AGP Executive Report

Bridge & Community Remembrance: The Northampton Street Bridge in Easton will glow pink in honor of Dolly Parton this Friday and Saturday, with lights switching back to white overnight. Local Infrastructure: PennDOT reopened the Eighth Street Bridge over I-180 in Delaware Township after repairs; remaining work continues with single-lane traffic into September. Delaware Courts & Business: Chemours former CEO Mark Newman is asking a Delaware federal judge to dismiss investor claims at the pleading stage in the company’s securities lawsuit. Public Health & Safety: Walmart reached a $50 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations tied to unlawful opioid dispensing from its pharmacies. State Politics: Delaware’s Democratic treasurer primary is drawing record funding, with spending expected to top $1 million. Food Access: Milford groups received Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to expand healthy food access, including blessing boxes, meal distribution, and a food rescue expansion. Housing Watch: July data shows Delaware’s housing market strengthening, with more sales, higher prices, and more listings than a year ago. Scam Alerts: Wilmington led Delaware cities in BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with counterfeit-product scams among the most common. Weather: A cold front is clearing Sussex County, bringing a quieter weekend with mostly sunny skies and a return of storm chances Sunday.

Election Watch: Delaware’s 2026 primary early voting runs Sept. 2–5 and Sept. 8–9, with hours set at 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (no early voting Sept. 6–7 for Labor Day). Party Choice Deadline: Voters automatically registered through the DMV without a party (AVR) can pick a Democratic or Republican ballot at early voting sites or on Election Day, with the option to declare a party up to Sept. 15. Public Safety & Data: Rehoboth police say Flock cameras and license-plate readers helped solve a serious assault after a vehicle was identified through surveillance footage. Local Politics: A roundup of stacked 2026 primary races highlights contested attorney general, U.S. Senate, state treasurer, and key Cape Region House matchups. Health Policy: Delaware is among states backing a lawsuit challenging new Title X funding conditions tied to reproductive healthcare restrictions. Business/Tech: Delaware-based TYTL Corp. is preparing for a Beeline acquisition, filing with the SEC to support its fractional home-equity model.

Meta Settlement: Delaware is set to receive about $73.6 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1 billion child-safety settlement, with required changes to Instagram and Facebook aimed at limiting addictive features and adding “productive pauses” for kids. Child Safety in Courts: A Sussex County man, Miles Clark, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for transporting a 12-year-old across state lines after meeting her on Snapchat for criminal sexual activity. Local Justice: A Lewes firefighter accused of attempted rape and child sexual solicitation had his case review continued to Oct. 19 in Superior Court. Education & Crime: A North Penn School District teacher, Eric Sanville, was charged in federal court with making and attempting to make child pornography; the district says he’s barred from campus. Road Work: DelDOT will close Yoder Drive Aug. 31–Sept. 1 for milling and paving, and will convert an intersection in Townsend to an all-way stop on Sept. 8. Sports: Delaware State opened with a 41-34 win over Stony Brook, while Delaware’s women’s soccer played Towson to a 0-0 tie.

Data Center Costs: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s clean-energy and “bring your own power” rules for hyperscale data centers, aiming to stop ratepayers from subsidizing growth and requiring peak-time demand reductions. Election & Voting Rights: Delaware is among states suing USPS over new vote-by-mail rules, arguing the changes unlawfully interfere with how states run elections. Health Care Funding: AGs including Delaware are challenging new Title X conditions that would force discriminatory requirements tied to federal family-planning money. Local Public Safety Tech: Bethany Beach police are using drones for enforcement and have faced backlash, including protesters throwing items at drones and damaging Flock cameras. Weather Watch: A flash flood watch is in effect for parts of the region, with heavy rain rates possible Thursday into late night. Crash Update: A rollover on Long Neck Road sent one child to airlift care and injured two others; Delaware State Police are investigating. Sports & Community: Delaware’s volleyball coaches in Indian River keep building the sport, while the Olde Tymers Softball League wraps up its end-of-season tournament in Dagsboro.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Delaware is set to receive up to $103 million from Meta’s landmark $17B multistate deal over Instagram and Facebook teen addiction, including a guaranteed $73.6M over 10 years and an extra $30M if TikTok and YouTube strike similar agreements, with safety features like daily time limits and “productive pauses” required. Mail-Voting Lawsuit: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition of 25 states sued the U.S. Postal Service over a new rule tied to President Trump’s mail-ballot order, arguing USPS is overstepping and could disrupt states’ ability to run vote-by-mail elections. Energy/Data Center Protections: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills creating a separate rate class for large energy users like data centers, requiring them to cover infrastructure costs and secure their own power, while tightening utility oversight. Local Alcohol Hours: Dewey Beach is weighing an ordinance to keep a 1 a.m. alcohol cutoff if lawmakers later allow later hours. Weather & Flood Risk: A flood watch is in effect for the Philadelphia region, with heavy rain possible Thursday into early Friday. Sports Schedule Change: Georgetown vs. Delaware men’s soccer kickoff was moved to 5 p.m. due to weather.

