AGP Executive Report

Voting Rights Update: Delaware enacted the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state-level protections against discrimination, suppression, dilution, intimidation and barriers to voting, with AG enforcement authority. Public Health: Delaware’s measles outbreak rose to 20 confirmed cases, all in Kent County, with officials urging vaccination and noting most risk is tied to missed doses. Healthcare Access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package expanding pharmacists’ and dental hygienists’ roles and creating a study path for healthcare apprenticeships. Transit Planning: DART will hold public hearing workshops on proposed statewide bus service changes starting Sept. 1 in Wilmington, with Dover and Sussex County sessions the next day. Housing & Courts: A Delaware bankruptcy court denied a motion to dismiss Controladora Dolphin’s Chapter 11 case, keeping the process moving under existing management. Safety: Delaware State Police charged a Seaford dance instructor, Emily Pryor Albino, with sexually abusing two teen students and soliciting via electronic messages, with possible additional victims. Roads: The Commodore Barry Bridge rehab is underway, squeezing traffic into one lane each direction overnight and causing summer delays.

Health Care Access: Delaware will add four school-based health centers in Sussex County through the Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to close a long gap where most centers have been in New Castle County. Environmental Enforcement: DNREC issued a new $135,040 order against Donovan Salvage near Georgetown, citing repeated violations tied to oily water, used oil handling, and other operations. Voting Rights: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s John Lewis Voting Rights Act, expanding state-level protections against discriminatory voting practices after the Supreme Court’s Callais decision. Public Health: Delaware’s measles count jumped to 20, all in Kent County, with officials urging MMR vaccination and warning that newly confirmed cases may lag federal reporting. State Policy: Meyer allowed a property tax bill to become law without his signature, letting school districts use split rates while pushing back on treating apartments like commercial property. Innovation & Economy: Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched Innovate Delaware, a statewide hub meant to connect startups with capital, partners, and rural health tech opportunities. Local Watch: A Frankford plan seeks DelDOT right-of-way to potentially extend Honolulu Road to Route 113. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch covers New Jersey and parts of the region, including Delaware, through Friday evening.

Voting Rights: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding state-level protections against voter discrimination, suppression, and vote dilution, plus language assistance requirements. Health Care Workforce: Meyer also signed three bills to modernize care and expand the workforce, including broader pharmacy practice, expanded dental hygienist services, and a study of a paid health-care apprenticeship pathway aimed at rural access. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested 23-year-old Emily Pryor Albino, a Laurel dance instructor, charging her with first-degree sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust and sexual solicitation using electronic devices; investigators say there may be more victims and are asking the public for help. Community Health: Sussex County is getting four new school-based health centers through the Rural Health Transformation Program, targeting gaps in primary and behavioral care. Local Business: PM Hotel Group began managing Wilmington’s new Quoin Hotel & Restaurant, a 24-room boutique property in a reimagined 1885 brownstone. Sports: Bucknell’s Katie Connell earned a preseason All-Patriot League women’s soccer nod.

Health Care Access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed new Delaware measures aimed at expanding the health care workforce and improving access to care, including updated pharmacy practice rules and expanded dental hygienist services, plus a study of a healthcare apprenticeship degree program. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Seaford dance instructor, Emily Pryor Albino, on felony sexual abuse and solicitation charges involving teen students, with investigators saying there may be additional victims. Education Governance: First State Educate launched a statewide onboarding initiative for newly elected Delaware school board members, focusing on budgeting, superintendent oversight, and effective governance. Community & Culture: Lewes’ Listening Booth is set to host singer-songwriter Ian Flanigan for a Delaware debut Aug. 9, bringing his “story behind the songs” style to an intimate crowd. Local Events: Currito is opening its first Delaware location in Newark, and Delaware’s Back to School Bash 5K and Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Aug. 8. Sports & School Spirit: Delaware State University continues to earn recognition in HBCU athletics and academics, with more Delaware-area school sports updates rolling in.

