AGP Executive Report

Delaware Fintech Expansion: GradBridge, a Newark-based student lending fintech, will stay in Delaware as it expands to nearly 50 jobs in five years, backed by a $780,000 Jobs Performance Grant. Social Security Watch: A new analysis warns Delaware could see an average $549 monthly cut if the retirement trust fund becomes insolvent in 2032. Delaware Health Care: Delaware is set to open its first four-year medical school in 2028 through a partnership with Thomas Jefferson University, with an inaugural class of 40 and tuition awards tied to serving rural Delaware for at least five years. Local Safety: The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam using a fake “Deputy Hart” identity and threats of federal arrest. Education Leadership: A new report argues principals are a key lever for improving teacher retention and student outcomes, tying leadership support to better grades and stronger school culture.

Corporate Courts: Delaware’s Court of Chancery refused to toss a stockholder suit targeting Virtu Financial’s share repurchase program, keeping alive claims that insiders benefited unfairly. Higher Ed & Policy: Moore College of Art and Design will enroll men starting in 2027-28 after trustees voted to end its women-only status. State Budget Watch: Delaware lawmakers are moving toward finalizing the FY 2027 budget, with merit pay raises and added funding for health, education and workforce programs, plus a one-time supplemental package aimed at future education formula changes. Local Tax Change: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax ordinance, which would stack on top of Delaware’s existing 8% lodging tax if approved. Delaware Health Care: Bayhealth added a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Sussex County, expanding high-risk pregnancy care. Food Access: Delaware’s Grocery Initiative and First State Food System Program awarded $712,500 to 28 groups to expand access to healthy, affordable food. Business Litigation: Nextpower sued GameChange Energy in Delaware federal court over alleged solar tracker patent infringement. Public Safety: Delaware’s DOJ announced prison sentences for three alleged Exit Four gang members tied to two Wilmington-area killings.

Voting Rights Fight: The ACLU of Delaware says it will appeal a Fenwick Island decision allowing certain non-human entities to vote in municipal elections, arguing “one person, one vote” is being undermined. Healthcare & Workforce: Delaware selected Thomas Jefferson University to help launch the state’s first four-year medical school, aiming to build an in-state pipeline to ease physician shortages. Bankruptcy Watch: The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking $286 million from First Brands Group in a Delaware bankruptcy court fight over alleged unpaid tariffs tied to undervalued imports. Local Courts & Business: A Delaware judge’s ruling in the Market Basket leadership dispute is now final after Arthur T. Demoulas declined to appeal. Community & Culture: CAMP Rehoboth’s new executive director, Dr. Robin Brennan, says she’s in a listening phase as the LGBTQ+ center gears up for summer. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a week of business burglaries along Coastal Highway in Lewes. Homelessness Data: A Delaware PIT count reportedly counted only sheltered people this year, raising questions about the true size of the homeless population. Education: A national report highlights Delaware’s academic gains, with Cape Henlopen leading in several areas but statewide scores still lagging U.S. averages.

Delaware Politics & Growth: Ayanna Khan-Flowers, founder of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, announced her run for Delaware House District 9, pitching herself as a pro-small-business candidate for a fast-growing area. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a string of Coastal Highway business burglaries in Lewes, with two suspects linked to break-ins and attempted break-ins at multiple shops. Local Tax Policy: Millsboro is weighing a new 3% lodging tax that would stack on top of the state’s 8% hotel tax, pushing the total to 11% if approved. Business & Courts: Nextpower filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Delaware against GameChange Solar over solar tracker and energy management technology. Community & Health: Delaware’s Division of Small Business awarded more than $700,000 in grants aimed at improving food access in areas considered food deserts. Military: The USS Delaware held a change-of-command, with Judson Thomas taking over as commander.

