AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration has warned more than 500 hospitals to post basic pricing information, with penalties up to $2 million annually for noncompliance, signaling tighter enforcement ahead of the midterms. Labor & Stadium Economics: At Minnesota’s Target Field, a union for 500+ concessions workers plans a one-day strike June 22 over wages and lack of employer health insurance; the union is asking fans to bring their own food and drinks. Delaware Healthcare Policy: Delaware’s Senate passed bills aimed at curbing rising costs, including stronger hospital financial-assistance requirements for patients facing medical debt and protections for nonprofit hospitals from private-equity takeovers. Local Governance & Voting Rules: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s policy allowing “artificial entities” registered in Delaware to vote in town elections. Real Estate Power Move: Ken Griffin is confirmed as the mystery buyer behind Brickell’s Solaris tower, clearing the way for demolition and a new 300-unit apartment plan. Delaware Workforce: Delaware will host a statewide state jobs career fair in Wilmington today, connecting adult job seekers with state government roles.

Health Care Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post basic pricing or face penalties up to $2 million annually, as officials push tighter enforcement of healthcare price-disclosure rules. Delaware Courts & Voting Rights: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s policy letting “artificial entities” vote in town elections, keeping the corporate voting approach intact for 2026. Education Finance: The Delaware Senate advanced a bill to limit school districts’ ability to raise local taxes after property reassessments, replacing a 10% post-reassessment cap with a 2% annual increase without voter approval. Broadband & Rural Access: Delaware’s BEAD broadband expansion aims for full high-speed coverage by 2030, but critics question long-term sustainability and note affordability gaps pushing some residents toward satellite and hotspots. Local Business & Jobs: Delco-based American Expediting Logistics is closing, laying off 86 workers in Delaware County. Housing Supply: Reese Apartments opened in Felton with 48 affordable units already fully leased, highlighting ongoing demand statewide. Tech & Governance: Delaware Chancery Court faces shareholder fights involving Cloudflare’s voting control plan and noncompete choice-of-law disputes. AI in Government: Delaware municipal leaders launched a statewide AI committee to guide responsible use of AI across local agencies.

Delaware Election Law: A Delaware Superior Court judge tossed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s policy letting “artificial entities” vote in town elections, keeping intact the 2008 charter change that allows corporations, trusts, partnerships and LLCs to cast ballots as 2026 voting nears. Broadband & Economic Development: Delaware’s permitting accelerator has picked IQ Fiber as its first project for a $150 million buildout of fiber across about 4,000 miles in Kent and Sussex. Banking: Unity Bank named Sara M. Sooy and Alfred J. Gaburo to its board, adding public-sector and finance leadership. Corporate/Legal Watch: Delaware Court of Chancery rulings continue to shape restrictive covenant enforcement and forum-selection disputes, including a case where a Delaware forum clause couldn’t be enforced because the employee never received the agreement. Local Business Growth: Applegreen says it will invest about €6 million in Ireland to open Popeyes roadside locations, targeting roughly 450 jobs—while Applegreen already operates Popeyes in Delaware and other states. Tech & Policy: Delaware and New Jersey advanced bills to ban crypto ATMs amid fraud complaints. Workforce & Community: Chester formalized a sister-city partnership with Kokumbo, Côte d’Ivoire, tied to cultural and economic exchange around the Ivory Coast team’s visit.

Crypto Crackdown: Delaware and New Jersey advanced bills to ban crypto ATMs after FBI data tied kiosks to thousands of complaints and hundreds of millions in losses, with Delaware’s plan requiring machines to shut down and be removed within 90 days. Election Law Fight: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s “artificial entities” voting policy, keeping corporate and other nonhuman entities on the ballot for town elections. Heat Relief: DHSS opened cooling centers statewide through June 12, offering air-conditioned spaces and hydration during days of extreme temperatures. Grid & Energy Investment: A $250 million battery storage project opened in Virginia’s PJM region, with plans to support power delivery across the broader grid that includes Delaware. Business & Courts: FlexShopper told a Delaware judge mediation is the best path in disputes over remaining assets under its Chapter 11 plan. Local Infrastructure: Delaware County road closures are expected as CSX upgrades railroad crossings over the next two weeks. Public Safety: A major pallet recycling fire in Michigan drew responses from dozens of departments, highlighting the risks tied to hazardous materials and large-scale pallet storage.

