AGP Executive Report

Labor Day at the Delaware shore: Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach drew crowds for sun, surf, and boardwalk traditions as the holiday weekend wrapped up. Gas prices: AAA reports record-high Labor Day fuel costs, with Delaware drivers paying about $4.15 a gallon. Trade fight with local ties: President Donald Trump threatened to block Bombardier sales in the U.S. unless the company builds jets here; Bombardier pushed back, pointing to its U.S. workforce that includes Delaware. Healthcare policy in Delaware: Bayhealth, TidalHealth, and Beebe are teaming up to oppose ChristianaCare’s proposed downstate campuses in Georgetown and Camden. Voting rights: Delaware’s Court of Chancery upheld the state’s permanent absentee voting law, rejecting a constitutional challenge. Public safety: Delaware State Police charged a Wilmington man with threatening four people with a handgun at a shopping center. Community events: Walk 4 Prostate Cancer returns Sept. 12 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested Wilmington man Bruce Thorngate IV after he allegedly threatened four people with a handgun at Chestnut Run Shopping Center; troopers found a loaded firearm and say he’s a prior felon prohibited from carrying. Local Crime: Dover Police arrested Jose Gerardo Dominguez-Morales in connection with multiple burglaries, including a Dunkin’ break-in where doors were shattered and a safe opened. Transportation: The Delaware Memorial Bridge northbound lanes will be narrowed starting Monday as crews replace 46 bridge joints, with closures expected through Nov. 24. Community & Planning: Delaware County Council approved a $1.4 million drone detection system, despite concerns about data collection and enforcement. Education Data: New Castle County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for students of two or more races was 77.9% by 2024, according to NCES figures. Health Policy Watch: A new California hospital spending penalty plan would fine providers above a growth cap, but a recent study found similar efforts in other states didn’t measurably change prices or premiums. Sports: Delaware Football Club cut the ribbon on new Hudson Fields pitches, including Bermuda grass and a turf field planned for winter use.

Local Arts: The Milton Theatre says Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” opens Sept. 24 and runs through Oct. 11, starring Delaware native James Verderamo as Sweeney Todd. Education & Equity: Delaware Open Data reports 512 Black students enrolled at Early College High School at Del State in 2024-25, making up 78.8% of the school’s 650 students. Public Safety: New Castle County Police identified remains found in Sellers Park as Hannah Graham Kleitz, who died in 1907, after a cold-case DNA and facial reconstruction effort. Elections: Attorney General Aaron Ford secured a court order blocking USPS mail-voting rule requirements while the case proceeds. Transportation: SEPTA will close the trolley tunnel on remaining September weekends for electrical repairs, shifting riders to buses. Community & Business: Delaware’s Superstars in Business awards will honor Food Bank of Delaware and others at an Oct. 29 ceremony in Wilmington.

Wilmington Violence: Police say three people were hospitalized after a Saturday night shooting in Wilmington, with victims found near D and Townsend Streets; investigators are asking for tips. Dover Homicide: Dover police are seeking the shooter after an 18-year-old was killed outside a CAVA on North DuPont Highway Friday night. Crash Update: Four people were hospitalized after a multi-vehicle crash on Route 40 Saturday afternoon, with entrapment reported. Cold Case Breakthrough: Remains found in a Wilmington park in 2011 have been identified as a woman who died in 1907, after DNA comparison and investigative genealogy tied the case to a desecrated grave. Education Data: New numbers show 670 Black students in Laurel School District in 2024-25 and 66 Asian students in New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. Higher Ed Outcomes: University of Delaware’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students entering in 2018 was 78.9% by 2024. Community Calendar: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park are seeking volunteers for the Sept. 19 Coastal Cleanup.

