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DELAWARE – Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride is responding after she was misgendered by Republican Chair Keith Self during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday. Self introduced McBride as “the gentleman from Delaware” and called her Mr. McBride. McBride quickly corrected him, responding, “Thank you, madam chair.” Democratic Representative Bill Keating then demanded McBride be properly introduced, which led Self to adjourn the meeting. In a statement, McBride emphasized that she was not focused on arguing over pronouns but is committed to addressing issues like lowering the cost of living and improving safety. She also expressed disappointment over the chair’s decision to end the meeting early.

Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride
Photo: mcbride.house.gov

LEWES, Del. – The Lewes Fire Department has formally warned the Sussex County Council that it will be forced to begin dissolving its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) if significant funding increases are not provided by 2025. In a letter dated March 6, department officials outlined the growing demand for emergency services due to rapid development in the district. Call volumes for fire and EMS have increased from 5,040 in 2018 to 7,589 in 2024, driving up staffing and operational costs. Career personnel have risen from 17 to 25, and operating costs have more than doubled, from $1.04 million to $2.37 million. The department has also faced annual EMS deficits of nearly $500,000 in the past two years. They warned that without additional funding in the upcoming fiscal year, EMS services would be forced to shut down. The City of Lewes was unaware of the letter as of March 11, and Sussex County has not commented on the issue.

A new four-way stop has been installed at the intersection of Delmar Road and Providence Church Road in an effort to enhance safety. Previously, only drivers on Providence Church Road were required to stop, while those on Delmar Road passed through uninterrupted. Delaware Department of Transportation crews spent the day installing the stop signs as remnants of past accidents, such as car debris, highlighted the intersection’s history of collisions. Some residents welcome the change, citing frequent speeding and the area’s use as a shortcut between Route 50 and Route 13. Others, however, worry that the new signs may cause confusion, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the change. Concerns remain over whether the stop signs alone will be enough to slow down traffic, as some residents fear drivers may continue ignoring them. Despite differing opinions, the new traffic pattern is now in effect, and officials urge motorists to stay alert.

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Council is weighing a proposal to add a parking garage and expand space at the Ocean City Convention Center to address parking shortages, particularly during events. The center currently has just over 1,000 parking spots, which often fill to capacity throughout the year. The proposed expansion would add 560 additional spaces to meet growing demand. During a work session on Tuesday, city officials discussed the project’s financial details, with the first phase estimated to cost $19 million and a second phase projected at $33 million. Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s Tourism and Business Development Director, highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion, stating that the convention center generates $60 to $70 million annually. The expansion would enhance the city’s ability to attract year-round business and promote it as a destination for work and play. To fund the project, city officials are considering increasing the local food tax from 0.5 percent to 1 percent. However, some residents, like Steve Heemann, expressed concerns, suggesting that taxpayer money could be better spent elsewhere. The town plans to commission an economic study to evaluate the project’s potential impacts.

SELBYVILLE — Freeman Arts Pavilion has revealed the next wave of performances for its 2025 summer concert series, marking the 18th season of its outdoor venue program. Operated by the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, the venue will offer a diverse mix of live music, dance, theater, and children’s performances throughout the season. The newly announced lineup includes a variety of artists and events, with highlights such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on June 20, 311 on June 21, and Counting Crows with The Gaslight Anthem on July 8. Other notable performances include Michael Franti & Spearhead on July 16, Three Dog Night on July 25, and Lyle Lovett and his Large Band on August 6. The Southern Delaware Orchestra will perform on August 12, and Clear Space Theatre Company will present “Hairspray” on August 19. Additionally, concerts from Maren Morris and Ray LaMontagne will close out the summer season on August 31 and September 12, respectively. Performances will continue to be added as shows are confirmed. For more information on the full schedule and ticket details, visit freemanarts.org.

OCEAN CITY, Md. – A group of property owners is organizing a protest on Saturday, March 16, coinciding with the town’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, to voice opposition to recently implemented restrictions on short-term rentals. The protest will take place at 11:00 a.m. on 50th Street, just off Coastal Highway, an hour before the parade begins. Protesters plan to gather on the ocean side of Coastal Highway, opposite the parade route, to attract attention from parade-goers. The protest is being coordinated by OCMD Property Rights, a group of homeowners concerned about the new regulations. The restrictions, which apply to properties in the R-1 and MH districts, include a 5-night minimum stay requirement for 2025 and 2026, followed by a 31-night minimum stay starting January 1, 2027. Property owner Terry Miller believes these changes will devastate the short-term rental industry in Ocean City, citing the national average of 3.41 days for rental stays. Alongside the protest, Miller’s group is collecting signatures for a petition to place the issue on the ballot, allowing voters to decide the fate of the new rules. The city solicitor approved the petition on March 10, and the group has 40 days to gather the required signatures from 40% of registered Ocean City voters. City Manager Terry McGean acknowledged the protest but emphasized that the town’s primary focus would be the parade.

MILLSBORO, Del. – The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company is preparing for an expansion to address the increasing demand for services in one of Sussex County’s fastest-growing districts. As the surrounding area sees rapid development, including new retirement communities and an influx of residents, the fire company is focusing on upgrading its facilities to meet the needs of the expanding community. The current station on Banks Road, built in 1972, is no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing number of emergency calls or the department’s equipment. To address this, the fire company plans to build a new $3.5 million facility with more space and upgraded amenities. The new building will include four additional drive-through bays, a training room, meeting space, bunk rooms, and a second floor to better support the needs of the firefighters. Given the fire company’s location in an unincorporated rural area, it cannot rely on local taxes or municipal funds to finance the project. Therefore, it is asking for the support of local businesses and residents to help raise the necessary funds for construction. The expansion is seen as crucial due to the increasing traffic, population growth, and frequency of accidents in the area. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility is set for this Friday at 10 a.m., with construction expected to take about 10 months.

Indian River Volunteer Fire Co, Banks Road, Millsboro DE.

A new bill introduced in Delaware would require minors under 16 to obtain parental consent before undergoing an abortion, with some exceptions. House Bill 46, introduced by Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford), includes provisions allowing minors to bypass parental consent in cases of medical emergencies, abuse, neglect, coercion, or when a Family Court determines it is not in the minor’s best interest. The proposal also allows a court to permit an abortion without parental consent if it finds that the minor is mature and well-informed enough to make the decision independently. This measure comes alongside Senate Bill 5, which advocates for women to have the ability to make abortion decisions independently of parental consent.

District 36 State Rep. Bryan Shupe
Photo: housegop.delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Forest Service is urging residents to avoid outdoor burning due to an elevated wildfire risk caused by ongoing drought conditions and the current weather patterns. Wildfires have spiked in all three counties, and the Forest Service is taking action to minimize the danger. Recent conditions, including dropping humidity levels and high winds, have led to an increase in wildfire activity across the state. A special weather statement was issued over the weekend by the National Weather Service, noting the elevated fire risk. According to State Forester Kyle Hoyd, Delaware’s wildfire risk is particularly severe during periods when vegetation is dormant, as dry brush and leaves easily catch fire. Since November 2024, Delaware has seen more than 420 outdoor fires, a sharp increase from previous years. In 2024, the Delaware Forest Service responded to 22 wildfires—four times the usual number. The ongoing drought, with nearly half the state in severe drought conditions, is contributing to the intense fire danger. In addition to preventing outdoor burning, the Delaware Forest Service recommends creating defensible space around homes to slow or stop wildfire spread. This includes clearing roofs and gutters of debris, maintaining a defensible buffer of cleared vegetation, and ensuring trees are not too close to structures. With wildfires increasing across the region, residents are urged to stay vigilant and avoid starting any fires outdoors.

FENWICK ISLAND, Del. – A routine traffic stop on Coastal Highway resulted in the arrest of two Baltimore women on theft-related charges, with additional felony charges expected in Maryland. On March 6, around 3 p.m., a Fenwick Island police officer was monitoring traffic when a Toyota Camry was observed speeding at over 65 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 32-year-old Alexis Carrington from Baltimore. A records check revealed Carrington was driving with a suspended Maryland license and that the car was uninsured. The passenger, 19-year-old Cecelia Fenwick, was also from Baltimore. While preparing to impound the vehicle, the officer discovered several plastic trash bags filled with clothing, many of which still had security tags attached. Upon further inspection, it was revealed the items were from major retailers, including Under Armour, Victoria’s Secret, and Nike. Both women were arrested on theft-related charges, and additional felony charges are pending in Maryland. 

Alexis Carrington – Photo from the Fenwick Island Police Department

MILFORD, Del. — The Carlisle Fire Company in Milford is requesting $300,000 from the city to address the increasing demand for emergency medical services as the area’s population continues to rise. The fire company plans to present this request at a city council meeting on March 12.
Currently, the fire company operates three ambulance vehicles but only has enough resources to staff two fully operational crews around the clock. With emergency calls increasing significantly in recent years, the company says this setup is no longer sufficient.
According to Carlisle Fire Company President Lewis Sacks, the number of calls has risen from about 4,000 annually to approximately 5,000. In addition to population growth, the fire company cites the aging demographic of new residents as a contributing factor to the rise in calls. Local officials have acknowledged the need for more resources, noting that while the requested amount is substantial, any additional funding would help enhance the fire company’s ability to respond to emergencies.

DOVER, Del. – Two bills aimed at providing incarcerated individuals in Delaware with a better opportunity to have their cases heard in court are progressing through the Delaware Senate. Senate Bill 57 would remove the time bar from Delaware’s post-conviction DNA statute, enabling individuals convicted before the widespread use of DNA testing to request new DNA analysis on their cases. In addition, Senate Bill 58 would create a formal process for convicted individuals to challenge their convictions in court if new forensic evidence emerges or if existing forensic evidence has been discredited. Senate Bill 57 would also allow individuals to petition for post-conviction DNA testing to prove their innocence, even if they previously pleaded guilty. Senate Bill 58 would give individuals the ability to revisit their cases if forensic science advancements have rendered the evidence used in their conviction invalid. Delaware is one of only seven states that has not updated its laws to reflect these changes. Currently, only four exonerations have occurred in Delaware in the past few decades, illustrating the need for updated processes. Both bills are being considered in the Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee.

