AGP Executive Report

Delaware Power Rates: The Delaware Public Service Commission approved an interim electric rate increase for Delmarva Power starting July 9, with commissioners split on whether they had enough information to call it “reasonable,” and one abstention. Holiday Safety: Bethany Beach firefighters are urging residents and visitors to handle fireworks carefully, warning even sparklers can burn hot enough to cause serious injuries and start fires. Heat & Fourth Plans: A dangerous heat wave is already forcing Fourth of July event changes across the region, with organizers canceling, rescheduling, or modifying outdoor celebrations as temperatures climb. General Assembly Wraps: Delaware lawmakers pushed through final spending bills early July 1, including a $1.25 billion bond bill, after a late-night sprint that left some lawmakers criticizing rushed details. America 250 in Delaware: Delaware’s Independence Day spotlight continues with local history and community events, including a Lewes Revolutionary-era remembrance series and citizenship celebrations recognizing new U.S. citizens. Public Safety Ops: The U.S. Coast Guard is running a major July 4 surge operation with extra personnel and boats to secure large celebrations, including in Washington, D.C.

Heat & Safety: An extreme heat wave kept Delaware and the region on edge through the July 4 stretch, with warnings and cooling-center guidance as temperatures pushed past 100 and heat indexes climbed higher; even boaters on the Inland Bays weighed risk and made safety tweaks instead of canceling. Public Health & Community: The YMCA of Delaware teamed up with Vision To Learn to provide free summer camp eye screenings, exams, and glasses for kids who need them. Environment & Accountability: Federal and state officials announced a major PFAS “forever chemicals” settlement with Chemours, alleging discharges into the Delaware River and other waterways. Local Crime: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said a man who admitted killing his ex-girlfriend was sentenced to life in prison. Sports (Delaware ties): Bentley University’s Mike Hill earned East Region Coach of the Year after a record 2026 season that included NCAA wins over Delaware schools. Heritage & 250th: Trump unveiled the “Spirit of ’76” exhibit at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., as the country marks 250 years since independence.

Extreme Heat & Safety: Delaware is under an Extreme Heat Warning through the Fourth of July weekend, with officials urging residents to hydrate, avoid alcohol, limit outdoor exertion, and watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke—plus a statewide push to use cooling centers. Cooling Centers Open: Multiple locations across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties are offering air-conditioned relief and water during peak heat, with some extended hours around the holiday. Heat Cancels 250th Events: Dangerous temperatures have already forced cancellations and postponements of some Independence Day and America 250 activities, including a Bethany Beach parade. DE250 Bike Tour: Gov. Matt Meyer kicked off the DE250 statewide bike tour from Lewes, framing it as a way to celebrate Delaware’s diversity while keeping safety front and center. Cybersecurity Disruption: Delaware County is investigating “unauthorized activity” that disrupted its network and services, shutting down systems to protect sensitive information while restoration continues. Water From Data Center Waste Heat: Newark-based AirJoule is demonstrating AirJoule Prime, which uses waste heat from data centers to pull drinkable water from the air. America 250 Merch Scrutiny: Reporting questions how America250 and Freedom 250 spend taxpayer money and how much goes to merchandise and operations, with calls for clearer accounting.

Extreme Heat & July 4 Safety: Delaware is under an Extreme Heat Warning through July 4, with officials urging hydration, shade breaks, and extra checks for older adults, kids, and people with medical conditions; several coastal events are already adjusting, including Milton canceling its festival and Bethany Beach postponing its parade. Delaware Politics & Budget Wrap-Up: The 153rd General Assembly ended with a late-night push that cleared nearly $7B in operating spending, a $1.26B capital bond bill, and a stack of bills touching voting rights, firearm dealer oversight, marijuana zoning, and marriage protections. Wilmington Violence: A suspect is in custody after a late-night shooting in Wilmington left a 33-year-old man hospitalized; police say a loaded handgun was recovered and charges include assault, robbery, and firearm offenses. Rehoboth/Delaware History & Independence 250: Delaware’s Independence Day and 250th anniversary coverage continues to spotlight founding-era stories, including Caesar Rodney’s midnight ride and the ongoing debate over key figures tied to the Declaration. Community Response: A vigil in Talleyville honored victims of the Wilmington Hospital shooting, drawing health care workers and violence-prevention groups.

