AGP Executive Report

Delaware Politics & Public Safety: Delaware’s Division of Public Health confirmed a measles outbreak after four cases in unvaccinated men in Kent County, starting contact tracing and urging anyone unsure of vaccination status to check DelVAX and get MMR. Storm Watch: Tornado warnings swept parts of Delaware Valley Tuesday night, including New Castle and Sussex counties; officials stressed no tornado sightings were confirmed and warned about a fake Pike Creek tornado photo. Health & Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak is spreading across multiple states, with Delaware, Maryland and Virginia reporting cases; Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce, and experts say contamination can happen anywhere along the farm-to-fork chain. Local Government Finance: Sussex County earned the GFOA “Triple Crown” for the third straight year for top marks in financial reporting, budget presentation, and transparency. Workforce & Community: Delaware Paid Leave has paid 1,760 approved claims and more than $7.6M in benefits in its first six months. Business/Tech: Spotwise, headquartered in Latvia with a Delaware U.S. entity, launched Spotwise aOS to automate media tasks using an AI assistant.

Education Leadership: Maryland re-elected Dr. Joshua Michael as President of the State Board of Education and named Dr. James Bell Vice President for 2026-27. State Health: Delaware created an Office of the Surgeon General and appointed Dr. Neil Hockstein as the first surgeon general. Public Health Watch: Delaware confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case as cases rise nationally, with local guidance focused on symptoms and food-safety. Environment & Outdoors: DNREC launched Paddle Quest, a statewide kayak/canoe/paddleboat challenge, and added self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park. Local Governance: Sussex County Council will weigh impacts of Senate Bill 23 on land-use approvals and consider a forest preservation/tree-planting ordinance. Community & Learning: UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute opens registration via free open houses in Lewes, Wilmington, Ocean View and Dover. Tourism: Southern Delaware Tourism is rolling out fall promotions spotlighting arts and history across Sussex County. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Delaware and the region.

Traffic Enforcement: Newark’s speed camera on Capitol Trail is racking up major volume, with city officials saying it’s averaging about 1,500 citations a day—roughly one ticket every minute—after the camera moved from Hillside Road. Public Safety & Health: Delaware Forest Service crews are heading to Minnesota to help fight the Bear Trap wildfire, part of a national mutual-aid response. Environment & Wildlife: DNREC reports strong red knot numbers at Mispillion Harbor this spring, with thousands of birds staying in Delaware longer than in some recent years. Education & Taxes: New Castle County school districts are signaling possible property tax increases, with timing tied up in reassessment “quality control” reviews. Community Input: Red Clay is holding superintendent search town halls to shape the process and priorities for its next leader. Local Business/Community: Delaware State Fairgoers shared favorite foods—from fried oddities to classic fair treats—highlighting the event’s local draw. Sports (Delaware ties): Delaware State is ranked No. 6 in the HBCU preseason football media poll.

Public Health Watch: Delaware confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case and health officials say the parasite spreads through contaminated food or water, with symptoms like watery diarrhea and fatigue often starting about a week after exposure; meanwhile, the CDC reports measles cases are at a 35-year high, with Delaware now declaring a Kent County outbreak after four unvaccinated adult men were identified. Legal & Policy: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a coalition suing the EPA over a rule that weakens greenhouse-gas regulations tied to phasing out HFCs, while Delaware’s U.S. Sen. Chris Coons is among lawmakers backing a Social Security bill aimed at preventing a 22% benefit cut. Consumer Safety: The Red Cross declared a national blood crisis, limiting type O supplies to hospitals as donations lag. Local Community & Culture: Wilmington’s Clifford Brown Jazz Festival returns Aug. 2–8, and Delaware’s historic Cyrus Polk House is getting help through the state’s preservation tax credit program. Scam Alert: Police warned of a “sheriff’s warrant” scam that cost a Haverford woman $17,000.

