AGP Executive Report

Flooding & Storms: The Philly region, including Delaware, stayed under flood watch as heavy downpours pushed rain rates up to about 3 inches an hour, with rescues reported in Wilmington and Philadelphia breaking a 74-year July 9 record (2.4 inches). Local Weather Alerts: A severe-thunderstorm watch ran for Camden and Gloucester counties and all of Delaware into the evening, with officials warning storms could be hit-or-miss. Delaware Business: Delaware is preparing to launch a small-business grant program using money returned by Incyte, aimed at helping companies along the state’s commercial corridors. Freshwater Wetlands: Delaware lawmakers passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act, creating the state’s first nontidal wetlands regulatory program. Public Safety Tech: University of Delaware researchers are helping stress-test the Discovery supercomputer for scientific use, with a focus on finding software and hardware issues before it goes live. Health & Sports: Delaware Park canceled racing July 9 after heavy rain. Crime & Care: Delaware County charged caregivers accused of abusing and neglecting a 20-year-old woman with Down syndrome.

STEM Win for Delaware Valley: A nonprofit robotics team, LOAD Robotics, based in Chesapeake City, brought home the Inspire Award at the FIRST Tech Challenge Michiana Premier Event in South Bend, Indiana, competing against teams from multiple states and countries. Consumer Protection: Delaware Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate push that secured a $45 million settlement with Block over Cash App practices, alleging misleading claims about safety and weak fraud protections. Robocall Crackdown: Delaware’s Attorney General William Tong joined other state AGs urging the FCC to strengthen rules that would block scammers from accessing legitimate phone numbers used for illegal robocalls and texts. Local Government & Growth: Newark is considering a rule requiring EV charging infrastructure in new construction, and Delaware City’s Planning Commission approved plans for the first Chick-fil-A in the city as part of the Trailhead Crossing development. Education Leadership: Sussex Tech named Dr. Jason Peel as its next superintendent. Community Spotlight: Jennifer Parrish was named Delaware Mother of the Year and awarded a $1,000 grant to Autism Delaware.

Legislative Hall Funding: Gov. Matt Meyer used a line-item veto to remove $35 million for a Legislative Hall expansion in the FY27 bond bill, saying he can’t justify the $116 million price tag; Democrats blasted the move as undermining safety, accessibility, and public participation. Rehoboth Beach Death Investigation: Delaware State Police are investigating a death found Tuesday afternoon in a wooded area off Holland Glade Road near Sandalwood Drive; officials say it doesn’t appear suspicious and the Office of Forensic Science will determine the cause. Planned Parenthood in Sussex: Planned Parenthood of Delaware says its Seaford health center is now taking appointments, aiming to improve access for western Sussex County residents. Sussex Car Chase Charge: A 13-year-old was charged after stealing a car from Delaware Seashore State Park and leading a high-speed pursuit along Route 1 before stop sticks ended it; he was arraigned and committed to a youth detention facility. Georgetown-Lewes Trail Update: DelDOT says the final six miles of the Georgetown-Lewes Trail are nearing completion, with the full 11-mile route expected to open this fall. Lewes Beach Sand Pilot: Lewes leaders are considering extending a beach sand movement pilot to better track how sand shifts and guide future shoreline decisions. Community Tragedy in Milford: The community is mourning Jessica Bradley, a nurse practitioner, after an apparent murder-suicide near Milford over the weekend. Rehoboth Lifeguard Competition: More than 300 lifeguards from the Mid-Atlantic competed in the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Lifesaving Association regional championships in Rehoboth Beach. Georgetown Housing Debate: Georgetown Town Council will discuss whether to modify or repeal its cottage housing zoning ordinance after concerns raised by residents and questions about how it could affect future projects. Education Appointment: Caleb Marcus was named Student Member of the Delaware State Board of Education, representing Delaware students as a non-voting member. Delaware Libraries Digital Skills: Delaware Libraries launched a 10-week digital literacy program placing AmeriCorps VISTA specialists in 21 libraries to help residents with online applications, tech basics, and AI-related questions.