Delaware Election Law: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU lawsuit challenging Fenwick Island’s policy that lets “artificial entities” (including corporations and LLCs) vote in town elections, keeping the practice intact as 2026 approaches; the town says 214 such entities were registered as of Oct. 2024, and in 2024 about a quarter of votes for council seats came from nonhuman entities. Corporate Governance: A related Delaware debate is back in the spotlight after the ruling, with critics warning it shifts elections from “one-person, one-vote” toward “one-person/entity, one-vote.” Housing & Homelessness: Delaware officials are moving to buy DSU’s Living and Learning Commons (the former Sheraton) to convert it into Kent County’s new Hope Center, aiming to blend temporary housing with services. Workforce Housing: Wilmington’s “Live Near Your Work” grant updates eligibility and income caps for up to $4,000 in forgivable down-payment and closing-cost help for city employees. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide to post clearer pricing or face penalties, including multiple states with Delaware-area patients likely affected by referral networks. Business & Consumer: nixit says its “vagina-friendly” condoms are now in nearly 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide. Energy Policy Watch: Delaware’s nuclear feasibility task force is pushing its report deadline past the legislative session, delaying decisions on small modular reactors.

Corporate Voting Fight in Delaware: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to Fenwick Island’s policy letting “artificial entities” (corporations, trusts, partnerships and LLCs) vote in town elections, finding the ACLU didn’t show the system violates the state constitution’s “free and equal” elections guarantee. Statehouse Pushback: Delaware House Bill 430 would require only people to vote in Delaware elections, effectively ending corporate voting statewide if it advances. Crypto Kiosk Crackdown: Delaware lawmakers are pushing a total ban on cryptocurrency ATMs after lawmakers cited more than $26 million lost to scams tied to the kiosks, with proposals to take machines offline and remove them within 90 days. Healthcare Cost Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including 16 in Tennessee—to post required pricing information or face penalties up to $2 million annually. Port of Wilmington Scrutiny: As the Edgemoor expansion plan moves forward, groups are pressing for more details on economic returns, jobs, and environmental impact. Social Security Deadline: The trust fund is projected to run low by 2032, with trustees saying benefits could be reduced if Congress doesn’t act.

Nonhuman Voting Fight: A Delaware Superior Court judge dismissed an ACLU lawsuit challenging Fenwick Island’s policy letting “artificial entities” (corporations, trusts, LLCs) vote in town elections, finding no constitutional violation as 2026 elections near. AI & Mobility Investment: Waymo bought the Arizona proving ground tied to Apple’s abandoned self-driving project for $220M, securing a large Arizona test site to validate software before public road deployment. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy data shows Delaware County’s lowest midgrade gas hit $4.18 per gallon for the week ending May 30, underscoring continued price volatility tied to global oil markets. Healthcare Pricing Pressure: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals to improve public price transparency, with penalties up to $2M annually for noncompliance. Delaware Business & Finance: MCAP hired Jeff Mendl as Director of Relationship Management to expand its broker-dealer and institutional customer base. Food Security: The Food Bank of Delaware launched its 20-week CSA program with pickups starting June 25 in Newark and Milford. Real Estate/Tax Planning: Kelley Drye added tax partner Ed Hannon to strengthen its Delaware Statutory Trust practice. Local Government: Sussex County Council set meetings and hearings on rental program changes, subdivision design, and a rezoning near Milton.

Delaware Data Centers & Power Strain: Delaware lawmakers are weighing bills that would change how data centers handle electricity during outages and ramp up long-term power supply, as proposals could double the state’s electricity use and raise costs for everyone. Delaware Courts & Patents: The U.S. Supreme Court tightened the standard for “skinny label” induced infringement claims in Hikma v. Amarin, a win for generic makers that raises the bar for brand-name patent owners. Delaware Business Litigation: In Delaware Chancery, a shareholder suit against Cineverse alleges improper enrichment tied to stock grants after a reverse split, spotlighting disclosure and governance risks. H-1B Visa Ruling: A federal judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, with the administration signaling an appeal—good news for tech hiring pipelines. Cyber & AI Governance: A Delaware case used a CEO’s ChatGPT queries as motive and pretext in a contract dispute, underscoring how AI records can become courtroom evidence. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a teen after a stabbing at a Wilmington hair salon, charging assault and aggravated menacing. Business & Markets: Cipher Digital priced $810M in senior secured notes to fund a data center project, reflecting continued financing demand in the sector. Energy & Water: Delaware’s drought watch is pushing voluntary outdoor water limits as spring rainfall deficits persist.

