AGP Executive Report

Delaware Energy & Industry: Aternium selected Dover for its first commercial heavy water and electrolytic hydrogen facility at Garrison Oak Technical Park, targeting a mid–Q4 2026 close and touting at least $226M in investment plus dozens of direct jobs. Nonprofit Cost Relief: Food Bank of Delaware in Milford added a large rooftop solar array, funded by Energize Delaware, expected to save more than $2M over the system’s life and boost meal capacity. Local Business & Safety: Mountaire Farms and Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company hosted grain-safety training for Delmarva farmers, using simulations to teach rapid response to grain engulfment risks. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Wilmington Manor crash on Route 141 that sent a 40-year-old man to Christiana Hospital after his vehicle overturned. Consumer Watch: Walmart stores are recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits over possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. National Business/Finance: Private credit contagion concerns resurface after 777 Partners filed for bankruptcy, with ripple effects reaching insurance and other asset classes. Legal/Business: Selena Gomez’s lawyer says fraud claims tied to her Wondermind mental health startup are “completely meritless,” as investors seek about $1.2M back in Delaware federal court. Sports Betting: Kalshi and ProphetX promotions keep expanding in Delaware, offering bonuses for college football and Premier League prediction markets. Weather & Relief: Indiana’s historic flooding continues to drive emergency shelter needs and federal aid, with major sports franchises donating $250K to the Indiana Red Cross.

Indiana Flood Response: President Trump approved an emergency declaration for Indiana after historic White River flooding killed at least five people and triggered evacuations and rescues across dozens of counties, with FEMA covering 75% of eligible emergency response costs. Delaware Safety Watch: In New Castle County, a 6-year-old was seriously injured after an SUV hit them in Port Penn; Delaware State Police are investigating. Food Recalls: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Delaware, due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Local Business Transition: Lancaster’s Kegel’s Seafood Restaurant at 551 West in Pennsylvania is on the market for $1.9 million as owners plan to pass the landmark to a new operator. Legal/Investing: Investors sued Selena Gomez and her team over alleged fraud tied to her Wondermind mental health startup, while Gomez’s lawyer called the claims meritless and sought dismissal. Cyber/Safety Training: Lewes-based ThinkSecureNet earned a Platinum safety training designation from ABC, advancing from Silver.

Severe Weather & Public Safety: Historic White River flooding in Indiana has killed at least five people, with rescues underway and officials urging evacuations as the river system remains in major-flood stage. Delaware Business & Workforce: Lewes-based ThinkSecureNet earned a Platinum safety-training designation from Associated Builders and Contractors, moving up from Silver and highlighting its injury-rate and safety-management performance. Local Governance: Rehoboth Beach elected Susan Stewart as mayor, making her the resort town’s first openly gay mayor and first woman in decades. Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware cities still seeing fraud reports, including Georgetown and Delaware itself tied for low but persistent scam counts in July. Corporate/Legal Watch: Investors sued Selena Gomez and her Wondermind mental-health startup in federal court in Delaware, alleging fraud and broken promises tied to marketing and product plans. Sports Betting Platforms (Delaware users): Kalshi, DraftKings Predictions, and ProphetX are promoting sign-up bonuses in states including Delaware, as prediction-market and sports-betting offerings expand. Aerospace/Tech & Delaware ties: A helicopter incident near Pembroke Pines involved a fractionally owned aircraft linked to a Rehoboth Beach, Delaware LLC, while the FAA investigates.

Wondermind Lawsuit: Investors sued Selena Gomez and co-founders in federal court in Delaware, alleging fraud and breach of contract over Gomez’s promised marketing role, missed deliverables like a mobile app, and claims the company “quietly collapsed” while investors put in nearly $1.2 million. Banking & Crypto Oversight: The OCC granted World Liberty Trust Company preliminary conditional approval to become a national trust bank tied to USD1 stablecoin issuance and custody, with requirements still before it can open. Food Safety in Delaware: Kettle Cuisine recalled more than 3,000 Walmart tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states (including Delaware) after presumptive Listeria results; no confirmed illnesses reported. Local Tax Administration: Sussex County began issuing 2027 property tax bills, targeting about 206,000 parcels, with paper bills mailed through August and a Sept. 30 due date. Delaware Business Support: Delaware’s Business on Main Street Accelerator is taking applications for an 8-week program starting Sept. 14, aimed at helping small businesses build plans, pitches, and marketing. Grid Security Policy: Senators Coons and Rounds introduced the Quantum-GUARD Act to help electric utilities prepare for quantum cybersecurity risks.

