AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs & Travel: Gas prices hit a Labor Day weekend record, with regular averaging about $4.14 a gallon heading into the holiday; Delaware drivers saw prices around $4.199 in Claymont, as Iran-related supply fears and refinery issues keep pressure on pumps. Delaware Housing & Policy: A broad coalition is backing the Housing for Every Delawarean Act and pushing back on claims about Senate Bill 23, arguing the bill preserves local zoning while addressing Delaware’s housing crunch. Childcare Affordability: Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay and Rep. Sarah McBride held a childcare affordability roundtable with Delaware providers, focusing on making care more accessible and less “siloed,” with data showing families pay about $17,000 a year for non-home-based childcare. Public Safety & Courts: Dover police arrested Jose Gerardo Dominguez-Morales in connection with multiple burglaries, including a Dunkin’ break-in; separately, a Milton man pleaded guilty to home improvement fraud and faces sentencing in October. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware ZIP code 19899 had 110 Social Security beneficiaries in Dec. 2024, while Ohio city scam reports continue to climb—another reminder to watch for healthcare and online purchase scams. Local Solar Push: Delaware SHINES aims to cut energy bills with grants, loans, and rebates for home solar and battery storage.

Labor Day gas prices: AAA says regular gas averaged about $4.14 a gallon heading into the holiday, with Delaware-area prices around $4.199 in Claymont—drivers are feeling the pinch as energy costs stay elevated. Local history & tourism: Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site held an open house, previewing a bigger museum push tied to the 250th anniversary of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War battle in 2027. Delaware business recognition: Food Bank of Delaware and other small-business winners were named for the Delaware State Chamber’s “Superstars in Business” awards, set for Oct. 29 in Wilmington. Scam watch (Delaware): BBB Scam Tracker data shows Middletown logged three scam reports in July, while Delaware cities overall remain active targets. Education outcomes (New Castle County): University of Delaware’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students reached 78.9% for the 2018 cohort, per federal education data.

Surveillance Scrutiny: Palantir faces a growing backlash in Europe after a manifesto sparked contract pullbacks in multiple countries, while Australia reportedly hasn’t launched any review or audit. Foreign Policy: The U.S. and Iran remain locked in a war with no clear endgame, as reports suggest troop deployments are being quietly extended and a “declare it over” idea runs into ongoing conflict realities. Education Outcomes: New Castle County’s University of Delaware shows a 78.9% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students (2018 cohort through 2024), while Kent County’s Delaware State rate for two-or-more-races students is 24.2%. School Safety Policy: Christina School District will phase out middle-school school resource officers and replace them with constables, with SROs staying at high schools for the full year. Community & Health: Phillies and Nemours Children’s Health mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at Citizens Bank Park. Local Data Point: Delaware ZIP 19850 reported 100 Social Security beneficiaries in Dec. 2024. Stormwater Training: Sussex Conservation District and UD Extension launch free stormwater management seminars starting Sept. 16.

School Safety Shift: Christina School District will phase out school resource officers at middle schools and replace them with district-employed constables, while SROs stay at the three high schools for the full year. Utility Rates: Delmarva Power has appealed in Delaware Superior Court after regulators cut its interim electric rate hike, arguing the decision improperly reduced a Distribution System Improvement Charge. Water Quality & Resilience: Sussex Conservation District and UD Cooperative Extension kick off free stormwater management seminars starting Sept. 16, with sessions on stormwater 101 and pond maintenance. Local History & Community: After 15 years, New Castle County identified remains found in Wilmington’s Sellers Park as Hannah Graham Kleitz, who died in 1907. Sports & Community Spotlight: Phillies and Nemours Children’s Health will host Childhood Cancer Awareness Day Sept. 6 at Citizens Bank Park, honoring young cancer warriors ahead of the Braves game.

