AGP Executive Report

Delaware Politics: Spotlight Delaware hosted a debate among the three Democratic attorney general candidates—incumbent Kathy Jennings and challengers Dwayne Bensing and Patty Rickman—turning criminal justice, civil rights, and law-enforcement transparency into the central contrast. Energy Costs: Delawareans packed into public comment against a proposed Delmarva Power rate hike, arguing the utility is baking in costs early and shifting risk through riders even as an interim increase is already in place. Public Safety & Justice Access: Delaware is set to launch its first Family Justice Centers, with $2.6 million in federal funding helping create a one-stop hub for domestic-violence and related-crime services in Georgetown and additional sites in New Castle County. Housing: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester highlighted bipartisan affordable-housing legislation aimed at easing Delaware’s shortage, tying the policy to real struggles finding homes near jobs and care. Local Tech & Resilience: Lewes officials explored a potential partnership with UD’s First State AI Institute for “digital twinning” to stress-test resilience plans for storms and other threats. Courts & Governance: Delaware’s Chancery Court is seeing more corporate-law fallout, including a ruling on how D&O insurance “bump-up” clauses can block coverage when settlements function like increased merger consideration. Business & Delaware Corporate Footprints: A company announced its plan to redomesticate from Delaware to Nevada, underscoring how Delaware corporate status remains a live political and economic question.

Delaware Voting & Public Safety: Delaware lawmakers signed a new law cracking down on violence, threats, and voter intimidation at polling places and ballot-handling sites, with penalties up to a Class G felony ahead of the Sept. 15 primary. Affordable Housing: U.S. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester highlighted bipartisan federal action to tackle Delaware’s affordable housing shortage, pointing to a need for thousands more affordable homes. Education & Literacy: Delaware continues its $3 million teacher-driven classroom literacy program, and new state reading results show modest gains but still a long way to go toward the 2028 proficiency goal. Courts & Policy: A Delaware federal judge blocked a Trump-era ACA rule that would have limited insurance coverage for certain gender-affirming procedures, preserving protections for people in ACA marketplace plans. Public Health: CDC reports cyclosporiasis has spread to 47 states and DC, with Delaware among the few states not yet reporting cases. Local Crime: Delaware State Police arrested a Townsend woman after an alleged hammer assault at a Newark storage facility.

Delaware Campaign Finance: With less than a month to go before Delaware’s Sept. 15 primary, campaign money is clustering around the state treasurer race, where Democrats Ted Lauzen and Michael Alexander Smith have raised about $223,000 combined, plus notable fundraising in several Legislative Hall contests and a New Castle County Recorder of Deeds race. State Senate Primary Watch: Gov. Matt Meyer is backing challengers Adriana Bohm (SD1) and Shay Frisby (SD5), setting up intra-party fights with incumbents Dan Cruce and Ray Seigfried over healthcare cost reform. Child Care Access: Meyer signed bills expanding Purchase of Care summer childcare options by easing enrollment timing and licensing barriers for participating camps. Housing Policy: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester highlighted a bipartisan federal housing package aimed at boosting supply and cutting red tape, with Delaware housing officials saying more work remains to translate policy into results. Government Oversight: An audit advisory lists upcoming Ohio Auditor reports, including a Delaware compliance examination for Concord Township. Energy & Courts: A Delaware judge ordered a $2.35B Beloit-area deal to proceed, while Pleasants Power Station’s bankruptcy continues as power-plant owners trade accusations over control.

Meta Trial in Delaware’s Orbit: A multistate coalition led by AG Jeff Jackson opened its landmark case accusing Meta of designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive to kids and misleading parents, with Delaware listed among the states backing the suit. Delaware Courts & Public Records: Delaware DOJ asked the state Supreme Court to undo a ruling that let the ACLU get Saul Ewing LLP invoices tied to a prison-medical-care lawsuit, arguing it raises the bar for agencies handling records requests. Insurance Regs Meet Sports Money: Delaware Life says Mark Walter’s TWG Global plans to buy up to $6.5B in related-party assets after an internal review tied to a federal investigation—another twist in the Lakers sale fallout. Transportation Safety: DelDOT is tightening guardrail safety after DelDOT leaders said it’s adding in-house independent inspections of repairs and changing inspection and design processes. Health Policy: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for minors under 18, effective immediately for federally funded providers. Opioid Prevention: Attack Addiction will hold International Overdose Awareness Day events in Newark and Georgetown with vigils and local resources.

