AGP Executive Report

Delaware Policy & Courts: Delaware’s Court of Chancery weighed in on deal and governance disputes, including a caution against “reading between the by-lines,” while another ruling pushed a major antitrust-related fight forward in the Verisk v. AccuLynx dispute. State Government & Economy: Delaware received a Federal Railroad Administration grant to study passenger rail expansion south of Wilmington and Newark, with possible routes through Dover, Harrington, and onward toward Salisbury or Berlin. Business & Finance: Weatherford shareholders approved its redomestication to Delaware, a move the company says could cut costs starting in 2027. Community & Safety: Dover investigated two lightning-caused house fires, including one with heavy attic damage estimated near $750,000. Local Life: Delaware marked the death of Gloria Steinem, with state leaders and residents reflecting on her lasting impact on women’s equality. Health & Compliance: Delaware also saw updates tied to SEC and other regulatory changes, plus practical guidance for mortgage loan originators on 2026 NMLS continuing education deadlines.

Delaware Data Privacy Push: Gov. Matt Meyer signed two bills expanding Delaware’s data privacy and data-breach protections, lowering coverage to companies handling data of just 10,000 consumers and adding new opt-out rights for automated decisions tied to sensitive data; the changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Public Schools Funding Overhaul: Meyer also signed legislation recommended by the Public Education Funding Commission to move Delaware toward a more student-centered, needs-based school funding formula and make the commission permanent for ongoing oversight. Energy Costs Watch: Delmarva Power’s rate increase request rose from $68.6 million to $75.8 million, with the Public Advocate calling it potentially the largest in Delaware history and warning families could see higher electric bills. Legal Update for Delaware Boards: A Delaware Law Alert highlights new guidance and risks around designated directorships, especially in light of 2025 DGCL §144 amendments. Community & Service: The Zwaanendael Women’s Club will host an informational open house Sept. 10 in Lewes for prospective members and volunteer opportunities. Local Milestone: Newark resident Barbara J. Wideman celebrated her 100th birthday with family, reflecting on a life of long-time Delaware community volunteering.

Arts & Community Funding: Delaware’s Division of the Arts says the Nanticoke Indian Association is joining its StartUp program for new arts grantees, bringing support plus training and technical help; the group’s Nanticoke Tribe Powwow highlights dancing, drumming, food, vendors and cultural demonstrations, and it’s also joined by Wilmington-based Imperial Dynasty Arts Program and Resolution Steel Orchestra. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis season is technically over, but thousands of cases are still being confirmed nationwide as reporting catches up; as of Aug. 31, 18,445 infections were confirmed across 49 states and D.C., with two deaths and 990 hospitalizations. Food Access: G’s DElights, a Sussex County, mom-run business, won a $12,500 Delaware Grocery Initiative award to expand freeze-drying and help connect local farms to local buyers while reducing food waste. Weather & Safety: Philadelphia-area forecasters warn more severe storms could hit Wednesday and again Thursday through Friday, with damaging winds and heavy downpours possible. Local Justice: A Delaware County DA says a Media woman faces charges tied to alleged forged checks and theft of $7,200 from Media Little League. Business/Legal: A lawsuit filed in Delaware Chancery Court accuses Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and partners of cheating a Cherokee investor out of $2.5 million in a Texas solar project.

Election Law Fight: Delaware’s AG Nick Brown co-led a 25-state lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service over a new rule aimed at controlling vote-by-mail, arguing states—not USPS—run elections. Energy & Climate: Aligned Climate Capital says it’s raised a first close of $500m for a distributed solar and storage fund, including Delaware community solar projects. Port Oversight: State Sen. Dave Wilson is seeking to join a taxpayer lawsuit challenging Diamond State Port Corporation management and whether lawmakers were properly informed about major financing moves. Local Culture: The Southern Delaware Chorale named its 2026 high school scholarship recipients, with private voice lessons and featured solos. Community & Safety: A free Southern Tier human trafficking awareness conference is set for Nov. 14, focused on grooming and exploitation. Sports & Campus: University of Delaware women’s soccer opened with a 0-0 tie against American, while UD hosts the Maryland Invitational cross country meet at White Clay Creek. Weather Watch: A tornado warning hit parts of New Jersey, including Burlington County, with officials urging residents to take cover. Business/Legal: A Delaware Chancery Court filing alleges a $2.5m solar scam tied to a Cherokee-owned LLC and Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith.

