AGP Executive Report

Delaware SNAP Win: A federal judge sided with Delaware and other states, permanently blocking the Trump administration from penalizing states over SNAP payment errors tied to an unlawful deadline—though Delaware’s own SNAP payment error rate (16% in fiscal 2025) remains a separate concern. Ghost Guns: A Delaware federal court signaled support for lifting the state’s 3D-printed “ghost gun” ban, ruling the Second Amendment protects the right to possess, manufacture and assemble untraceable 3D firearms. Permanent Absentee Voting: The Delaware Supreme Court upheld the state’s “permanent” absentee voter statute, rejecting a challenge that said it improperly expanded absentee eligibility. Public Safety & Roads: DelDOT closed both sides of Vance Neck Road in Middletown for a major overhaul, with neighbors warning detours could worsen flooding risk. Campus Surveillance: University of Delaware students are pushing for answers as new license-plate reader camera plans evolve from “Flock” to “ALPR,” sparking petitions and opposition groups. Community & Culture: Rehoboth Art League announced a Sept. 25 opening reception for new exhibitions, including works tied to the Delaware Prison Arts Program.

Offshore Wind Legal Fight: New Jersey joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration deals to buy back offshore wind leases and redirect about $1.4B toward fossil fuel projects, with Delaware named in the coalition. Severe Weather Watch: A nor’easter threat is building for the East Coast, with flood advisories for the tidal Delaware River and coastal impacts expected to worsen midweek. Delaware Governance & Housing: Wilmington will use returned Incyte incentive money to buy land in Quaker Hill and pursue new housing and commercial development. State Courts: Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld the state’s permanent absentee voting law, rejecting challenges ahead of midterms. Public Safety: Delaware Natural Resources and State Police are investigating a deadly Ellendale hunting incident; gun shop staff stressed basic target-identification and firearm safety. Education & Rankings: University of Delaware improved to No. 85 in U.S. News National Universities, while Delaware State slipped to No. 16 in HBCU rankings. Health & Seniors: New CMS-based nursing home ratings highlighted Willowbrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House (5-star overall) and Good Neighbor Home (3-star overall). Local Business: Sussex County Council backed plans tied to the Georgetown Boys & Girls Club and reappointed a county administrator to the Delaware Opioid Commission.

Delaware Voting Rights: The Delaware Supreme Court unanimously upheld the state’s permanent absentee voting law, clearing the way for ballots to go out for eligible voters ahead of the midterms. Consumer Protection/Health: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings backed a generic-drug price settlement effort, urging people to check eligibility for compensation after alleged antitrust-driven overcharging. Energy Policy: Delaware joined a multi-state push to block Trump administration offshore wind buyouts, arguing federal payments are being used to cancel projects and redirect money to fossil fuel work. Local Housing & Growth: Dagsboro officials advanced a plan to consider annexing 134 acres for a large housing development west of Route 113, with the town council vote expected in October. Public Safety: Delaware State Police charged a 74-year-old Maryland hunter with manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed a Georgetown woman while hunting, claiming he mistook her for a deer. Community & Culture: The Delaware Art Museum hosts a free 4th Annual Hip Hop Cultural Summit on Oct. 17, spotlighting art as activism. Sports: Delaware field hockey’s Kate Fiest and Linde van Leeuwen earned weekly Mountain Pacific Sports Federation honors.

Lewes History: The DeVries Monument in Lewes was rededicated Sept. 16 after a $500,000 makeover, now lowered for easier access with a granite patio, benches, and new interpretive signs. Housing & Growth: Dagsboro is weighing annexing 134 acres west of Route 113 for a planned Harmony subdivision of about 262 homes, with a council vote expected later this fall. Agriculture Costs: Delaware farmers say record-high diesel prices are squeezing budgets during harvest, with some changing how they buy fuel to manage volatility. Public Safety: Delaware State Police charged a 74-year-old Salisbury man, Walter Moorhead, with felony manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto in Ellendale, saying he mistook her for a deer while hunting from a ground blind. Economy & Work: Delaware’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7% for a fifth straight month, even as the labor force shrank. Education & Tech: The University of Delaware and partners will use a $1.4M Gates Foundation grant to develop AI tools aimed at helping public schools improve and speed up state review of improvement plans. Weather Watch: A first fall nor’easter is expected to bring wind, rain, coastal flooding, and dangerous surf to the region, including Delaware beaches.

