AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: Delaware is expanding digital skills access through a new partnership with Grow with Google, offering free, flexible Google career certificates and AI courses in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and IT support. Local Law & Cannabis: Delaware lawmakers overrode Gov. Matt Meyer’s veto, forcing localities to relax zoning rules for cannabis stores to help the industry grow. State Parks & Outdoors: DNREC proposed major updates to Delaware State Parks rules, including surf-fishing vehicle reservations during peak periods and a near-ban on magnet fishing. Corporate/Deal Watch: Delaware’s ABC law is getting an overhaul as Gov. Meyer signed SB 267, modernizing assignment-for-creditors procedures that could matter for private equity wind-downs. Community in the Heat: Bethany Beach postponed its July 4 parade due to extreme heat, but residents organized an unofficial parade to keep the tradition alive. History & Identity: Delaware continues wrestling with Caesar Rodney’s legacy as a statue tied to the slaveholding Founding Father remains a flashpoint ahead of America’s 250th. Independence Day Context: Trump proclaimed July 4, 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration’s adoption, while Washington adjusted plans for safety amid extreme heat. Lottery: Delaware Lottery posted July 3 Mega Millions and Play 3 results.

DNREC State Parks Overhaul: Delaware is proposing major updates to State Park rules, including surf-fishing vehicle reservations on drive-on beaches during peak summer days and a near-total ban on magnet fishing, plus other rule changes. Delaware Budget Push: The General Assembly cleared final spending bills in early-morning voting, including a $1.25 billion bond bill, with lawmakers citing late information and uneven county allocations. Independence 250, Delaware Roots: A new look at Delaware’s founding role highlights Caesar Rodney’s crucial July 1, 1776 decision and the state’s early independence moves. Revolutionary History Spotlight: A South Jersey historical project is tracing Timothy Matlack’s Declaration-making process, including how ink and quill work may have been done locally. Local Community & Citizenship: La Esperanza honored 23 newly naturalized U.S. citizens at its annual celebration, emphasizing legal support and civic connection. Weather & Holiday Costs: A survey finds Delaware households cut fresh produce purchases the least in the U.S. (12%), and a statewide heat advisory remains in effect into early July.

Delaware Courts & Finance: A Delaware judge ruled JPMorgan must keep advancing Charlie Javice’s disputed legal fees, rejecting the bank’s claim the costs were “astronomical” and ordering roughly $10.1 million more for fees tied to her appeal fight. State & Federal Health Policy: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s interim Medicaid work requirements for medically frail people, arguing the rule strips protections for vulnerable patients. Local Business & Community: Bank of America is offering free admission to the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science for cardholders during the July 4 weekend via Museums on Us. Tech & Infrastructure: SoftBank plans to establish SB Neo in Delaware in July 2026 to run a U.S. “neocloud” business for enterprise AI computing. Public Safety & Environment: The FDA classified a nationwide recall of more than half a million bags of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips as highest risk over possible Salmonella contamination.

Court Ruling: A Delaware judge ordered JPMorgan Chase to keep paying Charlie Javice’s legal bills, rejecting the bank’s bid to stop after “astronomical” costs tied to her fraud conviction and appeal. Reproductive Rights: Delaware’s attorney general agreed to a permanent bar on enforcing a 2025 law that required pro-life pregnancy centers to post government-mandated disclaimers. Heat & Power: Federal officials ordered data centers to switch to backup power during a heat wave as the grid faces record demand across the PJM region, including Delaware. Marijuana Policy: Delaware lawmakers overrode Gov. Matt Meyer’s veto of SB 75, limiting counties’ ability to impose restrictive zoning on legal marijuana businesses. Business/Tech: Delaware-based Profusa announced a 1-for-25 reverse stock split effective July 7. Gaming: Delaware North rebranded its casinos and online gaming under Ember Entertainment, rolling out new sportsbook and casino names across states. Local Governance: New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon says he helped pause a Newark data center plan after talks with the developer.