AI in banking: Del-One Federal Credit Union is rolling out an autonomous digital assistant, Valeria, to review dealership loan paperwork and flag issues—aiming to nearly double indirect auto-lending output from about $8M to $15M per month without adding staff. Energy policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package of energy consumer protection bills, including new limits aimed at data centers and rising utility costs for Delaware families and businesses. Local infrastructure: Delaware County is buying 70 AWARE flood gauges to track river and stream levels in real time and help municipalities plan for more intense flooding. Maternal health: Delaware lawmakers signed a maternal health bill requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients seeking labor-symptom care. Housing: A new working group is meeting to set statewide property reassessment standards after Delaware’s counties resumed reassessments after decades. Community health: Milford Wellness Village partners are spotlighted as La Red Health Center marks 25 years of care in Southern Delaware, and Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth opened a new downtown preventive health suite. Sports & Delaware: The 2026 Delaware high school football season kicks off Sept. 3, and UD field hockey’s Avary Miller earned a defensive player of the week honor.

Delaware Energy Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package of laws aimed at stopping hyperscale data centers from shifting electricity and upgrade costs onto residents and small businesses, including requiring Delmarva Power to set a separate higher rate for the biggest facilities. Local Governance: A Milton Public Library town hall tied to Rep. Alonna Berry’s campaign sparked a dispute over whether it violated meeting-room rules banning candidate-specific political activity; the Berry campaign says it was a policy-focused meet-and-greet. Veterans Affairs: Delaware’s Department of Veterans Affairs marked its one-year anniversary, with advocates crediting the new department for boosting coordination and access to resources for veterans and families. Business & Delaware Courts: Delaware’s Chancery Court ordered specific performance and extended an earnout period in a case involving a buyer’s “pretextual takeover.” Sports (Delaware): Georgetown edged Delaware 1-0 with a late goal, while Delaware State is set to host William & Mary after W&M cracked national FCS rankings. Health & Safety: A Delaware County man was arrested for failing to register social media accounts as required under felony sex-offender probation.

Education & Community Outdoors: Greater Pike Community Foundation is funding a “Trout in the Classroom” program for Dingman-Delaware Middle School sixth graders, plus conservation projects like a nature trail used for classes and cross-country. PFAS & Consumer Relief: Tidewater Utilities will issue a one-time September bill credit of about $8.50 per customer funded by PFAS-related litigation proceeds. Workforce Training Funding: A federal Pell expansion called “Workforce Pell” is extending grant help to short-term job training programs, aiming to cover upfront costs for students. Reproductive Health Legal Fight: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings joined a multistate lawsuit challenging new federal Title X conditions that could cut funding for family planning and preventive care. Big Tech Settlement: Delaware’s AG also announced what’s described as the largest Big Tech settlement in history, targeting Meta over youth protections. Health Care Courtroom Update: A psychiatrist who testified in the Lindsay Clancy trial is reported to be “no longer employed” by Nemours Children’s Health. Local Legal/Business: A Delaware funeral home faces six-figure judgments after lawsuits over a mistaken cremation and alleged body-swap coverup. Sports & Culture: Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is rolling out free September tours and lectures, including guided “Walk to DeBraak” at Cape Henlopen State Park.

Delaware Politics: District 23 Democratic House candidates held a forum Sunday, debating data centers, affordable housing, transparency and budgets ahead of the Sept. 15 primary to replace Rep. Mara Gorman. Voting Access: Delaware early voting for the Sept. 15 primary starts Wednesday, Sept. 2, with sites in all three counties (Kent: 4, New Castle: 6, Sussex: 9) and flexible hours during the 10-day period. Public Safety & Health: The DOJ and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of invalid opioid prescriptions, including claims tied to “pill mill” prescribers. Community & Arts: Delaware Libraries will host an author talk Sept. 13 at Lewes Public Library featuring “Haunted History of Delaware,” and Poetry Out Loud school registration runs through Oct. 30. Local Sports: Delaware State opened the season with a 41-34 win over Stony Brook in Dover, while Delaware’s Primary Election and roster-cut season keep attention on what’s next.