Bankruptcy in Delaware Court: Pleasants Power Station filed for voluntary Chapter 11 in the District of Delaware to restructure and set up a sale process, saying it will keep operating while the court reviews “first day” motions. Delaware Politics & Courts: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Trump election-integrity steps, keeping limits on a federal voter list and mail-ballot rules in 23 states plus D.C. Public Health: Measles remains a major concern nationwide, with the CDC reporting the worst stretch since 2000 and Delaware tied to an outbreak after multiple cases. Local Community: Community Bank Delaware kicked in $1,000 for the Lewes Fire Department Foundation’s Business Bucket Brigade, backing future equipment needs. State Spotlight: Brandywine Zoo opened its new Hidden Falls multi-species exhibit in Wilmington State Park. Service & Community: Trump attended a Dover Air Force Base dignified transfer for four fallen service members, with Sen. Chris Coons among those present. Sports: Newark National punched its ticket to the Senior League Baseball World Series after winning the East Regional.

Delaware Politics & Courts: The First Circuit blocked key parts of President Trump’s election-integrity executive order in 23 states and D.C., keeping limits on federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot rules in place while the fight heads to higher court. Public Health: Delaware confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case, as the broader outbreak continues to spark confusion over testing and food safety messaging. Local Business & Community: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, expanding adult sexual health and STD/HIV care in Delaware; Community Bank Delaware also backed the Lewes Fire Department’s Business Bucket Brigade. Delaware Sports & Events: The Delaware State Fair kicked off July 23 with big crowds and attractions, while Cape Henlopen’s football booster club announced a fundraising golf scramble Aug. 7. National Watch: Foreclosure filings rose nationwide, and the Pentagon lowered its Iran-war death toll after a data update dispute.

Wildfire Response: Delaware Forest Service is sending a second 17-person suppression module to Minnesota for a two-week assignment, with shifts starting Monday and running through Aug. 9, as an earlier Delaware engine crew continues in the same general area. Local Sports: DuBois Junior League All-Stars opened the East Region Tournament in DuBois but fell 6-2 to Rhode Island’s Cranston East; in the Delco League playoffs, Aston Valley edged Chester 4-3 in Game 3 after a near spectacular catch by Ikon Jones. Delaware Community & Health: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, offering adult sexual health care including HIV/STD testing and hepatitis-C treatment; Community Bank Delaware kicked in $1,000 to the Lewes Fire Department Foundation’s Business Bucket Brigade. State Fair & Culture: Delaware State Fair photo highlights include opening-night rides and family attractions. Politics & Courts (national, with Delaware relevance): A First Circuit ruling keeps in place an injunction blocking parts of Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states, including limits tied to mail-ballot rules and federal citizenship lists.

Delaware State Fair: The fair kicked off July 23 with big crowds and plenty of family attractions, including a stunt performer taking on an 80-foot platform. Community Safety & Local Support: Community Bank Delaware donated $1,000 to the Lewes Fire Department Foundation’s Business Bucket Brigade, a business-led effort to build the fire department’s reserve fund. Civic Learning: Milford Public Library will host a free Aug. 8 talk on “Delaware Politics During the Civil War,” using historical newspapers, diaries, and speeches to unpack border-state tensions. Public Health Watch: Delaware is dealing with measles concerns after new cases were reported, while the broader U.S. faces a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to human contamination and still-mysterious food pathways. Business/Industry: Delaware’s Printed Solid has rebranded as Prusa USA after acquisition, with operations largely unchanged at its Wilmington-area production. Sports (Delaware ties): Wilmington’s GG Banks shined at the WNBA All-Star Shooting Stars event, and the Sixers’ LeBron signing continues to reshape Philly’s offseason.

