AGP Executive Report

Schools and Immigration: An ICE agent entered Stanton Middle School but left after school security intervened; an arrest followed off campus. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, and Sen. Chris Coons and challenger Mike Katz debated affordability and Israel aid as Delaware voters prepare for Nov. 3. Child Welfare: A state audit found foster youth are frequently sleeping in government offices because placements are scarce. Energy Costs: Delmarva Power is seeking a $75.8 million rate increase for grid upgrades, drawing criticism from Wilmington residents as families face higher electric bills. Gun Lawsuit: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings sued Glock, alleging its handguns can be converted into machine guns. Wilmington Economy: The area’s office vacancy rate fell to 15.9% in the third quarter, its lowest level in two decades, as businesses took up more space.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across Delaware ahead of Nov. 3. At a Wilmington forum, Sen. Chris Coons and challenger Mike Katz offered contrasting views on health care, foreign policy and presidential powers. Public Safety: Two people were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting near Delaware State University during homecoming weekend. Gun Lawsuit: Delaware sued Glock, alleging its handguns can be converted into machine guns. Child Welfare: A state audit found foster children are frequently sleeping in government offices because of shortages in placements. Utility Costs: Delmarva Power is seeking a $75.8 million rate increase for grid upgrades as Gov. Matt Meyer backs a review of the utility’s profits. Public Records: A new state law limits what police can disclose about adults charged with crimes, raising concerns about transparency. Coastal Communities: The Woodland Ferry’s future remains uncertain as Delaware weighs changes to its operations, including possible fares.

Voting: Early voting is underway across Delaware ahead of the Nov. 3 election. A suspicious-mail investigation at the state elections office ended with tests finding no hazardous material, and normal operations have resumed. Public Safety: Delaware’s attorney general sued Glock, alleging its handguns can be easily converted into illegal machine guns and seeking limits on civilian sales. Two people were arrested in the fatal off-campus shooting during Delaware State University’s homecoming weekend. Utility Bills: Delmarva Power is seeking $67.8 million in additional annual revenue, including a proposed 21.7% increase in distribution base rates; the request follows a separate rise in electricity supply costs. Child Welfare: An audit found Delaware foster children are frequently sleeping in state offices because of a shortage of placements. At the Ballot Box: Sussex County is preparing for Return Day on Nov. 4 and 5, a tradition featuring a parade, ox roast and bipartisan gathering after Election Day.

Utility Costs: Wilmington residents overwhelmingly opposed Delmarva Power’s proposed $75.8 million rate increase at a public hearing, with many describing soaring bills and difficult trade-offs. Gov. Matt Meyer is backing a regulatory review of utility profits; Delmarva Power disputes his account of its return on equity. Homecoming Shooting: Two suspects, ages 22 and 17, were arrested in the fatal Oct. 10 shooting near Delaware State University’s homecoming. Both face murder and weapons charges in the death of Nasir Cox and the wounding of another man. Election Security: Final tests found no hazardous material in suspicious mail sent to Delaware’s elections office, which has resumed normal operations. Early voting begins today, Oct. 22, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Public Transparency: A new Delaware law limits what police can share about arrests, raising concerns about public access to information.

Utility Bills: Gov. Matt Meyer is backing a petition asking Delaware regulators to review how much profit utilities can earn and consider a new way to set returns. The authorized return accounts for more than 10% of a typical electric bill. Election 2026: Early voting starts Thursday, Oct. 22, ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Sen. Chris Coons is seeking reelection, and Delaware voters can check state election resources for voting locations and deadlines. Coastal Weather: An offshore nor’easter is bringing gusty winds and a risk of tidal flooding to Delaware beaches and waterways through Wednesday night. Blue Hens: Delaware snapped a three-game losing streak with a 61-38 win over Missouri State. Quarterback Minicucci threw five touchdown passes and ran for another. Health: Delaware flu cases have more than doubled compared with the same point last year, and state hospitals are urging residents to get vaccinated.

Election 2026: Delaware early voting starts Thursday, Oct. 22, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. In New Castle County, voters can use any of six locations; hours vary by date. Wilmington Fire: A couple died and two firefighters were injured in a house fire. School Taxes: Christina and Appoquinimink school boards approved tuition-tax increases without referendums, citing rising special-education costs. Road Safety: DelDOT plans an all-way stop at a Laurel intersection where two people died in crashes this year. Public Health: Delaware flu cases have more than doubled compared with this point last season, prompting hospitals to urge vaccination. Housing: State officials are warning manufactured-home community owners about rent increases. Blue Hens: Quarterback Nick Minicucci returned from injury with five touchdown passes and a rushing score as Delaware beat Missouri State, 61-38, ending a three-game skid.