Road Rage, Newark: Delaware State Police say 28-year-old William Simpler Jr. is charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly shot and killed motorcyclist Jason Paoletti at a red light near Salem Church Road and Old Baltimore Pike. Police say an argument broke out involving a Hyundai Elantra; Paoletti stepped off his motorcycle and reached into a saddlebag before the front-seat passenger allegedly fired. Public Health: Delaware confirmed 13 measles cases, all in Kent County (nine adults, four children under 10), with contact tracing ongoing and officials urging MMR vaccination. Mosquito-Borne Risk: DNREC detected West Nile virus in a sentinel chicken in eastern Kent County; no human cases reported, but officials say the virus is likely circulating and could trigger more mosquito monitoring. Local Safety & Community: Dover Police hosted National Night Out with public safety agencies, as officials point to recent shooting concerns and say visibility and arrests are part of the response. Cannabis Update: Delaware’s recreational marijuana market topped $53 million in its first year, with 38 active licenses statewide. Business/Community Loss: Pappou’s Pizza Pub in Delco announced it will close after more than 40 years.

Public Health: Delaware confirmed 13 measles cases in Kent County, including four children, after a July outbreak of five cases; officials urge anyone unsure about MMR vaccination to contact a provider. Public Health: DNREC also detected West Nile virus in Delaware for the first time in 2026 after routine testing found a positive sentinel chicken flock in eastern Kent County; no human cases have been reported. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested William Simpler Jr. of Saint Georges for murder after a road rage shooting in Newark left 46-year-old Jason Paoletti dead. Local Government & Food Access: Gov. Matt Meyer launched Delaware’s Farm to Processing program, expanding processing and freezing capacity to boost fresh food access, support farmers, and train incarcerated Delawareans for reentry. Community & Crime Investigation: Dover Police are investigating human remains found near a retention pond; forensic science will determine cause and manner of death. Business & Industry: Aternium selected Dover for its first U.S. heavy water and high purity hydrogen production facility, targeting major investment and jobs. Health & Science: CHOP marked its 500th prenatal repair for severe spina bifida, highlighting decades of fetal surgery progress. Sports: Delaware District 3 opened the Senior League Softball World Series with a 9-5 group-play win.

Delaware Politics & Policy: Delaware State University landed in Forbes’ first-ever top tier ranking of public HBCUs, citing outcomes like graduation rates and alumni earnings, as enrollment climbs and the state’s $100M investment continues to reshape the campus. Local Roads: DelDOT says the Kenton Road widening is in its final phases, but drivers near Lewes still face fresh detours as a separate Central Church Road roundabout project runs concurrently. Public Safety: Wilmington shootings are renewing debate over enforcement and accountability, with multiple incidents across neighborhoods and several victims reported as teenagers or young adults. Health & Food Safety: Cyclosporiasis keeps spreading nationwide, reaching 47 states, with Delaware still listed among the few spared so far. Marijuana Regulation: Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner marked the first anniversary of legal recreational sales, reporting $53.4M in sales and $8M in state revenue. Courts & Data Privacy: Delaware is among states suing to block Trump administration efforts to share sensitive TANF recipient information across agencies. Energy & Industry: Aternium selected Dover for a $226M hydrogen production facility, aiming to start operations in 2028 without relying on guaranteed federal support.

Delaware Politics & Policy: Delaware’s new surgeon general office is drawing scrutiny after a request tied to a nearly $269,000 price tag, with lawmakers saying they weren’t consulted on the role and how it fits with DHSS. Tariffs & Courts: A coalition of 25 states—including Delaware—sued the Trump administration over new double-digit tariffs on 60 trading partners and the EU, arguing the move is unlawful and a “pretext” to recreate duties the Supreme Court struck down. Privacy & Data: Another multistate fight is targeting federal plans to access sensitive personal data from people receiving TANF benefits, with Delaware among the states challenging the scope of the proposed rule. Public Safety & Local Government: Marion City Council advanced a proposed ban on Flock license-plate cameras after a heated committee discussion focused on privacy and data storage. Community & Food Access: Delaware’s Division of Small Business handed out $712,000 through food-access grants, including checks for a Milton Community Food Pantry expansion and school garden upgrades in Dover. Business Growth: Dover’s Division of Small Business opened the EDGE Grant Competition for applications starting Aug. 11, with a Nov. 10 pitch-and-award event for eligible small businesses. Tech & Lawsuits: A Delaware Superior Court case alleges major social media platforms failed to protect minors, with families suing over teen suicides tied to alleged addiction and harmful content.

