AGP Executive Report

Newark Crash: A pedestrian died after being struck by a car Friday night at Library and East Delaware avenues. Newark police are investigating and have not released the person’s identity. Storm Watch: Isaias’ remnants could bring heavy rain, isolated flooding and gusty winds to Delaware on Sunday; forecasters say an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Ocean View Post Office: USPS is reconsidering plans to rebuild the post office, closed since October 2025, and is searching for a property to lease instead. Delaware’s congressional delegation says residents have faced too much uncertainty. Housing Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills intended to speed housing development and lower costs, while vetoing four other bills. Rehoboth Planning: The city selected Dover Kohl & Partners to lead a new master plan, as officials weigh how to manage redevelopment and tourism’s outsized role in city revenue. Delaware Football: The Blue Hens travel to Middle Tennessee Tuesday, with quarterback Nick Minicucci’s availability uncertain after he missed the team’s last game.

Public Safety: Two pedestrians were killed in separate crashes Friday: a 69-year-old Wilmington man riding an electric wheelchair was struck on Philadelphia Pike, and a second man died in Newark. The driver in the first crash was found later; both cases remain under investigation. Ocean View: Two firefighters were injured in a garage fire and released from hospital. The fire marshal is investigating. Postal Service: USPS is looking for a property to lease in Ocean View as it reconsiders rebuilding the post office, closed since October 2025. Coastal Growth: Southern Delaware Brewing is planning a third brewpub, in Fenwick Island’s Bayside Marketplace. State Politics: Republican Mike Katz is challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Chris Coons in Delaware’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. Community & Weather: Delaware Tech cut the ribbon on its Seaford Innovation Center, while Isaias is expected to bring heavy rain and wind to the region Sunday.

Storm Watch: Isaias is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to the Delaware Valley Sunday, with possible downpours and thunderstorms. Public Safety: Two firefighters were injured in an Ocean View garage fire; both were treated and released as the State Fire Marshal investigates. Dover and Kent County parks are also closing early this weekend over concerns about unsanctioned gatherings. Jobs & Growth: Delaware Tech has opened its new Seaford Innovation Center. The state’s permitting accelerator also accepted six projects, including housing in Lewes and downtown Dover; together, the projects propose $165 million in investment and 454 homes. Local Politics: Sussex County Council District 4 candidates Justine Cuccia and Douglas Hudson differ on development and energy, with Cuccia warning growth is outpacing infrastructure. Transparency: State lawmakers introduced FOIA reforms, while Delaware’s government watchdog launched a website and hotline for whistleblowers. Higher Education: The Trump administration sued the University of Delaware over its tuition policy for undocumented students.

Housing: Delaware’s cabinet-level housing agency has rebranded as Housing Delaware, saying its new name better reflects its work beyond public housing, including homeownership and community development. Sussex County Growth: Millsboro has won Downtown Development District status, opening the door to state incentives for downtown investment. Delaware Tech has also cut the ribbon on its Seaford Innovation Center, bringing workforce training in health care and skilled trades closer to western Sussex residents. Ocean View Services: The USPS is reconsidering plans to rebuild the town’s closed post office and may lease another property instead; Delaware’s congressional delegation is pressing for a permanent solution, a timeline and better interim service. Federal Funding: Delaware joined 13 states suing the Trump administration over canceled grants to modernize unemployment systems. Education: The Trump administration is suing the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, while UD students rallied in support of sexual-abuse victims.

Energy Costs: Gov. Matt Meyer joined a bipartisan coalition of governors seeking lower electricity bills, stronger consumer protections and more state influence over PJM, the grid operator serving Delaware and 12 other states. Housing: Millsboro officials say they still lack guidance on new state laws meant to speed housing construction, making it difficult for towns to update local rules. University of Delaware: The university is facing a federal lawsuit over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, while a separate $21.5 million award will support a new AI institute focused on stroke and amputee rehabilitation. Accountability: Delaware’s government watchdog has launched a website and hotline for reporting suspected fraud and abuse. Campus Safety: More than 100 UD students rallied in support of sexual abuse survivors, citing 51 reported campus cases in 2024 and the university’s single full-time victim advocate.

Coastal Projects: Work is advancing on the $50 million Route 54 bridge upgrade in Fenwick Island, which will add safer space for pedestrians and cyclists. Millsboro is also seeking federal funds for an 11-acre park with playgrounds and sports facilities. State Government: Delaware lawmakers are considering broad FOIA reforms, while a new watchdog website and hotline invite complaints about fraud and abuse. Gov. Matt Meyer signed housing development reforms and vetoed four other bills. Education: The state awarded $7.1 million to strengthen early literacy, putting attention on whether the funding improves classroom instruction. Courts and Community: Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling allowing investor nominees to run in an Empery Digital board election. Former Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Blevins has died; the state flag was lowered in her honor.

