A New Train Line to Wilmington? Maryland’s Thinking About It

Rise and Shine, 302. It’s a short week, and the Fourth is coming fast — but there’s still plenty worth your time before the holiday hits. Local news is doing what it does best: changing things quietly, close to home.

Here’s what’s happening between now and Wednesday.

Your 302 Rundown:

• Maryland’s Transit Plan Could Bring Trains to Wilmington

• Free Uber or Lyft Rides Offered for July 4

• Delaware Considers Ban on Unrequested Takeout Items

Let’s get to it

NEWS YOU CAN USE

MARC trains could roll into Wilmington

Big news on the tracks: Maryland’s massive new plan for MARC service includes a pilot extension to—drumroll—Wilmington! Yep, the same trains that shuttle folks between DC and Baltimore could eventually make our Riverfront part of the route.

The long-term vision also promises more frequent trains, later hours, and even a stop in Elkton. This would add options for events, off-peak travel, and maybe skipping I-95 traffic now and then.

It’s a $13.7 billion dream, so we’ll see what gets funded—but it’s nice to know Wilmington’s on the map.

🔊 Don’t panic if you hear sirens Tuesday night

If you live between Middletown and Delaware City, expect to hear emergency sirens go off around 7:20 PM on July 1. It’s just a quarterly test of the alert system for the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear plants across the river in Jersey.

The sirens will last about 3–5 minutes, followed by a test message on local radio. No action needed—unless it’s a real emergency (which this is not).

So if you’re grilling or out walking the dog, don’t be alarmed. It’s just a soundcheck to make sure the system’s working like it should.

🐾 Too hot for paws and paws-ibly dangerous

With temps soaring, the state is urging you to keep your pets safe during heat waves. Delaware Animal Services says they’re getting swamped with calls about animals left outside — which is not only risky, it’s illegal during hazardous weather.

Fur babies can overheat fast, especially older pets, short-nosed breeds (we see you, pugs), and dark-coated dogs. Bring them inside, keep water flowing, and skip the midday walk — early morning or evening is way gentler on paws and noses.

Also: no quick errands with pets in the car. Even cracked windows won’t save them from dangerous temps. Want to report a pet in distress? Call 302-255-4646. Let’s all be good humans this summer.

💦 Stanton’s new water plant tackles “forever chemicals”

If you live in New Castle County, your tap water just got a major upgrade. Veolia opened a $35 million PFAS treatment facility in Stanton—the largest of its kind in the country—to remove harmful “forever chemicals” from our water supply.

The plant filters up to 30 million gallons a day, beating the EPA’s 2029 deadline by four years. It’s packed with 42 giant carbon vessels that clean water from sources like Red Clay Creek, where PFAS levels had been high.

This is a huge win for public health—and a big moment for Delaware leading the charge on cleaner, safer water.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

🚗 Free ride, no regrets

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is bringing back Sober Rides for the Fourth of July — and that means up to $20 off your Uber or Lyft home. Starting at 8 AM on July 4, you can grab a voucher at MySoberRides.com and redeem it between noon Friday and 3:30 AM Saturday.

The goal? Fewer DUIs and safer roads during one of the year’s most festive (and boozy) holidays. They've even got street teams hitting bars and restaurants to spread the word.

So if your holiday plans include fireworks and a few drinks, this voucher might just be the smartest thing you grab all day.

🧑‍⚖️ Compassionate release bill moves forward in Dover

A bill that could give seriously ill, long-serving inmates a shot at early release just cleared the Delaware House. Senate Bill 10 lets people over 60 who’ve served at least 15 years—or anyone who’s done 25 years with signs of rehabilitation—ask a judge to consider compassionate release.

Supporters say it’s a matter of fairness and dignity; opponents fear it could reopen old wounds for victims. But judges would still make the final call—this just opens the door.

Whether you agree or not, it’s a big step toward rethinking how Delaware handles aging prisoners and end-of-life justice.

🥤 Hold the ketchup (unless you ask)

Delaware might be putting the brakes on automatic forks and straws. A new House bill would ban restaurants from tossing single-use items like utensils, napkins, and condiments into your takeout bag unless you specifically request them.

The goal? Less waste, more intention. Self-serve stations are still allowed, and businesses would get two years to adjust before fines kick in. Rehoboth restaurants say it'll be a learning curve—especially during the summer rush when tossing extras is second nature.