Delaware Heat Response: Delaware is under an Extreme Heat Warning through July 4, with officials urging hydration, limiting outdoor work, and checking on older adults and pets. Delaware Politics: Several election bills stalled as the 153rd General Assembly ended early, including proposals to move the primary date, let unaffiliated voters choose a party primary, and change how vacant legislative seats are filled. State Budget & Spending: Lawmakers wrapped up a late-night push on a nearly $7B operating budget, a $1.26B capital plan, and a grant-in-aid package—while some major policy fights, including parts of sexual abuse claims and other measures, didn’t finish. Courts & Consumer Debt: A Delaware federal court recommended summary judgment for a debt collector in a TCPA and FDCPA dispute tied to text-message collection efforts. Higher Ed Access: Delaware State University helped launch an eHBCU course-sharing partnership so students can take approved online classes at other participating HBCUs without transferring. Business & Finance: Columbia Financial’s Delaware-based holding company advanced its conversion to a fully public structure and approved a simultaneous acquisition of Northfield Bancorp. Gaming Rebrand: Delaware North’s casinos and digital gaming are rebranded under Ember, with loyalty programs renamed Ember Rewards.

Delaware Budget & Bond Bill: Delaware lawmakers wrapped up the 153rd session by approving a $1.26 billion FY2027 capital budget (House Bill 500), including major funding for road work, school construction, deferred maintenance, clean water, parks and trails, plus affordable housing and economic development. Healthcare Policy: The General Assembly also passed a slate of healthcare bills, with the Delaware Healthcare Association highlighting measures on hospital cost transparency, hospital worker safety, primary care and affordability, and limits on private equity moves involving nonprofit acute care hospitals. Public Safety & Courts: Wilmington city leaders are pressing for access to body-worn camera footage after a teen was shot and killed by an officer, while an independent review and external assessment are being demanded. Child Abuse Lawsuit Fight: A Delaware Senate amendment stalled a bill aimed at removing statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, adding a $500,000 damages cap tied to institutions and narrowing legal definitions. Business & Housing Finance: A new Delaware HomeStyle Renovation Loan product lets buyers or homeowners finance purchase and renovations in one conventional mortgage. Local Economy/Community: Royal Farms’ Chickenpalooza campaign runs through Sept. 1, with proceeds supporting Food Bank of Delaware and other hunger relief groups.

State Budget: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget into law, pitching it as an affordability plan that boosts public education (nearly $200M), expands childcare via Purchase of Care, increases workforce funding, and adds support for healthcare and retiree costs. Public Safety & Health: With a heat wave expected to push temperatures above 100 degrees, Delmarva counties opened cooling centers across Kent and Sussex, including state service centers and county sites. Healthcare Fraud: A Lewes lab owner, Alpha Care Medical, and its director face charges tied to alleged false Medicare/Medicaid lab claims under the federal health care fraud takedown. Housing & Taxes: On the final day of Delaware’s 153rd legislative session, lawmakers advanced property reassessment measures for New Castle County, including reporting on permits and allowing school districts to adjust tax rates. Corporate/Legal: Delaware-focused corporate governance guidance on Revlon duties highlighted board obligations in change-of-control deals. Community: UD named Joseph Trainor dean of the Joseph R. Biden Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration.

Birthright Citizenship: Delaware and Maryland leaders praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that children born in the U.S. are citizens at birth, rejecting the Trump administration’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. Medicaid Fight: Delaware Attorney General Charity Clark announced a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unlawful implementation of Medicaid work requirements for the medically frail, joining a growing coalition of states and attorneys general. Energy Costs: Gov. Meyer asked Delaware’s Public Service Commission to suspend an upcoming Delmarva Power rate increase, arguing it worsens an affordability crisis. Local Economy: Delaware’s “on Main Street” program expanded, with 17 downtown organizations receiving Main Street America accreditation or affiliation, and the state touting major reinvestment and job creation. Food Insecurity: The Food Bank of Delaware reported more than 10,000 volunteers helped distribute over 20 million meals statewide last year. Transportation Modernization: TransCore launched open-road all-electronic tolling at the New Hope–Lambertville bridge, moving the Delaware River crossing toward a cashless, stop-free system. Community & Culture: Washington Crossing Historic Park is hosting an Independence Day celebration with living history, readings, music, and fireworks over the Delaware River.

