AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Two people were shot in a crowd in Smyrna, with vehicles and buildings also struck, and police are investigating an armed home invasion there. A separate shooting near Delaware State University after homecoming left one person dead and another injured. State agencies also urge drivers to watch for deer as mating season increases roadside crossings. Power Grid: A federal emergency order directs PJM to bring some generators online through Oct. 16 to reduce blackout risks; PJM says customers need take no action. Local Policy: Dover passed a pause on new data-center development amid community concerns. Delaware lawmakers are also weighing changes to state transparency rules, including a proposal to end the University of Delaware’s FOIA exemption. Courts and Environment: The Delaware Supreme Court ruled that gaps in a buyer’s due diligence do not, by themselves, defeat fraud claims based on contractual representations. Delaware also banned toxic PFAS firefighting foam. Community: Delaware Tech opened a Seaford innovation center to expand workforce training. The Delaware Blue Coats hired Brad Jones as general manager, replacing Ariana Andonian, who left for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Public Safety: Two people were wounded when gunfire erupted at a Smyrna shopping center; bullets struck vehicles and a building, and police recovered more than 30 shell casings. A separate shooting near Delaware State University during homecoming killed 22-year-old Nasir Cox and injured another man. In New Castle, a 29-year-old man was charged with burglary and attempted rape after an assault on an 80-year-old woman. Dover Development: City Council unanimously approved an 18-month pause on new data center applications, citing concerns about infrastructure and electricity costs for residents and businesses. Transportation: Milford approved a Route 113 pathway and crosswalk to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. A crash at the Delaware Memorial Bridge toll plaza overturned and set a car on fire, sending its driver to the hospital. Government Transparency: A proposed overhaul of Delaware’s FOIA law would expand access to university records and revise exemptions for government records. Housing and Energy: Six projects totaling $165 million in proposed investment—including 454 housing units and four community solar projects—entered the state’s fast-track permitting program. Workforce: Delaware Tech opened its Seaford Innovation Center, offering job training in fields including health care, HVAC and welding.

Public Safety: A Philadelphia man was killed and another person injured in a shooting near Delaware State University after homecoming events; police are investigating. In Smyrna, state police are probing an armed home invasion in which two masked suspects allegedly stole cash and belongings. State Policy: Delaware advanced $165 million in housing and solar projects, while lawmakers and officials are debating transparency-law reforms and faster criminal-record expungements. The state also banned toxic firefighting foam used for fuel fires. Health Care: About 7,200 Delaware residents who paid full price for 2026 ACA Marketplace coverage are eligible for automatic refunds; no application is needed. Local Watch: New Castle County police charged two teens who approached homes in masks and tactical gear with a gel-bead gun in what investigators called a prank. Meanwhile, Delaware’s Bicycle Council has yet to receive an application for $50,000 in cycling-infrastructure grants.

Homecoming Shooting: A 22-year-old Philadelphia man, Nasir Cox, was killed and another man wounded in a shooting near Delaware State University’s homecoming crowds in Dover Saturday night. Police said heavy traffic delayed emergency response as officers from several departments worked to control the area. Other Gunfire: State police are seeking a suspect after shots were fired at a vehicle near Newark early Sunday; no one was hurt. Dover police are also investigating shots fired outside a restaurant. Weather: Isaias’ remnants are bringing rain and gusty winds to southern Delaware, with 1 to 2 inches of rain possible and localized flooding concerns; showers should ease Monday. Coastal Travel: Cape May-Lewes Ferry riders face a new $7 fuel surcharge for cars as diesel costs rise.

Dover Shooting: One man was killed and another injured in gunfire near Delaware State University’s homecoming crowds Saturday night. Police identified the man who died as 22-year-old Nasir Cox of Philadelphia; the other victim is stable. Police Investigations: Delaware State Police are seeking help identifying a suspect who fired at a car in a Dover restaurant parking lot; no one was hurt. New Castle County police are also investigating reports of masked men carrying what appeared to be weapons and knocking on doors. Weather Alert: Isaias’ remnants are forecast to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Delaware Sunday into Monday, with localized flooding possible and coastal gusts reaching 45 mph. State News: Delaware has established a Commission on Indigenous Affairs and enacted housing reforms aimed at speeding development and lowering costs. Blue Hens: Delaware visits Middle Tennessee on Tuesday for a Conference USA football matchup; quarterback Nick Minicucci’s status is uncertain as he recovers from a knee injury.