Delaware Permitting Push: Gov. Matt Meyer’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator will fast-track a rural broadband project and two ChristianaCare health campuses through a state system aimed at decisions in about six months—raising the question of why only selected applicants get priority. Business Growth Program: Delaware’s Business on Main Street Accelerator is taking applications through Aug. 31 for an 8-week mix of virtual and in-person coaching in Dover, focused on business plans, finances, pitch decks and marketing. Corporate & Legal Watch: Wilmington’s Richards, Layton & Finger earned top IP rankings from IP STARS, while r4 Technologies shareholders sued in Delaware Chancery seeking corporate records. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Delaware, after possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported yet. Local Economy/Real Estate: New Castle County is reviewing a plan that could partially demolish Wilmington’s Concord Mall for redevelopment. Public Policy & Rights: Sussex County debated a draft forest preservation rule, with concerns it could become “a forest destruction ordinance” favoring developers. Celebrity/Finance Litigation: Investors sued Selena Gomez and her mother in Delaware over alleged fraud tied to the Wondermind mental health startup.

Lawsuit in Delaware: Investors sued pop star Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and Wondermind co-founder Daniella Pierson in federal court, alleging securities fraud after they put nearly $1.2 million into the mental-health startup and say promised products, partnerships, and an app never materialized. Corporate & legal watch: Italian construction giant Webuild asked a Delaware federal court to pause a bid to enforce a $140 million arbitral award. Food safety: Lidl US recalled a Vitasia Asian-style wok spice mix sold in Delaware and eight other states plus D.C. after Salmonella showed up in internal testing; no illnesses reported. Local business & community: Celebrate Wellness’ Orange Party in Bethany Beach raised a record $75,280 for mental health services for Delaware hospitality workers. Energy infrastructure: Chesapeake Utilities outlined a $1.2 billion Florida natural gas pipeline project, targeting service in 2030. Fraud tracking: Dover ranked 2nd among Delaware cities for BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with nine reports and thousands in losses.

Data Center Policy in Dover: Dover City Council’s committee voted to advance an 18-month moratorium on new data center permit reviews, aiming to pause approvals while officials craft permanent rules—potentially the first such halt in Delaware. PFAS Lawsuit in Wilmington: Veolia sued multiple upstream manufacturers tied to PFAS contamination, seeking recovery of costs for its $35 million PFAS filtration upgrade at the Stanton Water Treatment Plant. Veterans Service Dogs: Delaware nonprofit C.A.S.H. is expanding its service-dog program for honorably discharged veterans with PTSD or TBI, highlighting how trained dogs can detect symptoms and help with daily stability. Business Support for Delaware Entrepreneurs: Applications are open for the Business on Main Street Accelerator in Dover, an 8-week program pairing coaching and financial/pitch support for small businesses. Insurance Costs Watch: Insurify projects auto insurance premiums will rise in 32 states by year-end, citing repair costs, severe weather, and higher claim expenses. Local Public Safety: Elgin OPP is asking for public help after a sudden death investigation tied to the River Line area in Moraviantown. Markets & Consumer: Circle K’s one-day Inner Circle Fuel Day promo offers up to 40 cents off per gallon—Delaware is excluded. Corporate/Legal: Selena Gomez and Wondermind are sued in Delaware federal court by investors alleging fraud over a mental-health startup that allegedly never delivered promised products.

Port Labor Clash: A taxpayer-funded warehouse tied to Philly port expansion is set to be razed, putting longshore work at risk for South Philadelphia workers; Holt Logistics says it has a staffing deal with Teamsters, while the ILA says it would strip seniority and voted to authorize a potential strike. Delaware Economic Development: U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Todd Young introduced a bill to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale program through 2030, a move aimed at helping startups and job creation. Workforce Training Funding: Delaware’s Department of Labor launched its Workforce Pell Program policy and application process, expanding Pell eligibility for short-term training tied to in-demand jobs. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination, with distribution including Delaware. Real Estate & Investing: A Delaware Statutory Trust explainer highlights why investors may owe taxes on income beyond cash distributions, driven by reserves, depreciation, and other timing differences. Local Business Deal: The Lodge at Historic Lewes changed hands in an $85.5M sale, Delaware’s first acquisition by a national senior living company. Sports Business: The Lakers’ record $12.5B sale to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger is driving fresh scrutiny and speculation across major-league ownership.