MARYLAND – Maryland’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) draft is now open for public comment. The program outlines proposed traffic improvement projects and funding needs for Fiscal Years 2025 to 2028, with comments accepted through April 4. The program invites recommendations and funding offers from the state’s regional Metropolitan Planning Offices. Key projects on the Eastern Shore include bridge replacements, sidewalk and bike path constructions, and pedestrian safety improvements across various counties, including Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, Talbot, Dorchester, and Queen Anne’s counties.

Eastern Shore Projects:

• Worcester County: Bishopville Road bridge replacement, MD 611 shared-use path study, Coastal Highway pedestrian safety.
• Wicomico County: Wicomico River sidewalk bridge, Pirates Wharf trail, Carroll Street cycle track, Salisbury bicycle and pedestrian network, and more.
• Somerset County: MD 413 bike trail, pedestrian and bike path in Crisfield, Somers Cove Marina trail reconstruction.
• Talbot County: Proposed MDOT shop facility, Talbot Street bike and pedestrian path, Easton Rail Trail, and more.
• Dorchester County: Hooper Island bridge replacement, Cambridge bike lane study, Bayly Road sidewalk.
• Queen Anne’s County: Ozone emissions maintenance.

Additional details are available at mdot.maryland.gov.

Wicomico River Sidewalk Bridge, Salisbury Maryland.

SALISBURY, MD – The annual Salisbury Marathon returns to the downtown area on April 5th, bringing with it road closures and traffic delays. The event will feature marathon, half-marathon, and 5K races, with participants traveling from across the country to compete. City officials are reminding drivers and attendees of the following road closures and traffic changes to ensure safety during the event. On Friday, April 4th, starting at 1:00pm, the Downtown Plaza (West Main Street from Market Street to Division Street) will be closed for event setup. Then, on Saturday, April 5th, from 6:00am to 3:00pm, several roads will be closed, including Main Street from Lake Street to Court Street, Division Street from Route 50 to Circle Avenue, Camden Street, West Church Street from St. Peter’s Street to Division Street, St. Peter’s Street, and Mill Street from the roundabout to Route 50. Additionally, South Park Drive, from Beaver Dam Drive to Snow Hill Road, will be closed from 6:00am to 10:00am.

MARYLAND — Lawmakers in the Maryland Senate are divided over what constitutes age-appropriate education for children. This ongoing debate stems from recent legislative efforts, including House Bill 380, which sought to introduce vending machines offering contraceptives and other health-related products in schools. The bill failed, prompting the Maryland Freedom Caucus to celebrate the defeat, calling it a victory for parental rights and child protection. The caucus now turns its attention to House Bill 161, which they argue further threatens parental control over children’s education. The bill aims to introduce gender ideology and sexual orientation as standalone components in the school curriculum, beginning as early as kindergarten. While parents can still opt out of the general health education curriculum, they would no longer be able to opt out of the gender and sexuality sections, which is a major concern for those who support parental choice. Delegate Matt Morgan, chair of the Maryland Freedom Caucus, emphasized that parents should have the right to discuss these sensitive topics at home, rather than in the classroom. However, HB 161’s supporters, including its co-sponsor Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, argue that the bill creates an inclusive, age-appropriate curriculum that addresses a range of health and emotional issues, including substance abuse, mental health, and family life, alongside sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill has garnered support from advocacy organizations like PFLAG Salisbury, which calls for a comprehensive and inclusive health education curriculum. The group believes it is essential to ensure LGBTQIA+ students receive an accurate and relevant education, addressing gaps created by local school boards’ control over curricula. At the federal level, President Trump’s executive order calls for defunding school districts promoting gender ideology. However, the Maryland Department of Education has expressed that HB 161 is redundant to existing regulations and counters the process entrusted to local boards. Delegate Morgan, however, argues that the bill reflects a broader shift away from academic focus and toward social engineering. He believes that rising home-schooling and private school enrollment reflect growing dissatisfaction with the current direction of public education. HB 161 passed the House with a 95-39 vote and is now under review by the Maryland Senate’s Education, Energy, and Environment Committee. This marks the third year the bill has passed the House, but it has yet to clear the Senate committee.

OCEAN CITY, Md. — As Ocean City prepares for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival, the Ocean City Police Department is stepping up impaired driving enforcement. From March 13 through March 17, officers will conduct 24-hour patrols as part of the Maryland Border to Border St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Crackdown. Officers will be vigilant for alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers throughout the holiday weekend. In 2024, the department made five DUI arrests during this time, and this year, the agency is increasing its presence to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors. Ocean City officials are encouraging those celebrating to plan ahead for a safe ride home. The Ocean City Beach Bus offers a $4 Ride-All-Day pass, operating from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. with buses arriving approximately every 30 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services are also available. The Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at noon on Saturday, March 15, starting at 57th Street on Coastal Highway and traveling south to the 45th Street Shopping Center. The parade will conclude at the shopping center, where the viewing bleachers and judges’ stand will be located. Following the parade, the 45th Street Shopping Center will host an Irish festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring live performances from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish dancers, and various food, beer, and merchandise vendors. Officials advise attendees to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion. Temporary traffic patterns will be in effect from 63rd Street to 41st Street to accommodate the event. There is no rain date for the parade or festival.

REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE – A Virginia man has been charged with felony assault following a fight in the parking lot of a Popeye’s restaurant on Route 1. The incident occurred on the morning of March 8 when police responded to a report of an altercation between two men over traffic and parking. Authorities say Charles Gehman, 30, of Lynchburg, Virginia, argued with a 65-year-old man before the dispute escalated into a physical confrontation. The older man sustained minor injuries, and Gehman fled the scene in a gray Toyota Corolla with Virginia registration. Troopers located Gehman and his vehicle shortly after the incident, taking him into custody without incident. Gehman was charged with second-degree assault, a felony due to the victim being over 62 years old. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $4,000 unsecured bond.

Charles Gehman of Lynchburg, Virginia
Photo: Delaware State Police

SALISBURY, Md. – A rare and stunning celestial event will unfold over Maryland this week – a total lunar eclipse, also known as the “blood moon.” The event occurs when Earth positions itself between the sun and a full moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface, turning it a reddish-orange hue. On Thursday night, the eclipse will begin around 11:57 p.m., according to NASA. A partial eclipse will start around 1:09 a.m. and totality will follow at 2:26 a.m., as the moon takes on a coppery red glow. Totality will last for approximately 65 minutes and end at 3:31 a.m., with the full moon exiting Earth’s shadow by 6 a.m. Friday. This eclipse offers an extended viewing window, longer than usual, with observers able to see the blood-red moon for more than an hour. As the eclipse occurs, skywatchers can also look to the west to spot Jupiter and Mars. The moon will travel from the constellation Leo to Virgo during the eclipse. While over a billion people around the world will be able to witness the event, including those in North America, cloud cover may impact visibility.

The weather forecast for Maryland predicts partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-40s, but be sure to check local weather updates from Chief Meteorologist Hunter Outten in the TVDelmarva Weather Center. NASA notes that the more clouds or dust in the atmosphere, the deeper the red hue of the moon. For those who miss this one, the next total lunar eclipse will take place on Sept. 7, but only visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The next chance for North Americans to see a total lunar eclipse will be on March 3, 2026.

(Photo submitted: Hunter Outten / Outten Astrophotography)

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – A proposed bill could change how alcohol is sold and consumed at festivals and events in Wicomico County. Senate Bill 798 would allow temporary to-go containers for alcoholic beverages, enabling customers to carry drinks between vendors within an event venue. The system would operate through a licensing process managed by the festival or event organizers. Supporters believe the change would provide greater flexibility for both vendors and attendees. The bill has already passed through the Maryland Senate and is now awaiting consideration in the House.

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – The Delaware Department of Transportation has announced a two-month lane closure on Munchy Branch Road in Rehoboth Beach, set to begin Monday, March 10. The southbound lane between Wolf Neck Road and Field Lane will be closed for the construction of a shared-use path and new drainage infrastructure. The closure is expected to continue through early May, with a detour route in place. Southbound traffic will be directed to continue right onto Munchy Branch Road, right onto Coastal Highway, right onto Wolf Neck Road, and then back onto Munchy Branch Road. Drivers are encouraged to plan for delays and use alternate routes if possible.

SALISBURY, MD – Maryland’s Appellate Court has ruled against Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano in her ongoing dispute with the County Council regarding the hiring of the Assistant Director of Administration. The legal conflict began in 2023 when Giordano appointed Matthew Leitzel to the position, despite the council’s decision not to approve his nomination.

While the County Council approved over 30 of Giordano’s appointments, Council President John Cannon stated that the council did not move forward with Leitzel’s appointment. Giordano, however, claimed Leitzel would assume the role starting June 26, 2023, due to the council’s inaction, and announced him as the Assistant Director of Administration. In response, the council removed funding for the position.

Giordano then filed a complaint in circuit court to reverse the council’s action and restore funding, arguing the council violated the county charter. In November 2023, a circuit court judge sided with Giordano, but the council appealed, claiming the decision was based on an incorrect version of the charter. The case ultimately reached the Appellate Court, which ruled on March 5, 2025.

The Appellate Court reversed the circuit court’s decision, ruling that Leitzel was not confirmed for the position, although he had been in the role since June 2023. The court also upheld the council’s decision to eliminate funding for the position. The Wicomico County Council is now considering recovering the salary funds for the position, which totals $132,300 for Fiscal Year 2025.

Photo: Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano
from WicomicoCounty.org

MILFORD, March 6, 2025 — The Milford School District issued a statement to parents today regarding an incident involving a student bringing an airsoft gun to Milford Central Academy. The district reassured families that the situation was swiftly handled and that no students or staff were endangered.

According to the district’s message, the airsoft gun was spotted by several students, prompting immediate action from school officials. The item, which contained no airsoft pellets, was confiscated without delay. The district emphasized that at no point was school safety compromised during the incident.

“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” the Milford School District stated in its communication. The district confirmed that the matter will be addressed in accordance with its established code of conduct.