Delaware Courts & Public Safety: A man accused in the June 16 ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital shooting, John Wallace-Bey, was extradited back to Delaware, ordered to pay $3 million cash bail, and barred from contacting the surviving victim and the family of Ethan Hillman; his arraignment is set for July 14. Delaware Government & Environment: Rehoboth Beach and DNREC finalized easement agreements for city stormwater and wastewater infrastructure tied to the Deauville Beach transition, including a stormwater drain and an ocean outfall pipeline. Delaware Health Policy: After the end of the 153rd General Assembly, multiple healthcare bills passed, including measures on hospital cost transparency, hospital worker protections, and limits on private equity acquiring nonprofit acute care hospitals. Heat Preparedness: Delaware DHSS and partners opened statewide cooling centers for extreme heat, with locations across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties and extended hours at select sites. Education & Families: The Delaware Department of Education outlined the 2026-27 free and reduced-price meals process for families, including eligibility applications and options like Community Eligibility Provision. Local Business & Housing: A Delaware HomeStyle Renovation Loan lets buyers or homeowners finance purchase and renovation in one conventional mortgage, with renovation budgets tied to the home’s expected post-work value. Community & Delaware Outdoors: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park launched a 2026 digital photo contest, inviting photographers to capture the park’s landscapes and wildlife (deadline July 31).

Delaware Budget: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget, pitching it as a values-driven plan focused on education, affordable housing, healthcare and childcare, with lawmakers touting major investments and a larger rainy day fund. Marriage Equality Update: Delaware lawmakers passed the first leg of a constitutional amendment protecting marriage equality after earlier vote reversals, setting up a path that requires passage by two consecutive General Assemblies. Heat Safety: With dangerous temperatures expected, Delaware opened state cooling centers across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, offering air-conditioned spaces and hydration. Public Safety & Police Accountability: Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly Magnolia shooting involving troopers, while Wilmington protesters demanded body camera footage after a separate officer-involved shooting. Health Watch: Delaware’s early literacy push earned national recognition, and measles concerns continued regionally as cases were reported in nearby Chester County. Business/Legal: A guide on Delaware Revlon duties outlined directors’ obligations during company sales, and Delaware-related corporate developments included a major minority equity investment deal involving FMC.

Birthright Citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s executive order limiting citizenship for children born in the U.S., and Delaware and Maryland leaders called it a win for the 14th Amendment. Extreme Heat Response: Delaware DHSS opened cooling centers statewide through July 2 (with some locations open until 6 p.m. July 1) to help residents cool down and stay hydrated. Delaware Lawmaking: On the final day of the legislative session, Delaware lawmakers are pushing voting-rights protections, a constitutional fix to restore voting rights after felony sentences, and gun dealer oversight. Local Economy & Downtown Revitalization: Delaware on Main Street expanded, accrediting 17 downtown groups and boosting the number of nationally accredited programs to six. Transportation & Safety: Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission moved forward with open-road all-electronic tolling at the New Hope–Lambertville bridge, and Delaware also rolled out July 4 sober ride vouchers plus limited Sussex bus service. Business/Tech: InterDigital, the Delaware-based IP firm, highlighted its 6G research push as it continues to benefit from licensing demand.

Utility Affordability Fight: Gov. Matt Meyer urged Delaware regulators to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 rate increase, arguing it would worsen an “affordability crisis” for families, seniors, and small businesses while the PSC reviews the request. Heat & Holiday Travel: A major heat wave is building across Delaware and the Philly region, with an excessive heat watch and code-orange air quality alerts; AAA also expects another busy July 4, with most Delawareans driving and best travel times after 3 p.m. Local Transit: DART laid out Independence Day service changes, including limited Sussex County routes and Sunday service on select New Castle County lines. Sports & Community: Rutgers added St. Peter’s and Delaware State to its 2026-27 non-conference home slate, and Delaware Valley Fire Museum launched a “SALUTE!” military tribute exhibit for the 250th. Governance & Law: A Delaware guide updated director independence and board conflict rules under DGCL changes.

