AGP Executive Report

Voting Rights: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act into law, creating state-level protections against voter discrimination, suppression, and dilution, with language assistance requirements and a new path to challenge violations. Local Governance: Wilmington City Council fell short of attendance for a last-chance vote to override a veto on water shutoffs, leaving the disability/elderly protections dead after only five of 13 members showed up. Courts & Business: Delaware Chancery stayed an Iridium CFO dispute for arbitration, while another Delaware case centers on Ondo Finance’s founder’s mother seeking to remove CEO Ian De Bode and take control. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Wilmington man tied to a scooter-fueled burglary spree, including break-ins at multiple businesses. Economy & Tech: Penn and UD are partnering on an NSF-funded AI health institute aimed at human-AI cooperation in care decisions. Energy & Infrastructure: Aternium is targeting Dover for its first Delaware heavy water and hydrogen facility, and Delaware expands community solar to cut bills for more renters and homeowners.

Social Media Lawsuit: Families of four teens who died by suicide filed a wrongful-death and personal-injury suit in Delaware Superior Court against Meta, TikTok, Snap and Google, alleging addictive design features like infinite scrolling and autoplay contributed to escalating harms. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested Eric Jackson in connection with a Wilmington burglary spree targeting businesses, including Metro PCS, Charles Liquors and a BP station. Local Business & Community: Wilmington Riverfront’s transformation is highlighted in a photo look back, while Berlin Planning Commission chair Matthew Stoehr announced a run for a council seat. Education Governance: First State Educate launched a statewide onboarding program for newly elected Delaware school board members to help them navigate budgets, superintendent oversight and public policy. Housing & Courts: A separate housing dispute in Tulsa shows how tenants can get stuck amid shifting management after Vesta Realty’s legal fight with YSA Investments 1. Energy & Power: LS Power agreed to buy a 606-MW Texas gas-fired plant near Houston from Constellation, pending regulatory approval.

Delaware Cannabis One-Year Check-In: The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner says Delaware’s legal recreational market has topped $53.4 million in adult-use sales, with 38 active licenses and more retailers expected to open as access expands. State Parks Update: DNREC is proposing new state park rules covering e-bikes, surf-fishing reservations, magnet fishing, signage, drug and alcohol rules, and limits on pop-up events and reservation resale—with enforcement questions raised at a virtual hearing. Food Security by Solar: The Food Bank of Delaware in Milford unveiled a solar upgrade—719 rooftop panels—to generate about 546 megawatt-hours, aiming to stretch resources as hunger worsens. Community & Public Safety: Dover Police hosted National Night Out amid recent shooting concerns, emphasizing visibility and community-police information sharing. Business Closings: Pappou’s Pizza Pub in Delco announced it will close after more than 40 years. Local Energy & Education: Delaware Sea Grant held a Beat the Heat resource fair at UD, and Delaware’s proposed state park changes also include updates to 24/7 operations and attire/signage standards.

Delaware Cannabis One-Year Check-In: Delaware’s legal recreational marijuana market is still evolving after the Aug. 1, 2025 rollout, with the Marijuana Commissioner pointing to new General Assembly changes—especially SB 75, which sets statewide standards for certain county limits on marijuana retail operations, zoning, and licensing. Startup & Jobs Funding: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (Delaware) is backing a bipartisan Senate bill to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale program through 2030, including $50 million a year for startups and entrepreneurs; Delaware Innovation Space has already received $2.25 million. Energy & Manufacturing in Delaware: Aternium is targeting Dover for its first U.S. heavy water and high-purity hydrogen facility, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and create jobs, while the Food Bank of Delaware completed a Milford rooftop solar project expected to cut electricity use by about 60%. Healthcare & Community: CHOP marked its 500th prenatal spina bifida repair, and Delaware’s Farm to Processing program expands fresh food access and workforce training tied to Department of Correction facilities. Business/Legal Watch: Delaware-linked legal developments include a Federal Circuit ruling affirming invalidity of certain patent claims over unit dosages for drug-resistant lung cancer.