Weather: Isaias’ remnants are expected to bring steady rain to Delaware Sunday, with 1 to 2 inches possible, locally higher totals, and gusty winds. Forecasters say flooding risk is limited but localized trouble could develop in poor-drainage areas. Newark Crash: An elderly pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on Library Avenue Friday night. The driver remained at the scene, and police have filed no charges as they investigate. Local Planning: Rehoboth Beach chose Dover Kohl & Partners to guide a new master plan, as the city prepares for redevelopment and weighs tourism’s growing role in its finances. Voting: Delaware’s general-election voter registration deadline is Saturday. Ocean View: USPS is seeking a new location for the town’s post office, which has been closed for a year; leasing space is among the options under consideration. Housing: New laws signed by Gov. Matt Meyer aim to speed up development and lower housing costs.

Public Services: USPS is reconsidering plans for Ocean View’s post office, closed since October 2025, and is looking at leasing another local building instead of rebuilding the current site. Consumer Relief: Delaware is among 43 states seeking court approval of a $400 million settlement over alleged generic-drug price fixing. Eligible buyers who purchased certain drugs from May 2009 through December 2019 may be able to claim compensation. Public Safety: Two pedestrians were killed in separate crashes Friday, in Holly Oak and Newark; both incidents remain under investigation. Two firefighters were treated and released after a garage fire in the Ocean View area. Elections: Delaware’s general-election voter registration deadline was Saturday. Coastal Costs: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry added a $7 surcharge for cars on each crossing through Dec. 31, citing rising diesel costs. Tourism: DiamondRock Hospitality bought Rehoboth Beach’s 79-room Bellmoor Inn for $31 million and plans offseason improvements.

Election Reminder: Delaware voters have until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, to register for the Nov. 3 general election. Weekend Weather: Isaias is expected to bring rain to the Delaware Valley Sunday, with periods of heavy showers and possible thunderstorms; Saturday should stay mostly pleasant. Public Safety: Dover and Kent County parks are closing early this weekend amid concerns about unsanctioned gatherings. Jobs and Development: Six projects have joined Delaware’s JobsFirst permitting program, representing about $165 million in proposed investment, 454 housing units and nearly 10 megawatts of solar power. Film Industry: Delaware’s new entertainment production tax credit offers eligible productions a transferable credit of 30% on qualifying in-state spending above $100,000, aiming to draw investment and create local jobs.

Weather: Isaias’ remnants could bring Delaware 1 to 2 inches of rain Sunday, with locally heavy downpours, thunderstorms and isolated flooding possible. Ocean View Services: USPS is looking at leasing an existing property for a new post office after engineering concerns prompted a rethink of rebuilding the closed facility; no reopening timeline has been set. Housing and Growth: Gov. Matt Meyer signed reforms intended to speed housing development and lower costs, while Millsboro officials have raised concerns about the new state rules. Energy: Delaware faces rising electricity demand but lacks a clear path to new power plants, as the state’s market structure makes it difficult for developers to finance construction. Community Support: Sussex Help, a volunteer group assisting people detained by ICE and their families, has expanded its work to all three Delaware counties. Research and Health: The University of Delaware is launching a $21.5 million institute to develop human-centered AI for healthcare, including stroke and amputee rehabilitation. Coastal Protection: Delaware leaders are seeking more federal funding to rebuild beach dunes damaged by a nor’easter.

Energy Costs: Gov. Matt Meyer joined a bipartisan coalition of governors seeking lower electricity bills, a more reliable grid and stronger consumer protections. Housing and Development: Meyer ceremonially signed Delaware’s housing reform laws, which aim to speed development and lower costs but have drawn opposition in Sussex County. A separate law changes how traffic impacts from new projects are reviewed and establishes county-based transportation fees. Local Investment: Millsboro was named a Downtown Development District, opening the door to incentives for downtown projects. Schools: Delaware awarded more than $7 million in grants to strengthen early literacy programs. Public Safety: Firefighters put out a blaze at a chocolate factory south of Newark.

Housing: Gov. Matt Meyer signed reforms intended to speed housing development and lower costs, while vetoing four other bills. Ferry Fares: The Cape May–Lewes Ferry is adding a temporary $7 surcharge per vehicle crossing through Dec. 31, citing rising diesel prices; walk-on passengers are exempt. Schools: State Police arrested a 13-year-old after finding a BB gun in his backpack at Postlethwait Middle School in Camden. No one was injured. Indigenous Affairs: Meyer signed legislation creating a state commission to represent Indigenous communities, including Lenape and Nanticoke people, in government decisions. Government Transparency: Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend introduced FOIA reforms aimed at making records requests clearer and expanding public access. Higher Education: The Trump administration sued the University of Delaware over its policy allowing eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition.