Students are being encouraged to remain proactive in maintaining a secure environment by reporting any suspicious activity, items, or concerns to a teacher or trusted adult. “Their vigilance helps us maintain a safe environment,” the district noted, expressing gratitude to the school community for their cooperation.

MARYLAND – State lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at reducing wildlife collisions and protecting habitats disrupted by road expansion. The Wildlife Connectivity and Crossings Act, supported by House Bill 731 and Senate Bill 635, seeks to address the increasing number of animal-related accidents on Maryland roads.

With over 31,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions reported annually, the legislation would require the State Highway Administration to consider wildlife safety in road planning. The bill would also establish a coalition of government officials and wildlife organizations to ensure habitat connectivity and require counties to incorporate wildlife considerations in land use planning.

Supporters argue that preventing wildlife collisions not only safeguards animals but also reduces costs for drivers, as the average insurance claim for such incidents is around $6,000. Lawmakers emphasize that road expansion should balance human transportation needs with the preservation of natural habitats.

The bill is currently under review as lawmakers work toward improving road safety for both drivers and wildlife.

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Delaware State Police are seeking help in locating 60-year-old John Bell, wanted on multiple felony charges following an assault on March 5th in Georgetown. Police believe Bell is driving a burgundy Ford Taurus with unknown Pennsylvania registration and may be heading toward Pennsylvania.

Efforts to contact or find Bell have been unsuccessful. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1 or DSP Troop 4 at 302-856-5850. Tips can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers, with anonymity guaranteed.

Looking for something to do this Spring?

The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek will welcome visitors for its seventh season starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, at 30220 Piney Neck Road in Dagsboro.

This year’s attractions include over 200,000 spring bulbs blooming across the Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, Rhyne Garden, Learning Garden, and Folly Garden. A new Eagle Watch Garden has been added within the 12-acre Woodlands. Additionally, construction is underway on the Annette Pennoni Meadow Pavilion, a 3,300-square-foot facility set to host events year-round. The refurbished welcome center now offers climate control and expanded gift selections.

The gardens will feature a variety of programs, including guided spring bulb tours at 2 p.m. on opening day and again on Friday, March 28. Guests are encouraged to explore the full schedule of events online and consider joining as members or volunteers.

Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday, with guided tours available daily at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit delawaregardens.org.

WICOMICO COUNTY, MARYLAND – The man convicted of murdering Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy Corporal Glenn Hilliard has appealed for a new trial.

Oral arguments were presented March 5 before a panel of three judges in Maryland’s Appellate Court by a public defender representing the convicted shooter, Davidson. He was sentenced to life without parole in July 2023 after being found guilty on all counts for Hilliard’s 2022 murder. Hilliard was fatally shot while pursuing Davidson, a wanted felon, on foot.

Davidson’s appeal argues that the trial should have been moved from Wicomico County due to media coverage. His defense also challenged the admission of certain evidence, including video of him using an AK-47, which was not the murder weapon, and a reported statement he made to a correctional officer. Additionally, they claimed improper closing arguments by the prosecution influenced the jury.

Sheriff Mike Lewis and Hilliard’s widow, Tashica, were present for the hearing, with the state arguing against a retrial. The Appellate Court’s decision could take weeks, months, or more than a year.

MILLSBORO, DE – TidalHealth is moving forward with plans to build a new health campus off Route 113 near Millsboro, a project expected to cost around $100 million. The development, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will expand medical services in the area by housing multiple buildings dedicated to primary care, specialty care, and surgical procedures.

The campus is set to be one of TidalHealth’s largest primary care centers, with a variety of specialty services including cardiology, ear, nose, and throat care, and gastroenterology. Officials say increased development in the region has contributed to the growing demand for healthcare providers, with a recent physician needs assessment showing the service area growing at twice the national average.

Many local residents have voiced concerns about the difficulty of finding medical providers as the population increases. Some say it can take months to secure a doctor’s appointment, emphasizing the need for expanded healthcare access.

TidalHealth plans to break ground on the new campus in April. The first building is expected to be completed within 18 to 20 months, with additional buildings to follow.

Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller and the Office of Overdose Response have announced $12.4 million in grants to support programs addressing substance use and overdose prevention across the state. The funding, sourced from the Opioid Restitution Fund established in 2019, will aid various organizations and initiatives aimed at treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

Local recipients include Somerset County Commissioners, receiving $356,576 for opioid use disorder support within the criminal-legal system, and the Worcester County Health Department, granted $656,323 for prevention and treatment efforts. Other awards include $378,884 to the Dorchester County Health Department for harm-reduction services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, $542,000 to the Salisbury City Fire Department for training and drug disposal initiatives, $635,042 to Diakonia, Inc. for mobile harm reduction services, and $507,226 to the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center for opioid use disorder screening among incarcerated individuals.

Additionally, Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response has introduced a five-step strategy to address substance use disorders. The plan includes disrupting pathways to addiction, improving health and safety for drug users, expanding access to evidence-based treatments, strengthening recovery support infrastructure, and enhancing services for those in the criminal legal system. These efforts aim to reduce overdoses and support long-term recovery for affected individuals throughout the state.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer has announced a comprehensive plan to combat rising energy costs in Delaware, calling for stronger consumer protections and immediate relief for Delmarva Power customers who have seen significant bill increases. The governor emphasized that families should not have to choose between heating their homes and paying for groceries.

The plan includes both immediate actions and long-term legislative measures aimed at ensuring affordable and fair energy pricing. Governor Meyer underscored that while renewable energy policies are not to blame for rising costs, a lack of accountability in the energy system has allowed utility companies to pass unnecessary costs onto consumers.

Immediate actions in the plan include demanding rate adjustments for Delmarva Power customers affected by recent bill hikes, appointing a new Public Advocate to challenge unfair rate hikes, and reappointing a Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner to strengthen oversight. The governor also intends to review and overhaul the PSC dispute resolution process to improve transparency and responsiveness for consumers.

In addition to these immediate actions, Governor Meyer is supporting a legislative package aimed at increasing transparency and accountability. Proposed Senate bills include measures to strengthen consumer protections, prevent utilities from using customer funds for unregulated activities, and increase public access to information on energy-related decisions.

The governor is working with legislators, consumer advocates, and energy regulators to ensure these reforms move forward swiftly.

(Photo: Governor.Delaware.gov)

DELAWARE – U.S. Senator Chris Coons issued a statement following President Trump’s address to a Joint Session of Congress, expressing disappointment over the speech’s focus and content.

Coons criticized the president for reiterating campaign promises rather than outlining solutions to national challenges. He raised concerns about Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs impacting inflation, as well as public health and foreign policy decisions. Coons also pointed to what he described as a lack of clear strategies for addressing global threats.

The senator further claimed that Trump remains historically unpopular after his first month in office and predicted that his speech would do little to change that perception.

(Photo: Congress.gov)

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Emergency crews battled five brush fires across northeastern Sussex County on Tuesday as high winds and dry conditions created hazardous fire risks.

Firefighters first responded to a brush fire near the 8400 block of Slaughter Beach Road around 11:30 a.m. on March 4. Shortly after, crews assisted the Milton Fire Department with a woods fire near the 10000 block of Greentop Road, which was determined to have been accidentally caused by an attempt to burn a tree stump.

Ellendale fire crews then tackled a grass fire on Fleatown Road at 12:52 p.m., followed by another grass fire at North Old State Road and Johnson Road in Lincoln at 1:11 p.m. Later in the afternoon, crews helped the Carlisle Fire Company contain a field fire on Valley Forge Drive in Milford, where flames threatened nearby structures. Another vegetation fire on Sharons Road around 6:16 p.m. marked the last of the day’s blazes.

Fire officials are urging the public to avoid outdoor burning while high winds persist, as dry conditions continue to pose a significant fire hazard.

MILFORD, Del. – A man facing attempted murder charges in connection to a stabbing in November 2024 has been extradited to Delaware.

Derrick Legree, 37, was arrested in Pennsylvania in late November and returned to Delaware on Friday. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, aggravated menacing, possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Legree is being held on a $622,000 cash bond for these charges, along with an additional $25,000 cash bond for an active probation violation. Authorities have issued no-contact orders between Legree and the victims in the case.

SALISBURY, Md. – Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn will serve as the commencement speaker for Salisbury University’s 100th graduating class this spring. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at Sea Gull Stadium and will be ticketed.

Quinn, a 1994 SU graduate, led the Commanders to their first National Football Conference championship game since 1991 earlier this year. His speech will be part of SU’s Centennial Celebration, which will begin in September. This year’s commencement marks a return to campus for the first time since the 1970s and will feature the university’s first non-student commencement speaker since 2001.

During his time at SU, Quinn was a standout athlete in both football and track and field, later earning induction into the SU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. He and his wife, Stacey, have remained strong supporters of the university, establishing endowments benefiting football, track and field, and athletic training.

Following his graduation, Quinn climbed the coaching ranks with roles at the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. As defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, he helped lead the team to two Super Bowl appearances, including a 2014 victory. He later coached the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl and spent three seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys’ defense before taking the head coaching role with Washington.
(Photo: Salisbury University Website)

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City officials have voted to implement new restrictions on short-term rentals in certain residential neighborhoods, a move that supporters say will preserve the character of these communities while opponents argue it could hurt homeowners.

Ordinance 2025-04 establishes a five-night minimum stay for rentals in R-1 and MH districts beginning in 2025, with a stricter 31-night minimum set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The restrictions will apply to areas including Teal Drive, Little Salisbury, Caine Woods, and Montego Bay. Bookings made before March 3, 2025, will be grandfathered in under previous rules.

Supporters of the ordinance say it is necessary to maintain the safety and stability of these areas for families and future generations. Some have cited noise, large gatherings, and excessive trash as disruptions to their quiet communities.

However, opponents argue that the measure will devalue properties and limit homeownership opportunities. They believe the new requirements could make it more difficult for homeowners to afford their properties and affect the local economy.

Despite mixed public opinion, the Ocean City Council moved forward with a vote on Monday night, passing the ordinance.