School Safety Shift: Christina School District will phase out school resource officers at middle schools and replace them with armed constables, while SROs stay at the district’s three high schools for the full year. Utility Rates: Delmarva Power asked Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ interim electric rate cut, arguing the PSC’s math improperly reduced a Distribution System Improvement Charge. Corporate Law Watch: Delaware’s 2026 amendments to the DGCL, LLC Act, and LP Act take effect Aug. 1, clarifying stockholder voting, dissolution steps, and governance rules for alternative entities. Education Outcomes: New Castle County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students at University of Delaware (2018 cohort) is 82.2% by 2024, while Kent County’s rate for white students at Delaware State University is 38.2%. Fraud & Scams: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware city tied for 25th in Ohio scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving losses. Housing & Finance: Delaware’s average VA purchase loan amount fell to $399,164 in Q2 FY2026 from $416,882 in Q1. Sports Business: Former Cowboys star Emmitt Smith is sued in Delaware over a claimed $2.5 million wind-farm loan misappropriation.

Utility Fight: Delmarva Power has appealed to Delaware Superior Court to overturn regulators’ cuts to its interim electric rate hike, arguing the Public Service Commission arbitrarily reduced the temporary Distribution System Improvement Charge—potentially meaning faster bill increases for customers. Corporate Law Update: Delaware’s 2026 amendments to the DGCL, LLC Act, and LP Act take effect Aug. 1, clarifying stockholder voting, dissolution procedures, and governance rules for alternative entities. Business & Courts: A Delaware bankruptcy judge is weighing Archblock’s request for more time in its Chapter 11 case, while a separate Delaware filing ties NFL legend Emmitt Smith to a $2.5 million wind-farm loan dispute. Health Policy: Delaware is among 21 states suing the Trump administration over a rule that would block federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Community & Culture: The Nanticoke Indian Cultural Community Center’s expansion is progressing, but utility delays— including a Delmarva Power transformer and a Verizon pole—could push completion by months. Delaware Business: The Delaware Lottery is rolling out POWERBALL® Xs & Os™, a weekly NFL-themed draw game starting Sept. 8.

Firearms & Public Safety: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed new gun laws, including an option for owners to register “ghost” guns and tougher rules for dealers, plus a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Healthcare Policy: Twenty-one states (including Delaware) sued the Trump administration over an HHS rule that would block federal Medicaid funds for youth gender-affirming care, with the change set to take effect Oct. 13. Courts & Community Support: A Lindsay Clancy murder trial in Massachusetts is spotlighting a growing push to help jurors after traumatic cases, including counseling resources after service. Local Crime: Delaware State Police arrested 26-year-old Demetrius Frith-Thompson of Milford for the Aug. 29 WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach. Delaware Economy & Growth: A Fed report says data centers are a major driver of recent economic activity, boosting construction and manufacturing demand. Education & Costs: New federal data show Delaware’s public four-year institutions’ published in-state tuition and required fees averaged $12,074 in 2024-25, before aid. Civic Life: Leadership Delaware founders Terry and Sandy Strine will be honored Sept. 24.

Immigration Protections: Gov. Matt Meyer signed three Delaware bills aimed at limiting state and local involvement in civil immigration enforcement and preventing civil arrests tied to immigration warrants. Gun Safety: Meyer also signed three new gun-safety laws adding dealer licensing and compliance requirements, plus a permanent state office focused on preventing gun violence. Elections: Delaware’s Department of Elections says early voting for the Sept. 15 Primary Election began Sept. 2, with rules for voters who still need to choose a party. Public Safety (Bank Robbery): Delaware State Police identified a Milford man sought in the Aug. 29 WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach. Courts/Business: A Delaware bankruptcy judge sent the Boy Scouts settlement trust and insurers into mediation over an escrow dispute tied to a $1.66B deal. Environment & Community: Sussex Conservation District and UD Cooperative Extension kicked off a stormwater seminar series at James Farm, and the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays will host a traveling NSF exhibit on resilience through Oct. 24. Arts & Local Growth: Delaware Division of the Arts named six new members to the State Arts Council, and the Peninsula Gallery in Lewes earned national recognition as Best Art Gallery in Delaware.