Utility Affordability: Gov. Matt Meyer put his demand in writing, urging Delaware’s Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 interim rate hike and keep distribution rates flat while regulators review the request, calling it part of an “affordability crisis” for families, seniors, and small businesses. Public Safety Policy: A Delaware bill to strengthen background checks for volunteer firefighters is moving forward, but a new amendment narrows who must be screened and who is automatically barred, while expanding use of the FBI’s “Rap Back” system. Medicaid Fight: Delaware and other Democratic-led states are suing the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirement rules that narrow the “medically frail” exemption, arguing the change would cut off coverage for vulnerable patients. Delaware Courts/Business Law: Delaware Court of Chancery is set to weigh whether a technology term sheet is a binding deal and whether specific performance can be ordered for IP licensing and joint venture terms. Health & Seniors: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester helped secure a $1.25 million federal grant to expand behavioral health support for seniors through EHRI’s Milford Wellness Village. Local Economy/Development: New Castle County and state leaders celebrated the opening of a Residence Inn at Chestnut Run, a step in the redevelopment of the former DuPont site into a life-sciences and advanced-manufacturing campus.

Utility Rates: Gov. Matt Meyer asked the Delaware Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 rate increase, arguing a temporary hike could exceed what regulators ultimately approve and worsen Delaware’s affordability squeeze. Public Safety Lawmaking: A Delaware bill would require criminal background checks for fire and EMS applicants and certain current members, with a waiver process for extraordinary circumstances and expanded authority for the State Fire Prevention Commission. Ports & Infrastructure Funding: Delaware’s bond bill would fund major projects like Port of Wilmington expansion, with a notable share coming from unclaimed property—an approach facing growing legal scrutiny. Energy Deal in the Delaware Basin: Matador Resources’ San Mateo Midstream agreed to buy Cardinal Midstream Partners’ operating subsidiaries for $752 million, boosting gas processing and gathering capacity in the Delaware Basin ahead of a July 31 close. Healthcare & Workforce: Final federal rules for Medicaid work requirements are out, setting new steps for millions of enrollees to prove eligibility through work, training, volunteering, or education. Business/Markets: Dell shares slipped again after a big AI-server rally, while Incyte’s CEO highlighted growth plans after a leadership change in Wilmington. Community & Culture: Delaware’s museums and historical sites are rolling out programming for the nation’s 250th anniversary, including events at the New Castle Court House Museum and Zwaanendael Museum.

Traffic & Health: Delaware Sen. Chris Coons was briefly hospitalized after a multi-car crash in Lewes; his office says he was treated for minor injuries and is now home expected to recover fully. State Budget: Delaware’s nearly $7B operating budget plus $146M in one-time spending cleared the House, finalizing FY2027 after Senate approval, with GOP lawmakers citing sustainability and concerns about corporate revenue. PFAS & Water: Regulators secured a $450M Chemours settlement tied to PFAS discharges into the Delaware River and other waterways, including penalties and long-term cleanup commitments. Social Security: A new analysis warns Delaware retirees could face about a $549 monthly cut when the trust fund runs low in late 2032. Environment: A Penn State study finds microplastics are nearly everywhere in Pennsylvania waters, with sediment concentrations doubling every 20 years. Local Governance: Gov. Matt Meyer is weighing whether to sign a harm reduction bill that would expand licensing and regulation of programs and decriminalize drug paraphernalia.

Delaware Budget Watch: Delaware’s nearly $7B operating budget plus $146M in one-time funding cleared the House for FY2027, with GOP lawmakers warning the spending pace could drive taxes and push more businesses out of state. PFAS Accountability: Regulators secured a $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including alleged discharges into the Delaware River, with major long-term cleanup and drinking-water spending. Local Governance: Lewes reaffirmed plans to keep a Pilottown Road parcel as open space, rejecting lease plans tied to a canalfront lot. Community & Culture: Delaware’s 250th anniversary energy continues, including a coast-to-coast relay ending at Cape Henlopen and more local celebrations tied to the Semiquincentennial. Sports & Community: Delaware-area coverage also included World Cup action in Philly and local youth/community events, keeping the focus on what’s happening across the region.