OCEAN CITY, MD – The Town of Ocean City is set to host its annual job fair on Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. This free event offers a chance for job seekers to connect with employers across a variety of sectors.

Attendees can explore employment opportunities in departments such as Recreation and Parks, Beach Patrol, Police, Fire, Public Works, Water, and more. Positions range from public safety roles to camp counselors and bus drivers to lifeguards.

Katie Callan, Human Resources Director for Ocean City, highlights the job fair as a unique opportunity to meet with hiring managers and explore career options with the town. Candidates can apply online at the event, and are encouraged to bring resumes.

For those unable to attend, job openings are listed online at oceancitymd.gov. For more details, contact Human Resources at 410-289-8924.

DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit (CPU) is hosting events and sharing digital content in observance of National Consumer Protection Week, which runs from March 2 to March 8.

The CPU is focusing on educating and preventing consumer harm by offering in-person events and online resources. The department has also released a list of the top 10 scams reported in Delaware in 2024:

1. Impostor Scams
2. Online Shopping and Negative Reviews
3. Auto-Related Scams
4. Internet Services
5. Health-Related Scams
6. Telephone and Mobile Services
7. Investment Scams
8. Home Improvement Scams
9. Travel, Vacations, and Timeshare Scams
10. Prices, Sweepstakes, and Lotteries

Additionally, CPU representatives will meet with constituents across the state, partnering with state legislators, including Representative Yearick on March 5 and Representative Hilovsky on March 7.

GREENWOOD, Del. – A Sussex County man was arrested on multiple charges, including vehicular assault and driving under the influence, after a crash Saturday night in Greenwood. Delaware State Police responded to the scene on Sussex Highway, north of Adams Road, around 9:42 p.m.

Troopers identified 25-year-old Juventino Hernandez Montoya of Georgetown as the driver of a Nissan Altima involved in the crash. Authorities say Montoya was driving north in the southbound lanes when he collided with a vehicle driven by a 56-year-old Salisbury, Maryland woman. Five occupants in her vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital. Two passengers in Montoya’s vehicle were also injured, with one receiving medical treatment while the other refused.

Police reported signs of impairment from Montoya, and a field sobriety test confirmed intoxication. He was taken into custody and charged with first-degree vehicular assault, six counts of second-degree vehicular assault, driving under the influence, driving without a valid license, and other traffic violations. Montoya was later released on his own recognizance.

(Photo: Delaware State Police)

DOVER, DE – The iconic Old Speedway Café in Dover will soon be transformed into a new Tim Hortons location, as the multinational coffee and restaurant chain prepares to expand its presence in Delaware. R&R Commercial Realty made the announcement, confirming that the popular coffee house and restaurant, known for its signature coffee, donuts, and baked goods, plans to open later this year.

This move is part of Tim Hortons’ ongoing growth strategy in the United States, where the brand continues to bring its well-loved menu items and fast service to new customers. The Dover location will be the latest addition to Tim Hortons’ expanding presence across the region, and it promises to be a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the brand’s famed offerings.

A Look at Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons, founded in 1964 by Tim Horton, a former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, has grown to become one of Canada’s largest and most popular quick-service restaurant chains. Known for its iconic coffee and baked goods, Tim Hortons has earned a loyal following across North America and internationally.

With a menu that includes classic offerings such as the Original Blend and Double-Double coffees, Timbits (bite-sized donuts), sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and breakfast egg muffins, there’s something for everyone at Tim Hortons. The restaurant also serves specialty drinks, including fruit smoothies and soups, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

Over the years, Tim Hortons has built a reputation for community involvement, donating to organizations and causes across Canada through initiatives such as the Timbits Sports and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The company’s continued expansion into the U.S. market, including the new Dover location, reflects the growing demand for its products, which resonate with a wide demographic. With their welcoming environment and commitment to quality, Tim Hortons aims to bring a taste of Canada to even more communities.

For more information on R&R Commercial Realty and its wide range of commercial properties, or for any inquiries about the new Tim Hortons location, visit www.randrcommercialrealty.com or contact 302-674-3400 or [email protected].

About Tim Hortons:

• Founded in 1964 by Tim Horton in Hamilton, Ontario.
• Known for coffee, Timbits, breakfast items, and specialty drinks.
• Community-driven, with programs supporting youth and sports initiatives.
• Merged with Burger King in 2014, becoming part of Restaurant Brands International.

As the Dover location prepares to open, it promises to bring a new wave of Tim Hortons fans to the area, serving up delicious coffee, snacks, and more for everyone to enjoy.

Work has begun to convert the old Speedway Cafe on 737 North DuPont Blvd. in Dover to a Tim Hortons. The owner anticipates a grand opening sometime before summer 2025. The buildout will include a double lane drive thru in addition to dine-in facilities.

The City of Salisbury is partnering with T2 Systems to introduce an automated permit management and mobile payment system for downtown parking. The changes will affect the Downtown Business District, certain residential streets, and the Downtown Salisbury Parking Garage, which will transition to a cashless payment system. Users will be able to manage permits, pay for parking, and receive notifications through the new system. Garage parking rates will be $2 per hour or $10 per day.

License Plate Readers will be installed to enforce regulations, automatically issuing violations for unpaid parking or exceeding the two-hour street parking limit. Free two-hour on-street parking will continue, with those staying longer encouraged to use the garage or Lot 10. Parking will remain free after 4 p.m., on weekends, and on holidays.

The new system is set to launch in early April.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a male suspect in a 4-door sedan with tinted windows and black rims arrived at a Milton residence. The suspect exited the vehicle, pulled a hood over his head and face, and took a package containing a MacBook computer from the porch before fleeing the scene.

The victim, who shared photos of the incident captured by her RING camera on Facebook, said, “Please share and help us find (this individual) who stole my son’s computer off our front porch within 30 minutes of delivery. The video makes me think he knew it was there because his car doesn’t slow down. We are in town Milton.”

Photographs of the suspect and vehicle are included below. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milton Police Department at 302-684-8547.

Maryland — A proposed Maryland bill, House Bill 710, seeks to establish a voter hotline for incarcerated individuals, allowing them the opportunity to vote. If passed, Maryland would become the first state outside Washington, D.C., to implement such a measure. The bill has sparked debate, with some arguing that voting is a right, while others contend it is a privilege that should not be extended to those convicted of crimes.

Opposition comes from Delegate Wayne Hartman of District 38C, who believes that individuals who have broken the law should not have a say in electing lawmakers. Advocates, including Common Cause Maryland, argue that voting is a fundamental right and should not be revoked due to incarceration. They emphasize that over 16,000 individuals in Maryland are currently incarcerated and could be impacted by the legislation.

The bill has passed its first reading but has yet to be assigned to a committee for a second review. Supporters acknowledge that passing such legislation could take years but remain committed to pushing for what they see as a critical voting rights issue.

MARGATE, NJ – The gift shop at Lucy the Elephant will open in a new, temporary location this Saturday across the street from its current site, as plans for a new welcome center continue to move forward.

The new gift shop will be located in the former Ocean City Home Bank at 9219 Atlantic Ave., Unit #5. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday to mark the occasion.

The Save Lucy Committee, which has been working for over two decades to build a new visitor center, noted that the current gift shop, built in the mid-1980s, no longer meets the needs of the growing number of visitors. Each year, more than 150,000 people visit the iconic roadside attraction, making it essential to expand and improve facilities.

The new welcome center will offer better accommodations for visitors, including ADA-compliant restrooms. The Save Lucy Committee recently completed the purchase of the former bank building, setting the stage for the planned upgrades.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ – Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, is testing communications equipment at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) William J. Hughes Technical Center in South Jersey. The testing, revealed by the FAA on Monday, involves a terminal facility in Atlantic City and two terminals at non-safety critical sites in Alaska.

The FAA’s facility, located at the Atlantic City International Airport, serves as a key aviation research hub. This testing aligns with the FAA’s mandate from the 2024 FAA Reauthorization bill, which requires the agency to address telecommunications challenges in remote areas, including investigating the causes of weather reporting system failures and the supporting telecommunications infrastructure.

The FAA has been considering Starlink as a potential solution for modernizing the nation’s air traffic communications system, which is currently operated on an aging Verizon network. Starlink could play a pivotal role in replacing the ground-based systems with satellite technology. Musk has voiced concerns about the current system’s reliability, emphasizing the need for modernization to enhance aviation safety.

While the FAA has been exploring Starlink’s capabilities, there have been questions about potential conflicts of interest due to Musk’s roles as both a senior White House adviser and the head of multiple companies, including SpaceX, which operates Starlink.

Testing at the FAA’s Egg Harbor Township site is part of ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control and communications systems, including the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Despite significant investment, NextGen has seen mixed success, with concerns about its progress and efficiency.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – The Accomack County Board of Supervisors has voted to send the draft FY2026 county budget to a public hearing scheduled for March 24 at 6 p.m. at Metompkin Elementary School.

The proposed budget includes moderate tax increases and focuses on key investments in infrastructure, public services, particularly emergency medical services (EMS), and economic development. The real estate tax rate is set to increase from $0.484 to $0.534 per $100 of assessed value, while the cigarette tax will rise from $0.20 to $0.40 per pack. The personal property tax remains at $3.72 per $100, though future caps could be implemented depending on pending state legislation.

County Administrator Mike Mason stated that the tax increase is necessary to address a shortfall in the EMS budget. Without this adjustment, larger tax hikes may be required in the future.

The proposed increases are designed to support EMS services, with nearly 92% of overnight emergency calls being handled by paid personnel. If the tax increases are not approved, there could be a risk of reducing EMS staffing.

FENWICK ISLAND, Del. – The Fenwick Island Town Council will vote Friday on proposed updates to the town’s noise ordinance, which aim to establish clearer definitions and stricter enforcement for noise violations.

The changes would include expanded quiet hours, decibel-level limits, the requirement of permits for outdoor amplified music, and the use of new noise monitoring technology. If approved, the updates will take effect immediately.

Under the new regulations, quiet hours will begin at 10 p.m., an hour earlier than the current midnight start, and will run until 8 a.m. During non-quiet hours, noise levels will be capped at 65 decibels, while quiet hours will have a lower limit of 55 decibels.