Fatal Shooting in Dover: Dover police say an 18-year-old, Foster Trader, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a CAVA on North Dupont Highway Friday night. Officers found him on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds; shell casings were recovered and investigators are still looking for a suspect and motive. Wilmington Shooting Injuries: Wilmington police report three people were hurt in a Saturday night shooting near D and Townsend streets; a 31-year-old man, a 19-year-old man, and a 21-year-old woman were taken to a hospital in stable condition. Body Found Near Delaware River: Easton police are investigating after a man was found dead near the Delaware River Saturday morning; authorities reopened the area after clearing the scene. MS Fundraiser: Registration is open for Bike to the Bay: DE 2026, a one-day Oct. 3 ride from Delaware Technical Community College Dover to Cape Henlopen State Park to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Sports (Delaware): UD volleyball beat New Haven in straight sets to win the Blue Hen Invitational. College Football (Delaware State): William & Mary forced six turnovers and beat Delaware State 22-15.

School Safety: Christina School District will phase out school resource officers at middle schools and replace them with district-employed constables after a split board vote, while SROs stay at the district’s three high schools for the full year. Delaware Education Data: New Castle County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Asian students (2018 cohort) at the University of Delaware was 82.2% by 2024, slightly above the statewide 81.2%. Higher Ed Snapshot: Kent County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students was 38.2% by 2024, well below the statewide 83.5%. Consumer Watch: Delmarva Power customers pushed back during a PSC hearing on a proposed electricity rate increase, with the utility citing rising supply costs from PJM auctions. Community: Coastal Kiwanis collected school supplies, toddler clothing and diapers for Cape Henlopen students and families via the Community Resource Center. Local Business/Legal: A Delaware federal judge partially sided with Elon Musk’s X Corp. in its trademark fight over “Twitter,” blocking a startup from using the name while allowing others to use “tweet” and the bird logo.

High School Football: Smyrna rolled past defending Class 2A champion Red Lion 38-0, with Mikiah Jackson hauling in three touchdown catches as the Eagles pulled away after a fast start. Road Work: DelDOT announced intermittent lane closures on Buttonwood Avenue at the railroad crossing (between SR 9 and Lukens Drive) starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 14 for Norfolk Southern resurfacing and maintenance. Public Health: Delaware measles cases remain at 23 after a one-case bump last week, with all cases still in Kent County; officials say two-dose MMR is 97% effective and urge anyone with one dose or unsure to get a second. Elections & Voting Access: Delaware Attorney General Nick Brown and a coalition of 25 states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from imposing new mail-ballot design and tracking requirements that could disrupt vote-by-mail ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Business Law: Delaware’s 2026 amendments to the DGCL, LLC Act, and LP Act take effect Aug. 1, clarifying stockholder voting, dissolution steps, and governance rules for alternative entities. Community & Culture: The Southern Delaware Orchestra kicks off its 2026-27 season with “Ritmos Latinos” performances Oct. 3 in Georgetown and Oct. 4 in Lewes.

Delaware Privacy Overhaul: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a new law tightening rules on “sensitive data,” limiting sales to what’s strictly necessary, requiring clear purpose disclosures, and banning processing unless it’s reasonably necessary and proportionate to a disclosed, consented goal. Local Health Care Progress: ChristianaCare marked a construction milestone with a beam-signing for its Springfield neighborhood hospital, a 24/7 facility slated to open in fall 2027 with an emergency department and inpatient and outpatient services. Education & Discipline Protections: As Delaware teachers return, state law provides civil-liability protection when educators discipline students under their lawful authority—unless conduct “shocks the conscience.” Higher Ed Numbers: New federal figures show Delaware’s public four-year institutions list $12,074 in enrollment-weighted in-state tuition and required fees for 2024-25, while county-level bachelor’s completion rates for Black students vary, including 71.9% at UD in New Castle County and 40.4% at DSU in Kent County. Consumer Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data puts Magnolia at 13th among Delaware cities for July scam reports, with Wilmington leading statewide. Travel Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track for record highs, with the national average at $4.14.