Sussex County Tragedy: Delaware State Police charged 74-year-old Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, Maryland, with manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto in Ellendale on Sept. 18, saying he mistook her for a deer while hunting from a ground blind; troopers say she was walking through the field with a man and two children when he fired, and she later died at hospital. Chesapeake Bay Policy Shift: President Trump revoked Obama’s 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration order, replacing it with a directive focused on federal funding for projects tied to measurable water-quality results, drawing concern from some Maryland officials and environmental groups about coordination and accountability. Delaware Outdoors & Education: The Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s Lace Up for Ag Literacy 5K Run/Walk is set for Oct. 10 at Hopkins Farm Creamery in Lewes, with proceeds supporting hands-on ag learning for students. Weather Watch: Philadelphia-area forecasts point to a cool, unsettled start to the week with fall arriving Tuesday and a wetter stretch possible midweek into late week. Sports (Delaware ties): Delaware State fell 59-17 to South Florida, while UD’s women’s tennis co-hosted the UD/Villanova Invite and posted strong doubles results.

Delaware Courts & Public Safety: Delaware State Police say a Maryland hunter, 74-year-old Walter Moorhead, was charged after allegedly shooting and killing 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto in Ellendale when he believed he saw a deer while hunting from a ground blind. Local Crime: In Felton, police arrested 55-year-old John Baker after an alleged barn confrontation where he threatened people with a gun and fired a shot into the air before fleeing; he faces multiple felony charges. State Health & Community: Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay’s office reopened nominations for the Lt. Governor’s Challenge, spotlighting Delaware mental health champions and innovations ahead of a December awards ceremony. Delaware Economy & Housing (regional): A Zillow update shows Delaware County, Iowa home values rising 5.5% year over year to $251,907 in August 2026. Sports (Delaware ties): USF routed Delaware State 59-17, while Delaware’s nursing school at Beebe Healthcare reported a 100% NCLEX pass rate for its Class of 2026.

Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested 74-year-old Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, Md., after a deer-hunting incident in Ellendale left a 39-year-old Georgetown woman dead. Police say Moorhead fired from a ground blind after believing he saw a deer; he faces manslaughter and reckless endangering charges and was released on a $43,000 cash bond. Politics & Voting: Delaware-linked ERIC is at the center of a voter-privacy fight, with Arizona GOP Rep. John Gillette accusing state officials of a double standard over sharing voter and motor-vehicle records. Statehouse & Campaigns: U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride launched a bid for House Democratic leadership, aiming to be co-chair of the caucus’s messaging committee. Delaware Sports: Delaware beat Coastal Carolina 22-14, with Nick Minicucci throwing for 302 yards and two TDs and Sean Wilson adding 185 yards and two scores. Community & Housing: Delaware Resorts Expos hosted a Central Delaware Fall Home Expo in Lewes, highlighting local upgrades and connecting homeowners with area businesses.

Ellendale Tragedy: Delaware State Police charged 74-year-old Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, Md., with manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed a 39-year-old Georgetown woman while hunting deer from a ground blind; police say the victim was walking in the field with a man and two children, and Moorhead was released on a $43,000 cash bond while the Homicide Unit investigates. Delaware Sports: Delaware football beat Coastal Carolina 22-14 as Nick Minicucci threw for 302 yards and two TDs, with Sean Wilson adding 185 yards and two scores. Sussex Community: Relay for Life of Sussex County raised more than $100,000 at Sandhill Fields in Georgetown, with organizers saying donations will continue through mid-November. Local Preparedness: Lewes businesses and nonprofits took part in a disaster preparedness primer at UD’s Lewes campus, focused on building business continuity plans ahead of storms and other disruptions. Economy Watch: Delaware’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7% in August, down from 4.8% in July, with job totals rising year-over-year.