Delaware Courts & Business: A Delaware district court affirmed enforcement of a Mexican restructuring plan that included nonconsensual third-party releases, underscoring how Chapter 15 can carry foreign bankruptcy relief into the U.S. Consumer & Legal Costs: A Delaware-linked personal injury explainer highlights how contingency-fee cases typically work—no attorney fee unless money is recovered. Environment & Wildlife: The Center for Biological Diversity sued the federal government seeking Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs after NOAA declined to list them, arguing declines from overharvesting, habitat loss, biomedical bleeding, and other threats. Housing & Homelessness: Wilmington residents are pushing back on a proposed pallet village for people experiencing homelessness, as city officials weigh a Springboard Delaware plan. Transit: Delaware officials are again considering a commuter rail station in Newport, with a public workshop gathering feedback on an early-stage concept near I-95. Public Safety & Scams: A new warning story details how AI voice cloning scams can mimic a child’s voice to demand urgent ransom payments. National Policy: Delaware AGs joined coalitions opposing a Trump administration plan that would loosen retirement investment rules, potentially steering more money into riskier assets.

Iran-U.S. Tensions: Trump sent back changes to the proposed Iran peace deal after adviser talks, pressing for tougher nuclear language and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as the U.S. and Iran traded renewed fire over the weekend. Delaware Courts & Governance: A Delaware judge upheld a ruling allowing corporations to vote in certain elections, raising fresh concerns about corporate influence in local politics. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Wilmington e-bike robbery at gunpoint after the victim arranged the ride via TikTok. Housing & Community Support: Food Bank of Delaware opened registration for its 2026 Community Supported Agriculture program, offering weekly produce shares starting June 25. Weather & Preparedness: Sussex County urged residents to get ready for hurricane season now, building disaster kits and making plans ahead of June 1. Business/Health: Pro Medicus shares jumped after contract wins and management said AI fears about its subscription software model are easing.

Delaware Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating an armed e-bike robbery in Wilmington where a victim met a suspect on TikTok, was lured behind a Kirkwood Highway business, and had a handgun used to steal the bike; detectives ask witnesses to contact Detective M. Conway. Delaware Politics & Governance: A Delaware judge’s ruling keeps the spotlight on corporate voting power in local elections, as Delaware now allows corporations to vote—raising fresh concerns about influence in public decision-making. Delaware Budget Watch: Delaware’s Joint Finance Committee markup added $65 million in general funds to Gov. Matt Meyer’s FY2027 proposal, pushing spending growth above the governor’s 5% target and boosting education-related funding. Delaware Economy & Housing: Delaware lawmakers are pushing to restore a canceled Army Corps flood study for the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay coast, arguing it’s critical for storm risk planning in Sussex County. Weather & Preparedness: With hurricane season starting June 1, Sussex County emergency officials urge residents to build kits and make plans now, not just watch forecasts. Regional News: NASA confirmed a meteor caused a sonic boom over New England, and New York is seeking disaster aid after April frost damaged fruit crops.

Coastal Resilience: Delaware’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restart a canceled Sussex County flood mitigation study, saying the agency ended the “Back Bay Study” without the required 30-day notice and that the loss leaves communities without key storm-risk planning data. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating an armed robbery in Wilmington after a TikTok-arranged meeting led to a handgun demand and theft of an electric bike; no injuries were reported. Courts & Business: A Delaware Court of Chancery judge sanctioned Vince McMahon and others in a WWE shareholder dispute, citing “spoliation of evidence” tied to Signal auto-delete settings. Healthcare Access: ChristianaCare announced its Aston micro-hospital in Delaware County will open in early June with 24/7 emergency care and inpatient services. Local Governance: Delaware’s election rules are in the spotlight after a judge decision allowing corporations to vote in certain elections. Energy & Growth: A new report highlights how states are responding differently to data center booms, balancing incentives with grid and utility strain.