Big Tech Accountability: Delaware is among the states tied to a sweeping $17.1 billion multistate Meta settlement over alleged child-safety failures on Instagram and Facebook, with Meta also required to make major app changes; the deal is contingent on federal court approval. Elections & Voting Rights: Delaware courts have issued an order allowing certain permanent absentee voters to keep voting by absentee ballot in 2026 while a legal fight over the state’s permanent absentee law continues, with oral arguments set for Sept. 4. USPS Mail Voting Fight: Multiple state attorneys general are suing to block a USPS rule tied to federal efforts to control mail-in voting procedures, arguing it risks disenfranchising eligible voters. Local Housing: A Georgetown affordable cottage project is projected to hit about 95% occupancy within a month of opening, pointing to a tight supply of affordable rentals. Delaware in the Spotlight: Seaford Navy recruit Noah Sammons earned the Military Excellence Award at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.

CDL Privacy Fight: Delaware and other states won a temporary block against a federal demand for commercial driver personal data, with Michigan AG Dana Nessel saying the move would unlawfully commandeer sensitive information. Health Care Oversight: Bayhealth is pressing Delaware regulators to clarify legal and licensing questions around ChristianaCare’s proposed “microhospitals” before the state reviews the applications. Local Government: Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills is calling for commissioner Suzanne Goode to resign after an independent investigation found a sustained pattern of hostile, abusive communications to city employees. State Policy: Delaware signed a law allowing darker front-side window tint without a medical waiver, setting a 50% visible-light standard. Workforce Development: Delaware’s Department of Labor opened a new Dover Workforce Center, aiming to put job services, training, and unemployment help under one roof. Community & Culture: A new Delaware Historical Society exhibit is telling the story of the Mother African Union Church and the August Quarterly, after a May fire forced a venue change. Public Safety: Delaware Natural Resources Police arrested a Newark man at White Clay Creek State Park after finding an illegally modified, loaded Glock with an obliterated serial number.

Data Center Fight in Delaware: Harrington City Council rejected a proposed zoning change for a data center despite a $1 million incentive, keeping the project in limbo as residents and officials weigh local impacts. Upper Mount Bethel Zoning Deal: In Pennsylvania, Upper Mount Bethel Township discussed a potential memorandum of understanding that could end a developer’s zoning challenge in exchange for collaboration on zoning changes and up to $50 million in nonprofit donations. Local Events & Community: Bethany Beach is gearing up for Labor Day weekend with a rescheduled Independence Day parade (Sept. 6), concerts, and a Jazz Funeral (Sept. 7). Inland Bays Resilience Talk: The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays hosts a free Citizens Café Aug. 27 on resilience efforts, with state Sen. Stephanie Hansen and DNREC climate/sustainability leadership. Healthcare Expansion: Atracare added comprehensive general surgery services at its Lewes campus. Wildlife Update: DNREC will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen on Sept. 1 for beachgoers and anglers after a successful least tern protection season. Public Safety: First responders resumed the search for a woman who went under after rescuing a girl from the Delaware River near Amico Island Park in Delran.