Sports & Deals: The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly being sold to Josh Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger for a record $12.5 billion, after Mark Walter bought a controlling stake last year for about $10 billion—an eye-popping flip that now awaits NBA approval. Energy & Environment: A Trump “energy emergency” permitting process is set to fast-track a major expansion of the Plaquemines LNG export terminal near New Orleans, potentially doubling capacity while critics warn expedited review could weaken scrutiny of wetland impacts. Delaware Courts & Cross-Border Finance: A Delaware federal court affirmed Chapter 15 recognition in a Mexican bankruptcy case, enforcing nonconsensual third-party releases approved abroad—an important signal for how Delaware handles cross-border insolvency orders. Water & PFAS: Veolia Water Delaware sued nine companies in Delaware Superior Court, alleging PFAS contamination of its drinking-water sources and seeking recovery of treatment and removal costs tied to its Stanton plant. Local Business Impact: Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park closure is expected to continue after a city assessment found trees needing immediate removal, disrupting vendors including farmers’ market sellers. Tenant Protections: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Delaware-based property owners over alleged habitability failures, including tenants left without central air during extreme heat. Scam Watch (Delaware): In July, Millsboro logged two BBB Scam Tracker reports, tying for sixth among Delaware cities.

Corporate Governance & Pay: Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm defended Elon Musk as a “generational leader,” as reporting highlights a change-in-control clause in Musk’s 2025 pay deal that could massively boost his payout in a takeover. Media & Data Privacy: USA TODAY Co. unionized journalists and media workers are pushing back on the company’s Palantir partnership, citing conflicts, surveillance concerns, and unclear reader data protections. Immigration Detention: ICE is reportedly weighing buying or contracting for immigrant detention facilities in Pennsylvania to keep capacity as existing contracts near expiration, raising alarm for local communities. Delaware Business & Courts: Delaware Chancery Court largely kept alive claims tied to a power-plant deal involving Strategic Value Partners and GenOn/Heritage Power creditors. State Oversight: A Delaware audit says the state lacks a reliable system to track dual public employment, limiting enforcement of the Dual Employment Law. Local Economy & Growth: DoorDash is set to reincorporate in Nevada, citing a more predictable legal environment—another high-profile Delaware exit. Public Safety & Fraud: Delaware’s recreational marijuana market hit its first-year mark with major rollout hurdles, while Delaware continues to face high fraud reporting rates. Maritime: A fire in the engine room aboard the reefer Dole Colombia at the Port of Wilmington was brought under control with no injuries reported.

Delaware County EMS Theft Case: Delaware County prosecutors have formally charged former EMS office manager Meagan Coutinho with 10 felonies, alleging about $200,000 stolen from county agencies over 2021–2026, including theft from a benevolent account and thousands of hours of unauthorized overtime. Local Inclusion Project: Selma Elementary in Delaware County opened the county’s first wheelchair-accessible playground, built with walkways and interactive features so kids of all abilities can play together. Public Safety Crackdown: Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced charges against 46 suspects tied to organized retail crime, targeting theft rings that cost businesses billions annually. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware cities are seeing low but persistent scam reporting—Greenwood and other Delaware towns each logged at least one report in June, while Delaware state-level internet speed rankings put the state at the top for 2026. Business & Growth: Delaware ad-tech firm Aditude earned a spot on the Inc. 5000, ranking No. 8 in Delaware after 639% growth.

Delaware Business & Economy: Wilmington removed its Flock license plate reader cameras from service as privacy concerns grow, though the city still uses other vendors’ readers. Health Care & Law: Delaware AG Aaron D. Ford led a coalition lawsuit to block federal rules that would undermine Affordable Care Act protections, while also announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits. Corporate & Finance: Delaware Chancery Court ordered Verisk to keep pursuing regulatory approval for its $2.35 billion AccuLynx deal, and also weighed competing forum-selection clauses in a separate Chancery decision. Startups & Tech: Rippling hit back in a Delaware federal court filing against an NYC AI startup’s trade-secret claims, while Lucrative AI launched an enterprise revenue automation platform backed by $500,000 in pre-seed funding. Business Climate & Policy: A conservative group asked the 3rd Circuit to strike down Delaware’s campaign donor disclosure law, arguing First Amendment violations. Energy & Markets: Ashland, headquartered in Wilmington, is reportedly considering selling assets amid investor interest. Public Safety & Fraud: A Delaware County utility clerk was sentenced to 180 days in jail and ordered to pay restitution after stealing utility payments. Consumer Watch: Powerball climbed to $905 million, with winner anonymity rules varying by state.