Tariffs Fight: Delaware Attorney General Letitia James joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration tariffs under Section 301, arguing the move is a “pretext” to replace earlier tariffs struck down by courts and that the administration didn’t follow required steps. Privacy & Welfare Data: More than 20 states and D.C. sued to block federal access to sensitive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families records, including immigration status and Social Security numbers, warning the policy could expose millions of recipients. Marijuana Milestone: Delaware’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner marked the first anniversary of legal adult-use sales, reporting $53.4 million in sales and $8 million in state revenue, plus $1M+ in social equity grants. Public Safety: Wilmington shootings are renewing debate over enforcement and accountability as multiple incidents hit different neighborhoods, including several teen and young adult victims. Energy & Industry: Aternium selected Dover for a $226M clean hydrogen plant, while Delaware’s Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force said small modular reactors aren’t a viable short-term option. Education: Delaware State University earned a top-tier spot in Forbes’ first HBCU ranking, citing outcomes like graduation rates and alumni earnings.

Tariff Court Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including Delaware, sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade over new 10%–12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the move is unlawful and a “pretext” after earlier tariff defeats. Healthcare Access: Delaware and other states also keep challenging federal health rules—this week, Wisconsin joined a lawsuit aimed at blocking changes that could reduce ACA coverage and raise costs. Delaware Small Business & Food Security: Delaware’s Division of Small Business opened the EDGE Grant pitch-and-award cycle (webinar Aug. 11) and separately announced Grocery Initiative funding, including $20,000 for the Milton Community Food Pantry and $15,000 for North Dover Elementary’s garden program. Public Health Leadership: Delaware lawmakers questioned a new surgeon general’s office plan after a request estimated around $269,000, with concerns about role and budgeting. Local Governance: Marion City Council advanced a proposed ban on Flock license-plate cameras after a public panel on privacy and data retention. Business Watch: JCPenney at Christiana Mall reportedly sold for $13.5 million.

Tariffs Fight: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings joined a coalition of 25 states suing the Trump administration over new 10%–12.5% tariffs tied to “forced labor,” arguing the move exceeds legal authority and is a pretext to recreate duties courts have already struck down. Food Access: Delaware’s Division of Small Business awarded $712,500 in grants through the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program, including $20,000 to the Milton Community Food Pantry to shift from canned to fresh food. Business & Innovation: Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched “Innovate Delaware,” adding $1.36 million over two years to help startups in areas like fintech, clean energy, advanced materials, and biopharma find resources and customers. Public Safety: Federal authorities filed denaturalization actions against 25 people, including an Indian-origin man in Delaware accused of using fraudulent identities to enter and naturalize in the U.S. Energy Projects: Sussex County Council approved five new solar farms, with officials weighing potential impacts like visual and noise buffers.

Delaware Innovation Push: Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership unveiled Innovate Delaware, a two-year pilot meant to act like a “digital front door” connecting founders with universities, investors, economic development groups, and corporate partners to grow the state’s innovation economy. Health Care Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a multistate lawsuit targeting a Trump administration rule that would weaken Affordable Care Act protections and raise costs by expanding eligibility for “catastrophic” plans that can leave consumers with higher out-of-pocket bills. Data Privacy Lawsuits: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings also joined coalition actions challenging efforts to expand federal access to sensitive TANF recipient data, arguing states—not Washington—should control eligibility and that the policy risks improper sharing of Social Security numbers, addresses, and immigration status. Local Public Safety Tech: Delaware County (Indiana) is moving toward using AI to answer non-emergency 911 calls as staffing shortages grow, aiming to cut dispatcher workload while keeping emergency calls human-led. Energy Grid Planning: PJM says 715 new generation projects (200+ GW) cleared the first study cycle under a reformed interconnection process designed to reduce speculative proposals and speed up reliable power delivery. Business & Courts: A Delaware court filing puts Israeli mobile gaming firm Papaya Gaming into Chapter 15 after a $719M judgment in New York.