Not a huge shift, but if this passes, don’t forget to speak up for your soy sauce.

THE HAPPENINGS

Monday

Gretchen Emery Band at Rockford Park – Soul-powered rock with a fresh twist takes center stage as Gretchen Emery and Kenny Windle blend impassioned vocals and dynamic guitar grooves. Monday, June 30, 6:30 PM at Rockford Park, Wilmington.

Wednesday

Lunchtime Concert Series: DJ Shadylady – Bring your lunch and chill out on the lawn while DJ Shadylady spins a relaxing midday set packed with familiar hits and good vibes. Tuesday, July 1, 12:15–1:15 PM at Hare Overlook Pavilion, Riverfront Wilmington.

Summer Nights at Hagley – Unwind midweek with an after-work stroll along the scenic Brandywine, sample treats from local food trucks, sip Dogfish Head craft brews, and cool down with Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream. Dogs are welcome, and the whole family can enjoy this laid-back celebration of summer. Wednesday, July 2, 5–8 PM at Hagley Museum, Wilmington.

The Jimmies at Carpenter Recreation Area – Travel back to the era of big hair and rock anthems with The Jimmies 80’s Flashback Band, serving up high-energy covers of icons like Bruce Springsteen, Queen, and Aerosmith. Their electric stage presence and nostalgic sound promise a fun, dance-filled evening for all ages. Wednesday, July 2, 6:30 PM at Carpenter Recreation Area, White Clay Creek State Park.

DE Music Network Open Mic Jam Session – From NYC to D.C., regional artists converge for an all-genre open mic and jam session hosted by Ronin Ali, featuring a live house band and a welcoming stage for musicians and vocalists alike. Bring your instrument, connect with fellow creatives, and enjoy an evening of spontaneous, collaborative music. Wednesday, July 2, doors at 6 PM, show at 7 PM at The Commons, Wilmington Public Library.

FORECAST AT A GLANCE

Monday

87 🌡️ 75 | ⛈️  | 67% | 💨 SSE 8 mph

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️  | 66% | 💨 SW 11 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73 ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tuesday, July 1

• Chancery Market | Mindfulness with Mandy | 11 AM—1 PM

• Kelly’s Logan House | Trolley Run Club | 6:30—8:30 PM

• Rockwood Park & Museum | Tuesday AM Flow Yoga | 9–10 AM

ARTS/THEATRE

• Coming soon!

WEEKNIGHT SOCIAL

Monday, June 30

• Bellefonte Brewing Company | Free NL Texas Holdem | 5:30–10 PM

• Grain KSQ | Trivia w/ Riley | 7—9 PM

• Grain on Main | Classic Bingo w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

Tuesday, July 1

• Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9 PM

• Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8—11 PM

• Finnegan’s Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM

• Grain Exchange | Jeopardy Bar League | 6—8 PM

• Grain H2O | Trivia w/ Matt | 7—9 PM

• Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Rylie | 6—8 PM

• Patriots Glen Golf Club | Quizzo | 6—8 PM

• Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7—9 PM

LIVE MUSIC

Monday, June 30

• Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 6—9 PM

• Bar XIII | Karaoke | 9 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | California Bob | 6—9 PM

• Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6—11:45 PM

• The Grand | Diana Krall | 7:30 PM

• Wilmington State Park | Gretchen Emery Band | 6:30 PM

Tuesday, July 1

• Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6—8 PM

• Chesapeake Inn | JJ Rupp | 6—10 PM

• Christiana Hilton | John DeLarm & John Fazio | 6—9 PM

Quick favor? It helps more than you think 🙏

We’ve been getting a lot of love lately (thank you!). But here’s a little behind-the-scenes truth: when you click on things in this newsletter—links, polls, even the little “Read more” button—it tells the internet powers-that-be that Above the Canal is something people care about.

So if you like what you’re reading, tap below and let us know. It’s a small gesture that helps this whole local thing keep growing.

💬 Help us grow. Leave a review

If this newsletter makes your week better, the best way to support it is with a quick Facebook review. It helps more neighbors discover it — and keeps it going strong.

👉 Leave a quick review here: Facebook

APPRECIATE YA!

You’re all caught up.
Now’s a good time to loop in someone who isn’t.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up
Want your business featured in Above the Canal? Partner with us!
Interested in promoting your music? Feature your band!
Got a live show or event I missed? Just hit reply and let me know!