Delaware Politics & Community: Delaware Libraries is hosting an author event with Josh Hitchens, who will discuss Haunted History of Delaware at Lewes Public Library on Sept. 13. Public Safety & Local Life: A hot air balloon made a routine landing in a Delaware County neighborhood, drawing crowds and kids’ wonder. Sports (Delaware): Delaware State opened its season with a 41-34 win over Stony Brook, with DeSean Jackson improving to 9-4. Health & Accountability: DermTech—now liquidating after a Delaware bankruptcy—agreed to resolve Medicare False Claims Act allegations tied to unreliable skin cancer tests. Federal Policy Watch: A court temporarily blocked a USPS mail-voting rule, with Delaware among states challenging it. Economy & Aging: New data show Delaware ZIP codes with thousands of Social Security beneficiaries, underscoring the state’s growing older population. Business: Walmart agreed to pay $50M to settle DOJ opioid-dispensing allegations. Arts & Culture: Milford-based therapy dog Lucy is nominated for a national First Responder Paws award.

USPS Mail Voting Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked a new USPS rule that would have forced states to seek federal approval for ballot and return-envelope designs and use a new USPS portal, saying compliance before the Nov. 3 midterms was “practically impossible” and posed a disenfranchisement risk; Delaware was among 25 states backing the challenge. Opioid Settlement: Walmart agreed to pay $50 million to settle a DOJ opioid lawsuit alleging unlawful dispensing of prescriptions, with the government saying Walmart missed “red flags” about “pill mills.” Delaware Solar Innovation: Delaware-based Artisanal PV is marketing a freestanding solar carport that can generate electricity without rooftop installation, with customizable designs. Business/Delaware Courts: Tata Chemicals North America acquired soda ash customer contracts from SVM USA through Delaware bankruptcy court approval, expecting $110M+ in revenue through 2028. Local Culture: Clear Space Theatre Company announced its biggest 2027 season yet, spanning major musicals and classics. Delaware Voting Prep: Delaware early voting for the 2026 primary starts Sept. 2, with 10 days of voting and specific hours by date.

Gas Prices & Legal Trouble: A supplier says the Freedom Fuel Network’s ultra-low prices came from unpaid gasoline—Mansfield Oil claims KRSM took about 1.12 million gallons worth nearly $4 million from a Pennsylvania terminal and never paid, while KRSM denies it’s an invoice dispute. Delaware Courts & Health: Dr. Avram Mack, a prosecution psychiatrist in the Lindsay Clancy triple-murder case, resigned from Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware after his testimony, with the hospital citing confidential employment decisions. Public Safety: A Philadelphia jury convicted Justin Smith of killing his pregnant girlfriend, rejecting his claim the shooting was an accident; he was sentenced to life without parole. Opioids Enforcement: The U.S. DOJ and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations it unlawfully filled invalid opioid prescriptions, including claims of “pill mill” prescribers being ignored. Delaware Voting: Delaware early voting for the 2026 primary starts Sept. 2, with hours varying by day and a 10-day early window before Sept. 15 Election Day. Local Growth Pressure: Bloomberg reports retirees are pouring into Sussex County, adding 40,000 residents since 2020 and straining local resources.

Delaware Courts & Health: Nemours Children’s Health says psychiatrist Dr. Avram Mack—who testified for the prosecution in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial—is “no longer employed,” after his testimony drew intense scrutiny. Consumer & Public Safety: Walmart agreed to a $50 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations it unlawfully dispensed opioids; the DOJ said it will require tighter pharmacy oversight and a reporting hotline. Delaware Economy & Business: Tata Chemicals’ subsidiary won a $21.16 million bid in Delaware bankruptcy court to take over Searles Valley’s North American soda ash contracts through 2028. Sports (Delaware-area): Delaware Hayes beat Lancaster 28-13 in a nonconference opener, while Delaware State opened its season with a 41-34 win over Stony Brook. Community Watch: Brandywine Valley SPCA is waiving adoption fees Saturday as part of “Clear The Shelters.” Local Data: Wilmington led Delaware cities in BBB scam reports in July, with 13 reports.