Housing & Community Development: Milford broke ground on Lafayette Place, an affordable project expected to deliver up to 95 homes for families around 80% of area median income, with leaders citing rising housing pressure. Port & State Finance: Delaware agreed to pay an additional $110 million to close a $185 million funding gap for the Edgemoor container port expansion, moving the plan forward. Courts & Immigration: The Third Circuit ordered Delaware to comply with an ICE subpoena for business wage reports, ending the state’s effort to block the release of sensitive employment data. Healthcare Access: ChristianaCare is preparing to open a $51 million microhospital in Aston, adding 24/7 emergency care and inpatient beds after the Crozer Health collapse. Energy Assistance: Delmarva Power is urging customers to use its ReliefDE and Assistance Finder tools as electric costs remain a concern. Local Politics & Deadlines: Delaware’s party change deadline for the Sept. 15 primary is Friday at 11:59 p.m. Public Safety & Justice: Charges were dismissed against four Delaware State University students tied to a Rehoboth Beach “takeover” event.

Delaware Courts & Democracy: A Delaware judge ruled that corporations and other business entities can vote in Fenwick Island elections, rejecting an ACLU challenge and leaning on the town charter changes approved by the state. Education & Accountability: A Delaware op-ed argues the state’s education spending and outcomes don’t match, pointing to charter revocation at the Bryan Allen Stevenson School for Excellence and calling for tighter oversight of school tax dollars. Health Care & Coverage: UnitedHealthcare says Synapse Health will manage durable medical equipment orders for certain Medicare Advantage plans in Delaware starting Sept. 1, 2026, requiring many DME providers to join Synapse’s network. Local Business & Growth: Delaware’s inaugural Rural Small Business of the Year goes to Insight Ag Scouting LLC, highlighting how crop scouting and specialty agriculture support keep rural economies moving. Public Safety & Community: A Cape Region letter warns that hacking and scams are targeting coastal Delaware seniors and urges residents to “question everything,” with reporting often coming too late. Higher Ed & Crime Tech: Neumann University’s digital forensics lab marked two years helping local law enforcement, citing nearly 1,000 cases supported across dozens of agencies.

Police Reform Spotlight: Camden, N.J. is being held up as a model after its first homicide-free summer in nearly 50 years, a turnaround tied to the Camden County Police Department’s overhaul and the role of community groups and local media. Delaware Elections: Delaware’s party change deadline for the September primaries is midnight Friday, with closed primaries and early voting tentatively starting Sept. 2. Courts & Voting Rights: A Delaware judge upheld a town rule allowing corporations and other nonliving entities to vote in some local elections, rejecting an ACLU challenge and reigniting debate over “one person/entity/one vote.” Data Center Fight: Legal pressure is growing in Alabama over a proposed hyperscale data center, with filings alleging inflated land values and attempts to bypass a moratorium. Education Funding: Delaware transportation leaders rejected a nearly $900,000 grant for the ASPIRA Georgetown bilingual charter school, citing program rules. Public Safety: Two Maryland men were arrested after a Dewey Beach disturbance that included false identities and a struggle with officers. Internet Safety: AG Jay Jones joined a coalition opposing Virginia’s federal KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken protections for children online. Local History: Kent County Levy Court backed the proposed Greater Dover Museum to expand space for preserving Central Delaware artifacts.

Delaware Courts: A Delaware judge sanctioned Vince McMahon and Nick Khan in the WWE-Endeavor/TKO shareholder fight, citing Signal message spoliation and raising what they must prove to rebut plaintiffs’ claims. Food Security: The Food Bank of Delaware reported 458,983 pounds collected in the May 9 Stamp Out Hunger drive, as need and costs keep climbing. State Grants: Delaware awarded more than $700,000 in Spring 2026 Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to 28 organizations to expand access to fresh food and support storage, delivery, and local farms. Higher Ed Finance: UD named Ellen Herbst as executive vice president for finance and administration, starting July 1. Business & Governance: Aegon unveiled a “US-aligned” governance framework tied to relocating its legal seat to Delaware. Labor & Bankruptcy: Yellow Corp. workers may finally see payment for unused time after a Delaware bankruptcy court approved a final liquidation plan, though valuation disputes remain. Tech & Access to Justice: Christopher Pitt launched a public conversation on using AI to expand access to legal help for underrepresented people.