Additionally, both residents and businesses would need permits to play amplified music or use outdoor sound devices. Law enforcement will use decibel-measuring equipment, including a smartphone app, to assess noise levels and issue fines for violations. The app will also be available to residents to monitor their own noise levels.

Fines for violating the ordinance will be set at $200 per offense. The council is expected to make a decision on the proposed updates during its meeting on Friday.

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – Sussex County has introduced a new online tool designed to help homeowners estimate their property tax bills following the latest property value reassessment.

The property tax calculator allows residents to select their school district and input the newly assessed value of their property. Once the “calculate” button is clicked, an estimated range for the upcoming tax bill will appear. If homeowners do not have their new property value letter, they can find it by entering their property owner’s name or the address in the search tool provided on the site.

Additionally, the website allows users to view their 2024 tax bills.

The tool provides an estimated range but does not include factors such as tax assistance programs or any additional taxable fees.

Homeowners can access the calculator and additional resources at https://www.sussexcountyde.gov/taxcalculator.

SALISBURY, Md. – The City of Salisbury is set to begin a road resurfacing project in the Fitzwater Street area next week.

The project aims to address potholes, cracking, and other damage to the roadways in the Fitzwater neighborhood. Crews will start removing the old road surface on March 5, with re-paving scheduled to begin on March 10.

Work will be divided into two areas: Area 1 includes 1st and 2nd Streets, Pearl Street, Hill Street, and West Main Street; Area 2 includes Church Street, Mitchell Street, and Vine Street.

Drivers are advised to remove their vehicles from these streets during the resurfacing to avoid towing.

MILLSBORO, Del. – Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for 15-year-old Madison Dimattia, who was reported missing after leaving her home early Wednesday morning.

Authorities say she left her residence on Keelson Street around 1 a.m. following an argument with her father. She does not have a cell phone and was marked absent from school that day. She is also known to be taking medication for depression.

Dimattia is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing a hoodie, sweatpants, and carrying a backpack and blanket.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact Delaware State Police Troop 7 at 302-644-5020.
(Photo: DSP Facebook Page)

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles is alerting residents about a text scam attempting to trick individuals into paying fake toll debts. Officials warn that some of these fraudulent messages may originate from overseas phone numbers.

Authorities emphasize that EZ-Pass will never request payment for violations or account funding through text or email. Scammers use phishing tactics to deceive recipients into providing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

Residents who receive suspicious messages are encouraged to verify their toll account status directly with EZ-Pass rather than responding to unsolicited communications. Officials also advise exercising caution before clicking any links in text messages related to financial matters.

Victims of the scam can report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center by providing details such as the sender’s phone number and any links included in the message.

For more information on EZ-Pass in Delaware, residents can visit the official website https://www.ezpassde.com/

DOVER, Del. – A group of Delaware lawmakers is advocating for the creation of a task force to explore nuclear energy as a potential solution to rising electricity costs. The proposal follows increased utility bills, prompting discussions in Dover about alternative energy sources.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 seeks to establish the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, which would examine the viability of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to support the state’s energy demands. Supporters argue that SMRs, with a lifespan of up to 100 years, could provide long-term cost savings compared to traditional power sources.

Although nuclear energy often raises safety concerns, lawmakers backing the measure emphasize advancements in reactor design that enhance security. SMRs are designed with reinforced containment systems, reducing risks associated with potential malfunctions.

Despite the high initial costs of construction, proponents believe nuclear energy’s efficiency could offset expenses over time. If approved, the task force would include representatives from the public and private sectors, such as energy experts, environmental specialists, business leaders, and policymakers.

A final report on the study’s findings is expected in the fall.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A new bill in the Maryland General Assembly aims to introduce ranked-choice voting for the 2028 presidential primary. The proposal, under discussion Wednesday by the State Senate’s Education, Energy, and Environment Committee, would allow voters to rank multiple candidates by preference. If no candidate receives a majority, votes for lower-ranked candidates would be redistributed until a winner is determined.

This system could result in the candidate with the highest number of first-choice votes not winning the election. If approved, the law would take effect for the 2028 primary. Additionally, the Maryland State Board of Elections would run a voter education campaign and evaluate voter satisfaction after the election.

DELAWARE – Child advocates are urging the Joint Finance Committee to restore funding for reducing lead poisoning in children after the governor’s proposed budget omitted new state funds for lead paint remediation.

For the first time in three years, no new state funding was allocated to remove lead-based paint in homes where children have tested positive for exposure. Advocates emphasize that this funding is essential to proactively eliminate hazards, particularly in rental housing.

Lead-based paint was banned in 1978, but many older homes still pose risks, disproportionately affecting lower-income families. Senate Bill 9, passed in 2023, aimed to address these dangers, but without continued financial support, advocates warn that children will remain at risk of developmental delays and other long-term health issues.

Groups such as Lead-Free Delaware and Black Mothers of Power stress that state action is needed to protect children from lead exposure, calling for immediate investment in remediation efforts.

SEAFORD, Del. – Parents and staff at The Cross Christian Academy are voicing strong opposition to a new homeless shelter opening next door to the private school and church. Concerns were raised at a packed meeting Monday night, where attendees questioned the location choice and its potential impact on students.

The shelter, operated by local nonprofit Redemption City, aims to provide assistance to the area’s homeless population. However, parents worry about safety and the effect on students who have experienced addiction-related trauma within their families. School officials say the shelter’s proximity could trigger emotional distress for some children.

While many acknowledged the importance of Redemption City’s work, they insisted the shelter should be located elsewhere. City officials noted that the Board of Adjustments recently approved a variance, allowing the shelter to move forward.

Redemption City’s director outlined measures to address concerns, including requiring guests to leave the premises before school hours. Despite reassurances, opposition remains strong among parents and staff, who believe the shelter’s placement is inappropriate for a school setting.

Seaford Mayor Matt MacCoy, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the growing need for homeless services in the community. Redemption City already operates several shelters in the area, with the new location expected to expand its reach.

As tensions continue, the debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing community concerns with efforts to address homelessness in Seaford.

DELMARVA – New data from the CDC reveals a national decline in drug overdose deaths between 2022 and 2023, and both Maryland and Delaware showed modest improvements in their overdose rates. In Maryland, the age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths dropped from 40.3 to 39.3, while Delaware saw a decrease from 55.3 to 53.

Michelle Hardy, Director of the Local Behavioral Health Authority in Wicomico County, believes education and awareness efforts have contributed to the decline, particularly in Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Despite these positive trends, Hardy warns that overdoses are increasing among individuals aged 55 and older, as well as minority communities.

Efforts to combat the overdose crisis include reducing stigma and increasing access to life-saving medications such as naloxone (Narcan). Don Keister from Attack Addiction emphasized the importance of making naloxone more widely available to families and individuals at risk.

However, the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in street drugs remains a serious threat, as xylazine cannot be countered by naloxone. Hardy urges vigilance and continued education about the dangers of drug use.

Local groups, like Attack Addiction, continue to raise awareness and provide support, with a 5k event planned for March 1st in Old Newcastle.

Incident Number:  50-25-6529

Date/Time: Friday, February 21st, 2025 at 4:03 p.m.

Location: State Route 1 in the area of Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Jaimere Harrison, 24, of Dover, and Kemya Dennis, 21, of Georgetown on drug dealing charges following a traffic stop Friday. The Dover Police Department’s Drug, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit and Street Crimes Unit stopped a vehicle Friday at 4:03 p.m. on State Route 1 in the area of Dover Air Force Base in reference to an ongoing drug investigation. Upon stopping the vehicle, Officers identified the driver as Dennis and the passenger as Harrison. During the traffic stop, Harrison reached over the center console, turned the vehicle on, and attempted to press the gas pedal with his hand in an attempt to get away. Officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device and the vehicle became disabled. Harrison and Dennis were then taken into custody.

During a search of the vehicle, Officers located 1,315.7 grams of cocaine and suspected drug proceeds.

Both suspects were transported to Dover Police Department where they were processed and arraigned.

Harrison was committed to SCI on $103,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Resisting Arrest
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Dennis was released on $41,500 unsecured bail on the following charges:
-Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 3 Quantity
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
-Driving at an unsafe speed

Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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The Federal Trade Commission is sending claim forms to consumers who bought deceptively marketed antivirus software from Avast.

The FTC alleged in a February 2024 complaint that Avast deceived users by claiming that its software would protect consumers’ privacy by blocking third party tracking, but it failed to adequately inform consumers that it would collect and sell their detailed, re-identifiable browsing data. The FTC alleged Avast sold that data to more than 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot.

As part of a settlement order with the FTC, Avast was required to pay $16.5 million, which will be used to compensate consumers. The order also bans Avast from misrepresenting how it uses the data it collects and from selling or licensing any browsing data from Avast-branded products to third parties for advertising purposes, along with other requirements.

The FTC is emailing notices to 3,690,813 consumers who bought antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020. Consumers who are eligible to apply will get an email notice between now and March 7, 2025.

Eligible consumers can file a claim online at www.ftc.gov/Avast. Payment amounts will depend on several factors, including how many people file claims.

The deadline for filing a claim is June 5, 2025. Consumers who have questions or need help filing a claim should call the claims administrator at 866-290-0165 or email [email protected]. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to submit a claim or receive a refund.

The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2024, FTC actions led to more than $285 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

The Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery at a Dunkin Donuts in New Castle that occurred early this morning.

On February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:32 a.m., troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Dunkin Donuts, located at 4004 North Dupont Highway in New Castle. The preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown black male suspect entered the business, sat at a table, and spoke with the female store employee. After being in the store for some time, the suspect displayed a gun and demanded money from the register. The store employee complied, and the suspect ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash. The store employee was not hurt. Troopers searched for the suspect but were unable to locate him.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5’8″ tall with a slim build. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Armstrong at (302) 365-8410. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime, or you have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Detectives Investigating Armed Robbery in New Castle appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested a 17-year-old student from Claymont, Delaware, for a felony assault that occurred at Brandywine High School on Wednesday morning.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 7:36 a.m., the Delaware State Police School Resource Officer assigned to Brandywine High School, located at 1400 Foulk Road, Wilmington, observed a 17-year-old student splash a 16-year-old in the face with an unknown liquid from a plastic bottle during an argument. The School Resource Officer and Brandywine High School staff immediately separated the students, and recovered the bottle. During the investigation, the School Resource Officer learned the liquid in the bottle was bleach. The 16-year-old student was evaluated by the school nurse.

