AGP Executive Report

AI & Courts: A Delaware Superior Court judge let conservative activist Robby Starbuck’s defamation case against Google’s Bard AI move forward, saying the dispute may force courts to tackle “a new frontier” for AI-linked speech. Consumer Health: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded lettuce has expanded to nine states, with about 2,000 cases reported so far and no deaths. Delaware Business & Policy: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings joined a coalition suing the U.S. EPA over a rule that weakens HFC phaseout deadlines under the AIM Act, arguing it undermines greenhouse-gas limits. Housing & Costs: A study estimates raising a child to age 18 costs $235,920 in Delaware—lowest in the region—while Pennsylvania and New Jersey run higher. Local Public Safety: A fire at Hunan House in Palmerton caused minimal damage and no injuries, with firefighters using thermal imaging and targeted suppression after roof work revealed hidden burning. Social Security: A bipartisan PROMISE Act would extend Social Security funding past 2032, but experts warn early passage could backfire.

Delaware Courts & Business Law: The Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Elon Musk’s 2018 Tesla pay package, reversing a lower-court invalidation and keeping the incentive plan alive after a long shareholder fight. Bankruptcy & Restructuring: The Dolphin Company hit back against claims from former management, saying authorized leaders remain in control under the Delaware Chapter 11 process. Sports Betting Expansion: Self-service sports wagering kiosks are now live across Delaware’s casinos and Sports Lottery retailers, adding more bet types and faster checkout for customers. Healthcare Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills aimed at lowering healthcare costs, expanding access, and protecting Delaware hospitals from private equity ownership. Real Estate Watch: Delaware’s housing market picked up in June, with more sales and listings and relatively stable prices. Local Business Support: Community Bank Delaware donated to Lewes’ Business Bucket Brigade, backing the fire department’s reserve fund for future equipment needs. State Economy Angle: A new “Civics 101” series spotlights how Delaware’s corporate franchise and legal system drive revenue and business formation. People Moves: World Insurance Associates named Rob Erfurt to lead New Jersey and Ironpeak hired Brett Landis as a regional manager covering Maryland, Delaware and eastern Pennsylvania.

Fashion Supply Chains: University of Delaware researchers surveyed 30 U.S. fashion brands and found sourcing is still heavily concentrated in the Western Hemisphere, with CAFTA-DR members taking 76% of apparel sourcing in 2026 (up from 64% in 2025), while companies are cautious about expanding USMCA sourcing due to uncertainty. Housing Watch: Delaware’s market picked up in June—1,401 homes sold (+8% year over year) and inventory rose (+11%), but prices stayed steady (median sold $407,667). Foreclosure Pressure: A new ATTOM analysis says foreclosure filings rose 21% nationwide in the first half of 2026, with Florida leading; the report links the trend to higher housing costs and lingering COVID-era backlogs. Local Business & Community: Community Bank Delaware donated $1,000 to the Lewes Fire Department Foundation’s Business Bucket Brigade, a business-backed effort to fund future fire and EMS capital needs. Health & Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak continues to confuse consumers as federal messaging shifts, while cases climb nationwide. Delaware Policy: Delaware signed three laws aimed at lowering health care costs and expanding access, and confirmed a second measles case in more than a decade.

Clean Energy Grants: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants for hundreds of projects “based solely” on whether the recipient state backed Kamala Harris in 2024, contradicting earlier claims about project quality and energy needs. Delaware Health & Community: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, expanding adult sexual health and HIV/STD care locally, while Community Bank Delaware donated $1,000 to Lewes Fire Department’s Business Bucket Brigade to help fund future equipment and capital needs. Delaware Economy: Delaware’s housing market picked up in June, with 1,401 homes sold (+8% year over year) and more listings, while prices stayed relatively stable. Public Safety: A 9-year-old was injured in a Darby Borough e-bike crash after a truck passed; officials cited the lack of bike infrastructure and safety concerns. Business/Legal Watch: Delaware Chancery clarified limits on implied covenant claims, underscoring how third-party consent conditions should be drafted. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest premium gas in Kent County at $4.23 (week ending July 18), with Delaware premium averaging $4.79.