WNBA Spotlight: Azzi Fudd made history by becoming the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest, firing 30 points in the final and then calling for a Steph Curry “rematch.” Next-Gen Delaware Talent: Jezelle “GG” Banks, a Wilmington standout, starred in the Shooting Stars event, with Elena Delle Donne and Shakira Austin praising her confidence and clutch shooting. Delaware Sports: Newark National is one win from the Senior League Baseball World Series after a 6-2 regional win; the next game is Sunday’s regional championship. Public Safety & Courts: Delaware State Police charged a 14-year-old Newark boy with armed robbery after a gunpoint incident; police say he was found with a loaded handgun. Health Watch: Measles remains a major concern as national cases hit a 35-year high, with Delaware reporting confirmed cases in Kent County. Local Policy: SEPTA wants to extend its free SEPTA Key Advantage transit benefit to apartment residents via a two-year pilot funded by a DVRPC grant. Environment: Delaware’s Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act was signed into law, aiming to close permitting gaps and give landowners more certainty. Politics & Federal Funding: Oregon and 25 other states sued over FEMA/DHS disaster grant conditions tied to election and immigration requirements.

Delaware Immigration & Courts: Delaware’s Haitian community is bracing for mass deportation risk after a recent SCOTUS decision ending TPS for about 350,000 Haitians nationwide, with the state home to nearly 5,000 Haitians and TPS tied to millions in local economic activity. Public Health: Delaware confirmed measles cases after more than a decade, as the U.S. hits a 35-year high with 2,318 cases—mostly among unvaccinated people—raising concerns that new cases could spread before doctors recognize symptoms. State vs. Federal Funding: A coalition of states, including Delaware-linked coverage, is suing the Trump administration over FEMA/DHS grant conditions that would tie disaster and homeland security money to immigration enforcement and election-related compliance. Local Safety & Crime: Delaware State Police arrested a 14-year-old in connection with an armed robbery at Prices Corner Shopping Center, with charges including robbery and firearm offenses. Community & Education: Delaware County Intermediate Unit graduated 37 students from its Practical Nursing Program, citing strong pass rates since 2023. Sports & Entertainment: LeBron James chose the Sixers on a veteran deal, while Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth is running a busy summer lineup including “Mean Girls” and “Pretty Woman.”

Health Costs Snapshot: New BEA data shows big state-to-state swings in per-capita health care spending, with Delaware at $11,987 per resident in 2024. Local Planning: Sussex County’s comprehensive plan update is back in the spotlight as growth and traffic strain infrastructure and Delaware law puts more weight on long-range planning. Community Philanthropy: The Delaware Community Foundation marks 40 years since its 1986 launch, now managing $430M+ in assets and funding programs from scholarships to health equity. Public Health: Delaware declared a measles outbreak after five cases in Kent County, including unvaccinated adult men; officials say vaccinated people should feel protected as contact tracing continues. State Fair Watch: The Delaware State Fair opened amid the outbreak, with organizers and health officials stressing no elevated risk for vaccinated attendees. Safety & Courts: A 13-year-old in Wilmington faces attempted murder charges after a fireworks assault left two victims hurt, including one in critical condition. Politics & Funding: Delaware and other states joined a lawsuit challenging Trump administration efforts to tie disaster aid to voter data sharing and immigration cooperation. Business/Health Tech: Sarcomatrix Therapeutics (Delaware corp) opened an accredited investor round for a once-daily Duchenne pill aimed at patients regardless of genetic mutation.

Delaware Public Health: Delaware confirmed an outbreak of measles after four cases in Kent County, all tied to unvaccinated men, prompting officials to urge residents to check MMR records and contact providers before visiting care if symptoms appear. Delaware Health Watch: The state also confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case as a multistate outbreak grows, with infectious-disease guidance focused on symptoms and food/water safety while investigators work to identify the source. Coastal Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says repairs to the Indian River Inlet north jetty are coming in spring 2027 to stabilize the navigation channel, including oceanward reinforcement and underwater work to reduce sand seepage. Local Governance: Selbyville plans a meeting with the Schooner Landing HOA, builder, inspectors, and town council to review a punch list of residents’ concerns line by line. Public Safety: A Bethany Beach-area house fire with hoarding conditions left four residents injured, including one in critical condition, as the State Fire Marshal investigates the cause. Business & Community: The Delaware State Fair opens July 23 with accessibility, sensory services, and parking/shuttle details for attendees.