Banking & Public Safety: Delaware State Police identified 26-year-old Demetrius Frith-Thompson of Milford as the suspect in the Aug. 29 WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach and obtained a warrant; police say he fled with cash and no weapon or injuries were reported. Workforce: The Delaware Department of Labor opened a new one-stop workforce center in Dover to connect job seekers and employers with services and training in one location. Corporate Delaware: Weatherford shareholders approved its redomestication from Ireland to Delaware, aiming for $20M–$30M in annual cash savings starting in 2027. Elections & Voting: Delaware’s Sept. 15 primary voters’ guide lays out who’s running across federal and state races, with early voting already underway. Consumer & Community: A broken water main in Media forced early closure of the Delaware County courthouse and government center; service was restored after about an hour, with repairs expected to take 6–8 hours. Public Health & Policy: Delaware marked the loss of Gloria Steinem, while national legal fights over Medicaid coverage for transgender youth continue to draw attention from state attorneys general.

Data Privacy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed two bills expanding Delaware’s data privacy and data breach protections, lowering the coverage threshold to companies handling data of 10,000 consumers and adding opt-outs for automated decisions affecting loans, housing, jobs and more; the laws take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Elections: Early voting is underway for Delaware’s 2026 primary, with polling sites open through the weekend and rules allowing some voters to choose a party before voting ends. Banking Crime: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach; a thin man in his 20s allegedly handed a demand note, fled with cash, and detectives are seeking tips. Court & Business: A Native American development group sued Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and his company in Delaware Chancery, alleging misuse of a $2.5 million loan tied to a Texas solar project. Governance Law: A Delaware Law Alert highlights risks for “designated directors” and stockholders who appoint them, focusing on personal liability under recent guidance. Local Economy: Delaware’s business community gets a 2026 legislative scorecard from the state chamber, grading lawmakers on votes affecting job creation and the business climate.

M&A & Courts: The Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed a bid to block a KnowBe4 take-private, tightening the state’s “control group” pleading bar and reinforcing that a fully informed, uncoerced stockholder vote can cleanse deal conflicts. Permitting & Environment: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a new law to speed DNREC decisions for docks and other submerged-lands projects, with automatic approval if DNREC misses deadlines for certain small projects. Business & Fraud: Emmitt Smith and partners were sued in Delaware Chancery Court over an alleged $2.5 million Texas solar scheme, with claims the loan was diverted to repay another creditor “like a Ponzi scheme.” Public Safety: Delaware State Police are still investigating a Rehoboth Beach WSFS Bank robbery; the suspect is described as a thin Black man in his 20s dressed like a woman. Community & Food Access: A Sussex County, woman-owned processor, G’s DElights, received a $12,500 Delaware Grocery Initiative award to expand local farm-to-market snack production. Voting: Vote411.org is live for Delaware’s Sept. 15 primary, offering address-based polling and candidate comparisons.

Voting Rights Fight: Delaware AG Nick Brown is suing the U.S. Postal Service over a new rule aimed at controlling vote-by-mail, arguing USPS lacks authority and that the move could disenfranchise voters. Local Government & Public Safety: Sussex County approved a plan to centralize ambulance billing and buy ambulances for volunteer fire and EMS groups, a move officials say could save taxpayers nearly $500,000 a year. Courts & Business Litigation: A Delaware Chancery Court lawsuit accuses NFL legend Emmitt Smith and business partner David Mosley of taking a $2.5 million loan from a Cherokee-owned investment group for a Texas solar project and using it elsewhere, with claims of a Ponzi-like scheme. Energy & Investment: Aligned Climate Capital held a first close on a $500 million distributed solar and storage fund, including Delaware community solar projects. Environment & Community: Newark is weighing replacing July 4 fireworks with a drone show and scaling back Memorial Day events, citing environmental and animal-welfare concerns. Delaware Watch: Delaware’s 19806 ZIP code had about 2,625 Social Security beneficiaries in December 2024, according to SSA data.