Housing Watch: Delaware’s housing market picked up momentum in June, with 1,401 homes sold (up 8% year over year) and listings rising 7%, while median sold prices edged up less than 1% to $407,667 and homes spent about 40 days on market. Local Business & Community: Community Bank Delaware kicked in $1,000 to the Lewes Fire Department Foundation’s Business Bucket Brigade, a business-funded effort to close a growing funding gap for fire and EMS needs. Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases continue to surge nationwide, with officials still struggling to explain how human contamination gets into produce supply chains; CDC reports more than 11,500 confirmed and suspected cases across 41 states. Delaware Policy & Courts: Delaware Chancery clarified limits tied to the implied covenant, underscoring how third-party consent clauses must be drafted carefully. Energy & Federal Funding: The Trump administration acknowledged in court filings that $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants were canceled based on the political identity of recipient states, not project quality. Tech/Manufacturing: Delaware’s Printed Solid rebranded to Prusa USA after Prusa Research’s 2022 acquisition, highlighting continued U.S. production capacity. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows one Delaware County station hit a weekly low of $3.09 for E15 and $3.95 for diesel (week ending July 18).

Clean Energy Funding: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it cancelled $7.6B in clean-energy grants for hundreds of projects “based solely” on the political identity of recipient states, contradicting earlier claims about project quality. Local Business & Community: In Lewes, G’s Delights is turning Delaware farm surplus into shelf-stable products, partnering with dozens of local growers to cut waste and expand access to healthy food. Transit Access: SEPTA is testing whether its SEPTA Key Advantage pass can extend beyond employers and schools to apartment residents, starting with a Philadelphia multifamily building near a Market-Frankford Line station. Delaware Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, aiming to tighten Delaware’s permitting framework after the federal Sackett decision narrowed protections. Small Business Help: Delaware’s Division of Small Business launched the Office of Small Business Access as a single contact point for licensing, permitting, and growth support. Banking Leadership: M&T Bank named Krista Phillips as Delaware regional president, effective July 1, to lead local growth and community engagement. Courts & Delaware Law: The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed Paragon Metals v. Smith, focusing on due diligence, “red flags,” and justifiable reliance in a private equity sale dispute. Tech & Finance: Upstart received conditional approval from the OCC to establish a de novo bank subsidiary after a 120-day review.

Delaware Energy & Business: Vitol agreed to offload its U.S. upstream arm to a Houston operator, a move that signals continued reshuffling in U.S. energy assets. Delaware Courts & Local Finance: A federal appellate ruling lets Chester, Pa. keep bond-related revenue streams in its bankruptcy fight, a win for the city against bondholder claims. Workforce & Cannabis: The Cannabist Company is shutting two Vineland, N.J. cultivation sites in October, cutting 86 jobs, and selling three N.J. dispensaries to Vireo Growth as it restructures through bankruptcy. Public Health & Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak remains a moving target, with FDA communications adding confusion even as regulators keep focus on likely contaminated lettuce sources. Immigration & Delaware Economy: Delaware’s Haitian community faces heightened risk after a SCOTUS TPS decision, with state officials previously estimating TPS holders contribute $55M annually. Corporate/Tech in Delaware: Lindy Panels expanded its Google Knowledge Panel offering for S-1 and pre-IPO companies, aiming to boost executive visibility as firms prepare for public scrutiny. Local Governance: Wilmington Mayor John Carney vetoed a water shutoff restriction tied to delinquent bills, arguing it could discourage payment for public utilities.

Delaware Health Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed three healthcare bills aimed at lowering costs, expanding access to primary care, and tightening hospital protections from private equity— including a plan to phase in hospital charge caps tied to Medicare rates and higher charity-care eligibility thresholds. State Economy & Costs: A new BEA-based per-capita spending map ranks Delaware 6th nationally for health care spending per resident (about $11,987 in 2024), underscoring how local costs shape household budgets. Energy & Housing: Kent County’s Levy Court approved new rules for where data centers can be built in unincorporated areas, with commissioners open to tougher limits, while Delaware’s congressional delegation announced nearly $1M in USDA funding to help build 24 energy-efficient homes in Kent and Sussex. Business & Growth: Hanwha Ocean signed U.S. agreements for joint ship design, workforce training, and supply-chain development as it deepens Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation. Public Health: Delaware confirmed measles outbreak activity after new cases met outbreak criteria, as health officials urge vigilance. Local Quality of Life: Brandywine Zoo unveiled its new Hidden Falls mixed-species habitat, a $2.5M project.