Transportation: DelDOT will add an all-way stop at Hastings Farm and Coverdale roads in Sussex County on Oct. 15; flaggers will guide traffic during the change. Housing: Gov. Matt Meyer signed two bills to streamline development reviews and require local affordable-housing plans, aiming to increase supply and lower building costs. Some Sussex County officials have raised concerns. State Government: Delaware is creating a nine-member Indigenous Affairs Commission, with seats for Lenape and Nanticoke representatives. Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend also says proposed FOIA reforms would clarify access to public records, with more feedback sought before the next General Assembly. Remembering Patti Blevins: The longtime lawmaker and former Senate president pro tempore has died. She served nearly three decades in the General Assembly and championed children’s health, domestic-violence prevention, gender equality and animal welfare. Accountability: The state inspector general has launched a website and hotline for reporting fraud and abuse.

State Politics: Delaware is mourning former Senate President Pro Tem Patti Blevins, who died at 72 after decades in public service. Gov. Matt Meyer ordered state flags lowered to half-staff. Health: More than $1 million in federal funding will help the University of Delaware, Beebe Healthcare and Deloitte build a statewide Food is Medicine system, linking patients with nutritious food tailored to chronic conditions. Privacy: Delaware’s expanded consumer data law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, lowering the threshold for which businesses must comply and adding new protections and obligations. Research: UD will lead a $21 million, five-year program using AI to support health care, starting with physical rehabilitation. Public Safety: A Milford man was sentenced to life plus 21 years for stabbing and beating a woman in a 2024 attempted-murder case.

Coastal Recovery: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Sarah McBride joined DNREC and Army Corps officials to assess nor’easter damage along Delaware’s beaches, urging more federal funding for erosion repair and replenishment. Delaware Courts & Ethics: Delaware Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester filed an ethics complaint seeking review of Judge Jennifer Mascott’s decision to lead a public affairs firm while serving on the bench. AI & Consumer Spending: A new state-by-state spending map finds consumers spent more on OpenAI products than Anthropic’s in 47 states, with Delaware notably leaning heavily toward OpenAI. Crypto Markets: Winklevoss Asset Services filed for a spot Zcash ETF on Nasdaq, proposing a 0.25% fee and direct ZEC holdings. Public Health: New York moved to expand who can administer measles vaccines as cases surge, with Pennsylvania’s outbreak continuing to drive national attention. Local Business/Community: Wawa is testing sushi at select Delaware Valley stores, while a Delaware-based nonprofit race raised $10,000 for Bethany Beach’s Independence Day celebration. Sports: Delaware-area playoff races and high school results continue to tighten, with multiple teams holding key spots as the season nears its final stretch.

Housing & State Services: Delaware’s cabinet-level housing agency rebranded as Housing Delaware, updating its logo and website (destatehousing.com) to reflect a broader mission beyond traditional public housing and homeownership. Healthcare Access: La Red Health Center in Georgetown won $10.1 million as one of three Delaware Federally Qualified Health Centers receiving federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding. Public Safety: Sussex County will host 9-1-1 Awareness Day Oct. 8 at 21911 Rudder Lane, with safety demos, tours, and emergency vehicles for the public and local students. Accountability & Government: The Delaware Office of the Inspector General launched a new website and hotline for confidential fraud/waste/mismanagement complaints. Courts & Policy: A Delaware Chancery Court fight is underway as former Groq stockholders sue over a roughly $20B reverse acqui-hire tied to Nvidia. Sports & Schools: Delaware-area sports coverage includes PIAA playoff format changes for football and volleyball starting 2026-27, plus Delaware’s OIG and DelDOT planning updates.

Domestic Violence Protections: Gov. Matt Meyer signed five new Delaware laws strengthening confidentiality, protective-order gaps, and survivor protections, marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a ceremonial signing in Wilmington. Early Literacy Push: Delaware is awarding another $7.1 million in Bridge to Practice grants to 28 districts and charters to turn science-of-reading training into classroom coaching and materials. Coast Resilience: Sen. Chris Coons is working to secure an additional $30 million for Delaware beach replenishment after recent nor’easter damage. Tech Court Fight: Qualcomm and Arm returned to Delaware federal court for a five-day jury trial over claims Arm withheld chip-testing tools and leaked a licensing threat, with Qualcomm seeking to pause royalties for up to five years. Higher Ed Under DOJ Scrutiny: The Justice Department sued the University of Delaware over its tuition policy that allows certain illegal immigrants to pay in-state rates while some U.S. citizens pay more. Public Safety: State Police charged Tiffany Morales after an alleged sports bar shooting in New Castle County left no injuries. Community Cleanup: DNREC reported volunteers removed 3,800 pounds of trash from Delaware beaches and waterways ahead of a nor’easter.