Federal Justice: A Dover airman, Dylan Williams, 27, made an initial appearance in federal court Sept. 3 facing charges including coercion and enticement and transporting a 15-year-old for illicit sex; prosecutors say he exchanged sexually charged texts after learning her age and drove her from Pennsylvania back to Dover, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years if convicted. Local Sports: Delaware opened its season with a 42-7 home win over Merrimack as Nick Minicucci threw for 330 yards and two TDs and added a rushing score; the Blue Hens next travel to Vanderbilt. Gun Safety in Delaware: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package of gun laws expanding dealer licensing and oversight, requiring serialization for “ghost guns” within six months, and keeping a gun-violence prevention office in place. Immigration Protections: Meyer also signed three bills aimed at limiting state involvement in civil immigration enforcement and restricting certain civil arrests at state facilities. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for Delaware and Licking counties until 10 p.m. Sept. 3. Business/Tech: Linked Helper announced a major LinkedIn automation update with an AI suite, a smarter campaign inbox, and a redesigned dashboard.

Delaware Primary Watch: With the Sept. 15 vote nearing, one Delaware editor says the real focus for many residents age 50+ is retirement security and everyday costs, noting voters 50 and older made up 61.3% of the state’s 2024 electorate. Coastal Safety & Access: DNREC says the Indian River Inlet Sand Bypass at Delaware Seashore State Park will restart in mid-September, with south-side beach restrictions expected through mid-May 2027. Crash Update (Lewes): Delaware State Police identified 48-year-old Paul Lawson of Harbeson as the motorcyclist killed Sept. 1 on Coastal Highway; investigators are asking witnesses to call. Public Safety (Dover): The Delaware State Fire Marshal reports two lightning-caused home fires—one with minor basement damage and another with about $750,000 in attic damage—both with no injuries. Local Business & Growth: Office Evolution will hold a Sept. 10 grand opening for a new Newtown Square flexible workspace, with a ribbon-cutting and community event. Community Giving: Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding raised over $45,000 at its “Riding for Freedom” event in Milton to expand equine-assisted services.

State Government & Privacy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed two data privacy bills that lower the coverage threshold to companies handling data for 10,000 consumers, expand opt-outs for automated decisions, and add protections for national origin, citizenship, immigration status, and gender identity—taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Public Schools: Meyer also signed legislation from the Public Education Funding Commission to move Delaware toward a needs-based, student-centered funding formula and make the commission permanent, with $100 million earmarked for public schools. Energy Costs: Delmarva Power updated its rate increase request to $75.8 million (up from $68.6 million), which the Public Advocate says could mean a 4.93% residential bill hike. Courts & Business: A Native American development group sued Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and 4 13 Solutions in Delaware Chancery, alleging misuse of a $2.5 million loan tied to a Texas solar project. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Rehoboth Beach WSFS Bank robbery; the suspect allegedly wore women’s clothing and a wig. Community & Local: Sussex County approved a forest preservation ordinance, and Wilmington Friends and Sussex Central opened preseason boys soccer with a scrimmage. Health: Cyclosporiasis season is “over,” but cases are still being reported nationwide.

Traffic & Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly Sept. 1 crash in Lewes on Route 1 near Bay Crossing Boulevard, where a Kia Sorento made a U-turn into a Harley-Davidson’s path; the 48-year-old Harbeson rider was ejected and died, while the Kia driver and passengers were not hurt. Weather Watch: Severe storms have knocked out power across parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, with threats of damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes, plus flash-flood risk. Permitting Reform: Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 456 to speed up DNREC decisions for docks, utility lines and other projects in Delaware’s submerged lands and tidal waters, including automatic approval for small residential docks if DNREC misses deadlines. Courts & Governance: Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed a take-private challenge tied to Vista’s acquisition of KnowBe4, reinforcing a high bar for pleading a “control group” and noting that a fully informed, uncoerced stockholder vote can cleanse conflicted deals. Local Planning: Delaware DOT, the Dover Kent MPO and Milford are seeking public input for a US 113 corridor needs study between Hudson Pond Road and the Milford Bypass, with comments due Oct. 15. Sports: Delaware State and other local college rosters continue to feature former area athletes, including Delaware State volleyball player Lelaini Diggs.