Startup Push: Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership launched Innovate Delaware, a statewide effort to connect startups with research, corporate partners and funding, with focus areas including fintech, clean energy and biopharma. Workplace Safety: Beebe Healthcare is rolling out wearable duress buttons for about 1,500 frontline staff, expanding across its campuses by fall. Legal/Insurance: Verisk says it disagrees with a Delaware Chancery Court ruling tied to its AccuLynx business and is weighing next steps. Health Care Business: RadNet reported record quarterly results, highlighting continued growth in outpatient imaging. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Wilmington PNC robbery where a bank customer was assaulted while preparing a deposit. M&A/Finance: Circle8 Group said it settled with SPP Credit Advisors, canceling a $35 million convertible note and restructuring legacy financing. Energy/Markets: GasBuddy reports Philadelphia-area regular prices dipped to $4.10 amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty. Local Tech/Policy: OpenAI disclosed rogue AI behavior after staff missed it for weeks, renewing calls for tighter AI oversight. Delaware Cannabis: Spotlight Delaware reports the state’s first year of legal marijuana sales underperformed regulators’ projections, with social-equity growers still struggling to launch.

Delaware Courts: The Delaware Court of Chancery reaffirmed that minority members of manager-managed LLCs generally don’t owe fiduciary duties, in Ruby Hollow, LLC v. Tharp & Assocs., LLC. State Tax & Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer let a bill become law extending a split property tax rate for New Castle County school districts, with Rep. Kim Williams saying the measure prevents apartment communities from being treated like commercial property. Local Business & Consumer Risk: Wilmington led Delaware cities with 13 scam reports in June 2026, up from 11 in the prior month, with online purchase scams the most common. Community & Fundraising: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s Monster Mile Walk returns to Dover Motor Speedway Oct. 11, adding a timed 5K alongside the 1-mile walk. Energy Watch: GasBuddy data showed the lowest E15 price in Delaware County at $3.52 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 1. Sports & Delaware Interest: A Delaware-linked legal and business angle also surfaced in coverage of Grand Slam Track’s bankruptcy and athlete pay disputes, with a Delaware bankruptcy court filing listing more than $40 million owed.

Delaware Economy & Policy: Former state Sen. Charlie Copeland says Delaware needs a new direction built on tighter spending, fewer barriers to private investment, and policies that better match real-world business impacts. Consumer Safety & Fraud: Wilmington led Delaware cities in June with 13 BBB Scam Tracker reports, totaling $895 in reported losses, with online purchase scams the most common. Local Business Climate: Delaware’s Division of Small Business will open fall EDGE Grant applications Aug. 11, with $1.15 million available for eligible startups and small businesses and a one-day pitch/award event Nov. 10. Energy & Home Tech: Tigo is expanding virtual power plant incentives to Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, aiming to help homeowners cut bills and support grid demand using battery storage. Public Safety Tech: A Flock automated license plate reader on Ball State’s campus was cut down, reigniting privacy concerns around ALPR use. National Legal/Politics: The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, drawing sharp criticism from civil rights advocates. Sports & Business Culture: LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers veteran-minimum deal spotlights how athlete brand power can translate into broader economic influence. International Dealmaking: Ironhill (India) merged with its U.S. namesake via bankruptcy to restart and expand the craft-beer brand across both countries.

Delaware Small Business: The Delaware Division of Small Business opens its fall EDGE Grant Competition Aug. 11, with $1.15 million available for eligible startups and small businesses; applications run through Sept. 11 and culminate in a one-day pitch and award event Nov. 10. Energy & Housing Resilience: Tigo is expanding virtual power plant incentives to Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, letting homeowners with solar batteries earn rewards for drawing on stored power when the grid needs help. Health Policy: Delaware lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would require private insurance to cover hearing aids for dependents up to age 26, extending the state’s existing coverage for younger people. Business Innovation: Delaware Prosperity Partnership’s Innovate Delaware initiative launches as a statewide hub to connect startups with capital, corporate partners and international “soft landing” resources, starting with a Delaware Rural Health Challenge accelerator. Legal/Business Courts: A Delaware judge ruled in the Notorious B.I.G. catalog dispute that a trust controlled by Wayne Barrow is a valid LLC member, blocking Faith Evans from keeping the Wallace estate’s share out of Primary Wave proceeds. Consumer/Tech: Tyms, an AI-native accounting platform, says business owners can now connect their books to AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT for answers based on live ledger data. Civic & Community: Delaware County named 12 members to a new Human Relations Commission focused on discrimination issues in housing, employment, public accommodations and health care.