The 17-year-old student was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Family Court, and released to a guardian.

• Assault 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Offensive Touching

The post State Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Student for Felony Assault at Brandywine High School appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police have arrested 44-year-old Jarad Hammond of Lewes, Delaware for an armed robbery that occurred in Newark yesterday morning.

On February 21, 2025, at approximately 10:07 a.m., troopers responded to the parking lot of Sonesta Suites, located at 240 Chapman Road in Newark, for a report of a carjacking. When troopers arrived, they learned that the handicapped victim was sitting in his silver Hyundai Sonata, when the white male suspect approached him and asked if he needed help with his wheelchair. When the victim said no, the suspect briefly walked away but returned, threatened him with a knife, and told him to get out of the car. The victim got out of the car and into his wheelchair. While going to call 9-1-1, the suspect chased after the victim, again threatened him with the knife, and demanded the keys. The victim complied and the suspect fled in the victim’s car. The victim was not hurt.

Troopers searched the area and found the Sonata a short distance away. Troopers continued to search for the suspect and short time later, troopers found the suspect, identified as Jarad Hammond, in the University Plaza Shopping Center. He was taken into custody without incident. During a search of Hammond’s person, troopers found the victim’s keys and during a later search of the Sonata, troopers found knives and Hammond’s property.

Hammond was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $50,000 cash bond.

• Robbery 1st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Detectives Arrest Lewes Man for Armed Robbery in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police Sex Offender Apprehension and Registration Unit (S.O.A.R.) is currently looking for the following wanted sex offenders after they either failed to register or re-register at their current address. If anyone knows the location of these individuals, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Delaware State Police S.O.A.R. Searching for Wanted Sex Offenders appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following individuals are not wanted. This is a Homeless Sex Offender Public Notification. If you have information that the listed individuals are occupying a residence, please call 302-672-5306. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Click on the image to see the complete profile

The post Homeless Sex Offender Notification appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 45-year-old David DiFilippo of Newark, Delaware, for felony sexual conduct and solicitation of a child between September 2023 and February 2024, while in the role of the victim’s teacher at George V. Kirk Middle School, located at 140 Brennen Drive, Newark.

In August 2024, Delaware State Police Troop 2 Major Crimes Detectives began investigating the sexual solicitation of a child after learning a George V. Kirk Middle School teacher, identified as David DiFilippo, engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a student between September 2023 to February 2024. The investigation revealed that over the 6-month span, DiFilippo took part in sexually explicit conversations with the victim through an online social media communication platform. Also, during that time period, DiFilippo made inappropriate physical contact with the victim at the school during school hours, which caused the victim to feel alarmed and uncomfortable. At the conclusion of the several-month long investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for DiFilippo’s arrest.

On February 20, 2025, DiFilippo turned himself in at Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released after posting on a $65,500 secured bond.

• Sexual Solicitation of a Child Under 18 (Felony)
• Enticement for Purposes of Sexual Conduct (Felony)
• Dangerous Crime Against a Minor Under 14 Criminal Sexual Conduct (Felony)
• Promoting Sexual Solicitation of a Child Under 18 (Felony)
• Obscenity Material Provided to a Person < 18 years of Age (Felony)
• Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Offensive Touching

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information or who may be a victim to please contact Detective M. Conway by calling 302-365-8411. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post Detectives Arrest George V. Kirk Middle School Teacher for Child Sexual Solicitation and Conduct appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Potts of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, on burglary and related charges in connection with several burglaries that occurred in August and September last year at the now-closed Emily Bissell Hospital in Wilmington.

Beginning in August 2024, troopers investigated multiple reports of trespassing and theft from the vacant former site of Emily Bissell Hospital, located at 3000 Newport Gap Pike. The investigations revealed two white male suspects stole what appeared to be copper into the bed of a black Ford truck. Through investigative means, troopers identified Francis Rickards and Robert Potts as the suspects responsible for the thefts and property damage, and obtained warrants for their arrest.

On February 17, 2025, Potts was extradited from Pennsylvania, and taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by New Castle County Superior Court, and released after posting on a $5,000 secured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony) – 4 counts
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony) – 3 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony) – 3 counts
• Theft Under $1,500 – 3 counts
• Attempted to Commit Theft Under $1,500

The post *Update – Second Suspect Arrested* Delaware State Police Arrest Pennsylvania Man for Multiple Burglaries at Former Emily Bissell Hospital appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 18-year-old Darmond Green of Wilmington, Delaware, and 20-year-old Taa Box of Townsend, Delaware, for multiple felony charges in connection with a shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Wilmington.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 4:29 p.m., troopers responded to East Lea Boulevard in the area of North Market Street, Wilmington, for a report of a shooting. Upon arriving, troopers found the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, and began life-saving efforts. The victim, a 19-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was transported by EMS to an area hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Due to the circumstances, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking to a residence on East Lea Boulevard when he was shot by an unknown suspect. Moments before the shooting, the suspect was dropped off in the parking lot of Advanced Auto Parts, located at 4200 North Market Street, by a Hyundai Sante Fe. After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot toward the rear of the Advanced Auto Parts parking lot, where the Hyundai picked up the suspect and fled the area.

On February 20, 2025, Wilmington Police Department Officers conducted a traffic stop on the Hyundai. The two occupants, identified as Darmond Green and Taa Box, were taken into custody and turned over to the Delaware State Police. Green and Box were taken to Troop 2. Through investigative means, Homicide Detectives identified Green as the suspect responsible for the shooting. Further investigation revealed Box assisted Green with disposing evidence after the shooting.

At Troop 2, Green and Box were each charged with multiple crimes.

Green was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $1,085,000 cash bond.

• Attempted to Commit Murder 1^st Degree (Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Felony)
• Possess a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited Adjudicated Delinquent (Felony)
• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

Box was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and released on an unsecured bond.

• Tampering with Physical Evidence (Felony)
• Hindering Prosecution (Felony)
• Provide False Statement to Law Enforcement (Felony)
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)

The post *Update – Suspects Arrested* State Police Homicide Detectives Investigating Shooting in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The following images contain the newest Megan’s Law Sex Offender Notifications for the City of Dover.  If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Dover Police Sex Offender Enforcement Unit.

The City of Newark is advising motorists of anticipated heavy traffic in the area of South College Avenue near the University of Delaware’s sports complex on Saturday, February 22, 2025, due to a scheduled funeral service and procession. Traffic congestion is expected to begin…

The Delaware State Police arrested 34-year-old Thomas Hudson, 32-year-old Ashley Newcomb, and 37-year-old Alonza Mosley, all from Newark, Delaware, for several theft and related charges following a series of thefts from All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington last year.

Between September 2024 to November 2024, troopers investigated multiple thefts of a similar nature from All Saints Cemetery, located at 6001 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington. In each incident, 4 unknown suspects, carrying large bags/backpacks, trespassed onto the cemetery’s property after-hours, and stole bronze ceremonial vases from individual gravestones. The suspects then fled with the stolen vases in a car that was parked nearby. Over the 3-month span, the suspects stole nearly 200 vases, which totaled over $100,000 in stolen property.

Through investigative means, troopers discovered the suspects sold the stolen vases at a recycling center in New Castle on several occasions throughout the 3 months. Troopers further discovered the suspects impersonated an individual by using his identification to complete each transaction. Following the several-month long investigation, troopers ultimately identified the suspects responsible for the thefts as Thomas Hudson, Ashley Newcomb, and Alonza Mosley. On February 19, 2025, troopers executed a search warrant and arrest warrants for Hudson, Newcomb, and Mosley at a residence in Newark. All 3 suspects were taken into custody without incident at the residence.

The investigation is ongoing as the fourth suspect has not been identified at this time. Hudson, Newcomb, and Mosley were taken to Troop 2, where they were each charged with multiple crimes.

Hudson was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $23,300 secured bond.

• Theft Where the Property Value is $100,000 or More (Felony)
• Selling Stolen Property Value Over $1,500 or 2 or More Prior Convictions (Felony) – 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft From a Cemetery
• Criminal Impersonation
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree

Newcomb was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on a $24,800 secured bond.

• Theft Where the Property Value is $100,000 or More (Felony)
• Selling Stolen Property Value Over $1,500 or 2 or More Prior Convictions (Felony) – 8 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft From a Cemetery
• Criminal Impersonation
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree

Mosley was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $23,300 secured bond.

• Theft Where the Property Value is $100,000 or More (Felony)
• Selling Stolen Property Value Over $1,500 or 2 or More Prior Convictions (Felony) – 5 counts
• Conspiracy 2^nd Degree (Felony)
• Theft From a Cemetery
• Criminal Impersonation
• Criminal Trespass 2^nd Degree

Delaware State Police Troop 6 continues investigating these incidents. Troopers are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Corporal C. Hofmann by calling (302) 633-5000. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Arrest Trio for Series of Thefts from All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland lawmakers are considering a new tax on sugary drinks that could raise nearly $500 million annually to fund free school meals, child care subsidies, and the state’s general fund. House Bill 1469, dubbed the “For Our Kids Act,” was introduced in the 2025 regular session with its first reading on Feb. 10, 2025, sponsored by Del. Emily Shetty, D-Montgomery County.

The bill imposes a 2-cents-per-ounce excise tax on distributors of sugary beverages, including sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas, as well as syrups and powders used to make them. Drinks with artificial sweeteners, like diet sodas, are also included, but natural juices with no added sugar are exempt. The tax would take effect July 1, 2025, with annual adjustments tied to inflation.

Revenue from the tax is projected at $450 million to $500 million yearly. Of that, $189 million would expand free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students and qualifying private schools, while $50 million would boost state child care subsidies. The remainder—roughly $210 million—would flow to the general fund. The legislation mandates that these funds supplement, not replace, existing budget allocations.