Health Insurance Risk for Delaware-area Patients: Main Line Health says its UnitedHealthcare contract dispute could push about 32,000 patients out of network later this month, raising alarm for people who rely on long-running care relationships. Delaware Bankruptcy Watch: Simply Interior Homes filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware with more than $100M in debt and plans to sell the business. Retail & Jobs: Urban Outfitters’ URBN will expand in Pennsylvania with at least 1,050 new jobs, including a Nuuly facility—an economic signal for the broader Mid-Atlantic region. Fashion Circularity Milestone: Eileen Fisher’s Renew take-back program hit 3 million items returned, and the company plans to fold more Renew inventory into its main e-commerce site. Legal/Deal Update: A Delaware Chancery Court trial tied to WWE’s $21.4B merger with UFC’s parent was canceled after the parties reached a settlement in principle. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports a single station in Delaware County had the cheapest E15 at $3.89 for the week ending May 30, underscoring how spotty fuel bargains can be. Public Sector/Community: Delaware Public Archives launched “Delaware Beach: Rewind,” a new digital exhibit on the history of the state’s coastal communities.

WWE Deal Watch: A Delaware Chancery Court shareholder trial tied to the WWE-Endeavor merger was canceled days before it was set to start, with an agreement in principle reported but no settlement details confirmed yet. Health Insurance & Restructuring: GoHealth, a Medicare-focused health insurance marketplace, filed voluntary prepackaged Chapter 11 in Delaware to restructure and transition ownership to lenders while aiming to keep services running. Delaware Governance: A bill would change how Delaware constitutional amendments are approved, moving from the current “two successive General Assemblies” requirement to a single two-thirds vote plus voter approval. Local Business & Housing: Delaware’s beach rental market is holding steady despite higher costs and gas prices, with brokers saying visitors are booking longer stays. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel prices in Delaware County at $4.69 for the week ending May 30, as fuel prices react to refinery and oil-market pressures. Sports & Community: Philadelphia Pride moved to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, drawing big crowds but also backlash over the new festival setup and added admission fee. Legal/Consumer: The U.S. Supreme Court backed “skinny label” generic drug competition, limiting brand claims of induced infringement based on generic labeling and communications.

Housing & Development: A Richmond developer is using the city’s ADU rules to build about 100 backyard cottages, and Delaware readers will want to watch because a new Virginia law will require local governments to permit ADUs statewide starting July 1, 2027. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Newark man, Roberto Campusano-Campusano, after a months-long, multi-agency drug probe; investigators say heroin, crack, powder cocaine, scales and packaging materials were found at a Wilmington home. State Finance Oversight: A national watchdog report says 13 states failed basic financial audits tied to federally funded programs, with Delaware named among the biggest problem cases where auditors couldn’t verify spending. Delaware Governance: A bill introduced in the Delaware House would change how constitutional amendments are approved—cutting the need for a successive General Assembly vote and shifting more of the decision to voters. Community & Workforce: Wilmington Alliance opened a Teen Wellness Youth Hub, adding a youth-led wellness and leadership space in West Center City. Business/Legal: The WWE shareholder lawsuit tied to its UFC merger was dropped, after a Delaware Chancery Court judge previously flagged evidence-destruction issues.

Executive Pay Gap: A new Equilar survey for The New York Times shows CEO compensation is surging while typical workers lag, with Elon Musk’s 2025 pay at $132.3B dwarfing other top executives. Delaware Chancery Watch: The WWE shareholder lawsuit trial in Delaware Chancery Court was canceled and removed from the schedule, with no details yet on whether a settlement is in play. College Sports Policy: Delaware Sen. Chris Coons is among lawmakers backing the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, which Trump called a “last chance” to stabilize college athletics. Local Health Access: Delaware County unveiled “Wellness on Wheels,” a 34-foot mobile health unit aimed at expanding care after local hospital closures. Energy Costs: Electricity prices are rising fast in parts of the region, with D.C. and New Jersey leading the year-over-year increases. Banking Milestone: Community Bank Delaware marked its 20th anniversary, highlighting local ownership and growth across Sussex County.