Wilmington Politics: A Delaware Chancery Court judge will decide whether Wilmington City Council can remove Councilman James Spadola after arguments over whether his party switch undermines the city charter’s at-large seat rules. State Budget Clash: Gov. Matt Meyer vetoed $35 million for Legislative Hall expansion, citing affordability and reigniting tensions with lawmakers. Local Crime: A Delaware County judge bound over Chester parents Cynthia Robinson and Frank Walton Sr. for trial in the 2025 beating death of their 2-year-old son, with prosecutors citing severe injuries and delayed 911 calls. Bank Robbery Sentencing: A Delaware woman was sentenced to two to four years in prison for a Salisbury Township Truist bank robbery, after confessing and pleading guilty. Community Access: AARP awarded grants to Newark for accessible park sidewalks, plus funding for the Food Bank of Delaware and White Clay Creek State Park improvements. Business & Courts: Delaware Chancery dismissed World Energy’s bid to force Air Products to resume a stalled $2 billion sustainable aviation fuel project. Tech/Markets: Navitas shares fell after Wolfspeed filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Delaware federal court. Public Safety/Health: Delaware’s kratom marketing and sales bill would regulate how products are promoted and sold. Food Recall: Aldi recalled Fusia Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap in Delaware due to an undeclared fish allergen.

Chancery Court Fight: Kraken’s parent Payward asked Delaware Chancery Court to enforce a $22 million arbitration win over former auditor Mazars after Mazars quit a 2022 audit, setting up a high-stakes fight over audit withdrawal and what the arbitrator found. Statehouse Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer vetoed $35 million for a Legislative Hall expansion in the FY2027 bond bill, saying the project’s at least $116 million price tag isn’t affordable now. Local Politics: Wilmington City Councilman James Spadola’s party switch is headed for a Chancery ruling on whether he must forfeit his at-large seat. Public Health: Delaware hospitals are rolling out statewide emergency-department guidance to treat opioid use disorder, aiming to start medication earlier and connect patients to recovery services. Environment & Enforcement: DNREC ordered removal of an unauthorized concrete structure at Prime Hook Beach, with restoration required after the owner’s permit appeal was denied. Food Safety: Aldi recalled Fusia Asian Inspirations Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap in multiple states, including Delaware, because fish wasn’t declared for people with fish allergies. Community & Culture: Delaware Public Archives’ First Saturday program will screen a new documentary on Delaware’s role in the Declaration of Independence and Caesar Rodney’s ride.

Local Sports: Delaware State Beach Patrol hosted a final Tower Road competition June 30 as lifeguards from the Cape Region sharpened skills ahead of the USLA Mid-Atlantic Regionals July 8 in Rehoboth. Courts & Growth: A Belle Mead development fight in Sussex County is headed to the Delaware Supreme Court, with a Route 24 Alliance appeal challenging the County Council’s approval and a prior dismissal now under review. Historic Preservation: Lewes preservation commissioner Barbara Warnell says HPARC decisions are about judgment case-by-case, after years of controversy over projects in the city’s historic district. Tech & Business: CovationBio is showcasing two new bio-based materials—Xatryx and Sorona elasterell-p fiber—at the Functional Fabric Fair in New York. Health & Policy: Delaware lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment protecting same-sex marriage after an earlier House failure, clearing the way for the next steps in the process. State Parks: White Clay Creek State Park plans a new nature center, trails, and visitor cottages, with public feedback sought at a recent workshop.

Planned Parenthood Reopens: The Seaford clinic is back in business after nearly two years, with appointments now available and services including medication abortions, birth control, emergency contraception, HIV care, and STI testing. Health Tech Push: Delaware’s DHSS and Health Care Commission launched a Rural Health Transformation Program to speed insurance verification and prior authorization using the Delaware Health Information Network and Smart Health Network. Budget Transparency: The State Auditor rolled out a Delaware Budget Trend Tracker so the public can explore General Fund appropriations dating back to 2015. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Frederica Lyft driver carjacking at gunpoint; separately, a fatal single-car crash killed a Millsboro man near Georgetown and left a passenger seriously hurt. Weather & Fire: Lightning destroyed a Laurel home on July 4, while drought conditions are still stressing Delaware farmers despite recent rain. Local Life: The Freeman Arts Pavilion is preparing for its summer season after a $43M transformation, and Lewes’ Doo-Dah Parade ran despite extreme heat.