Police & Public Safety: A Delaware lawmaker is pushing police accountability and reform after renewed allegations of abuse in Wilmington and Dover, arguing Delaware’s enforcement-first model still disproportionately harms marginalized communities. Local Government: Newark is still staring at a $2.3 million FY2027 budget gap after cutting an earlier $6 million hole, with council weighing options like an “opt-in” printed utility bill to reduce costs. State Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills expanding summer childcare access for low-income families, adding $27M+ to help more kids get into summer camps. Healthcare: Rep. Alonna Berry convened a statewide healthcare roundtable focused on rural access, workforce shortages, primary care, and making the system more sustainable. Elections & Voting Rights: The Trump DOJ keeps appealing losses in its push for unredacted state voter rolls—now 0-for-23 in district court. Business & Courts: Delaware Chancery litigation continues in the Gold Reserve vs. Rusoro dispute, with the court dismissing most claims but letting a breach-of-contract confidentiality claim proceed. Transportation: Delaware joins a multi-state lawsuit challenging the federal government’s access to a 17M-driver CDL database run by AAMVA. Public Safety Campaign: Delaware is ramping up “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement ahead of Labor Day.

Organized Retail Theft: Delaware State Police arrested Dover’s Michah Cuffee Sr., 67, after a multi-month probe tied to about $50,000 in stolen merchandise stored at a Dover motel; police say he recruited people struggling with drug addiction to steal for narcotics or cash and planned to ship the goods overseas. Consumer Protection & Fraud: A new “power to pause” law is spreading across 33 states, including Delaware, letting banks freeze suspected exploitative transactions—often for up to 90 days—to protect older and incapacitated adults. Attorney General vs. Big Tech: Virginia AG Jay Jones and a bipartisan coalition are in the opening phase of a trial against Meta over alleged addictive features harming children, with Delaware’s AG Mayes also signaling a long fight for reforms. Public Safety: Delaware’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement ramps up ahead of Labor Day, warning that impairment includes drugs and prescription meds, not just alcohol. Delaware Courts & Energy: In Delaware bankruptcy court, Omnis Pleasants owners fight to keep control of the Pleasants Power Station, arguing an Omnis Pleasants Chapter 11 filing was a bad-faith move. State Oversight: The Delaware Department of Insurance is reviewing Aquarian Capital’s bid to acquire Brighthouse Life Insurance, laying out how the Form A process works and why outside specialists are involved.

Federal Court Fight in Delaware: Selena Gomez’s lawyer says investors’ fraud and breach-of-contract claims tied to her Wondermind startup are “completely meritless,” and is moving to dismiss in Delaware federal court. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh new guardrails on automatic license plate cameras as Flock Safety tightens default data retention from 30 to seven days. Delaware Privacy vs. CDL Data: Delaware joins a multi-state challenge to federal demands for commercial driver’s license records, arguing the requests threaten workers’ privacy for an immigration agenda. PFAS Cleanup Costs: Veolia sues nine companies in Delaware Superior Court, saying PFAS pollution from industrial sites shouldn’t be pushed onto about 100,000 New Castle County residents. Delaware-Region Crime Case: Federal and state prosecutors announce indictments tied to a multi-state organized retail-theft ring hitting Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Delaware Primary Timing: Early voting begins Sept. 2 for the Sept. 15 Democratic and Republican primaries; registration deadline is Aug. 22.

Federal policy & health care: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18, with the change taking effect immediately for federally funded hospitals and medical schools. Delaware voting logistics: Delaware’s closed primary is coming fast—registration ends Aug. 22, early voting runs Sept. 2–5 and Sept. 8–13, and polls open Sept. 15. State government oversight: Delaware’s auditor says there’s still no centralized system to ensure compliance with the dual-employment law for officials working for both the state and the University of Delaware. Public safety: Delaware State Police arrested a New Castle man after a fatal motorcycle crash on Route 13; he faces vehicular homicide and DUI-related charges. Legal fight in federal court: Investors sued Selena Gomez and others over alleged fraud tied to her Wondermind startup; her lawyer calls the claims “completely meritless” and seeks dismissal. Local Delaware politics: An independent investigation into Lewes’ removal of an HPARC meeting video found no evidence it was taken down to influence the May election.

