AGP Executive Report

Delaware Elections & Corporate Voting: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s policy letting “artificial entities” (including corporations and LLCs) vote in town elections if they own property, keeping the 2008 charter change intact as 2026 approaches. Port of Wilmington Scrutiny: WHYY reports Gov. Matt Meyer’s administration is still dodging questions about where extra state money will come from for the Edgemoor port project after Phase 1 costs rose from $415M to $669M, with critics calling the funding source “a state secret.” Homelessness Housing Move: Delaware officials are nearing a deal to buy Delaware State University’s Living and Learning Commons (the former Sheraton) to convert it into Kent County’s Hope Center. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2M annually; Christiana Hospital in Delaware was among those warned. Local Housing Policy: Sussex County Council approved affordable housing reforms aimed at increasing supply and allowing more density.

Delaware Election Law: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s 2008 charter that lets “artificial entities” vote in town elections, keeping the corporate-style voting policy intact as 2026 races near. Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including 16 in Tennessee—to post clearer price information or face penalties up to $2 million annually. State Budget & Utilities: A Pennsylvania House committee advanced a utilities rates bill that would limit utilities’ allowed rate of return, aiming to curb electric bills. Delaware Courts & Politics: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings and Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence won a federal court fight over election transparency rules challenged by a Koch-linked group. Port of Wilmington: Community groups and local officials renewed questions about the Edgemoor expansion’s jobs and environmental impact as the state pushes toward a 2028 Phase One completion. Social Security: A trustees report says the Social Security trust fund could be depleted by 2032, with benefits then reduced unless Congress acts.

Court Watch: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s elections policy, which lets certain nonhuman “artificial entities” registered in Delaware vote in town elections if they own property—leaving the corporate-style voting approach in place for the 2026 cycle. Health Care Costs: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide, including nine in Arkansas, to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually. Delaware Business & Finance: Wilmington-based EDGE Markets raised $29.2 million for payment infrastructure for prediction markets and launched EDGE Connect (real-time rails for traders) and EDGE Pro (banking for institutions). Local Impact: The Food Bank of Delaware kicks off its 20-week Community Supported Agriculture pickups June 25 in Newark and Milford, with shares priced at $500 for the season. Community & Philanthropy: Beebe Medical Foundation honored Dr. Joyce Robert with its 2025 Physician Philanthropy Award for her leadership in local medical education and care.

Delaware Data Centers: Lawmakers are weighing bills that would force data centers to cover power costs and, in a blackout, make them the first cut-off unless they add their own generation—raising alarms about higher bills and grid strain as new proposals could double the state’s electricity use. Homelessness Protections: A new House bill would limit when local governments can remove people experiencing homelessness from public spaces and restrict certain police actions, framing homelessness as a housing issue rather than a crime. Attorney General & Antitrust: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition urging the court to keep fighting Meta in the FTC monopolization case, arguing the ruling wrongly focused on the market after the fact. Business/Finance: Cipher Digital priced $810M in senior secured notes to fund a data center project, while GSK agreed to buy Nuvalent for $10.6B, including late-stage lung cancer drugs under FDA review. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old in Wilmington after a stabbing at a North Market Street hair salon left a hairdresser and a bystander injured. Cybersecurity: KinoSec launched a Delaware-registered autonomous penetration testing platform aimed at finding vulnerabilities across multiple external attack surfaces.

Health Insurance Crunch: Main Line Health warned that its contract dispute with UnitedHealthcare could push about 32,000 Medicare Advantage and employer-plan patients out of network by June 30, raising fears of disrupted care for long-time patients. State Politics: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is targeting 22 competitive Pennsylvania races this fall, aiming to flip seats and expand Democratic control in a House currently held by a single-seat margin. Delaware Business & Jobs: Delaware-linked logistics and tech developments included a push for data-center power rules, plus a broader regional economy note: Urban Outfitters plans major expansion in Pennsylvania, creating at least 1,050 jobs. Local Community Support: In Delaware, the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware hosted a graduation celebration for foster-care seniors, with help from state officials and community partners. Fashion Circularity: Eileen Fisher’s Renew program hit 3 million returned items, and the company says it will integrate Renew into its main e-commerce site later this summer. Policy Watch: A new national report says child well-being declined from 2019 to 2024, with education setbacks driving much of the drop.

Delaware Constitutional Reform: A new bill would change how Delaware amendments are approved, moving from the current “successive General Assembly” requirement to a single two-thirds vote followed by voter approval, with the Superior Court checking whether at least 55% of qualified voters backed the change. Election Integrity: Another proposal would require the DMV to audit voter registration tied to certain nonfederally compliant IDs and older documents used before Real ID, plus IDs obtained after Automatic Voter Registration began. Public Safety & Justice: Delaware State Police arrested a Newark-area man after a months-long, multi-agency drug investigation, alleging heroin and cocaine sales from a Wilmington home and seizing drugs, scales, and more than $6,000 in suspected drug money. Local Community: Wilmington Alliance opened a Teen Wellness Youth Hub at the Hicks Community Center, aiming to provide a safe, youth-led space for wellness, leadership, and social-emotional support. Business & Finance: GoHealth filed a voluntary prepackaged Chapter 11 in Delaware’s bankruptcy court to restructure with lender support and keep serving Medicare customers.