Shetty, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, frames the bill as a dual-purpose measure. “We have significant funding shortfalls for high-priority programs, and we also have a public health crisis,” she said, citing rising health care costs tied to obesity and diabetes. The bill’s fiscal note aligns with her estimate, projecting $477 million in revenue for fiscal 2026, though it notes potential administrative costs of $296,000 to implement the tax.

Opposition has emerged from the beverage industry. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Beverage Association warned that the tax could raise prices by up to 60% on some drinks, piling onto the state’s 6% sales tax. “There could not be a worse time to burden working families and small businesses,” the group stated, calling for alternative budget solutions.

The bill has no Senate companion yet, but it’s backed by the American Heart Association, which points to similar taxes in cities like Philadelphia generating both revenue and health benefits. A hearing date is pending. If passed, Maryland would be the first state to enact a statewide sugary drink tax of this scope.

For more information, the full text of HB 1469 is available on the Maryland General Assembly website.

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Georgetown Police Department recovered a credit card skimming device from El Mercado store at 15 Layton Ave. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2025. Skimming devices, like the one pictured, are used to steal customers’ banking information.

Police are contacting local businesses to ensure they regularly check for these devices. Authorities advise anyone who has visited El Mercado since Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, to review their banking statements for discrepancies or unauthorized access.

The Georgetown Police Department is working with El Mercado to ensure customer security. Video surveillance provided by the store shows the skimmers were placed by individuals not associated with the business. Investigators are working to identify the suspects.

El Mercado has taken steps to have their systems inspected. All questions about this incident should be directed to the Georgetown Police Department at 302-856-6613, case number 25-1206. Updates will follow as the investigation continues.

Incident Number:  50-25-5988/50-25-5991

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 between 10:10 p.m. and 11:13 p.m.

Location: First State Vape, 470 North DuPont Highway / Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Aahren Johnson-Wilder, 22, of Dover, following two burglaries and a pursuit late Wednesday night. The investigation began at 10:13 p.m. when Dover Police Department took the report of a burglary at First State Vape, 470 North DuPont Highway Dover, DE. Officers responded and located the front door shattered. The ensuing investigation revealed that a black male broke the front glass, entered the store, and removed several products before fleeing in a vehicle.

At 11:13 p.m. a Patrol Supervisor was driving in the area of Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE when he observed a black male running northbound from the business. The Officer also heard an audible alarm coming from the store and noticed the front glass to the business was shattered. The suspect entered a vehicle, however the Officer was able to conduct a traffic stop on him shortly after. Upon stopping the vehicle, the suspect was identified as Johnson-Wilder. Johnson-Wilder drove off during this traffic stop and a vehicle pursuit followed. The vehicle pursuit ended when Johnson-Wilder drove into the parking lot of Royal Farms, 6 W Lebanon Road Dover, DE, exited the vehicle, and ran away on foot. He was caught after a brief foot pursuit and it was determined that he was the same suspect that broke into First State Vape earlier in the night.

Johnson-Wilder was committed to SCI on $13,000 secured bail on the following charges:
-Burglary Third Degree
-Attempted Burglary Third Degree
-Resisting Arrest
-Failure To Stop On Command
-Theft Less Than $1,500
-Attempted Theft Less Than $1,500
-Criminal Mischief (2x)

Johnson-Wilder is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Wilmington that left one man dead.

On February 19, 2025, at approximately 4:29 p.m., troopers responded to East Lea Boulevard in the area of Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, for a report of a shooting. Upon arriving, troopers found the victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, and began life-saving efforts. The victim, a 19-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was transported by EMS to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His name is being withheld until his family and relatives are notified. Due to the circumstances, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was walking to a residence on East Lea Boulevard when he was shot by an unknown suspect. At this time, a description of the suspect is unavailable.

The Homicide Unit is still actively investigating this incident. Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective B. McDerby by email at [email protected] or by calling 302-741-2821. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post State Police Homicide Detectives Investigating Shooting in Wilmington appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Dover Police Department has arrested Rouma Aldonza, 22, and a 17-year-old male, both of Dover, for the shooting that occurred on Village Drive yesterday afternoon.

During the investigation, Detectives identified the suspect responsible for the shooting as the 17-year-old, and determined that he was driven to the scene in a vehicle. Detectives from the Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit located the vehicle in a parking lot of Woodmill Apartments, 1300 South Farmview Drive at approximately 7:18 p.m. The Street Crimes Unit conducted a traffic stop on this vehicle and took the 17-year-old male and Aldonza into custody without incident.

The ensuing investigation led Detectives to obtain a search warrant on an apartment in “A” building of Woodmill Apartments. As a result of the search warrant, Detectives located a 9mm handgun. It was also determined that Aldonza drove the 17-year-old to the scene of the shooting.

The suspects were transported to Dover Police Department where they were processed and arraigned.

The 17-year-old male was committed to Stevenson House Detention Center on $88,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Reckless Endangering in the First Degree
-Conspiracy in the Second Degree
-Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Person Prohibited(2x)

Aldonza was committed to SCI on $68,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
-Reckless Endangering in the First Degree
-Conspiracy in the Second Degre

Both suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

**Original Release**

Incident Number:  50-25-5927

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at approximately 2:35 p.m.

Location: Village Drive and Walker Road, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Wednesday afternoon, February 19, 2025. The investigation began at 2:35 p.m. when Dover Police received a call for a shooting in the area of Village Drive north of Walker Road. Officers responded and made contact with the victim, a 16-year-old male who resides in Dover.

The ensuing investigation revealed that a Capital School District bus was dropping off a group of students from Dover High School on Village Drive.  The victim was one of those students getting off the bus and an unknown masked suspect began chasing him.  Soon after, the suspect began shooting at the victim as they both were running.  The bus driver followed predetermined safety protocols and immediately left the area, ensuring the safety of the children who remained on the bus.  Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this shooting.  At the time of this release, the victim is uncooperative with our Detectives and will not provide any additional information or suspect description.

Officers checked the area for the suspect, and any individuals that might be associated with the incident, but they could not locate anyone. Officers responded to Dover High School and confirmed that the bus was not struck, its driver and the remaining students were unharmed, and there were no active threats to the campus. 

The Capital School District and the Dover Police Department routinely work together to address school safety.  In addition to School Resource Officers, the District has been contracting supplemental Officers to ensure the safety of the schools.  As a precaution, the Dover Police Department will be adding on to that effort with increased presence at Dover High School for the remainder of the week.

There are no additional leads at this time.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

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Gravity Defyer Medical Technology Corporation (Gravity Defyer) and its owner Alexander Elnekaveh will have to stop making alleged deceptive pain-relief claims for Gravity Defyer footwear, under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.

The federal order also requires Elnekaveh to pay a $175,000 civil penalty for allegedly violating a prior Commission order barring him from deceptive advertising.

California-based Gravity Defyer advertised their Gravity Defyer footwear as containing soles with “VersoShock” technology that supposedly relieves pain, including pain from numerous medical conditions, according to the FTC’s complaint. The complaint alleged the ads claimed, without adequate scientific evidence, that Gravity Defyer footwear:

• will relieve pain, including knee, back and foot pain;
• will relieve pain in people suffering from multiple conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, joint pain, and heel spurs; and
• was clinically proven to relieve pain, including 85% less knee pain, 91% less back pain, 92% less ankle pain, and 75% less foot pain.

The FTC alleged that Elnekaveh’s conduct violated a 2001 order barring him from such allegedly deceptive advertising by making scientifically unsupported claims and using misleading consumer testimonials to sell Gravity Defyer products.

The stipulated order settling the complaint bars Gravity Defyer and Elnekaveh from making pain relief claims or claims that a device will cure, mitigate, or treat any disease unless they have competent and reliable scientific evidence to back up the claims, including human clinical trials.

The order further prohibits Gravity Defyer and Elnekaveh from making health, efficacy, and safety claims about other products unless they are supported by scientific evidence, bars them from misrepresenting the results of any test, study, or research, and requires them to preserve certain scientific records related to human clinical studies.

Finally, the order imposes a $175,000 civil penalty against Elnekaveh. He must also notify retailers selling Gravity Defyer footwear of the Commission’s order.

The Commission vote approving the stipulated final order was 5-0. The FTC filed the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and it has now been entered by the judge.

The staff attorneys on this matter are Maria Del Monaco, Derek Diaz, Adrienne Jenkins, and Matthew Scheff of the FTC’s East Central Region. 

Today, the Federal Trade Commission launched a public inquiry to better understand how technology platforms deny or degrade users’ access to services based on the content of their speech or affiliations, and how this conduct may have violated the law.

Censorship by technology platforms is not just un-American, it is potentially illegal. Tech firms can employ confusing or unpredictable internal procedures that cut users off, sometimes with no ability appeal the decision. Such actions taken by tech platforms may harm consumers, affect competition, may have resulted from a lack of competition, or may have been the product of anti-competitive conduct. 

The FTC issued a Request for Information (RFI) requesting public comment on how consumers may have been harmed by technology platforms that limited their ability to share ideas or affiliations freely and openly. 

“Tech firms should not be bullying their users,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. “This inquiry will help the FTC better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds.”

Tech platform users who have been banned, shadow banned, demonetized, or otherwise censored are encouraged to share their comments in response to the RFI. The FTC is interested in understanding how consumers—including by potentially unfair or deceptive acts or practices, or potentially unfair methods of competition—have been harmed by the policies of tech firms. 

The public will have until May 21, 2025 to submit a comment. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov. If consumers would prefer to file a private report with the FTC instead, they can go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and click “Report Now.”

Incident Number:  50-25-5927

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at approximately 2:35 p.m.

Location: Village Drive and Walker Road, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Wednesday afternoon, February 19, 2025. The investigation began at 2:35 p.m. when Dover Police received a call for a shooting in the area of Village Drive north of Walker Road. Officers responded and made contact with the victim, a 16-year-old male who resides in Dover.

