal crew is currently working in the median of the highway.
The operation is scheduled to remain active until 4 p.m. Motorists passing through the area are advised to exercise caution and watch for workers and equipment near the roadway.
Eastbound travelers on Walt Messick/Vernon Road are facing a right lane closure between Farmington Road and Whiteleysburg Avenue due to ongoing construction work.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 5 PM. Drivers in the area should anticipate potential delays and consider allowing additional time when traveling through this stretch of road.
Motorists traveling on Christiana Road, also known as Route 273, over Interstate 95 should plan for intermittent lane closures due to an ongoing painting operation in the area.
The lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until 5 p.m. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes if possible.
Drivers traveling along Cherry Road should be aware of intermittent lane closures currently in effect between Ivy Lane and Ridge Drive.
According to traffic officials, the lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until 5:30 PM. Motorists in the area are encouraged to use caution, allow for additional travel time, or seek an alternate route if possible.
No further details regarding the cause of the closure were immediately available. Drivers should remain alert to traffic control personnel and signage in the affected area.
Travelers on the road between Navaho Court and East Seneca Court should be aware of intermittent lane closures currently in effect.
The lane restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 PM. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider using alternate routes to avoid potential delays.
No additional details regarding the cause of the closures were provided. Motorists should stay alert and follow any posted signage in the affected area.
Travelers heading through the Elderon Drive area should be aware of intermittent lane closures currently in effect at the Elderon Drive loop, also known as The Loop.
The closures are the result of active construction work in the area and are expected to continue until 6 p.m.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution when passing through the construction zone and to consider alternate routes if possible to avoid potential delays.
Motorists traveling along West Newport Pike should plan for delays as construction crews have closed the right lane between Harbeson Place and Polliver Drive.
The lane restriction is expected to remain in place until 5 p.m. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes to avoid the work zone.
Residents across large portions of Western Europe were urged Thursday to take the ongoing deadly heatwave seriously, as the extreme temperatures continued to claim lives, disrupt transportation, and force the closure of schools and cultural sites.
Paris endured another brutally hot day following a record-breaking Wednesday, when the French capital recorded a June high of 40.9 degrees Celsius — equivalent to 105.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Across the English Channel, southern England also set a new June temperature record on Wednesday, reaching 36.1 degrees Celsius.
The mayor of Paris warned that the people most at risk may not be who residents expect. Speaking on broadcaster TF1, Emmanuel Gregoire said the most vulnerable populations are actually being watched closely and are well-informed about the dangers. Instead, he expressed concern about a different group.
“The profile of people currently facing health risks is not necessarily what one might expect — that is, the most vulnerable, because they are closely monitored and well informed,” Gregoire said. “Rather, it’s people aged between 50 and 70 who are generally in good health, but who think this is just a normal period and continue going about their usual activities as if nothing has changed. Really, protect yourselves.”
French authorities reported that at least 48 people have drowned since the heatwave began, many of them trying to find relief from the heat in bodies of water. Two young children also died after being left in a hot vehicle.
France has had protective measures in place since a devastating 2003 heatwave that caused nearly 15,000 excess deaths, with elderly citizens bearing the greatest burden. Those measures include regular check-ins on older residents and providing air-conditioned spaces for people in retirement homes.
Air conditioning is still relatively uncommon across Europe, but manufacturers from Asia — including South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, China’s Midea, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric — are seeing a surge in sales, particularly in France, Spain, and Italy.
Meteorologists say the heat is being driven by a weather phenomenon called an Omega block, named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Omega. The pattern features a bulging center that traps heat over a region for extended stretches, while cooler air remains at its edges. According to the Reuters Climate Monitor, the Omega block has pushed temperatures as much as 18 degrees Celsius above normal. Scientists note that climate change is intensifying both heatwaves and storms.
In Italy, the health minister called an emergency meeting after Italian media reported five heat-related deaths on Wednesday alone. The victims included two farmers in the northern provinces of Lodi and Piacenza, a man at a cemetery in the northern town of Pavia, a worker in the northeastern city of Padua, and a homeless man in the southern city of Naples.
France’s national weather agency offered some relief, saying temperatures there are expected to gradually drop beginning Friday. However, Germany, Austria, and Italy are bracing for a rough weekend ahead.
Germany’s National Meteorological Service issued extreme heat warnings for a broad swath of western Germany, where temperatures are forecast to climb to 38 degrees Celsius on Thursday, then reach 41 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday. The country’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, announced that customers may cancel their travel plans without penalty due to the heat.
In neighboring Austria, weather officials issued a red heat warning for the northeastern part of the country, including the capital Vienna, where temperatures this weekend could potentially hit a record 40 degrees Celsius.
Italy faces its most intense heat between Saturday and Monday, with forecasts calling for temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius — well above what is typical for this time of year — especially across northern plains and interior central regions.
Good morning, Delmarva! We’re in for a beautiful Thursday with mostly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. A light south wind at 5 to 10 mph will keep things feeling comfortable throughout the afternoon — a great day to get outside and enjoy some summer sunshine.
Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies as temperatures ease down to around 70 degrees. It stays dry, so no worries there.
Looking ahead to Friday, we’ll see partly sunny skies with temperatures climbing a few degrees warmer to near 89. Enjoy the first half of the day, because Friday night brings a change. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in overnight, with lows around 71 degrees. If you have outdoor evening plans for Friday, keep an eye on the latest updates and have a backup plan ready.
Overall, enjoy this gorgeous Thursday, Delmarva — it’s a true summer gem before the storms roll in this weekend. Stay tuned to TV Delmarva for the latest updates. Have a wonderful day!
The New Castle County Division of Police has issued a Gold Alert for a missing Newark woman identified as 39-year-old Pamela Barlow.
Pamela was last seen in the 600 block of Postfield Road at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The zip code associated with the area is 19713.
Despite extensive search efforts, officers have been unable to locate Pamela or make contact with her. Authorities have expressed concern for her well-being.
Anyone who has information about Pamela Barlow’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police immediately.
All northbound lanes on Interstate 495 north of Edgemoor have been shut down following a car fire, according to traffic officials.
The lane closure is currently in effect, and motorists traveling in that area are urged to find alternate routes to avoid delays.
No further details regarding injuries or the origin of the fire have been made available at this time. Drivers should check for updates before heading out and allow extra travel time if the area cannot be avoided.
Southbound travelers on Interstate 95 should be aware of a significant lane restriction currently in place overnight.
Two right lanes on I-95 southbound are closed between Route 72 and the exit ramp to Route 896. The closure is expected to remain in effect until 3 a.m.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider alternate routes to avoid potential delays in the affected stretch.