Drug Bust in Wilmington: Delaware State Police arrested 42-year-old Roberto Campusano-Campusano after a months-long, multi-agency heroin, crack, and cocaine investigation. Police say he sold drugs from a home on Delamore Place and found suspected narcotics, scales, packaging materials, and more than $6,000 in suspected drug money. Delaware Politics: A bill introduced in the House would change how Delaware constitutional amendments are approved, moving from a two-successive-General-Assembly requirement to a single two-thirds vote followed by voter approval. Teen Mental Wellness: The Wilmington Alliance opened its first Teen Wellness Youth Hub at the Hicks Community Center, partnering with city parks and recreation and Healthy Communities Delaware to offer a youth-led wellness and leadership space. Community Support: Ryan’s Rise Up Café in Glen Mills held its grand opening, a nonprofit café aimed at creating jobs, training, and community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Public Safety Reminder: A Flag Day ceremony at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial will retire 250 flags by July 4 as part of Comcast’s Operation Old Glory.

Delaware Politics: Delaware lawmakers introduced HB 448 to let candidates and elected officials use campaign funds for personal security, including installing and monitoring electronic security systems and hiring personal security services. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s effort to force states to follow its gender and immigration positions to keep billions in USDA funding, including SNAP. Health Update: Jill Biden said Joe Biden will live with stage four cancer for life, though she says he’s slowed down. Local Education: The Delaware Department of Education permanently closed the Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence in Georgetown after revoking its charter over finances, enrollment, and daily operations. Community & Culture: Rehoboth Beach Museum will host “Queering Delaware History” June 13, highlighting LGBTQ+ Delawareans’ overlooked impact. Public Safety & Community Response: Chester’s Wear Orange Peace Walk drew residents and officials as the DA prepares to bring more state police presence amid recent shootings.

Campaign Finance & Safety: Delaware lawmakers introduced HB 448 to let candidates and elected officials use campaign funds for “reasonable” personal security costs, including electronic systems, monitoring, and related equipment. Education & Accountability: The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence in Georgetown is permanently closed after Delaware revoked its charter, with parents warning students may lose support and momentum. Public Health Access: Delaware County health leaders launched a mobile “Wellness on Wheels” RV clinic offering vaccines, blood pressure checks, prostate screenings, and info on local care options, funded by federal grants. State Economy & Taxes: A report on Incyte’s Wilmington office sale says the transaction generated just 10 cents in real estate taxes, raising questions about how the deal was structured. Environment: A new study finds wildfire smoke is reversing years of progress on U.S. ozone pollution, pushing smog levels back up. Social Security: A new analysis warns retirement benefits could be cut by about $500 a month on average if Congress doesn’t act by 2032.

Delaware Privacy & AI Rules: Delaware lawmakers are moving to expand the state’s privacy law, with House Bill 380 expected to broaden coverage, narrow an exemption, expand “sensitive data,” and add new workplace obligations for AI tools like resume screeners and interview scoring—potentially effective Jan. 1, 2027. Delaware Courts: Gov. Matt Meyer nominated Vice Chancellor Morgan Zurn to fill a Delaware Supreme Court vacancy, a step that would elevate a long-time Chancery judge to the state’s top bench. Local Business & Taxes: From Spotlight Delaware, Incyte’s sale of Wilmington office buildings generated just 10 cents in real estate taxes, raising questions about how the deal was structured and what it means for future tax revenue. Health Access: Delaware County leaders launched “Wellness on Wheels,” a mobile clinic funded by $310,000 in federal grants, bringing vaccines and screenings directly to communities. Community Banking: Community Bank Delaware marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting local ownership and continued branch growth in Sussex County. Social Security Warning: A new report says Social Security retirement benefits could be cut by about $500 per month on average if the trust fund runs out in 2032, with Delaware among states facing larger reductions.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration asylum freeze affecting 39 countries, saying the policy dumped immigrants into “indeterminate legal limbo.” Delaware Economy & Jobs: The U.S. job market stayed strong with 172,000 jobs added in May and unemployment holding at 4.3%. Energy & Utilities: Delmarva Power filed a proposal to expand Delaware energy-efficiency programs for 2027-2029, targeting 66,000+ MWh in annual electric savings and 110,000 MMBtu in annual natural gas savings. Local Business & Transportation: Alstom plans a $55 million train services and maintenance facility in Newark for Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, with about 50 new jobs expected by summer 2028. State Budget: Delaware budget writers advanced a FY2027 plan, including pay raises and added education funding, plus one-time supplemental dollars. Public Safety & Health: Delaware-area officials are also pushing fall-prevention programming for seniors, with a free two-session Healthy Steps workshop in Broomall on June 15 and June 18.