Tariff Fight Hits Delaware: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging Trump administration “forced-labour” tariffs on the EU and nearly 60 countries, arguing the move exceeds legal authority and is a pretext to recreate duties the Supreme Court struck down. Local Economy & Food Access: Delaware’s Division of Small Business awarded $712,500 in grants to 28 businesses and groups to expand fresh, affordable food through the Delaware Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program. Drug Pricing Ruling: California’s Supreme Court backed Gilead, rejecting a “duty to innovate” claim that would require drugmakers to develop safer alternatives sooner. Health Watch: Delaware is among states dealing with measles concerns after Kent County cases triggered an outbreak declaration, as Pennsylvania reports rising cases. Delaware Innovation Push: 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, and biopharma find resources faster.

TANF Data Lawsuit: Delaware’s AG is part of a multistate push suing the Trump administration over a plan that would let federal agencies share sensitive TANF recipients’ personal data, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and immigration status. Public Health & Safety: Delaware Avenue’s Neighborhood Health Center opened a new location, expanding access to care regardless of insurance. Energy Grid: PJM says 715 new generation projects (over 200 GW) cleared the first study cycle under its reformed interconnection process. Consumer Protection: Delaware is among states pursuing major antitrust action tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing, with a Sandoz settlement in principle totaling about $469 million for state enforcers. Local Tech in Dispatch: Delaware County is close to using AI to handle some non-emergency 911 calls to ease staffing strain. Wilmington Crime: Wilmington police reported three weekend shootings, sending two men and one woman to the hospital. Wildlife Update: An eagle took a young osprey from a nest at Cape Henlopen State Park.

Delaware Social Media Lawsuit: Families of four teens who died by suicide filed in Delaware Superior Court against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, alleging years of escalating harms from addictive platform design. Local Public Safety: Newark’s National Night Out is set for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6–8 p.m. on Academy Street, with police, fire, community groups, kids’ activities and K-9 demos. Bankruptcy in Delaware Courts: Vi‑Jon LLC began a voluntary Chapter 11 case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to implement a global settlement over alleged legacy talc-related liabilities. Delaware Business Spotlight: Delmarva engineering firm Davis, Bowen & Friedel was selected for a featured segment on Bloomberg Television/CNBC’s “The American Dream,” with filming this fall and an expected 2027 airing. Community & Culture: Delaware State Fair recognized America 250 Farms families, including Dukes and Hill Island Farms (New Castle County) and Stayton Farms (Sussex County). Health Watch: Delaware and Maryland measles cases are rising, with officials urging residents to check MMR vaccination status.

Local Crime: Wilmington police are investigating two Saturday shootings about an hour apart that sent a 32-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man to the hospital; both were stable, and detectives are asking the public for tips. Public Safety & Health: Delaware’s measles outbreak continues to draw national attention as vaccination rates fall below the herd-immunity threshold, raising the risk for people who can’t be vaccinated. State Politics: Sussex County has frozen new housing permit applications under SB 23 while it reviews how the law affects local zoning and building rules. Environment & Industry: Chemours and the EPA settlement tied to PFAS discharges is facing heavy criticism, with North Carolina officials saying the deal was negotiated “behind our backs.” Community & Culture: Southern Delaware Tourism is rolling out a three-month push for arts and history this fall, and Delaware Park Casino hosted its third annual Backyard Country BBQ. Sports & Delaware Connections: A Delaware family drove to Illinois for the Women’s Pro Baseball League opener, highlighting the league’s growing national pull. Tech & Courts: Delaware is named in a new lawsuit by families suing major social media platforms over teen suicides.