Delaware Energy Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package of energy consumer protection bills aimed at cutting rising utility costs, with a focus on data centers and protections for ratepayers. AI in Delaware Finance: Del-One Federal Credit Union says it’s nearly doubling auto-lending capacity by using an AI assistant to review dealership paperwork, without adding staff. Local Health & Aging Care: Milford Wellness Village’s geriatric care model earned recognition from the Delaware Journal of Public Health, highlighting adaptive reuse and coordinated services for seniors. Solar Buildout Funding: Aligned Climate Capital held the first close of a distributed solar and storage fund targeting $500M, including construction financing for Delaware community solar projects. Community Spotlight: La Red Health Center will mark 25 years of care in Southern Delaware with a Sept. 24 gala tied to its role within the Milford Wellness Village. Business/Real Estate: Peachtree Group fully subscribed a Delaware Statutory Trust offering anchored by a Midway, Ga. distribution center tied to Hasbro’s logistics network. Consumer Fraud/Politics: Patty Rickman, a domestic violence survivor and Delaware AG candidate, pitched a victim-focused agenda centered on consumer fraud and accountability.

Data Center Costs: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package of laws to stop hyperscale data centers from shifting infrastructure and upgrade costs onto ratepayers, including a separate higher electricity rate class and requirements tied to supplying power. Family Planning Funding Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a 23-state lawsuit challenging new federal conditions that could strip Title X family planning funds. Energy & Business: Delaware’s energy policy also includes consumer protection bills aimed at utility cost pressure, while the broader economy saw major energy-stock moves tied to oil-price swings. Local Politics: Rep. Alonna Berry faced questions at a Milton library town hall over whether the event violated meeting-room rules during her primary challenge. Courts & Governance: A Delaware court ruling reiterated the high bar for stockholders alleging board bad faith in risk oversight cases. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data showed Wilmington and other Delaware cities among the higher-report areas for July scams. Telehealth Pricing: NexLife expanded its flat-rate compounded GLP-1 program across multiple protocols, including microdose and sublingual options.

PFAS Relief for Delaware Water Customers: Tidewater Utilities will issue about a $0.5 million one-time bill credit funded by PFAS litigation proceeds, with an average credit of roughly $8.50 showing on September bills. Canal Work in Sussex County: The U.S. Army Corps says Lewes–Rehoboth Canal dredging is set to start in October, removing about 89,000 cubic yards and running through March 2027. Delaware Courtroom Update on Pharma Patents: Exelixis said the U.S. Federal Circuit affirmed key Delaware District Court rulings upholding patents tied to cabozantinib (CABOMETYX), preserving exclusivity. Local Legal/Business Watch: A Delaware funeral-home case over a mistaken cremation and alleged body-swap coverup ended with a six-figure judgment against Bell Funeral Home. Community & Education: Greater Pike Community Foundation funding is helping students in the Dingman-Delaware area take part in “Trout in the Classroom,” raising trout to learn conservation. Delaware Politics: Spotlight Delaware published Q&As from Senate District 5 candidates Ray Seigfried and Shay Frisby ahead of the Sept. 15 Democratic primary.

District 23 House race: Three candidates squared off in a forum in Newark-area District 23, debating data centers, affordable housing, transparency and budgets ahead of the Sept. 15 Democratic primary to replace Rep. Mara Gorman. Opioid enforcement: The U.S. Justice Department and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations it illegally filled thousands of invalid opioid prescriptions. Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery on Coastal Highway; a suspect described as a thin Black man in his 20s wearing tight feminine clothing and a wig fled on foot with cash. Medicaid spending watch (Delaware): New data show sharp local increases in Medicaid billing categories, including ambulance/transport in Magnolia and hearing services in Smyrna, plus coronavirus diagnostic panel claims rising in Lewes. Public safety scams: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Delaware cities including Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach among the state’s higher-report areas for July.