Housing: Gov. Matt Meyer ceremonially highlighted two new laws intended to speed development and lower costs. They require larger communities to plan for affordable housing and revise how new projects are reviewed. Government: Delaware is creating a commission to give Indigenous communities a formal voice in state decisions. Senate leaders are also seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the state’s Freedom of Information Act. Public Safety: A tractor-trailer crash near I-95 and Route 202 spilled formaldehyde, hospitalized the driver and temporarily closed ramps as crews responded. Accountability: The state inspector general launched a website and hotline for reporting fraud and abuse. Elections: Officials urged residents to register before the deadline for the Nov. 3 general election. Remembering: Patti Blevins, Delaware’s first woman Senate president pro tempore and a longtime advocate for children and domestic-violence prevention, has died. Around Delaware: Milton’s Oct. 10 ArtWalk will feature 31 artists and an interactive mural project.

Public Service: Former Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Patti Blevins has died. Gov. Matt Meyer ordered state flags lowered to half-staff, honoring her decades in public service and advocacy for domestic violence survivors and animal welfare. Election Deadline: Delaware residents must register by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, to vote in the Nov. 3 general election. Housing and Development: Meyer is ceremonially marking two new laws intended to streamline permitting and encourage affordable housing. The changes have drawn pushback from local governments, and Sussex County residential applications are on hold. Crime: A Milford man was sentenced to life plus 21 years for beating and stabbing a woman in a 2024 attack that left her critically injured.

Qualcomm vs. Arm Trial: In Delaware federal court, Qualcomm says it can use its 2013 Arm chip-architecture license for next-gen royalties, while Arm argues Qualcomm is trying to squeeze a massive 1,800% jump by applying old caps to modern, many-core data-center chips; the trial is set to wrap Friday. Coastal Recovery: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Sarah McBride toured storm damage along Delaware’s coast after a nor’easter, pressing for more federal help for beach replenishment and repairs. Road Work in Lewes: Nassau Road is closed between New Road and Queen Anne Way for a new roundabout as part of the Minos Conaway project, with detours in place through mid-January. Local Business Test: Wawa is testing sushi at select Delaware Valley stores, and early customers are split between “gas station sushi” skepticism and praise for the rolls. Delaware Watchdog: The Delaware Office of the Inspector General announced a new website and hotline. Sports: With three weeks left, 19 area football teams are in playoff spots, and OHSAA computer ratings update the postseason picture.

Restaurant Closures: Newark’s Greene Turtle shut down after more than a decade, adding to a broader wave of restaurant churn across New Castle County as higher labor, food, insurance and occupancy costs squeeze thin margins. Delaware Courts: The Delaware Justice of the Peace Court marked its 60th anniversary, highlighting its 24/7 operation and its role as the state’s entry-level court with hundreds of thousands of filings and dispositions. Public Safety: Delaware State Police identified Douglas Vitale, 46, of Dover, as the man who died in a Sunday single-vehicle crash in Hartly; investigators are still seeking witnesses. Health & Policy: Delaware’s senators asked federal court officials to review a judge’s conduct after a report said she ran a Washington public affairs firm while serving on the bench. Transportation: DelDOT is building a long-range plan for every road in Delaware, aiming to connect future upgrades for roads, bikes, pedestrians and transit into one statewide system. Community & Culture: The Order of the First State honored 10 Delawareans with the state’s highest civilian award, recognizing service across education, public service, health care and community advocacy.

Qualcomm vs. Arm: A second, five-day jury trial opened in Delaware federal court as Qualcomm accuses Arm of withholding required chip-testing tools and leaking a 2024 threat to terminate a license—while Arm says Qualcomm can’t claim damages because Qualcomm itself leaked details about antitrust probes. Domestic violence protections: Gov. Matt Meyer signed five new Delaware laws and issued a Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation, expanding confidentiality protections, protective-order safeguards, and survivor rights to speak publicly. Coastal resilience: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons pushed for an additional $30 million for Delaware beach replenishment after a nor’easter, building on earlier federal funding. Transportation and local safety: A Delaware transportation funding task force will hold a Sussex-area briefing; Lewes-Rehoboth Canal dredging is underway with nearby homeowners raising concerns about where sediment will be placed; Millsboro is considering a Radish Road speed-limit drop to 25 mph. Business and community: Pathmark may return to Wilmington as owners discuss a modified store for the Adams Four shopping center. Environment cleanup: DNREC reported 1,200+ volunteers removed more than 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware shorelines and waterways ahead of the storm season.