Wilmington Fire: Two adults died in an overnight rowhouse fire in the city’s Browntown neighborhood. Two firefighters were treated and released; the cause is under investigation. Election Watch: Delaware’s general election early voting begins Oct. 22. The state elections office has resumed normal operations after suspicious mail was investigated and no hazardous substances were found. Consumer Protection: The state Department of Justice warns manufactured-home community owners not to use multiple methods for a lot-rent increase within 12 months, after residents reported potential double-dipping. Public Safety and Privacy: A new law taking effect Oct. 21 limits releasing suspects’ names and mugshots unless disclosure serves a public-safety purpose. Business Costs: Workers’ compensation rates are set to fall for the 10th consecutive year, with average loss costs down 3.99% in the voluntary market starting Dec. 1. Coastal Weather: A nor’easter offshore could bring coastal flooding to Sussex County. State Parks: Delaware marked its 75,000th tree planted in state parks, part of a broader effort to plant one million trees statewide by 2030.

Coastal Weather: A nor’easter offshore is bringing strong winds, rough surf and a risk of tidal flooding and beach erosion to Sussex County. Flooding may affect low-lying roads and back-bay communities through Wednesday. Election 2026: Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 22, at sites across Delaware. After suspicious mail prompted a temporary move for the state election office, officials say it has reopened; the FBI investigation continues, and initial tests found no hazardous substances. State Budget: Delaware’s latest forecast adds $188 million to projected fiscal 2027 revenue and $363 million for 2028, though officials warn the outlook remains uncertain. Separately, proposals to address a budget gap include a minimum property tax and higher water bills. Public Oversight: The new Inspector General’s office is hiring to fill its 10 authorized positions. A state audit also highlighted foster children sleeping in government offices as placement capacity lags. Consumer Protection: The DOJ warns manufactured-home community owners they may violate state law by combining inflation-based and market-rate lot-rent increases in the same year, following resident complaints.

Coastal Weather: A nor’easter is bringing gusty winds, dangerous surf and coastal-flood concerns to Delaware’s shore, with large waves expected along the Delmarva Peninsula through midweek. Child Welfare: A state audit found foster children sleeping in government offices as placement shortages persist, while out-of-state care costs rise. Elections: Early voting starts Thursday, Oct. 22, in Delaware and Maryland; the state election office recently resumed normal operations after suspicious mail prompted an investigation. State Funding: Delaware awarded $523,179 for 12 community environmental projects, including air-quality monitoring in Sussex County and improvements to Milford’s Mispillion Riverwalk. The state is also investing more than $1.3 million to build the health care workforce in Kent and Sussex counties. Public Safety: Wilmington police are investigating a double shooting that injured two men, while state police seek tips in a robbery in which two employees were assaulted and robbed.

Weather & Coast: A nor’easter is bringing stronger winds and rough seas to Delmarva, with coastal flooding and beach erosion concerns building through Wednesday, especially along Sussex County’s beaches. A Texas sailor was rescued after his sailboat ran aground near Herring Point; he was unharmed. Elections: Early voting starts Oct. 22 in Delaware. Officials say tests found no hazardous material in suspicious powder mailed to the state elections office, which has resumed normal operations. Sports: Delaware hosts Missouri State tonight at 6 p.m. in the Blue Hens’ first FBS football matchup with the Bears. Public Safety: Dover police are seeking whoever fired at homes on Mitscher Road Friday, while state police are looking for two people accused of a strong-arm robbery in Bear. Community: Dewey Beach is moving to keep its 1 a.m. bar cutoff as officials weigh local concerns.

Public Safety: Dover police are seeking whoever fired shots at two Mitscher Road homes Friday evening; two adults were inside one home, and both were damaged. Delaware State Police are also looking for a man and woman accused of robbing someone outside a Bear 7-Eleven. Food Safety: Lidl recalled one lot of Gelatelli coffee-and-vanilla gelato after a test detected Listeria. No illnesses have been reported; check for lot code 085261 and discard or return it. Election Security: Delaware’s elections office temporarily relocated after receiving suspicious mail. Tests found no hazardous substances, and early voting is set to begin Oct. 22. State Finances: Delaware is weighing a minimum property tax and higher water bills to address a budget gap, while a task force examines transportation funding.