Local Governance: Lewes leaders voted to keep a half-acre Pilottown Road parcel as open space, ending lease plans after a prior decision last October. Community & Nonprofits: The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice will hold its 10th anniversary gala Oct. 24 in Rehoboth Beach. Business & Philanthropy: The Delaware Business Owner Summit in Dewey Beach named Children’s Beach House as its 2026 beneficiary. State Politics: Rehoboth Beach charter changes cleared the Delaware House, but a hot-button provision sent the measure back to the Senate. Delaware Economy/Corporate Law: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal base from Delaware to Texas, with the CEO citing 97% support. Public Safety/Health: Delaware Lottery results for June 26 were published, including Mega Millions (05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball 06) and Play 3 Day (9-6-7). Civic Life: WHYY highlighted local support efforts as Venezuelan Americans in the Philadelphia region mobilize aid after deadly earthquakes.

Business & Community: The 2026 Delaware Business Owner Summit in Dewey Beach named Children’s Beach House as its beneficiary, highlighting practical leadership and succession topics for Delaware owners. Delaware Economy & Policy: Delaware lawmakers are weighing whether to let local governments extend the state’s 1 a.m. last call to 2 a.m., a change supporters say could boost hospitality revenue and competitiveness. Corporate & Legal Watch: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal base from Delaware to Texas, a reminder that Delaware’s corporate footprint can shift even as the state remains a business hub. Local Development: Sussex County is moving ahead with a new Route 24 shopping center, including a Royal Farms and Dunkin’ commitment. Major Delaware Project at Risk: The Pentagon blacklisted WuXi, putting a large Middletown pharma campus in jeopardy and raising questions about how the company can respond. Sports & Delaware Interest: Croatia vs. Ghana closes out World Cup group play at Philadelphia Stadium, with Delaware Public Media also checking how the tournament is sparking youth soccer interest. Food Assistance: A national look at SNAP error rates flags Delaware among states with higher 2025 error rates, with future federal penalties looming.

Corporate Moves: Dell shareholders approved the company’s plan to switch its state of incorporation from Delaware to Texas, with Michael Dell saying the “legal home” is now Texas. Immigration & Courts: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians. Local Business & Economy: West Marine is closing its Watertown store after filing for bankruptcy in Delaware, and a new Delaware law could expand alcohol delivery from local liquor stores via third-party platforms like DoorDash. State Policy: Delaware House passed a firearm dealer oversight bill that would tighten licensing, inspections, and security requirements (no registry), now heading to the Senate. Development Watch: A Pentagon blacklist of WuXi could put a major Middletown pharmaceutical project at risk. Community & Culture: Winterthur’s 75th anniversary exhibit “At Home at Winterthur” highlights the museum’s collection and Delaware ties, while Delaware Public Media discussed how the 2026 World Cup may boost youth soccer interest locally. Lottery: Delaware Lottery Mega Millions and Play 3 results for June 26 were released.

Corporate Governance & Delaware’s Role: Texas lawmakers moved to curb proxy advisers after Dell shareholders approved redomiciling from Delaware to Texas, a win for the DEXIT push. Energy Costs & Access: Gov. Matt Meyer announced four accelerated community solar projects across Sussex and New Castle Counties, aiming to cut bills and speed permitting. Local Government: Rehoboth Beach charter changes cleared the House after removing a hot-button rule limiting simultaneous office-holding by people in the same household. Transportation & Jobs: Amtrak’s new Newark-area maintenance facility will bring 100 jobs, with Alstom running the $55M site. Public Safety & Health: Delaware House passed a gun dealer oversight bill creating a state licensing system and new security and training requirements; separate news: Blood Bank of Delmarva is urging summer donations ahead of July 4 travel and “trauma season.” Community & Quality of Life: Newark will add 15-minute free parking spots downtown, and the Juice Pod opened on Main Street. Courts & Restructuring: A Delaware bankruptcy judge cleared the path for Spanish Broadcasting System’s Chapter 11 reorganization. Education: A new national report flags major reading and math learning loss since COVID, with Delaware among states seeing double-digit drops in some results.