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- Tractor-Trailer Falls from Delaware Memorial Bridge
Tractor-Trailer Falls from Delaware Memorial Bridge
Truck drives off Delaware Memorial Bridge, Meet the state’s best teen athletes, Wilmington gets 24/7 free health center
Rise and Shine, 302. Two months ago today, we sent Above the Canal out to just 75 people. Today, it's landing in over 3,000 inboxes. Thanks for reading — and for telling your friends.
Your 302 Rundown:
Truck Plunges Off Delaware Memorial Bridge
Delaware’s Top 20 Athletes Named
Wilmington Opens Free 24/7 Wellness Hub
Let’s get to it
NEWS YOU CAN USE
🦌 Deer on the Delaware Park track
Things got a little wild at Delaware Park Saturday afternoon. Just as the horses rounded the first turn in Race 6, a deer decided it was time for a quick jog across the turf.
Arjay, the early leader, had to ease up a bit, but thankfully, no one — animal or human — was hurt. The race went on, Major Offensive took the win, and the deer went back to doing deer things.
There’s a video in the article if you want to see just how close it got.
🚨 Semi plunges off Delaware Memorial Bridge
A tragic scene unfolded early Friday when a tractor-trailer cab drove off the Delaware Memorial Bridge and into the river below. The cab, traveling south on I-295, crossed three lanes before smashing through a concrete barrier and plunging into 20 feet of water.
Emergency crews recovered the driver’s body Saturday morning, still inside the submerged cab. It’s a first in memory for long-time DRBA staff — and one they won’t forget soon. All bridge lanes are back open, but the investigation is still underway.
🏆 Meet Delaware’s top 20 high school athletes
The final round of the Delaware Top 100 is here — and these 20 standouts are the cream of the crop. From state record-setters to multi-sport champions, the Class of 2024–25 brought home titles, honors, and even national attention.
Topping the list is Delmar’s Jordyn Hollamon, a five-time field hockey champ and U.S. U-18 team member. Rounding out the top five are Appoquinimink’s Riley Buzby, Padua’s Anna Bockius, Sussex Central’s Malachi Stratton, and Ursuline’s GG Banks.
It’s a who’s who of Delaware high school sports — and a preview of some serious college (and maybe pro) talent.
🚫 Styrofoam ban now in effect statewide
Delaware’s Styrofoam ban is officially in effect — two years after it was passed. As of July 1, restaurants, food trucks, and other eateries can no longer use Styrofoam for takeout, leftovers, or dine-in service. That means no more foam cups, plates, or those classic clamshell containers.
Plastic stirrers and picks are also off the automatic list, and straws are now “ask-only.” Fines won’t kick in until next July, but many spots have already made the switch.
It’s a small change with a big impact — and a nudge toward more eco-friendly dining.
🌿 Wilmington welcomes free 24/7 wellness center
One Village Alliance is celebrating 15 years of impact with the grand opening of the OVA Freedom Center, Delaware’s first free urban wellness center. Located on North Market Street, the center offers round-the-clock access to holistic, preventative health care — no insurance or appointments needed.
The expanded campus includes a new outdoor greenspace, co-working areas, creative studios, and more — all designed to promote community healing and wellness.
The July 15 celebration will have music, food, art, and fundraising to keep the good work growing.
IN BUSINESS
💆♀️ Premier Dermatology opens in North Wilmington
Premier Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery has officially opened a new office at 1401 Foulk Road, bringing its full range of dermatology services to North Wilmington. With existing locations in Newark, Middletown, and Dover, this expansion makes it easier for local patients to access both medical and cosmetic skin care.
The new spot offers everything from routine check-ups to advanced treatments like phototherapy and injectables — all in a modern setting with expanded appointment availability.
🏗️ Massive data center campus proposed for New Castle
A Miami-based developer is eyeing 580 acres near the Delaware City Refinery for a potential 6 million-square-foot data center campus — the first of its kind in Delaware. Known as “Project Washington,” the site could host 11 buildings powered by 600 megawatts and built in two phases starting in 2026.
Starwood Digital Ventures is behind the proposal and is seeking expedited review through the county’s “Jobs Now” program, with early estimates suggesting hundreds of permanent jobs. No tenants named yet, but this would be a major addition to Delaware’s digital infrastructure footprint.
If approved, it would mark a big tech leap for New Castle County.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
🏫 Christina School Board approves 10% tax rate hike
The Christina School Board has approved a 10% tax rate increase, tapping into a one-time opportunity tied to New Castle County’s recent property reassessments. Typically, districts would need a referendum to raise taxes — but reassessment rules allow up to a 10% hike without one.
District officials say the move could bring in $18 million more this year and help cover rising salaries and operating costs. The preliminary budget for FY 2026 also passed unanimously, with more adjustments expected early next year.