Delaware Budget Watch: Delaware lawmakers’ Joint Finance Committee marked up Gov. Matt Meyer’s FY2027 plan, adding $87.4M in general revenue and boosting one-time spending, with the goal of sending a budget to the governor by June 30. Property Tax Reassessment: A new package from the Joint Special Property Reassessment Committee targets concerns after statewide reassessments, including bills aimed at New Castle County school tax-rate resets. Private Markets Stress: Blackstone capped withdrawals at a private credit fund as redemption requests rose, and Partners Group flagged more withdrawal pressure—another sign of strain spreading through private credit and private equity. Local Community & Health: Dedicated Financial and Delaware Retiree are hosting a June 9-11 grand opening with health events and a Food Bank of Delaware donation drive. Delaware Courts & Voting: The ACLU-DE is appealing a Superior Court dismissal in its Fenwick Island voter dilution case, arguing only human persons should vote in elections. Social Security Warning: A new report projects an average $500/month cut nationwide by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act, with Delaware among the hardest-hit states.

AI & Policing: A Delaware Valley fusion center warned police may need to watch “domestic violent extremists” targeting AI data centers, citing social media posts even while noting a lack of specific plans. State Water: Delaware declared a statewide drought watch after precipitation dropped, urging voluntary water cuts and keeping an open burning ban in place through Sept. 30. Health Tech: UD researchers are using AI to spot early epilepsy warning signs in EEG patterns, aiming to help clinicians when seizures aren’t captured during routine tests. Local Housing: Sussex County Council is set to vote next week on affordable housing reforms that could loosen rent and density limits after the program has produced only two projects since 2008. Delaware Education: Forty seniors were honored statewide at the Smyrna Opera House for futures in arts education, with students heading into music, theater, visual arts, film, design, and education. Business/Finance: Partners Group flagged more withdrawal pressure across private markets, including caps tied to a Delaware-based fund. Space Science: NASA detailed a meteor over New England, saying it released energy equivalent to about 230 tons of TNT.

Social Security Warning: A new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says the retirement trust fund could run out by 2032, triggering an automatic 24% benefit cut—about $500 a month on average—with Delaware retirees projected to lose roughly $549. Delaware Medical School: Delaware has selected Thomas Jefferson University to run the state’s first medical school, with an initial plan to locate it at the University of Delaware in Newark and offer a free tuition option for students who commit to practicing in rural Delaware. Local Business & Housing: Capstone Homes president Jake Booth earned a top NAHB credential, while planning and development items include Delaware’s ongoing push for housing and new projects tied to regional growth. Community & Culture: The 250 Ride Reenactment is set to kick off June 12 in Dover, tracing Caesar Rodney’s historic trip to Philadelphia with multiple public events over two days. Tech & Jobs: Sepax Technologies is seeking a $100M headquarters in Glasgow Commons Park as it looks to move out of the Delaware Technology Park. Sports: Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez’s historic scoreless streak ended June 3, but he still helped Philadelphia beat San Diego 3-2.

Delaware Fintech Expansion: GradBridge, a Newark-based student lending fintech, will stay in Delaware as it expands to nearly 50 jobs in five years, backed by a $780,000 Jobs Performance Grant. Social Security Watch: A new analysis warns Delaware could see an average $549 monthly cut if the retirement trust fund becomes insolvent in 2032. Delaware Health Care: Delaware is set to open its first four-year medical school in 2028 through a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University, with an inaugural class of 40 and tuition awards tied to serving rural Delaware for at least five years. Local Safety: The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam using a fake “Deputy Hart” identity and threats of federal arrest. Education Leadership: A new report argues principals are a key lever for improving teacher retention and student outcomes, tying leadership support to better grades and stronger school culture.

Corporate Courts: Delaware’s Court of Chancery refused to toss a stockholder suit targeting Virtu Financial’s share repurchase program, keeping alive claims that insiders benefited unfairly. Higher Ed & Policy: Moore College of Art and Design will enroll men starting in 2027-28 after trustees voted to end its women-only status. State Budget Watch: Delaware lawmakers are moving toward finalizing the FY 2027 budget, with merit pay raises and added funding for health, education and workforce programs, plus a one-time supplemental package aimed at future education formula changes. Local Tax Change: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax ordinance, which would stack on top of Delaware’s existing 8% lodging tax if approved. Delaware Health Care: Bayhealth added a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Sussex County, expanding high-risk pregnancy care. Food Access: Delaware’s Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program awarded $712,500 to 28 groups to expand access to healthy, affordable food. Business Litigation: Nextpower sued GameChange Energy in Delaware federal court over alleged solar tracker patent infringement. Public Safety: Delaware’s DOJ announced prison sentences for three alleged Exit Four gang members tied to two Wilmington-area killings.