Delaware Small Business Push: Gov. Matt Meyer’s Division of Small Business launched the Office of Small Business Access, a single point of contact to help entrepreneurs with regulatory, licensing and permitting hurdles. Wetlands Protection: Meyer signed Senate Bill 9, Delaware’s first comprehensive freshwater wetlands program, aiming to close federal gaps and give landowners and businesses a clearer permitting path. Coastal Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says repairs to the Indian River Inlet north jetty are slated for spring 2027 to stabilize the navigation channel and reduce sand permeability. Public Safety & Local Business: A hoarding-related house fire in Ocean View left multiple residents injured; the State Fire Marshal will investigate. Healthcare Leadership: Tessera Therapeutics named Joseph Romanelli CEO as it advances gene-writing programs toward a broader clinical pipeline. Animal Conservation: Brandywine Zoo unveiled its $2.5M year-round “Hidden Falls” exhibit for five species.

Affordable Housing Boost: Delaware’s congressional delegation announced a nearly $1 million USDA grant to Milford Housing Development Corporation to build 24 energy-efficient homes for low-income families in Kent and Sussex counties, expanding rural self-help homeownership. Public Health Watch: Delaware Public Health reported four measles cases in Kent County, meeting the CDC’s “outbreak” criteria, with contact tracing underway and guidance for unvaccinated or high-risk residents. Liquor Licensing Update: Delaware’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner highlighted new General Assembly laws expanding liquor business options—like bottle club and special event venue licenses, third-party delivery rules, and changes affecting THC-infused beverages and late-night service at racetrack casinos. Healthcare Tech Rollout: ChristianaCare is advancing its Epic electronic health record implementation ahead of an Oct. 3, 2026 go-live, focusing on caregiver training and patient-facing tools. Energy & Trade Risk: The Houthis claimed they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the U.S. carried out a 12th straight night of strikes on Iran, raising fresh concerns for global shipping and fuel prices.

Middle East Tensions: Iran’s military warned that Trump’s threats to hit bridges and power plants will expand the war, while the U.S. signaled it won’t return to talks after attacks deepened into a second week; oil prices jumped, raising fears of renewed inflation. Defense & Delaware Link: Trump attended a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four U.S. service members killed in the Iran conflict, as lawmakers pressed for an exit strategy. Local Business & Community: Milton is weighing an 18-month data center moratorium after residents raised concerns about unknown impacts; Lewes’ long-running General Store near Route 24 is closing after more than 50 years, citing repair costs and road construction hit. Health & Innovation: Chemomouthpiece says its Chemo Mouthpiece oral cooling device is linked to meaningful cost savings in a peer-reviewed economic analysis for chemotherapy patients. Manufacturing & Energy: University of Delaware researchers were selected for a DOE Genesis Mission phase to build an AI-driven framework for advanced composite manufacturing with GE Vernova. Environment & Regulation: Delaware and other state AGs are challenging EPA rollbacks tied to potent greenhouse gases and PFAS drinking-water rules.

DelDOT Disruption: The South Walnut Street Bridge into Wilmington will be squeezed to one lane each way starting July 22 after deterioration forces a reduced truck weight limit of 20 tons, with I-95/I-495 and 12th Street as main alternates while crews reinforce columns for months. Delaware Business & Finance: N-Zyme Biomedical (Newark) closed a $4.6 million Series A to push Phase 2 reflux programs and expand its pepsin inhibitor platform. Local Real Estate Dispute: A Delaware-based investment firm says it took ownership of 11 Tulsa-area apartment complexes, but the prior owner is telling tenants to withhold rent pending court action—leaving residents caught between competing claims. State Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s first comprehensive freshwater wetlands protection program (SB 9), aiming to fill federal gaps and create a clearer permitting path for landowners and businesses. Public Health: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have topped 4,000 across 41 states, with Delaware among the states not currently reporting cases. Crypto Fallout: Movement Labs filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware after the MOVE token turmoil, listing assets under $500,000 and liabilities up to $10 million. Corporate/Legal Watch: Delaware’s Attorney General Ford announced a $29.6 million multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and competition limits.