Delaware Politics: Republican U.S. House candidate Joe Arminio was removed from a Wilmington forum after repeatedly misgendering Rep. Sarah McBride, prompting calls from fellow GOP candidate Mike Katz for Arminio to drop out. Public Health: Delaware reported measles exposures across Delmarva, including an out-of-state traveler in Rehoboth Beach and additional exposure sites in Ocean City; officials urged symptom watch and vaccination. State & Community: Delaware Farm Bureau named 2026 scholarship awardees from Sussex County. Local Safety/Services: Delaware SHRM is holding its Human Reset conference in October, focusing on how AI is reshaping jobs and layoffs. Sports (Delaware): Delaware State volleyball fell to Lehigh 3-1; Delaware State football continues under coach DeSean Jackson’s turnaround momentum. Delaware Business: FortuneX and WT Realty announced a Delaware move and business combination plan. Weather/Infrastructure: DelDOT is seeking higher red-light camera fines.

Public Health Alert: Delaware DPH is warning of a possible measles exposure in the greater Rehoboth area after an out-of-state person believed contagious visited stores and restaurants on Sept. 4; officials say people there that day should watch for fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, and then a rash, and to call ahead to healthcare if symptoms appear. State Privacy & Driver Data: Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 23 AGs won a preliminary injunction blocking the federal government from demanding sensitive personal information from 17 million commercial drivers and from cutting over $10 million in funding tied to AAMVA. Delaware Courts/Local Politics: A judge ruled Wilmington City Council can’t remove Councilman James Spadola over his party switch, a fight that raised questions about voter disenfranchisement under the city charter. Housing & Cost of Living: Zillow reports New Castle County’s typical home value rose to $367,612 in August 2026 (+0.7% year over year), while Delaware’s statewide benchmark is $406,074. Community & Culture: Delaware Symphony Orchestra kicks off its fall season with a theme of “Where Music Speaks,” mixing familiar works with newer compositions. Sports (Delaware): Coastal Carolina visits Delaware on Sept. 19; viewing info and matchup notes are out for the Tubby Raymond Field game.

College Sports: The U.S. Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act in a 77-22 bipartisan vote, moving the bill one step closer to rewriting rules around collegiate athletics—though House timing could still delay final action. Delaware Education: Delaware’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for the 2018 cohort hit 74.2% by 2024, with the state noting the figure is weighted across its public four-year institutions. Delaware Politics & Civility: A Delaware candidates forum turned tense when Republican “Dr. Joe” Arminio misgendered Rep. Sarah McBride, prompting boos and his removal from the event. Public Safety & Environment: Delaware’s AG Wilson awarded a second round of grants aimed at cracking down on illegal dumping, funded through settlement dollars. Local Sports: Newark’s Angel Guerrero opened his head-coaching run with a 35-6 win over A.I. du Pont, while Delaware-area high school and college sports schedules filled out the weekend slate. Tech & Law: OpenAI launched Astra for Law, bringing GPT-6 into legal research with a large U.S. case-law and statute index.

Delaware Politics & Courts: A gay man has sued Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and the University of Delaware, alleging homophobia affected how officials handled his domestic violence case after he says he was assaulted. Delaware Business & Growth: WRK Group says it has secured at least $7 million toward a $20 million goal to expand its Wilmington programs under CORE 2031. Community & Culture: Historic Lewes named Meg Clifton, a Delaware native, as its new executive director starting Oct. 1. Public Health: Delaware health officials warned of possible measles exposure in the Rehoboth Beach area and Sussex County. Environment & Wildlife: DNREC confirmed a third case of chronic wasting disease in deer, prompting community updates. Higher Education & Policy: Delaware’s Constitution Day programming includes a mock trial for third graders, part of a broader push to make civic education more accessible. National Legal/Consumer Watch: Multistate actions against subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance are driving major consumer relief and debt forgiveness nationwide, with Delaware attorneys general among the coalition.

