Latest news with #AnitraJohnson
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tornado confirmed in Sussex County following Friday's severe storms
The National Weather Service confirmed Saturday that a tornado hit Sussex County during a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the region on May 16. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, conducted a storm survey late Saturday morning near Bethel and Laurel. The survey confirmed that the tornado originated in Dorchester County, Maryland, and continued into Sussex County, south of Bethel. The tornado was an EF-1 with peak winds between 100 to 110 mph. The path created by the tornado was 11.4 miles, and the width of the path was 600 yards. There were no injuries or deaths associated with the twister. An EF-1 is the second-lowest level for a tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which measures tornado wind speeds based on the damage left behind. According to the National Weather Service, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is sighted or indicated by weather radar. During the storm, the Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Seaford, Georgetown, and Millsboro that remained in effect until 7:30 p.m. More: 8 ways Delaware homeowners can cut energy costs as summer approaches Nearly all of Delaware was under a severe thunderstorm warning until 7:45 p.m. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ Greg Giesen contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware tornado touches down in Sussex County, officials confirm
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Popular festival in Wilmington canceled days ahead of event. Organizers cite safety concerns
The 5th annual Brandywine River ShadFest, scheduled for May 18 in Brandywine Park, has been canceled due to ongoing construction under the I-95 bridge, organizers announced. The Delaware Department of Transportation began the project in October 2024 to repair and paint the underside of the bridge spanning Brandywine Park. With work expected to continue through fall 2025, organizers cited safety concerns and disruption to the event experience as reasons for the cancellation. While alternative locations were considered, organizers decided that maintaining the event's traditional venue in Brandywine Park was important for community accessibility and programming, particularly the popular fishing lessons. According to organizers, ShadFest is Delaware's largest environmental festival drawing more than 2,000 attendees, including over 1,000 children. The free event raises funds for the Brandywine River Restoration Trust, which works to restore shad migration to the river and provide environmental education to underserved youth in Wilmington. Activities have included fish seining demonstrations, fish printing, a shad obstacle course and hands-on environmental exhibits. The event was founded in partnership with the Brandywine Conservancy, Hagley and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center. Past festivals have featured more than 25 participating organizations, including the Delaware Nature Society and the Sierra Club. Organizers say ShadFest will return in 2026. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Popular Wilmington festival ShadFest cancelled for 2025 season
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
E-ZPass text scam targets Delaware drivers with fake toll payment messages
Delaware residents continue to be warned to watch out for a widespread text message scam targeting E-ZPass users. State officials warned residents about an ongoing text message scam targeting E-ZPass holders, following a surge in fraudulent messages demanding immediate toll payments. The scam begins with a text message that appears to be from an E-ZPass toll system, claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls. The message typically includes a link and threaten higher late fees if payment isn't made immediately. But it's not the toll money scammers are after—it's your identity. Although the links appear to be from legitimate toll services, they redirect users to malicious websites designed to collect financial and personal data. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center began documenting complaints about toll-related smishing texts in early March 2024. The agency said fraudulent messages impersonate multiple road toll collection services, including E-ZPass and EZDriveMa. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, issued a public notice in February 2025 alerting customers to the scam following a spike in reports of these fraudulent text messages. Authorities emphasized that E-ZPass Delaware never contacts customers via text or email for violation payments or account funding. DMV Director Amy Anthony cautioned that phishing scams are designed to create panic and trick recipients into acting impulsively. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Drone roof inspections can't trigger insurance cancellation, Delaware commissioner rules Residents can report fraudulent texts through three channels: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) Report through their messaging app's spam reporting feature File a complaint with the FTC at or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center ( Officials advise that if you believe you may owe money to E-ZPass, use your usual login method to check your account directly on the official website and never through a link in a text. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fake E-ZPass texts target Delaware drivers in ongoing toll payment scam
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What is the deadliest day for driving in Delaware? Here's what a study finds
With warmer weather approaching, many Delawareans will be gearing up to hit the road. But if you're planning to head out on a Friday evening, you might want to rethink your timing. A new study shows that as drivers rush to start their weekends, more lives are lost on Delaware roads than on any other day of the week. The injury law firm Bader Scott conducted a study analyzing five years of data (2018-2022) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revealing deadly patterns in the state's crash statistics. The findings show that of the 605 fatal crashes in Delaware during this period, nearly one in five happened on a Friday. Delaware roads see an uptick in interstate travel volume which may contribute to weekend collisions, but a midweek spike in collisions also raises concerns about driver behavior, especially during routine commutes. Wednesday equals Sunday in terms of danger, each accounting for 91 fatal crashes (15.04%). Monday rounds out the top five with the lowest volume of fatal crashes. DEATH ON DELAWARE ROADS: New Castle County hit-and-run driver gets minimum prison time. Victim's mother speaks out Here are the top five days of the week with the highest number of collisions: Rank Day of the Week Number of Fatal Crashes % of Fatal Crashes 1 Friday 114 18.84% 2 Saturday 99 16.36% 3 Wednesday 91 15.04% 4 Sunday 91 15.04% 5 Monday 75 12.40% Whether heading to the beach, visiting family, or just commuting home for the weekend, experts advise drivers to avoid peak travel times, stay alert and practice defensive driving during these statistically dangerous periods. To keep track of 2025 fatal crash data, visit DelDOT's traffic fatalities dashboard. You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What is the deadliest day for driving in Delaware?
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 key steps to defend your digital privacy under Delaware's new law
Delaware residents now have unprecedented control over their personal data thanks to the state's new Personal Data Privacy Act, which took effect this January. The groundbreaking legislation, passed in 2023, requires businesses to obtain explicit consent before collecting or sharing personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails and precise location data. Attorney General Kathy Jennings characterized the law as an effective tool to manage the collection, use and sharing of personal information. Under the new law, consumers can request businesses delete their personal data, opt out of targeted advertising and prevent the sale of their information to third parties. Parents can also exercise these rights on behalf of their children. ILLEGAL OPERATIONS: Human trafficking is happening in plain sight. How Delaware is combating the trade The Department of Justice's Fraud & Consumer Protection Division will oversee enforcement of the regulations. The department has established a dedicated privacy team to handle consumer complaints and concerns. To help residents protect their privacy, the Attorney General's Office recommends several key steps: Review and adjust privacy settings on mobile devices Set social media accounts to private Request data deletion from data brokers Opt-out of targeted advertising on major platforms Decline unnecessary data tracking requests from businesses Residents can learn more about their new privacy rights at Those with concerns about business data practices or unresolved complaints can email the Department of Justice's privacy team at privacy@ You can contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 5 key steps to protect online data under Delaware's new law