Delaware Dual-Employment Audit: Delaware’s state auditor says a second attempt to verify whether lawmakers and other officials were paid twice for the same hours—once by the state and again by the University of Delaware—still found no centralized oversight, with UD refusing to provide needed employment info. Lewes Election Video Probe: A newly released independent investigation into Lewes’ removal of an HPARC meeting video found no objective signs it was taken down to influence the May 9 election, though it said the video shouldn’t have been removed. Delaware State Police Shooting Arrest: Delaware State Police arrested Hartly man Dakota Carey after shooting incidents in Hartly, charging him with multiple counts including firing a firearm at a dwelling and reckless endangerment. Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester: The Delaware at-large congresswoman flagged concerns about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and pushed new legislation to expand Head Start and early education access. Wondermind Lawsuit (Delaware federal court): Investors sued Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and their mental health startup in Delaware federal court, alleging fraud and broken promises; Gomez’s lawyer called the claims meritless and sought dismissal. Indiana Flooding: Indiana reported at least five deaths from historic flooding along the White River as Gov. Mike Braun said Trump intends to approve a presidential emergency declaration.

Delaware Politics & Governance: Lewes’ removal of a controversial HPARC meeting video is under scrutiny again, with an independent report finding no objective sign it was taken down to influence the May 9 election—though it says the video shouldn’t have been removed in the first place. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested Hartly man Dakota Carey after shooting incidents in Hartly, charging him with multiple counts including firing a firearm at a dwelling and reckless endangerment. Local Government & Elections: Rehoboth Beach elected Susan Stewart as mayor, making her the first openly gay mayor and the first woman elected mayor in decades. Health Policy: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18, a move that reverses prior federal rules and follows state bans. Courts & Accountability: Investors sued Selena Gomez over alleged fraud tied to her mental health startup Wondermind, while her lawyers call the claims meritless. Community & Services: Sussex County began issuing 2027 property tax bills, with paper mailings and an online/escrow check option for homeowners.

Federal Policy & Health: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18, with the change taking effect immediately for federally funded hospitals and medical schools. Delaware & Public Health: A measles map shows cases spiking nationwide as the administration overhauls childhood vaccine guidance, with Delaware listed among affected jurisdictions. Elections & Money in Politics: A Clarion resident is helping lead “American Promise,” a bipartisan push to ratify a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting political campaign spending. State Government & Housing/Taxes: Sussex County has begun issuing 2027 property tax bills, with paper mailings and escrow checks highlighted for taxpayers. Transportation & Privacy: 22 states, including Delaware, sued to block the Trump administration from demanding CDL driver personal data from states. Local Safety & Policy: Delaware’s Bicycle Council celebrated passage of the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, pushing clearer disclosures on e-bikes versus higher-powered vehicles. Courts & Delaware Business: A Delaware bankruptcy judge ruled AIG’s funding to an investment unit was equity, not debt, in a dispute tied to 2008-era deferred compensation. Public Safety (Delaware County): An Aldan officer in a fatal knife-shooting was cleared as justified after a DA review and bodycam release. Community: Delaware’s ISSA pesticide registration survey update flags fee and deadline changes, including expectations for Delaware.

Federal Voting & Health Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, adding protections against voter discrimination and requiring language assistance, with the law taking effect July 1, 2027. He also signed healthcare bills expanding pharmacists’ roles and creating a paid clinical pathway for aspiring professionals. State Permitting & Equity: Meyer’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator will fast-track three broadband and health projects, but critics are asking why only selected applicants get quicker timelines. Grid Security: Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Mike Rounds introduced the Quantum-GUARD Act to help utilities prepare for quantum cybersecurity risks. Courts & Civil Rights: Delaware Supreme Court partially revived a Sussex County subdivision dispute over wetland buffers in Smokey Hollow. The Delaware Human & Civil Rights Commission fined Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille $15,000 for denying a transgender woman access to the women’s bathroom. Local Government Watch: Fenwick swears in two new council members; Sussex council debates forest preservation rules; and New Castle County weighs partial demolition of the Concord Mall under a redevelopment plan. Business/Legal: Delaware Chancery refused to send a $3M hotel fight to Florida. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested two Bridgeville men on drug and weapons charges after a search warrant. National Legal Flashpoint: Investors sued Selena Gomez in Delaware federal court over alleged fraud tied to Wondermind.