Sports Betting Oversight: Ohio AG Dave Yost and 40 other attorneys general urged the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets, arguing platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi function like unregulated sportsbooks and should fall under state gambling protections. Corporate Governance: Aegon says it will move its legal seat to Delaware and proposes US-style governance changes, including annual director elections and say-on-pay votes, as it aligns with Delaware-incorporated-company norms. Delaware Courts & Finance: In Chancery, judges found directors of Footprint International may have breached fiduciary duties tied to a preferred stock financing that largely benefited major stockholder funds. Port Funding: Delaware officials discussed a $185 million Edgemoor port shortfall and where the extra money will come from, with lawmakers still pressing for transparency. Child Care: A Dover bill would expand eligibility for Delaware’s Purchase of Care child care assistance, raising income thresholds over five years to help more working families. Business & Community: Iron Hill Brewery reopened its Wilmington riverfront restaurant after bankruptcy, and Dover Movies 14 plans to return to Dover Mall’s former AMC space. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old from Maryland after a Kent County pursuit involving a stolen truck. Health & Policy: A CFPB rule weakening fair-lending protections is facing a lawsuit, with plaintiffs challenging changes to how “discouragement” is defined in credit discrimination cases.

Delaware Politics & Taxes: New Castle County Council approved a $387.6 million budget with a first direct county property tax increase in eight years, a $102/year hit for a median $378,000 home, while officials warn staffing cuts could strain services. Port & Infrastructure: Delaware officials say they’re closing a $185 million shortfall for the Edgemoor container port plan, adding $110 million to cover cost overruns as the project remains politically contentious. Local Governance: Georgetown’s new mayor, Angela Townsend, outlined priorities including a monthly newsletter push and a plan to coordinate homelessness services more tightly. Education & Community: A proposed expansion of the ASPIRA bilingual charter school into Sussex County hit a setback after transportation officials rejected a nearly $900,000 grant as ineligible. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a 15-year-old from Sudlersville, Md., after a Kent County pursuit involving a stolen truck ended in a crash. Business & Tech: Mediacom launched 5-Gig Internet in Delaware and nearby areas, expanding multi-gig speeds to hundreds of thousands of homes. Fraud Watch: FTC data shows Delaware reported the second-highest fraud rate in the U.S. in 2025, with investment scams among the biggest losses. Sports & Culture: Fanatics Markets and ADI Predictstreet launched a FIFA World Cup 2026 prediction hub available in Delaware.

Delaware Budget Watch: New Castle County Council approved a $387.6 million budget that means a first direct county property tax increase in eight years—about $102 per year for a median $378,000 home—while residents may see cuts to services like reduced library hours and staffing. AI Meets the Courts: President Biden sued the Justice Department to block release of about 70 hours of interview files tied to his biographer, arguing for executive privilege as lawmakers push to access the material. Delaware Port Push: Delaware and Enstructure moved ahead on the long-delayed Delaware Container Terminal at Edgemoor, targeting up to 1.2 million TEUs and aiming for first cargo in 2028. Local Governance: The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed a Chancery ruling against Sussex County in a wind/renewable redevelopment fight, keeping the project’s path clearer. Economy: Delaware’s unemployment rate ticked down to 5.3% in April, but remains above a year ago. Tech & Privacy: A new report warns that license plate reader data is being used far beyond specific investigations, including school and other low-level checks.

TRIPP Deal Published: Armenia and the U.S. have now published a framework agreement for TRIPP, laying out plans for a joint development company and infrastructure projects across Armenia—while explicitly keeping Armenia’s sovereignty over TRIPP zones. Biotech Watch: Incyte says it will present June 9 at the Goldman Sachs healthcare conference, with a webcast and replay available. Local Tech/Health: Delaware is also tied to a new FAA-backed eVTOL integration pilot effort, and a separate autism research push aims to build a decentralized bulk RNA dataset using home-collected blood samples. Community & Housing: Wilmington’s final budget vote lands on a compromise—more developer incentives for affordable housing, plus some near-term renter help. Selbyville Planning: Selbyville is asking residents for input on a proposed Downtown Development District, with a survey open through May 27. Sports Moment: NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski recalled seeing Kyle Busch days before his death, saying Busch wasn’t feeling well.