Education Funding: Delaware awarded more than $7.1 million in Bridge to Practice grants to 28 districts and charter schools to strengthen Birth-to-Grade-3 early literacy through coaching, materials, and professional learning. Courts & Business: A Delaware jury is hearing Qualcomm vs. Arm over alleged withholding of chip-testing tools and a leaked termination threat, with Qualcomm seeking to suspend royalties for up to five years. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Wilmington woman after she allegedly fired a handgun outside a New Castle sports bar; she’s charged and held on a $23,000 cash bond. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli O145 contamination expanded again, pulling additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s products into dozens of states, including Delaware. Local Government/Accountability: Delaware County, Pa., unveiled 31 body cameras for deputies, touting added transparency and translation support. Environment: DNREC reported volunteers removed about 21,000 trash items from Delaware beaches and waterways during the Sept. 19 Coastal Cleanup. Business Closures: Newark’s Greene Turtle location closed permanently, with other Delaware locations still operating.

Patent Fight in Delaware Courts: First Solar filed in the U.S. District Court for Delaware, adding Corning’s AMPS to its TOPCon patent infringement case against JA Solar, arguing control of manufacturing process IP matters as U.S. solar supply ramps up. Used-Car Paperwork Rules: A 50-state review says 11 states require a bill of sale for ordinary private car sales, while Delaware’s rule couldn’t be confirmed cleanly from official sources—raising questions for buyers and sellers. Community Spotlight: Newark’s Main Street Mile marked its 20th anniversary, drawing about 350 runners and topping $300,000 raised over the years for Newark Police K-9 support. Delaware Sports: Delaware State volleyball swept Norfolk State 3-0 in Dover, and Delaware’s women’s hockey opened with a 3-1 loss to Lindenwood. Weather Watch: A cold front is expected to bring the first widespread October frost risk across parts of the East, including Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic. Health & Food Safety: Trader Joe’s and Walmart frozen berry recalls expanded over possible E. coli contamination, with Delaware among affected states.

Data Center Backlash: A new wave of public anger over data centers is spilling into policy fights, with Philadelphia moving to set build boundaries and Pennsylvania tightening requirements after protests and opposition from local supervisors. Cost of Living Reality Checks: New state-by-state figures highlight what it takes to retire comfortably (Delaware: $49,484 annually) and what families of four pay for utilities (Delaware: $6,044 a year), underscoring how local costs shape everyday budgets. Food Safety Alert: Frozen berry recalls expanded over possible E. coli contamination include Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (sold in Delaware) plus additional Walmart Great Value organic berry lots—check freezer lot codes and “best by” dates. Delaware Immigration Work Visas: Delaware employers filed 13 approved H-1B petitions in 2025 in the Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services category, according to USCIS data. Local Community Spotlight: A Wilmington man is using a drone to drop $20 bills to strangers across Delaware to spread “positivity.” Sports (Delaware): Liberty opened Conference USA play with a 30-14 win over Delaware, while Cape Henlopen improved to 4-0 with a defensive fumble recovery that swung momentum.

Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people; affected products include Great Value frozen organic blueberries and Triple Berry Blend, plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic Mixed Berry Blend, with specific lot codes and “best if used by” dates—check your freezer. Local Politics: District 20 candidates Alonna Berry (D) and Gene Dvornick (R) are campaigning ahead of the Nov. 3 election, with housing policy at the center of the race. Public Health & Community: Delaware leaders held a Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit in Dewey Beach to push better coordination across health care, law enforcement, and advocates. Sports (Delaware): Middle Tennessee swept Delaware in volleyball, while Liberty routed Delaware 30-14 in CUSA play; Delaware’s women’s hockey opened conference action with a 4-1 loss to Lindenwood. Civic Life: Dewey Goes Pink drew more than 6,000 people for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Sports (Philly): LeBron James made his first public Sixers appearance at the Blue x White scrimmage, drawing a big crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Local Aid & Community: Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth marked 50 years with a sold-out “Top Chef of the Culinary Coast” event, featuring eight area restaurants and a $30,000 check presentation. Public Health: Delaware leaders are convening to turn human trafficking awareness into coordinated action, launching a two-day summit focused on prevention and response. Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, adding more lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations were reported. Elections & Voting: Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania voters are reminded of key registration and mail-ballot deadlines ahead of Election Day. Delaware Sports: Liberty opened Conference USA play with a 30-14 win over Delaware, while UD’s quarterback switch came too late in the 30-14 loss. Business & Tech: Delaware-registered Entravel Group raised $7.5M to expand white-label travel booking and a stablecoin-enabled finance layer.