Delaware Politics: The Delaware Senate debate over “arbitrary caps” in a bill for childhood sexual assault victims is drawing sharp pushback, with Sen. Nicole Poore arguing the limits force courts into artificial categories and invite years of extra litigation. Wilmington Housing: Wilmington City Council failed to override Mayor John Carney’s veto of a housing ordinance, keeping the city’s plan for a dedicated affordable housing and homelessness fund in limbo. Education & Workforce: Delaware is launching a new teacher hiring cohort to help recruit and retain educators, while Red Clay Consolidated School District is set to appoint an interim superintendent amid major state education funding and redistricting changes. Healthcare Pricing: Delaware General Assembly roundup highlights healthcare pricing reforms moving through the legislative pipeline. Public Safety: Delaware State Police say a possible barricade incident in Milford was secured, with no threat to the public, though police presence will continue. Tech & Jobs: The Tech Council of Delaware won a $100,000 Barclays grant for a statewide AI training and upskilling gap analysis aimed at matching skills to employer demand. Weather: A flash-flood threat remains in effect across parts of Delaware, with heavy showers and thunderstorms possible through this evening. Business/Legal: Delaware-incorporated MGM is at the center of a securities-law investigation tied to Barry Diller’s bid at $48.30 a share.

Boat Explosion Update: Two Newark residents were among 10 people hurt after a boat exploded right after refueling at Schaefer’s Canal House and Marina in Chesapeake City, Md.; four were flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview for serious burns, and investigators are working with the Maryland State Fire Marshal to determine what caused the blast. Severe Weather: A flood watch remains in effect through Monday evening for parts of northern Delaware and the region, with flash flooding possible from heavy rounds of storms. Local Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal single-car crash on Peterkins Road near Georgetown that killed a 32-year-old Millsboro man and seriously injured a 31-year-old passenger; the road was closed about three hours while investigators worked. Crime: Delaware State Police arrested Paul Waller, 39, of Wilmington, for a July 4 shooting outside a pizza shop in Arden that left a woman with a gunshot wound to the face; he’ll be extradited to face attempted murder and weapons charges. Community & Education: Sussex Family YMCA is partnering with Vision To Learn to offer free eye exams and glasses for children, and Sussex students earned top honors at the National Technology Student Association conference.

Violence in Dover: A 33-year-old man was hospitalized after a shooting at J.Stylz Unisex Salon on North DuPont Highway. Police found him shot in the stomach and legs; he’s in serious but stable condition and investigators are still looking for a suspect. Independence Day in Delaware: Newark’s fireworks were cut short by severe storms and lightning, though thousands still showed up for Liberty Day festivities. Heat-and-storm safety: A flood watch is in effect for parts of northern Delaware and nearby areas, with heavy rain and flash flooding possible through Monday evening. Local business: Moro Bistro has reopened in Wilmington at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave., bringing back favorites from chef Michael DiBianca’s earlier Moro run. Community giving: Lunch With a Purpose announced its next season’s nonprofit beneficiaries and monthly fundraising luncheons across Sussex County. Health mystery: A teen’s unexplained pain, rash, bruises, and sudden inability to walk is being examined in a medical mystery case. Sports: Phillies stars Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sánchez, Jhoan Duran, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber were named to the MLB All-Star Game in Philly.

Extreme Heat Disrupts 250th Celebrations: A record-breaking heatwave forced major Independence Day changes, including the cancellation of Washington, D.C.’s National Independence Day Parade and the temporary closure of Philadelphia’s Great American State Fair, while hundreds of thousands of households across the U.S. lost power. Delaware Health & Safety: Delaware State Housing Authority and the American Heart Association are setting up free blood pressure monitoring stations at public housing communities in Kent and Sussex. Weather Watch for Delmarva: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Delaware’s coast and Sussex County, with damaging wind gusts and hail possible as storms roll in after extreme heat. Local Community & Culture: Wilmington’s new 108-foot mural features birds on a wire and subtle tributes to Bob Marley as part of America 250. Workforce Training: Delaware is partnering with Google to offer free digital skills training, including Google Career Certificates and AI courses, through Tech Hubs and libraries. Public Works & Outdoors: A new, more accessible trail section opened at McCabe Nature Preserve near Milton, improving access to the Broadkill River. Crime & Public Safety: A Dover man was arrested after a domestic-related stabbing in Dewey Beach left a man with multiple stab wounds; the victim was stable. Business & Consumer: Xfinity reported broadband outages affecting Delaware customers on July 4, with restoration times varying by area. Environment: DNREC denied retroactive approval for a 110-foot concrete dune crossing at Prime Hook Beach and ordered removal.

Labor & Utilities: IBEW Local 614 PECO workers began a strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, saying six months of bargaining failed and members have been without a contract since April 1; the union says picket lines will run 24/7 at multiple sites, seeking better wages plus retirement and medical benefits. Heat & Power: Delaware Electric Cooperative restored power to about 3,100 members in Ocean View after an outage tied to a substation equipment problem; a cooling center opened at 6 p.m. and later closed once power largely returned. Local Environment Funding: Delaware County approved nearly $5 million in federal EPA grant money to expand composting and recycling, including a countywide composting facility in Chester Township and a household hazardous waste site in Broomall. Workforce Training: Delaware is partnering with Grow with Google to expand free digital skills training, including AI and cybersecurity certificates, aimed at helping residents qualify for in-demand jobs. America 250 / Delaware Facts: A roundup of key Declaration of Independence details notes Congress voted for independence July 2, the document was dated July 4, and the last signer is believed to be Thomas McKean of Delaware.