Public Health Alert: Delaware confirmed a measles outbreak after two more positive cases brought the total to four—unvaccinated adult men in Kent County—prompting contact tracing and urging anyone unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or recently exposed to call their doctor or the state infectious-disease line. Housing & Local Impact: U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and Rep. Sarah McBride announced nearly $1 million in USDA funding to expand affordable, energy-efficient homes in Kent and Sussex counties through Milford Housing Development Corporation’s self-help program. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: ChristianaCare is pushing ahead with its Epic electronic health record rollout, with go-live set for Oct. 3, 2026, and added training and readiness checks. National Security & Energy Risk: The Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the U.S. carried out a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran, raising fears of another shipping chokepoint and fresh pressure on oil prices. Commemoration at Dover: President Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four service members killed in the Middle East, saluting their coffins as families watched.

U.S.-Iran Tensions: President Trump used his Dover Air Force Base visit to honor four fallen service members while also threatening to bomb Iranian bridges or power plants each time Iran attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating a war with no clear off-ramp and pushing oil prices higher. Local Military Spotlight (Delaware): The dignified transfer brought home troops from Hawaii, Texas, New York, and North Carolina, with Trump saluting and meeting families at Dover, underscoring the base’s central role in returning remains. UD Leadership: Rebecca Klaper was named dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, starting Sept. 1, bringing freshwater-science leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Delaware Firefighting Mutual Aid: Delaware Forest Service crews deployed to help fight Minnesota’s Bear Trap Fire. Health & Research: A UD-led team won a Phase I DOE Genesis Mission award to use AI for advanced composite manufacturing. Community Notes: Lewes Farmers Market returns July 25; the General Store near Love Creek is closing after 50 years.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Three Russian nationals were indicted in Ohio for international cybercrimes tied to losses of more than $62 million across victims in 21 states, with U.S. sanctions and a Rewards for Justice offer of up to $10 million. Delaware Health Alert: Delaware confirmed a second measles case in Kent County—both unvaccinated adult men—prompting contact tracing and a push for MMR checkups after the state’s first case in over a decade. Severe Weather: Flash flooding and downed trees hit Delaware during storms, with power outages reported around Newark as a tornado watch threatened parts of the region. Delaware Environment: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Senate Bill 9, creating Delaware’s first comprehensive freshwater wetlands protection program and a clearer permitting path after federal protections were narrowed. Business & Health: N-Zyme Biomedical closed a $4.6 million Series A to advance clinical work on reflux treatments. Local Life: Dover’s splash pad still isn’t open nearly three years after construction began, with delays tied to utilities, design changes, and approvals.

Public Health: Delaware confirmed its first measles case in more than a decade: an unvaccinated adult man in Kent County, with contact tracing underway and residents urged to check vaccination status. Emergency Communications: Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 468 to fund Delaware’s transition to statewide Next Generation 911, raising the monthly 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents starting Oct. 1. Health Access: Beebe Health Suite at CAMP Rehoboth opens for scheduling July 27, with first appointments July 29, offering HIV/STI services, PrEP, vaccinations, and care navigation. Courts & Accountability: A Delaware judge dismissed UnitedHealth Group’s defamation suit against the Guardian, ruling key claims were substantially true. State Environment: Meyer also signed the Freshwater Wetlands Stewardship Act, creating a comprehensive state program and a clearer permitting process. Politics: Patty Rickman filed for Delaware attorney general as a Democratic candidate ahead of the Sept. 15 primary. Business & Tech: The University of Tennessee Research Foundation sued Anthropic in federal court in Delaware over alleged AI patent infringement. Weather Alert: A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Delaware and nearby states, including New Castle County.