Bankruptcy & Delaware Courts: Vi‑Jon LLC started a voluntary Chapter 11 case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to carry out a global settlement of alleged legacy talc-related liabilities. Health Care Policy: Delaware Attorney General Rayfield joined a coalition suing to block a Trump administration rule aimed at undermining Affordable Care Act protections, arguing it would make coverage harder to get and more expensive. Local Housing: Sussex County froze new housing permit applications under SB 23 while it reviews how the state law affects zoning and building practices. Environment & Industry: North Carolina officials criticized a Chemours–EPA PFAS settlement as being negotiated “behind our backs,” saying it doesn’t fix past damage. Community & Economy: Delaware’s paid leave program is still processing $7.6 million in claims during its first six months, while the state budget includes a 3% raise for teachers and public education employees. Business & Growth: A Delmarva engineering firm was selected for a national TV segment, highlighting the region’s professional services.

Delaware Housing Watch: Sussex County has frozen new housing permit applications under SB 23, pausing certain residential reviews and adding uncertainty for builders and buyers while local procedures are reviewed. Health Care Fight: Delaware’s attorney general joins a growing coalition suing to block a Trump administration rule that would expand catastrophic plans and weaken Affordable Care Act protections, with claims it could drive up costs and coverage losses. Local Public Safety & Privacy: Delaware County commissioners approved adding six Flock automated license plate cameras to the sheriff’s network, as critics warn about surveillance concerns. Consumer Fraud Snapshot: Delaware appears in BBB Scam Tracker’s June 2026 scam reports, tied with other Ohio-area cities for reported losses, underscoring ongoing online purchase and counterfeit-product schemes. Community & Culture: Southern Delaware Tourism is launching a three-month push—Arts Around Our Towns and Fall for History—spotlighting arts, museums, and heritage events across Sussex County.

Social Media Lawsuit: Four families whose teens died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube in Delaware, alleging years of escalating harms tied to addictive design and targeted content aimed at minors. Delaware Courts & Governance: A Delaware Court reminder says boards should be careful when setting their own pay, a warning that could affect how local public bodies handle compensation decisions. Consumer Protection: A push to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks in Delaware stalled in the Senate, leaving older adults exposed as kiosks remain a common scam tool. Environment & Public Safety: DNREC launched Paddle Quest, a statewide kayaking challenge tied to Delaware State Parks, plus new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park. Infrastructure & Development: A new legal challenge targets the Diamond State Port Corporation’s Edgemoor Port expansion and its Enstructure partnership, with Delaware taxpayers arguing required approvals weren’t obtained. Local Watch: Delaware’s DOC is accepting applications for a free Fall 2026 Citizens Academy in Dover, offering tours and a look at programs and reentry services.

Public Health: Delaware reports 8 measles cases, all in Kent County (7 adults, 1 child under 10), with guidance for anyone who visited ChristianaCare Union Hospital Emergency Department in Elkton on July 30 between 3 and 7:15 a.m. Local Schools: Cape Henlopen school board moves to comply with a state cellphone-use law, proposing phones stored away all day for elementary/middle students and limited use for high schoolers, with confiscation for violations. Environment & Recreation: DNREC launches Paddle Quest for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, pairing a statewide paddling challenge with new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park. Courts & Governance: Delaware Supreme Court reversed a Chancery ruling in an asbestos-records dispute, tightening limits on efforts to block bankruptcy trusts from deleting old claims data. Consumer Protection: A Delaware lawsuit targets major social media platforms over alleged harms tied to four teen suicides, filed in Delaware Superior Court. Delaware Business/Ports: A new complaint challenges the Edgemoor Port expansion, arguing Diamond State Port Corporation-Enstructure agreements are “void.”