🚦 Newark hits pause on Main Street light removal
Newark is pumping the brakes on a plan to replace the traffic light at Main Street and Tyre Avenue with stop signs. After hearing concerns from neighbors — especially about pedestrian safety for older residents — the city will test a new timing system instead.
Under the trial, Main Street will show red by default, requiring most cars to stop before entering the downtown stretch. City staff will collect data and revisit the decision later this year.
It’s one of several traffic-calming changes aimed at making Main Street safer ahead of UD students returning in August.
THE HAPPENINGS
Monday
What the Funk – Rockford Park brings an irresistible mix of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Al Green to Rockford Park. Monday, July 14 at 6:30 PM, get ready to dance with this 7-piece Delaware-based funk band delivering high-energy covers under the open sky.
Tuesday
Tony “Big Cat” Smith – Brandywine Mills Plaza brings his signature blend of jazz, funk, and soul to Wilmington for an electrifying evening performance. Tuesday, July 15 at 5 PM at Brandywine Mills Plaza, 1800 N. Market Street, don’t miss this groove-filled set from a local legend.
Wednesday
Lunchtime Concert Series – Dyad Music brings smooth R&B and pop vibes to the Riverfront. Wednesday, July 16, 12:15–1:15 PM at Hare Overlook Pavilion—pack a lunch and enjoy a midday music break.
Summer Nights at Hagley invites you to unwind with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and riverside strolls every Wednesday this summer. Wednesday, July 16, 5–8 PM at Hagley Museum, enjoy a family-friendly evening with local eats, ice cream, and plenty of space to roam—dogs welcome!
Magical Mystery – Carpenter Recreation Area takes you on a nostalgic journey with their tribute to classic rock legends. Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 PM, bring a blanket and enjoy timeless hits in the relaxed White Clay Creek State Park setting.
Wednesday Night Summer Concerts – Exit 93 at Battery Park keeps the summer vibes alive with classic rock and scenic river views. Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 PM in Battery Park, New Castle, enjoy this free concert as Exit 93 delivers crowd-pleasing hits in a relaxed, open-air setting.
FORECAST AT A GLANCE
Monday
83 🌡️ 72 | 🌩️ Thunderstorms | 68% | 💨 SSE 7 mph
Tuesday
86 🌡️ 73 | ⛈️ Isolated Thunderstorms | 37% | 💨 E 6 mph
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 75ºF
Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tuesday, July 15
Wellness Yoga | Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library | 9-10 AM
Tuesday AM Flow Yoga | Rockwood Park & Museum | 9-10 AM
Mindfulness w/ Mandy | Chancery Market | 11 AM-1 PM
Self-Care for Sistas: Yoga, Breathwork, & Meditation | The Art O Mat | 5:30-6:30 PM
Sip, Fuel, Perform: A Wellness Workshop on Electrolytes & Performance Nutrition | Spread Good Karma Foundation | 6 PM
Pike Creek Valley Running Club Track Night | St. Mark's High School | 6 PM
Trolley Run Club | Kelly's Logan House | 6:30-8:30 PM
THEATRE/ARTS
Coming soon!
Monday, July 14
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
Grain on Main | Trivia w/ Riley | 7-9 PM
Tuesday, July 15
Bar XIII | Dirty Sexy Bingo | 9 PM
Cork & Barrel | Music Bingo | 8-11 PM
Finnegan's Pub | Movie Night | 6:30 PM
Giordanos | Trivia | 7 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 - Trivia Night | 6 PM
Trolley Tap House | Music Video Bingo | 7-9 PM
LIVE MUSIC
Monday, July 14
Argilla Brewing Co | The Sin City Band | 6-9 PM
Chesapeake Inn | Darren O'Neill | 6-9 PM
Christiana Pub | Open Mic Night | 6-11:45 PM
Tuesday, July 15
Battery Park | Exit 93 | 6:30 PM
Brandywine Mills Plaza | Tony "Big Cat" Smith | 5-8 PM
Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Ski | 6-8 PM
Chancery Market | Karaoke - DJ Taven | 6-8 PM
Chesapeake Inn | Howsmyhat | 6-9 PM
Christiana Hilton | Kat and John and Friends | 6-9 PM
Docklands Riverfront | Old School Tuesdays w/ DJ Mega Skills | 5-10 PM
Gallucio's | Bluegrass Jam | 6:30-10 PM
Saint Georges Country Store | Indigeonous | 6-9 PM
The Opulent | Taco Tuesday Karaoke Nights | 7-10 PM
Trolley Square Oyster House | Alfi | 7-10 PM
Twisted Irons Craft Brewing | Open Mic Night | 6 PM
Wilmington Brew Works | Turntable Tuesday | 6-9 PM
FOR THE KIDS
Coming soon!
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