Bond bill fairness debate: Delaware Senate Republicans are questioning the openness and funding balance in a $1.25 billion bond bill, with critics saying Sussex would get the least for capital projects while New Castle gets the most. Film tax credit push: A Delaware official argues the new film tax credit could bring real jobs and spending to local businesses, not just “Hollywood.” Health care access: Delaware lawmakers are moving to improve coverage for biomarker testing, aiming to help patients get precision treatment sooner. Cannabis zoning shake-up: After a veto override, localities will have to loosen zoning rules for cannabis stores. DNREC state parks overhaul: DNREC is proposing major updates to state park rules, including surf-fishing reservation requirements during peak times and a magnet fishing ban. Heat and outages: Extreme heat continues across the region, including a Delaware Electric Cooperative outage affecting about 3,100 members, with cooling help opening in Ocean View. Holiday safety and events: Bethany Beach postponed its official July 4 parade due to dangerous heat, while residents organized an unofficial one; firefighters also urged caution with fireworks and sparklers.

Wilmington Police Shooting: The family of Kadir Skinner is demanding body-camera footage after a Delaware Department of Justice probe into the June 24 officer-involved shooting; police showed the family video, but attorneys say it conflicts with the city’s account. Fire Safety in the Heat: A four-alarm fire on Clayton Road near Maryland Avenue displaced about 20 people in six row homes; investigators say the blaze started under a rear deck and at least one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion. Sussex Conservation Push: Sussex County planning officials backed a forest preservation ordinance, urging clearer rules and rejecting developer requests to pay in lieu or count buffers toward required forest protection. Cape May-Lewes Ferry: A behind-the-scenes look at the Delaware River and Bay Authority’s ferry highlights the 17-mile, roughly 1 hour 25 minute crossing and its role in regional tourism. America 250 Spotlight: Delaware’s role in the founding is getting renewed attention, including Caesar Rodney’s tie-breaking vote and how the First State is marking the 250th anniversary. Community Fun: Delaware Cutest Dogs Contest voting is back open for Round 4 with 25 pups competing for the final 15.

Delaware Courts & Business: A Delaware judge ordered JPMorgan to keep advancing Charlie Javice’s legal fees as her appeal plays out, rejecting the bank’s claim the costs were “clear abuse.” Public Safety: Wilmington firefighters battled a four-alarm blaze that damaged at least four rowhomes on Clayton Road during triple-digit heat; officials said everyone got out safely and the cause is under investigation. Heat & Health: An extreme heat warning remains in effect across Delaware, with doctors urging parents to watch for early heat illness signs and to check kids and cars for dehydration risk. Environment: Federal and state agencies announced a major PFAS settlement with Chemours, alleging “forever chemicals” were discharged into the Delaware River and other waterways. Local Life: Ocean View’s post office rebuild is set to start in June 2027, after the facility closed in 2025 and residents were directed to use Bethany Beach for services. National Politics: A Wisconsin DOJ-led coalition urged the Postal Service to withdraw a proposed rule tied to restricting mail voting. Community & Culture: Independence Hall hosted a bipartisan march and symposium as mayors gathered for America’s 250th anniversary.

Heat Wave Watch: Delaware is bracing for extreme heat Thursday through Saturday, with highs in the 90s and even 100s and heat indexes pushing past 110 in spots, plus a possible pop-up storm Friday evening. Public Safety: The U.S. energy grid is under an emergency alert as the heat peaks, with PJM told to conserve power and potentially curtail demand from some data centers. Local Government: New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon says a data center pause deal near Newark is in motion, but it hinges on an approval that could grandfather zoning rules. Police Accountability: Wilmington city leaders and family members are calling for body camera footage after the fatal police shooting of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner. Holiday Logistics: USPS will close post offices July 4, with normal delivery resuming Monday, July 6. Gaming News: Delaware North is rebranding its casinos and online gaming under Ember Entertainment. Community & Culture: Lewes held a rain-friendly Juneteenth celebration, and the Ben Franklin Bridge marks its 100th anniversary with a July 11 pedestrian-focused festival.