The ensuing investigation revealed that a Capital School District bus was dropping off a group of students from Dover High School on Village Drive.  The victim was one of those students getting off the bus and an unknown masked suspect began chasing him.  Soon after, the suspect began shooting at the victim as they both were running.  The bus driver followed predetermined safety protocols and immediately left the area, ensuring the safety of the children who remained on the bus.  Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of this shooting.  At the time of this release, the victim is uncooperative with our Detectives and will not provide any additional information or suspect description.

Officers checked the area for the suspect, and any individuals that might be associated with the incident, but they could not locate anyone. Officers responded to Dover High School and confirmed that the bus was not struck, its driver and the remaining students were unharmed, and there were no active threats to the campus. 

The Capital School District and the Dover Police Department routinely work together to address school safety.  In addition to School Resource Officers, the District has been contracting supplemental Officers to ensure the safety of the schools.  As a precaution, the Dover Police Department will be adding on to that effort with increased presence at Dover High School for the remainder of the week.

There are no additional leads at this time.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

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The Delaware State Police arrested 41-year-old Curtis Moore of Wilmington, Delaware, for a burglary that occurred early Tuesday morning at a car wash in Wilmington.

On February 18, 2025, at approximately 1:06 a.m., troopers responded to a report of a burglary at Stanton Car Wash, located at 2209 West Newport Pike in Wilmington. Upon arriving, troopers conducted a search of the building. During the search, troopers located the suspect, identified as Curtis Moore, who was found wearing gloves, carrying a backpack, and in possession of burglar tools. Moore was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of Moore and the backpack led to the discovery of several additional burglar tools, and an undisclosed amount of stolen money. The preliminary investigation revealed that Moore entered the car wash by damaging an exterior door, and once inside, damaged additional property, including a change machine safe.

Moore was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $2,000 secured bond.

• Burglary 3^rd Degree (Felony)
• Possession of Burglar Tools (Felony)
• Criminal Mischief $5,000 or More (Felony)
• Theft Under $1,500

The post State Police Arrest Man for Wilmington Area Car Wash Burglary appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police arrested 28-year-old Jonathan Santiago Valle of New Castle, Delaware, for felony drug offenses following a search warrant in Newark on Friday.

On February 14, 2025, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Drug Unit, and Delaware State Police Special Operations Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence on Creek Lane in Newark. The search warrant was obtained following a drug investigation of Jonathan Santiago Valle, who was suspected of the large-scale distribution of narcotics. During the execution of the search warrant, Santiago Valle arrived at the residence in a white Honda Accord, and was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

A search of the property and Santiago Valle’s vehicle led to the discovery of the following items:

• Approximately 12.82 grams of crack cocaine
• Approximately 14.18 grams of fentanyl
• Approximately $2,259 in suspected drug dealing proceeds

Santiago Valle was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the crimes listed below, arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11, and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $74,000 cash bond.

• Possess with Intent to Deliver or Manufacture Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 3 Quantity (Felony)
• Possess with Intent to Deliver or Manufacture Controlled Substance Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)
• Possession of Controlled Substance Tier 2 Quantity (Felony)

The post Detectives Arrest Man for Felony Drug Offenses Following Search Warrant in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a shooting stemming from a road rage incident that occurred Monday morning on I-95 in Newark.

On February 17, 2025, at approximately 11:38 a.m., troopers responded to I-95 southbound, in the area of State Route 896, for a report of a road rage shooting. The preliminary investigation revealed a white Ford van was involved in a road rage incident with an unknown SUV. During the incident, the suspect discharged a firearm at the victim, which struck the Ford. The Ford’s driver and sole occupant, a 55-year-old Maryland man, was not struck. Following the shooting, the suspect vehicle did not stop, and fled towards State Route 896.

The suspect is described as a black male with a short beard and wearing dark-colored clothing. The suspect’s vehicle is described as a dark gray/black mid-size SUV with heavy tint. There is no additional suspect or suspect vehicle information available at this time.

Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives are still investigating this shooting. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed or has information regarding this case to contact Detective J. Lucyk by calling 302-365-8446. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].

The post Detectives Investigating Road Rage Shooting on I-95 in Newark appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-5849

Date:  Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 5:31 a.m.

Location: 1Dover Behavioral Health, 725 Horsepond Road Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Navaeh Seney, 16, of Millsboro, DE. Seney was last seen on February 19th, 2025 at approximately 5:41 a.m. leaving Dover Behavioral Health, 725 Horsepond Road Dover, DE. Seney is described as a black female, 5’5″, 160 pounds, with red hair and brown eyes. At the time, she was wearing a pink hooded sweatshirt. Attempts to contact her have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for her safety.

If you have any information on Seney’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Delaware State Police and the American Legion are sponsoring the 52nd Annual Trooper Youth Week from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, 2025.

Trooper Youth Week is a week-long live-in Academy program designed to give high school students who are sincerely interested in law enforcement an opportunity to experience the rigors of training that police officers receive at the DSP Academy in Dover. The program is both mentally and physically challenging.

The students are selected from a competitive pool and are required to participate in daily physical training, as well as a variety of law enforcement-related classroom instruction. Daily physical training will include outdoor running, push-ups, and sit-ups, among other exercises. The program is facilitated by uniform troopers assigned to the DSP Training Academy and School Resource Officers from across the state.

High school seniors, juniors, and sophomores are all encouraged to apply. Applications can be downloaded directly from our Trooper Youth Week website or by contacting a school resource officer at their respective school. There is no cost to the student to attend this training.

The deadline to submit the application is 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Any questions can be directed via e-mail to [email protected] or by calling 302-672-5457.

The post Delaware State Police Hosting 52nd Annual Trooper Youth Week This Summer appeared first on Delaware State Police – State of Delaware.

Incident Number:  50-25-5258

Date/Time: Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at approximately 1:03 a.m.

Location: Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old male of Dover, and is seeking two additional suspects following an attempted break-in at Cosmic Smoke. The investigation began at 1:03 a.m., when the owner of the store called Dover Police to report people actively trying to break-in the business. Officers responded and located a broken window on an adjacent business, similar to the burglary that occurred on February 14th. Officers checked the area and located a 16-year-old male walking nearby. When Officers contacted him, the suspect ran away but was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit. The investigation revealed that the 16-year-old was also responsible for the burglary at Cosmic Smoke on the 14th. (Cosmic Smoke Burglary)

The 16-year-old male was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed.

The 16-year-old male was turned over to a guardian with the following charges:
-Burglary Third Degree
-Attempted Burglary Third Degree
-Theft $1500 or Greater
-Attempted Theft
-Wearing a Disguise During The Commission of a Felony(2x)
-Conspiracy Second Degree
-Possession of Burglar Tools(2x)
-Resisting Arrest
-Criminal Mischief (2x)

The 16-year-old is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

If you have information on additional suspects or have any information related to this incident, please call Dover Police Department at (302)736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

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Incident Number:  50-25-5695

Date/Time: Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at 5:20 a.m.

Location: Sleep Inn, 1784 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department has arrested Chanel Morris-Wright, 28, of Dover, on robbery charges following an incident that occurred early Tuesday morning. The investigation began at 5:20 a.m., when Dover Police was called to the Sleep Inn, 1784 N DuPont Highway Dover, DE for the report of robbery. Officers responded and contacted the victim, a clerk at the hotel. The ensuing investigation revealed that Morris-Wright approached the front desk, displayed a firearm and demanded money from the victim. The victim ran from the desk and Morris-Wright walked away.

Officers were able to obtain a description of the Morris-Wright and located her walking in the area. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dover Police Department to be processed and arraigned.

The firearm used in this incident was not located.

Morris-Wright was committed to BWCI on $40,000 secured bail on the following charges:
-Robbery First Degree
-Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony

Morris-Wright is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $19.8 million in refunds to consumers who were harmed by deceptive sales tactics from household water treatment funding company Aqua Finance.

The FTC filed a lawsuit in May 2024 against Aqua Finance, charging that the company’s nationwide network of dealers, in door-to-door sales, deceived consumers about the financing terms for water filtering and softening products. According to the complaint, the false claims left consumers with hundreds to thousands of dollars in unexpected debt and large interest payments, while its financing terms impaired some consumers’ ability to sell or refinance their homes. The company agreed to a settlement with the FTC that requires the company to closely monitor its dealers and make clear disclosures to consumers. The settlement also required the company to provide $23.6 million in debt relief to consumers in addition to providing money for refunds.

The FTC is sending checks to 29,653 affected consumers. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Consumers who have questions about their payment should contact the refund administrator, Epiq Systems, at 888-884-8509, or visit the FTC website to view frequently asked questions about the refund process. The Commission never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

The Commission’s interactive dashboards for refund data provide a state-by-state breakdown of refunds in FTC cases. In 2024, FTC actions led to more than $285 million in refunds to consumers across the country.

Incident/Complaint#:  50-25-3402

Date:  Monday, January 27th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Location: 100 block of Derbyshire Ave, Dover, DE

Officer Releasing Information:  Master Corporal Ryan Schmid, Public Information Officer

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department has issued a Gold Alert for Wyatt Aiello, 17, of Dover, DE. Aiello was last seen on January 27th, 2025 at approximately 9:00 a.m. in the 100 block of Derbyshire Ave Dover, DE. Aiello is described as a white male, 5’10”, 117 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. At the time, he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans. Attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful and there is a concern for his safety.

If you have any information on Aiello’s whereabouts, please call 302-736-7111.

The Newark Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of two suspects linked to  a motor vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of January 13, 2025, during which a vehicle struck the St. John AM Church located at the corner…

Incident Number:  50-25-5258

Date/Time: Sunday, February 14th, 2025 at approximately 11:12 a.m.

Location: Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Officer
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid   Email: [email protected]

Narrative: The Dover Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at Cosmic Smoke, 515 South DuPont Highway Dover, DE. The investigation began at 11:12 a.m. Friday, when Dover Police received a call for a Burglary at the business. The ensuing investigation revealed that 3 suspects entered a vacant business next to Cosmic Smoke at approximately 4:42 a.m. Once inside, the suspects broke through the wall of Cosmic Smoke and removed several products before leaving the store. The suspects are described as wearing dark clothing.

There are no additional leads at this time.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com ; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

You can follow the Dover Police Department by clicking on:

Dover Police Website

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