Police Accountability: Family and faith leaders renewed calls for justice at a Wilmington vigil for Kadir Skinner, two months after his fatal shooting by a Wilmington officer, disputing police claims and urging criminal charges. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s help locating a Greenwood man wanted after an attempted robbery and shooting in Seaford that left a victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Search & Rescue: Crews shifted from search to recovery after a woman went missing in the Delaware River while rescuing a girl at Amico Island Park in Delran, with multiple agencies and dive teams involved. Courts & Development: Delaware Court of Chancery sided with Osprey Point Preserve in its dispute with NVR over a marina-related site plan, finding NVR breached the agreement and that Osprey Point owned the marina parcel. Education & Community: Delaware education leaders and local educators teamed up around results-driven classroom policy, while a student-led nonprofit, SkillSphere Foundation, delivered business and tech learning supplies to Dover Middle School. Environment: DNREC sank a retired 180-foot menhaden vessel as an artificial reef off Delaware, adding new habitat to the Del-Jersey-Land Reef. State Police Training: Charles B. Emory Jr. was named director of Delaware’s Police Officer Standards and Training Commission.

Court Fight: A Women’s Pro Baseball League board member is asking Delaware Chancery Court to force the fledgling league to turn over books and records, alleging incomplete disclosures about money paid to a CEO-linked entity and possible conflicts, including a claimed undisclosed family connection. Local Government & Growth: Northampton County residents packed a hearing on a proposed data center zoning ordinance for Lower Mount Bethel Township, raising concerns about rural character, water, environment, noise, health, and property values; the board is set to vote Sept. 14. Environment & State Parks: DNREC broke ground on a new Creekside Discovery Center at White Clay Creek State Park, a two-story, $13.4 million project expected to be finished by 2028 to expand education space and exhibits. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested Johnny Guzman after a drunk crash into Two Stones Pub in Newark; police say he intentionally drove into the building, and the pub is expected to reopen Monday. Elections Law: Gov. Meyer signed a bill expanding Delaware’s election violence and voter intimidation crimes, adding intent requirements and covering conduct during voting and ballot counting. Energy & Tech: A new report highlights how AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand, with local governments increasingly weighing grid and rate impacts.

Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes hit Delmarva Thursday night, including an EF-0 in Hazlettville and three EF-1 twisters in Marydel and Dover, with damage reported to barns, trees, and homes. Community Response: After a deadly crash killed an 80-year-old woman and injured her 17-year-old granddaughter at Mancini’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Fenwick Island, Crabcake Factory Bayside held a “Crabcakin’ for a Cause” fundraiser to help the restaurant reopen. Public Health: Delaware’s insurance commissioner issued a bulletin telling insurers to cover earlier MMR shots for infants during the measles outbreak, including ages 6 to 11 months, with coverage set to end when the outbreak is declared over. Local Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Newark ranked among Delaware’s top cities for scam reports in July, with six reports. Education Data: Delaware Open Data lists 47 Asian students in Lake Forest School District and 299 in Colonial School District for the 2024-25 school year. Environment: DNREC will host a two-day living shorelines training in Lewes on Sept. 22-23 for residents and professionals interested in natural erosion-control projects. Powerball: The jackpot climbed to an estimated $81 million for Monday’s drawing, with a cash option estimated at $34.8 million before taxes.

Delaware Politics & Courts: Azerbaijan has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Delaware against CNN over a June report alleging Israel used Azerbaijani territory during the Iran war, with Azerbaijan calling the story reckless and saying it risked dragging the country into conflict. Storm Recovery & Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes across its Mount Holly survey area, with two in Delaware—Dover and Marydel (Marydel still being surveyed)—as communities assess damage after Thursday night storms. Local Community: The Delaware Farm Bureau backed more than 20 young exhibitors at the Junior Livestock Auction at the Delaware State Fair, helping support education and future livestock projects. Georgetown Events: Wings & Wheels Festival returns to Georgetown Oct. 2-4 at Delaware Coastal Airport, with military aircraft, a car show, kids’ activities, and free admission. Workplace Privacy: A new report highlights how workplace monitoring tech—location tracking, productivity tools, and even camera access—can erode employee privacy, raising concerns for workers statewide. Senior & Caregiver Support: Easterseals Delaware and the Eastern Shore will host its 16th Annual Caregiver Conference Aug. 26 in Dover, with free in-person and virtual options.

Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes from Thursday’s storms, including an EF-1 twister in Dover that damaged the Dover Little League fields and hit areas including the VanSant Generating Station and nearby businesses, plus additional tornadoes near Marydel (Kent County) and in Estell Manor (Atlantic County, NJ). State Law & Community: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed a new law letting 16- and 17-year-olds hunt or target shoot without direct adult supervision if they have guardian permission, complete hunter education, and hold a Delaware hunting license. Veterans: A new state law expands the military pension tax break, raising the exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years. Local Life: Delaware Beaches Songwriters Festival runs Sept. 10-13 in Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth Beach, with fireside chats, writers’ rounds and a Sept. 11 headliner set by the Davisson Brothers Band. Campus: Move-in day brought thousands of students to the University of Delaware, with classes set to begin Tuesday. Sports: Iona University beat Delaware State 4-0, while Delaware DOT announced I-95/SR 72 lane closures and shoulder work starting Aug. 24 through Oct. 30.

Tornado Aftermath in Dover: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado hit Dover, tearing through the Dover Little League fields, damaging Route 13 businesses, and ripping roofs off motels, with cleanup underway and a brief state of emergency lifted Friday. Severe Storms Across Delmarva: NWS also confirmed additional tornado reports in the region, tying the Delaware storm damage to a wider Northeast weather system that brought flooding and outages. Wilmington Shooting: A 37-year-old man was hospitalized after a shooting early Saturday in Wilmington near 24th and West Streets; police are asking for tips. Cyclosporiasis Update: The explosive-diarrhea parasite outbreak continues to spread, with FDA reporting recalled iceberg lettuce may have reached more areas, including Delaware. Delaware Beach Jellyfish: More jellyfish are crowding Delaware beaches, leading to frequent stings and keeping some swimmers out. Juvenile Justice Recognition: Delaware’s DSCYF director Renee Ciconte received a 2026 leadership award for work improving the state’s juvenile justice system. Local Safety/Costs: Kent County drivers saw the lowest premium gas price in the week ending Aug. 15, while Delaware’s speed cameras have generated more than $20 million since 2024.

Severe Weather in Delaware: The National Weather Service confirmed at least two tornadoes on Delmarva Thursday night, including an EF-1 tornado through the Dover area and another EF-1 in Queen Anne’s County, with no injuries reported; cleanup continues after storms tore through homes and Little League fields. School Bus Safety: Goodrich schools are rolling out stop-arm cameras on buses, with footage used to crack down on drivers who pass stopped school buses. Privacy Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive personal data for more than 17 million commercial drivers, pausing related actions while litigation proceeds. Local Environment: Sussex County Land Trust added Eric Williams as a new stewardship manager to expand care for preserved lands and public-access sites. Community & Recovery: The Little Farm in Kent County is assessing storm damage after animal enclosures and facilities were hit, while residents rally to help rebuild. Arts & Outdoors: Georgetown artist George Bradford won Delaware’s trout stamp art competition for a sixth time. Health & Education: Delaware Tech released a guide for new students ahead of the fall semester. Sports: A Dover Little League team found a new place to practice after tornado damage.

Severe Weather: Cleanup is underway in Dover after a confirmed tornado tore through the city, damaging commercial buildings and tearing the roof off two motels; Dover police say about half a dozen structures were hit, and the Dover Little League fields were left with significant damage. Cybersecurity: Delaware County officials say lessons from a 2020 hack helped during a June network incident that shut down county systems and disrupted phones and operations, with restoration largely completed by early July. AI & State Tech: UD and state agencies teamed up for the Hennovate the State AI hackathon, pairing students with agency case studies on records, customer service, transportation planning, and workforce and benefits. Data Centers & Power Concerns: Dover is weighing an 18-month moratorium on new data centers amid worries about electricity, water, and land impacts. Public Health: Delaware is among jurisdictions affected by a widening cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. DNREC Conservation: Delaware’s annual waterfowl and trout stamp art contests named new blue-ribbon winners, with artwork set for the 2027-28 stamps.