Local Government: Delaware City Council voted 5-2 not to renew City Manager Paul Brake’s contract, ending his tenure that began in August 2024. Severe Weather: Powerful thunderstorms knocked out power across Delaware, with thousands of customers in the dark and trees down; the storm also disrupted events, including a Bruno Mars concert in Philadelphia. Public Safety & Health: Bayhealth kicked off its 21st annual Go Pink! breast cancer awareness campaign, with proceeds supporting free screenings and education through the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Sussex County Services: Sussex County approved a forest preservation ordinance (5-0) requiring developers to retain more existing woodland, plus new plans to centralize ambulance billing and fund countywide ambulance purchases. Community & Schools: Indian River School District is seeking candidates for a vacant District 1 seat, and the Southern Delaware Chorale announced its 2026 high school scholarship recipients. Sports: The Philadelphia 76ers signed Tacko Fall, Jameer Nelson Jr. and Saint Thomas to Exhibit 10 deals for training camp in Camden.

Maternal Health Law: Delaware lawmakers signed SB 301, requiring hospitals to create discharge plans for pregnant patients who come in with labor symptoms—aimed at clearer next steps, transport info, and emergency delivery options, with sponsors citing gaps that hit Black patients hardest. Local Health Access: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth opened a new health suite in downtown Rehoboth Beach offering HIV/STI screening, PrEP services, vaccinations, and care coordination. Paid Leave Push: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced employer registration is live for its paid family and medical leave program, setting up up to 12 weeks of job-protected paid time off. Foreclosure Watch: ATTOM data shows foreclosure filings rising in July, with Delaware ranking fourth nationally for foreclosure filings per housing unit. Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Rehoboth and Lewes turned teal for the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s Turn the Town Teal campaign, encouraging residents to recognize symptoms and get checked. Business & Tech: GoPro agreed to be acquired for $285 million, and Delaware-based Shipo published a transparent 2026 fulfillment pricing breakdown. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a crash in Glasgow where a small SUV smashed into a Wing Stop; no injuries were reported inside.

Delaware Courts & Workers’ Rights: The Delaware Superior Court upheld denial of workers’ compensation for a teacher’s spinal stroke, ruling that work stress alone wasn’t enough under the state’s “substantial cause” standard. Local Politics: Rep. Alonna Berry faced questions at a Milton Public Library town hall over whether the event broke library rules on candidate-specific campaign activity; Berry said it was a policy-focused meet-and-greet. Education & Student Life: An education nonprofit gave Delaware a “D” on phone-free school rules, saying the law leaves too much discretion to districts; separately, data showed Providence Creek Academy Charter School enrolled 295 Black students in 2024-25. Business & Delaware Law: A Chancery decision highlighted how Delaware LLC and corporate inspection rights can diverge, with contract waivers playing a major role. Public Health & State Action: Gov. Matt Meyer ordered Delaware flags at half-staff for Overdose Awareness Month and International Overdose Awareness Day. Consumer Watch: Walmart agreed to pay $50 million to settle DOJ/DEA allegations tied to unlawful opioid prescriptions.

Delaware State Police Fatal Crash Update (Delmar): A motorcycle crash Saturday near Delmar killed 36-year-old Hilary Brooks and 11-year-old Mia Brooks. Troopers say the Kawasaki passed a Ford rollback in a no-passing zone and hit the rollback as it turned left into a private driveway; both riders were ejected. The rollback driver, 19, was not hurt. The road was closed about four hours while police investigated. Delaware State Police Fatal Crash (Laurel): Police also identified 54-year-old Norma Eckard of Delmar as the woman who died in a Thursday two-vehicle crash near Laurel; the investigation is ongoing. Opioid Prescription Settlement (Walmart): Walmart agreed to pay $50 million to resolve federal allegations it illegally filled thousands of opioid prescriptions; the case was filed in federal court in Delaware. Local Safety/Traffic: DelDOT extended a Route 273 off-ramp closure at Route 4 for intersection improvements, and Route 21/Route 212 are set to become all-way stops. Community & Culture: Delaware State Fair in Harrington drew a record number of fairgoers, and early voting for Delaware’s 2026 primary starts Wednesday.