Mail-In Voting Fight: A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking USPS from enforcing a new vote-by-mail rule that would have required states to get federal approval for ballot and return-envelope designs and to feed voter data into a new USPS portal—ruling compliance before the Nov. 3 midterms is “practically impossible.” Delaware Politics: Rep. Sarah McBride says her freshman-year focus on constituent services helped return $7.5 million to Delawareans, and she’s running unopposed in the Democratic primary; Republicans face Joseph Arminio, Earl Cooper, and John Whalen. Delaware Business & Courts: Delaware’s Chancery Court is set to weigh a high-stakes fight tied to Better Home & Finance’s CEO power struggle, with SEC approval allowing Garg to solicit shareholder support while TRO questions loom. Housing: Delaware lawmakers’ new affordable-housing laws are expected to reshape Sussex County planning, with officials warning about traffic, school crowding, and environmental pressure. Community & Culture: The Peninsula Gallery in Lewes won major state and national art awards, and Delaware’s Division of Small Business added staff to expand programs and sports tourism.

Meta Settlement: Delaware is set to gain about $103 million from a massive multistate Meta deal tied to child-safety claims, with the company required to roll out new Instagram/Facebook protections like daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Utility Fight: Delaware ratepayers are pushing back on Delmarva Power’s $67.8 million rate hike request, arguing it would raise bills on top of already-stretched household costs. Storm Impacts: The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are dealing with flash flooding after repeated storms, including heavy rain near Newark airport and water rescues in New Jersey. Local Safety & Training: Rehoboth Beach lifeguards are being recognized for advanced training and a strong record, highlighting Sussex County’s lifesaving program. Business Growth: Delaware’s Compass Grant is helping small firms cover trade shows, travel, and insurance to expand exports, with reported millions in new international sales. Courts & Tech: A Delaware-linked case highlights how AI chat logs can end up in court as “confessions.” Community: Lewes is updating the historic DeVries Monument with a new plaza, benches, and interpretive signage ahead of its 400th anniversary.

Big Tech Settlement: Delaware is part of a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta deal over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with sweeping new safety rules and major payouts to states. Local Infrastructure: DelDOT says shoring work on the South Market Street Bridge in Dover is nearing completion, with lane reopenings and eased weight limits expected as repairs finish. School Expansion: Holy Cross High School is moving ahead with plans for a permanent nearly 100-acre campus near Frederica, with a Kent County review slated for September. Public Safety & Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Kent and New Castle counties in Delaware, with storms and possible tornadoes on the radar. Agriculture & Wildlife: Dorchester County farmers are pushing Maryland for action as sika deer damage crops, with reports of massive losses. Health Policy Fight: The DOJ and multiple states are suing to block new Title X funding conditions tied to political demands. Delaware Business/Community: The Frozen Farmer opened in Dewey Beach, bringing misfit-fruit ice cream and seasonal treats. Culture & Tech: A Delaware entrepreneur launched CultureCheck, a Black culture trivia app with 10,000+ questions. EV Charging: Wawa plans eight Wawa-branded EV chargers in Pennsylvania, including four in the broader Delaware Valley region.

FEMA Help for Flood Victims: FEMA will run a Mobile Registration Intake Center for Delaware County residents this Friday and Saturday at Delaware County EMS Station 3 in Muncie, with walk-in help to apply for federal disaster assistance (hours: Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). Meta Child-Safety Settlement Hits Delaware: Delaware is set to receive up to $103 million from Meta’s multistate deal over teen social media addiction, including a guaranteed $73.6 million over 10 years and extra money if TikTok/YouTube reach similar agreements; the settlement also requires new Instagram/Facebook safety limits and “productive pauses.” USPS Mail-Voting Fight: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of states sued the U.S. Postal Service over a new rule they say unlawfully interferes with states’ vote-by-mail systems, arguing it could disenfranchise eligible voters. Delaware Retiree Boom: A new report says more retirees are flocking to Delaware since 2020, boosting the 65+ population fast—while straining housing, healthcare, and local resources. Delaware Basin Energy Deal: Enbridge agreed to buy Salt Creek Midstream’s crude oil-gathering assets for $600 million, including infrastructure tied to the Delaware Basin.