Delaware Energy & Utilities: Gov. Matt Meyer asked the Delaware Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 rate increase, arguing a temporary hike could exceed what the PSC ultimately finds “just and reasonable.” Public Safety & Health: A Delaware bill would require criminal background checks for many current and prospective fire and EMS members, with waivers possible in extraordinary circumstances. Weather Watch: Delaware is under an Extreme Heat Watch Wednesday through Saturday, with highs near/over 100 and heat indexes possibly above 110—officials urge limiting outdoor time and watching for heat illness. Environment & Justice: AG Kwame Raoul joined a coalition urging DHS/ICE to reverse a policy that ends investigations and public reporting of certain deaths in ICE custody, warning it reduces transparency and accountability. Local Community: The Delaware Rising Stars Football Showcase drew 60+ middle and high school players to Legends Stadium in Lewes for combine-style drills and coaching exposure. Sports & Culture: SEPTA approved its FY2027 budget at $2.7B (no fare or service changes), while Delaware State Parks topped multiple events at an all-female lifeguard competition in North Bethany.

Senate Safety Update: Delaware Sen. Chris Coons was briefly hospitalized after a multi-car crash in Lewes on Sunday, triggered by another driver’s medical incident; Coons says he’s home with minor injuries and expects a full recovery. Public Health & Environment: A Penn State-led study finds microplastics are nearly everywhere in Pennsylvania waters, with sediment concentrations doubling every 20 years, raising concerns about toxic common plastics. Retirement Watch: A new Social Security outlook warns the trust fund’s late-2032 depletion could cut average benefits by about $500 a month, with Delaware among the hardest-hit states. State Policy on Drug Harm Reduction: Gov. Matt Meyer is weighing whether to sign a bill that would expand Delaware’s harm reduction framework, including licensing/regulating programs and decriminalizing paraphernalia. Community & Faith: An Intergenerational Worship Summit in the Episcopal area encouraged churches to build faith across ages through listening and shared gifts. 250th Anniversary Events: Washington Crossing Historic Park is set for a major Independence Day celebration with readings, living history, and a large fireworks display.

Delaware Community Solar Push: Gov. Matt Meyer’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator is speeding up approvals for community solar projects across Delaware, with four highlighted in Seaford, Townsend and Clayton expected to feed 16 megawatts into the grid and cut permitting delays by months. Police Shooting Questions in Wilmington: The family of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner is demanding transparency after he was shot by Wilmington police near 24th and Jessup Streets, with allegations that body-cam footage is missing and that he was shot in the back. PFAS Settlement Watch: Federal and state regulators secured a $450 million Chemours settlement tied to “forever chemicals” discharged into the Ohio, Cape Fear and Delaware rivers, including penalties and long-term funding for pollution controls and drinking-water cleanup. America 250, Delaware Style: Delaware’s 250th celebrations continue with local history programming and photo retrospectives, plus a cross-country America 250 relay route that ends at Cape Henlopen. Local Events & Public Life: Delaware State Parks launched a virtual 5K for its 75th anniversary, while Delaware Cutest Dogs voting narrowed and summer wildlife viewing tips highlight dolphins and whales in state waters.

Delaware Politics: A proposed Delaware constitutional amendment to enshrine marriage equality failed in the House, falling three votes short of the two-thirds needed after it cleared the Senate. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to pay $450 million to settle “forever chemicals” pollution claims involving federal and state regulators. Public Safety: A boat fire at North Bay Marina in Selbyville was contained quickly by multiple Sussex County and Maryland agencies; the Delaware State Fire Marshal took over and no injuries were reported. Community & Culture: Delaware State Parks launched a virtual 5K to celebrate its 75th anniversary, with proceeds supporting parks, education, scholarships, lifeguards and summer concerts. Local Governance: Lewes reaffirmed keeping a Pilottown Road parcel as open space, ending plans to lease it. Outdoors & Travel: A guide highlights where to spot whales and dolphins in Delaware this summer, with Delaware Bay cruises and self-guided options. Sports & Entertainment: Delaware’s Cutest Dogs Contest voting reopened for Round 2, narrowing nearly 100 pups down to 40.