Election Security: Delaware’s election commissioner’s office has temporarily relocated after receiving suspicious mail; testing found no hazardous substances. Early voting begins Oct. 22. A separate Newark rally urged voters to turn out in November. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a strong-arm robbery outside a Bear 7-Eleven. The victim suffered minor injuries, and two suspects fled in a white sedan. Health Care: Bayhealth outlined seven expansion projects totaling at least $373.7 million, including work at its Dover campus, with projects expected to be completed by 2029. The state also set aside rural-health funds to recruit and retain doctors in Kent and Sussex counties. Consumer Alert: Lidl recalled a lot of its Gelatelli coffee and vanilla gelato after testing detected possible listeria contamination. The product was sold in Delaware; customers should discard it or return it for a refund. Local Support: The Shaffer Foundation donated $14,000 to Millsboro Fire Company to help buy protective gear for 10 firefighters.

Road Repairs: DelDOT will close Rifle Range Road between Tatman Farm and Oak roads from Oct. 26 through the end of November for bridge work, with detours via Route 404. Health Care: Bayhealth outlined seven expansion projects costing at least $373.7 million, including a hybrid emergency room and more work at its Dover campus; projects are expected to be operating by the end of 2029. State Budget: Delaware is considering a minimum property tax and higher water bills to help close a budget gap. Election Security: Initial tests found no hazardous substances in mail sent to the state election office, which is temporarily operating from its Kent County office while confirmatory testing continues. Early voting begins Oct. 22. Public Safety: State police are investigating gunfire that struck an occupied home and a vehicle in Lincoln; no one was hurt. Lewes: The public library will close temporarily from Oct. 19 as it moves into the next phase of its downtown renovation, with reopening expected in early November.

Election Security: Delaware’s State Election Commissioner’s Dover office has temporarily relocated to Kent County after receiving a suspicious letter containing white powder. Initial tests found no hazardous substances; confirmatory testing and an FBI investigation continue, while election preparations proceed. Early voting begins Oct. 22. Public Safety: State police are investigating shots fired at an occupied home and an empty car in Lincoln on Wednesday; no injuries were reported. Judicial Oversight: Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester have asked the Third Circuit to investigate Judge Jennifer Lee Mascott, alleging she remained involved in a public-relations firm after taking the bench. Weather: A sharp cold snap is bringing highs near 50, strong winds and a risk of frost overnight. High School Sports: Caesar Rodney beat St. Georges 17-10, improving to 5-1 for the first time in six seasons.

Election Security: The FBI is investigating a suspicious white-powder letter opened at Delaware’s election office in Dover. Offices have resumed normal operations, but the commissioner’s office is temporarily relocated; Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s office also received a suspicious letter. Severe Weather: A Friday storm watch covers parts of the region, with damaging winds and an isolated tornado possible before colder air arrives. Data Centers: Dover has imposed an 18-month moratorium on data-center applications as New Castle County advances new rules amid public concern. State Spending: Mapped FY 2026 capital spending amounted to $470 per person in New Castle County, compared with $186 in Kent and $146 in Sussex. A state task force is also reviewing transportation funding. Public Safety: State police are investigating a Magnolia shooting that wounded two 19-year-olds during a suspected drug sale. 2026 Elections: U.S. Senate candidates Chris Coons and Mike Katz are set to meet at a Wilmington forum Oct. 22, the day early voting begins.

Election Security: Delaware’s Department of Elections evacuated its Dover office after an employee opened a letter containing white powder. Similar suspicious letters were sent to Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester; testing and a federal investigation are underway. Transportation: Delaware is reviewing how to fund its transportation system through a new task force, as construction continues on the West Camden Bypass, including a planned King Boulevard closure starting Oct. 19. Health Care: The state is allocating $1.38 million to recruit and retain physicians in rural communities. Local Investment: New Castle County nominated 13 census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone status, aiming to attract private investment to communities including parts of Wilmington, Newark and the Route 9 corridor. Coastal Safety: A University of Delaware survey found pedestrian safety was Dewey Beach residents’ and visitors’ top concern, with more than half naming it the town’s biggest area for improvement. Food Insecurity: The Food Bank of Delaware says 157,000 residents face food insecurity as it launches its Thanksgiving drive.