Delaware Politics & Environment: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Freshwater Wetlands Stewardship Act, creating a state program to protect freshwater wetlands and streamline permitting while closing gaps left by federal policy changes. Delaware Courts & Health Care: A Delaware judge dismissed UnitedHealth Group’s defamation suit against the Guardian, ruling key claims were substantially true and that omissions didn’t make the reporting false. Delaware Public Health: Delaware Division of Public Health confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated Kent County adult and is conducting contact tracing, urging residents to check vaccination status via DelVAX. Business & Legal Watch: University of Tennessee Research Foundation sued AI firm Anthropic in federal court in Delaware for alleged patent infringement tied to neuroscience-inspired machine-learning tech. Workplace Safety: A worker was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries at Camden’s EMR scrap metal plant days after a judge allowed it to reopen. Local Economy & Growth: delaware extended Luzid across its global SAP consulting network after a Brazil pilot reported a 4x productivity gain and 1,699 net hours saved. Crime & Courts: A Salisbury man was arrested in a multi-county theft investigation spanning Maryland and Delaware, with suspected crack cocaine found after a traffic stop. National Consumer/Policy: SNAP recipients get August payments on staggered dates; Delaware’s window runs Aug. 2–23.

Healthcare Policy: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed three bills aimed at lowering costs and expanding access, including limits on certain hospital reimbursement rates, new standards for hospital financial assistance and medical debt collection, and a temporary moratorium on nonprofit hospital acquisitions by for-profit buyers. Public Health: Delaware confirmed its first measles case in more than a decade—an unvaccinated Kent County man—with contact tracing underway and officials urging residents to check vaccination status. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices on Delmarva kept climbing after U.S.-Iran tensions, with AAA reporting higher regular and diesel averages across Delaware and neighboring states. Business & Finance: Grayscale filed with the SEC to launch a spot Worldcoin ETF tied to the WLD token, while Delaware’s banking sector also saw major deal news as Columbia Financial completed a conversion and merger. Local Governance: Greenwood’s potential disincorporation debate is heating up over taxes, services, and local control. Food Safety: The cyclospora outbreak remains in focus as FDA messaging around implicated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has shifted, leaving consumers and businesses navigating uncertainty. Sports/Legal: Federal prosecutors are investigating Mark Walter-linked insurers, including Delaware Life Insurance Co., as part of a broader scrutiny of his financial empire.

Iran Retaliation Escalation: President Trump warned Iran will “pay…many times over” after U.S. strikes and retaliatory attacks, with Dover Air Force Base in Delaware set to host a Tuesday dignified transfer for fallen service members. Delaware Business & Economy: IncNow marked 50 years as Delaware’s registered agent to 20,000 businesses worldwide, highlighting its role in forming Delaware LLCs and supporting entrepreneurs. Consumer & Legal: Delaware-linked multistate action helped secure a settlement with 23andMe’s bankruptcy trustee over a genetic data breach, with limited immediate recovery from available funds. Local Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $53M contract for north jetty repairs at Indian River Inlet, targeting a March/April 2027 start and fall 2028 completion. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Millsboro tied for sixth among Delaware cities for scam reports in June, with employment scams driving the biggest loss. Business Growth: Pizza Freak Co. expanded its chef-driven frozen pizza into the Greater Philadelphia market via The Chefs’ Warehouse, including Delaware beach distribution. Health & Travel: A new COVID subvariant (“Nimbus”) is driving rising ER visits in multiple states, including Delaware, as summer travel peaks. Energy & Risk: Delaware-based Carina Energy says BESS moratoriums and restrictions are spreading, reflecting growing community pushback and safety scrutiny. Sports & Community: Jon Pardi’s fall tour includes a stop at Selbyville, Delaware’s Freeman Arts Pavilion on Aug. 20.

Delaware Economy & Jobs: Delaware’s unemployment rate fell again in June to 4.9% (from 5.1% in May), with nonfarm employment rising to 498,000 and net job gains of 2,600 over the past year. PPP & Fraud: Rockland Congruity LLC, a Delaware LLC, agreed to pay about $2.69 million to resolve allegations it fraudulently obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan it wasn’t eligible for. State Business Leadership: Delaware State Chamber of Commerce President Michael J. Quaranta says he’ll retire by end of 2026, and a search committee is now underway for his successor. Weather & Power (Delaware/Delmarva): Storms hit Delmarva with outages and damage; Delaware Electric Cooperative reported nearly 1,000 members still without power early Tuesday, while Delmarva Power also had customers out in Sussex, Talbot and northern Delaware. Local Business Impact: The General Store on Route 24 in Lewes’ Angola area plans to close after more than 50 years, citing losses tied to long-running road construction and costly building repairs. Housing Policy: Georgetown paused reviews of new cottage housing applications while it considers changes to a December ordinance meant to expand affordable small-home rentals.