World Cup (Delaware-area watch): Croatia vs. Ghana kicks off in Philadelphia with both teams fighting for the round of 32. Croatia needs a win to avoid elimination, while Ghana advances with a win or tie; the forecast calls for showers early and possible rain during the match. Delaware Outdoors & Wildlife: A striped bass management decision keeps 2025 recreational rules in place, with future changes tied to rebuilding goals by 2029. Animal Welfare (Delaware County): Animal cruelty charges were dismissed against a Delaware County mother-daughter pair after authorities alleged they removed dozens of animals from a Troy Township home. Military & Culture: Delaware museums are offering free summer admission through the Blue Star Museums program for active-duty service members and eligible families. PFAS Accountability (regional): Chemours faces a major $450M settlement over “forever chemicals” pollution, with federal and state involvement highlighted across coverage. Community & Arts: Lewes in Bloom’s 25th birthday features a student “Happy Birthday, America” art wall at the library. Sports (Delaware ties): The Delaware Amateur at Rehoboth Beach Country Club crowned Hunter Stetson in a sudden-death finish.

PFAS Fallout in the First State: The federal government reached a major settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with the company set to pay about $450 million in penalties and cleanup-related relief. Local Planning & Growth: Sussex County approved a Route 24 shopping center plan, including a Royal Farms and Dunkin’, after years of stalled development. Public Safety & Fireworks: Delaware Public Media reports new state fireworks rules ahead of the July 4 weekend, including safety literature for sellers and site inspections. Immigration Uncertainty: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration’s path to end temporary protections for Haitians and Syrians, leaving Delaware’s Haitian community in Milford bracing for what comes next. Delaware Courts & Community: A Supreme Court decision also left Milford’s Haitian residents fearing deportation timelines. Business/Corporate Legal Moves: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal home from Delaware to Texas. Environment Watch: Bird flu continues to hit poultry and dairy herds across many states, with Delaware among those reporting losses.

Gun Safety in Delaware: The Delaware House passed a bill creating a state licensing system for gun dealers, adding new inspection, reporting, training, and security rules; it now goes back to the Senate. ChristianaCare Shooting: A man opened fire at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital, killing one and injuring another; suspect John Wallace-Bey was arrested in Philadelphia and is set for extradition. School District Legal Fight: Former Christina superintendent Dan Shelton appealed a $2.7M wrongful-termination dismissal, arguing the lower court’s decision relied on facts outside the record. Affordable Housing Move: New Ark United Church of Christ selected HDC Mid-Atlantic as its development partner to convert its Main Street property into an affordable housing complex. Energy & Rebates: Energize Delaware is boosting energy-efficiency incentives for projects completed before Sept. 30, while new federal changes could end EV and some energy-related tax rebates on Sept. 30. Community & Sports: Special Olympics Delaware held its Summer Games in Newark; plus Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament winner Gabriel Alfaro and a slate of local school-sports updates.

Firearms Oversight in Delaware: The Delaware House passed a bill creating a state licensing system for firearm dealers, adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements—aimed at closing gaps supporters say leave “guns out of the wrong hands.” Healthcare Labor: Unionized ChristianaCare doctors ratified a first three-year contract, setting up physician input structures, grievance procedures, and labor-management committees focused on clinical practice and workplace safety. SNAP Accuracy Watch: A new USDA report ranks South Dakota best for SNAP payment accuracy (2.47% error) and flags Delaware at 16%—with federal cost-sharing penalties looming for states above a 6% threshold. Delaware in the Spotlight: Delaware native Mark McKenzie played all 90 minutes as the U.S. fell 3-2 to Turkey in World Cup action. World Cup in Philly: Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2-0 in Philadelphia to reach the knockout round for the first time in four tries, with Nicolas Pépé scoring in both halves. Budget Update (Delaware): Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget cleared the legislature and heads to Gov. Matt Meyer, with major spending tied to raises, schools, and Medicaid.