Delaware Business & Economy: Delaware’s Community Bank Delaware marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of local ownership and growth in Sussex County. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports Kent County’s lowest premium price at $4.45/gal for the week ending May 30, while Delaware County’s lowest E85 hit $3.24/gal. Healthcare Access: Delaware County unveiled “Wellness on Wheels,” a 34-foot mobile health unit aimed at bringing services directly to residents as local care needs shift. Legal & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously backed Hikma in the “skinny label” patent fight over Amarin’s Vascepa, a win for generic competition that could affect future Delaware-area pharma disputes. Education & Community: The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence in Georgetown is permanently closed after its charter was revoked, forcing families to find new options. Real Estate/Tax: Incyte’s Wilmington office sale generated just 10 cents in real estate taxes, raising questions about how the deal was structured. Public Policy: Delaware’s Privacy Law is set to expand, with steps urged for employers and businesses to get ready.

Delaware Banking Milestone: Community Bank Delaware marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of local ownership and growth since launching in Lewes in 2006, with branches expanding to Rehoboth Beach and more recently Long Neck and Seaford. Delaware Business & Courts: Incyte’s Wilmington office sale drew scrutiny after a reported $1-per-building transaction that generated just 10 cents in real estate taxes, raising questions about how the deal was structured and what it means for future tax revenue. Delaware Biotech Leadership: Corrixr Therapeutics named pharma veteran Hilary Malone as CEO as the company advances its CRISPR gene-editing program toward an IND and first-in-human studies. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Alstom plans a $55 million investment in a Newark warehouse to support Amtrak’s next-gen Acela fleet, signaling continued rail supply-chain activity in Delaware. Public Policy Watch: Delaware’s privacy law is poised to expand, with a bill that could broaden coverage and add new workplace AI obligations starting Jan. 1, 2027. Health & Safety: A Dover man, Tyleer Mills, was sentenced to 22 years for fentanyl and cocaine dealing and habitual-offender violations.

Immigration & Courts: A federal judge blocked a Trump administration asylum freeze covering 39 countries, calling it unlawful and leaving immigrants in “legal limbo,” while the Senate also moved to fund ICE and Border Patrol after delays. Delaware Economy & Jobs: The U.S. job market stayed strong with 172,000 jobs added in May and unemployment at 4.3%, a sign hiring is holding up despite geopolitical pressure. Energy Costs & Utility Programs: Delmarva Power filed a proposal to expand Delaware energy efficiency programs for 2027-2029, targeting tens of thousands of megawatt-hours in annual electric savings. Local Transportation & Jobs: Alstom plans a $55 million NextGen Acela services and maintenance facility in Newark, with about 50 new jobs expected by summer 2028. Consumer Finance Watch: Senate Democrats introduced a bill to fully restore CFPB funding, aiming to prevent future efforts to weaken the consumer watchdog. Housing & State Budget: Delaware budget writers advanced FY2027 markups, including pay raises and supplemental education funding. Health & Risk: Tick season is ramping up, with reports of higher tick-bite-related ER visits across the region, including Delaware-area counties. Legal/Business Climate: Delaware’s broadband expansion continues, but rural residents and experts question whether the approach will deliver lasting high-speed coverage.

Private Markets Stress: Blackstone capped withdrawals at its flagship private credit fund as redemption requests jumped, and Partners Group flagged more withdrawal pressure—its $16B Delaware-based fund hit 6% of assets in repurchase requests, pushing it toward capping a second pool. Delaware Courts & Business: Forestar and D.R. Horton asked Delaware Chancery Court to toss a shareholder suit over an alleged “lot deal” scheme, while Rusoro urged dismissal of Gold Reserve’s challenge tied to a failed Citgo bid. State Budget Watch: Delaware lawmakers’ Joint Finance Committee added $87.4M in general revenue to the FY2027 budget, lifting growth to 6.3% above the governor’s 5% cap, with more one-time spending on the table. Local Economy & Costs: GasBuddy data showed Delaware County’s lowest regular gas at $3.73 and Kent County’s lowest regular at $3.80 for the week ending May 30, with diesel also easing in Delaware. Community & Health: Dedicated Financial and Delaware Retiree plan a June 9-11 Sussex County event series with Food Bank of Delaware support and a Blood Bank of Delmarva drive. Elections & Voting Rights: The ACLU-DE is appealing a Fenwick Island voter dilution ruling, arguing only human persons should vote in state and local elections.