Health Care Fight: Delaware Attorney General Rayfield joined a coalition suing to block a federal rule that would make Affordable Care Act coverage more expensive and harder to get, targeting 2027 marketplace standards and catastrophic plan changes. Delaware Courts: The Delaware Supreme Court reversed a Chancery ruling allowing major asbestos defendants to seek deletion of bankruptcy trust records, saying they didn’t meet the requirements for an equitable bill of discovery. Local Business & Jobs: Delaware’s paid family and medical leave program has paid out more than $7.6 million in its first six months, with 1,760 claims processed and continued system fixes aimed at reducing delays. State Government Help for Entrepreneurs: Gov. Matt Meyer launched the Office of Small Business Access as a single point of contact to streamline licensing and regulatory support. Community Health Leadership: Delaware Hospice named Becca Graner its new chief operating officer. DNREC & Outdoors: DNREC unveiled winners of its 2026 statewide nature photo contest at the Delaware State Fair. Public Safety: A Delaware County judge is weighing the fate of an assistant fire chief accused of making racist threats.

Delaware Politics & Courts: Delaware’s new Inspector General Independent Advisory Commission has agreed to open applications Aug. 3, with a deadline of Aug. 21, aiming to recommend three finalists to Gov. by Sept. 28 as the watchdog role targets fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in public spending. Public Safety & Community Trust: Rehoboth Beach released an independent review of police response to the May “Takeover” event, after earlier charges were dismissed by the state DOJ and the city faced backlash over alleged racial bias. Education & Transparency: The Delaware Department of Education launched “Explore Delaware Schools,” a single portal for school profiles, attendance boundaries, and performance info to make it easier for families to compare options. Local Housing Policy: Sussex County officials criticized Delaware’s new affordable housing law, saying it limits local public input and could shift planning decisions to the state. Business & Jobs: Qnity and the University of Delaware are teaming up on semiconductor R&D and workforce development, including a pilot work-study program for hands-on experience. Coastal Environment: The Block Island Maritime Institute is hosting a talk Aug. 4 on studying and restoring seagrass meadows using new technologies.

Public Safety & Rights: A Sussex County resident pushes back on “overly broad” gun restrictions, arguing Delaware’s existing background checks, training, fingerprints and permits already screen lawful buyers. Housing & Development: London Bay filed a new bid to bypass Fort Myers Beach’s council for its Outrigger redevelopment, seeking a denser plan under Florida’s Live Local Act. Business & Courts (Delaware): A Delaware judge dismissed a stockholder suit over MPower Financing’s “highly dilutive” borrowing, citing Delaware’s statutory safe harbor. Delaware Economy & Community Capital: Delaware’s Community Investment Venture Fund is backing Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union with $469,000 for small-business lending through West End Neighborhood House’s Launcher program. Environment: North Atlantic right whales were spotted near Dewey Beach, raising vessel-strike concerns in a busy shipping corridor. Arts Funding: Delaware’s Division of the Arts awarded $5.06M in FY2027 grants statewide to 127 organizations. DNREC Outdoors: DNREC launched Paddle Quest for Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, with entries due Sept. 1.

Delaware Economic Development: Delaware will use millions returned by Incyte to fund small-business grants, after the state renegotiated Incyte’s taxpayer-backed relocation deal. Local Energy & Jobs: Nautilus Solar and TurningPoint Energy celebrated a 4-megawatt community solar project in Dover, with power for Delaware’s grid and a dedicated share for low-income households. Health Care Access: Gov. Matt Meyer announced federally funded school-based health centers for four Sussex County middle schools, with Nemours, TidalHealth, and Beebe Healthcare running the sites. Public Safety Tech: Kent County approved new guardrails for future data centers, while Delaware continues to debate the spread of automated license plate readers across police agencies. Housing & Planning: Sussex County officials criticized Delaware’s new affordable housing law, saying it limits public participation and transparency. Business/Finance: Delaware Opportunities received a $50,000 donation from Sidney Federal Credit Union to support county food pantries. Science & Food Safety: The CDC reported cyclosporiasis cases rising to 45 states, including Delaware.