Social Media Lawsuit: Families of four teens who died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube in Delaware, alleging years of escalating harms tied to addictive design and targeting minors. Public Health Leadership: Delaware’s inaugural Surgeon General, Dr. Neil Hockstein, is set to start next week, with a new office funded in the 2027 budget to deliver public health messaging and emergency guidance. Local Safety & Crime: Police are searching for a gunman after a shooting inside a Walmart in Glenolden, wounding an employee; authorities say there’s no immediate threat. Tech & Accountability: Delaware is also tied to a wave of corporate investigations, including Kahn Swick & Foti probes into Skyworks and Microsoft over alleged disclosure and governance issues. Environment & Infrastructure: A Lewes lighthouse faces a race against time as advocates warn it could fall into the ocean if a shifting underwater foundation can’t be stabilized. Sports & Community: Delaware Little League state tournament action continues, with Milton advancing after an elimination win.

Measles Update: Delaware Public Health reports 8 measles cases, all in Kent County (7 adults, 1 child under 10), with at least one vaccinated adult showing mild “breakthrough” symptoms; officials say people who visited ChristianaCare Union Hospital Emergency Department in Elkton on July 30 (3:00–7:15 a.m.) should watch for symptoms and check vaccination status, especially those unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or too young for MMR. Local Tech & Consumer Safety: Delaware Public Media reports stalled efforts to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks—HB 441 passed the House but didn’t advance—leaving seniors exposed to scams tied to cash-to-crypto machines. Environment & Community: DNREC is set to accept applications for 2027 Community Environmental Project Fund grants starting Aug. 1, supporting local environmental work. Sports & Schools: Delaware’s DIAA approved a developmental-level girls’ golf proposal to boost participation, with schools able to pilot the program before full varsity commitment. Health & Food: Delaware launches a “Food is Medicine” initiative connecting healthcare with healthy food, including a pathway at the Delaware State Fair.

Social Media Lawsuit: Delaware Superior Court is now the latest battleground as families of four teens who died by suicide sue Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, alleging the platforms’ design pushed self-harm and worsened mental health. Health Care Fight: Delaware AG Nick Brown joined a coalition challenging a federal rule that would weaken Affordable Care Act protections and raise costs for millions. Delaware Paid Leave: The state’s paid family and medical leave program has paid out $7.6 million across 1,760 claims in its first six months, even as officials work through processing delays and system fixes. Public Safety: Dover residents are rattled by four shootings reported in three days, with local and state police investigating. State Business Support: Delaware launched the Office of Small Business Access, creating a single contact point to help entrepreneurs navigate licensing, permitting and other hurdles. Local Health Care Leadership: Delaware Hospice named Becca Graner its new chief operating officer. Community & Culture: DNREC unveiled winners of its 2026 statewide nature photo contest at the Delaware State Fair. Sports & Community Pride: Lakeland All-Stars earned a World Series berth after an East Region win, celebrated with a hometown sendoff parade.

Delaware Public Safety & Accountability: Seaford police arrested Youvensley Estimable after a report of a juvenile held captive with machetes, charging him with unlawful imprisonment and related offenses. Local Governance & Housing: Sussex County is scrambling to comply with Delaware Senate Bill 23, which forces affordable housing planning and can delay pending land-use applications for months. Education & Student Testing: Indian River School District is tightening its policy so “opt-out” from state testing won’t be approved without permissible reasons, with a final board vote in August. Community Resources: Delaware launched “Explore Delaware Schools,” a new portal meant to be a single, easy starting point for families to find school info, boundaries, and performance. Courts & National Policy: A bipartisan Senate push cleared a key committee vote to block Education Department interagency transfers tied to special education and other programs. Public Health: Delaware is urging families to check MMR vaccinations as measles cases rise, including a Kent County outbreak update. Business & Delaware Connections: West Marine’s bankruptcy continues to ripple locally, with another round of store closures that now includes a New Castle, Delaware location. Sports & Delaware Pride: Delaware State is ranked No. 6 in the preseason MEAC FCS Coaches Poll.