Federal Housing Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings and allies won a court challenge to HUD limits on permanent housing funding, arguing the Trump administration’s move would push hundreds of Delawareans into homelessness. Public Safety Sweep: The FBI wrapped a three-week “Summer Heat 2.0” operation with 109 arrests across Delaware and Maryland, including 49 in Wilmington, as officials target violent offenders. Gun Detection in Schools: ZeroEyes partnered with Advantech and Camden Police to bring AI gun-detection tech to Caesar Rodney School District, adding to existing security layers. Wilmington Economy: Mayor John Carney launched a Wilmington Economic Roundtable chaired by New Castle County Chamber CEO Yvonne Deadwyler to advise on business growth and investment. Delaware Courts/Politics: State Rep. Josue Ortega turned himself in after a DOJ-authorized warrant for offensive touching. Business & Law: A Delaware federal case targets Selena Gomez and Wondermind investors’ fraud claims.

CDL Privacy Lawsuit: Delaware AG Tong joined a multistate fight to block the Trump administration from demanding access to 17 million drivers’ personal data from the CDL system, arguing the federal government is unlawfully pressuring states and could cut $10M+ in funding. FBI Fugitive Sweep: The FBI detailed results from a three-week operation across Maryland and Delaware that led to 109 arrests, including cases involving rape and child sexual abuse, plus three guns seized. Delaware Data Centers: Dover’s data center moratorium proposal is moving forward after a committee vote, with an 18-month pause while the city drafts lasting rules. ElectionWatch (US Senate): Jeff Appelhans, a Democratic primary candidate, told WDEL voters he’s focused on power and jobs in an AI economy and called for restoring SNAP and other safety-net supports. Delaware Courts/Business: A Delaware Chancery Court ruling let a Via Renewables buyout challenge move forward, rejecting a dismissal bid tied to minority protections. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Lewes dance instructor accused of sexually abusing teens, warning more victims may come forward. Community/Nonprofit: A Delaware nonprofit’s service-dog program for veterans with PTSD/TBI continues to expand, highlighting how the dogs provide alerts and daily support.

Delaware Transportation Watch: DelDOT kicked off a Millville Transportation Plan stakeholder meeting, focusing on Route 26 and nearby roads, with residents pressing for safer crossings and slower speeds near Evans Park. Housing & Homelessness: Central Delaware Housing Collaborative cut the ribbon on “House of Hope” in Dover, a new transitional home for previously homeless women, with more sites planned. State Politics & Community: Gov. Matthew Meyer signed a proclamation naming Aug. 15, 2026 “India Day,” spotlighting Delaware’s Indian American community and ties to India. Courts & Delaware Business: Delaware Chancery Court trimmed attorney fees in a derivative settlement tied to The Beauty Health Co., calling the deal a trade of “weak claims” for small upgrades. Public Safety & Health Policy: A federal directive says taxpayer funding for gender-transition procedures for minors will stop, a move that reverses prior federal rules and follows state bans. National Lottery Note: Powerball’s $1.04B jackpot was won by a single ticket in Illinois; Delaware generally allows winner anonymity.

Delaware Courts & Governance: The U.S. District Court for Delaware affirmed a Chapter 15 recognition order enforcing a Mexican bankruptcy ruling, including nonconsensual third-party releases—an important signal for cross-border insolvency fights. State Oversight: Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia York released a second Dual Employment Performance Audit, finding significant compliance gaps in how state-funded officials avoid “coincident time” pay. Elections & Voting Rights: Delaware’s John Lewis Voting Rights Act is now law, expanding state-level protections against election discrimination. Public Safety & Community: Christina School District moves to phase out School Resource Officers in middle schools, continuing the shift in how districts handle student safety. Housing & Local Policy: Sussex County Georgetown council voted to start the repeal process for cottage housing zoning code—another step in the region’s affordability debate. Military & Veterans: Delaware Sen. Chris Coons joined bipartisan legislation (ARCH Act) to preserve Afghan allies’ military service records. Environment & Infrastructure: Delaware’s stance on nuclear power remains a live policy question as the state weighs future energy options. Delaware in the News Cycle: Delawareans can see at least part of Wednesday’s solar eclipse, weather permitting.