Chesapeake Bay Wildlife: A new survey finds 2026 is the worst year ever for osprey breeding in the bay, with average productivity at just 0.25 young per pair and 81% of higher-salinity nests failing to fledge any young, raising fresh pressure in the menhaden quota debate. Local Construction & Literacy: Newark officials toured the new Newark Free Library under construction, with a fall 2027 opening targeted and a redesigned layout meant to better connect the building to Main Street. Public Health: Delaware health officials warned of a measles exposure linked to an out-of-state traveler who visited the greater Rehoboth area Sept. 4, prompting community-wide awareness and vaccination encouragement. State Government: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills covering the Delaware Farm to Community Program, marijuana enforcement (renaming the enforcement division), and renaming the Millsboro Bypass for Sen. Richard Cordrey. Housing Policy: Wilmington City Council is considering a pilot to help cover security deposits and first-month rent for lower-income renters, including teachers and those at 80% AMI or below. Community & Culture: Milford Public Library launched a new podcast, “Downstate Delaware: Crossroads of American History,” and Lewes rededicated the DeVries Monument after renovations focused on safety, accessibility, and native landscaping.

Delaware Politics: Sarah McBride cruised to reelection in the Democratic primary without a challenger and will face Republican Joseph “Dr. Joe” Arminio in November, while Delaware Republicans also picked Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate and Arminio for the House seat. Public Health: Delaware health officials warned of possible measles exposure in the greater Rehoboth area after an out-of-state patient visited Sept. 4; residents who were there should watch for symptoms and check vaccination status. State Tech & Governance: A new report says state CIOs are being pushed to run technology like an enterprise investment—balancing agency needs, budgets, cybersecurity, and modernization. Local Government: Philadelphia City Council returns to tackle fall priorities after approving a budget that rejected Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed taxes on rideshare apps, delivery services, and short-term rentals. Sports: Eagles guard Landon Dickerson revealed a knee injury after the Commanders game and was placed on injured reserve; Delaware high school football previews and Week 3 results highlight shifting momentum for several programs.

Delaware Politics: Incumbent U.S. Sen. Chris Coons cruised to the Democratic Senate nomination, setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Dr. Mike Katz after Katz won his primary. Statewide Elections: Attorney General Kathy Jennings also advanced to November, defeating challengers in the Democratic primary and will face Republican David Graham. House Race Upset: Republicans nominated Joseph “Dr. Joe” Arminio for Delaware’s lone U.S. House seat, beating the party’s endorsed candidate and earning a November fight against Rep. Sarah McBride. Local Primaries: In Sussex County, Rep. Alonna Berry won the Democratic primary for House District 20; in New Castle County, Kira Alejandro won the Democratic primary for District 3 council. Sports (Delaware): Dover rallied to beat Smyrna 3-2 in Henlopen North girls’ volleyball, while Delaware State and other local teams set up key fall matchups. Courts & Legal: New Common Pleas civil filings were reported, including multiple debt-collection cases.

Delaware Elections: The Delaware Supreme Court will hear a GOP challenge to “permanent absentee” ballot rules, with Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker and Steven Washington arguing the eligibility goes too far while election officials say it helps qualified voters participate. Delaware Environment & Health: Delaware is expanding free PFAS testing for private wells, aiming to give homeowners clearer answers about contamination risk. Delaware Business & Economy: A University of Delaware report says Delaware captured 84% of U.S. IPOs for private companies, but notes the context behind the numbers matters. Sussex County Schools: Sussex Academy senior Jack Thomas was named a National Merit semifinalist. Higher Ed & Healthcare: Beebe’s Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing hit a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the Class of 2026. Sports (Delaware connection): Vanderbilt is switching to five-star freshman QB Jared Curtis against NC State after his strong relief showing vs. Delaware. Local Culture: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library marks 75 years with new exhibits and a renewed focus on the people who lived and worked there.