AGP Executive Report

Delaware Energy & Grid Stress: With record heat hitting the Philadelphia region, officials are closely monitoring the power grid as HVAC demand spikes, and crews are staged to respond to outages. Delaware Data Centers & Water: Newark-based AirJoule is showcasing a system that uses data-center waste heat to pull drinkable water from the air, aiming to ease pressure on local water supplies. Delaware Courts & Business Risk: The Delaware Supreme Court revived $100M fraud claims tied to Stellex Capital’s Paragon Metals deal, finding the buyer could rely on seller warranties. Local Retail & Jobs: Weis Markets opened a new Millsboro store on Route 113, bringing a large-format grocery with pharmacy and Starbucks. Education Finance: Indian River School District kept its property tax rate at 17.03 cents per $100 assessed value for 2026-27, balancing debt, tuition, and capital lines. Coastal Resilience: Bethany Beach Mayor Ron Calef says dune sand is back on the beach after storms, with mobility dune mats and ramps repaired. USPS & Infrastructure: Ocean View’s post office rebuild is delayed, with construction now planned to start in June 2027. Cybersecurity: Delaware County is investigating “unauthorized activity” that disrupted county network services, with internet and phone access restored.

Energy & Utilities Policy: Delaware lawmakers wrapped up the 153rd General Assembly with a late-night push that included new rules for large energy users, aimed largely at data centers—requiring agreements with regulated utilities before connecting, adding “bring your own generation” renewable requirements, and setting guardrails so costs don’t spike for residents. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The session also advanced a $1.26B capital budget and a bond bill tied to major projects, including port-related investments, while leaving some contentious fights unresolved. Business & Tech: Delaware North rebranded its gaming operation as Ember Entertainment™, linking casinos, online gaming, sportsbook and a rewards program into one ecosystem. Courts & Consumer Finance: A Delaware federal judge recommended summary judgment for a debt collector in a TCPA/FDCPA dispute, narrowing claims over automated dialing and notice practices. Insurance Deal: World Insurance Associates acquired Maryland’s Still Creek Insurance, expanding coverage into Delaware and other states. Community & Growth: Framptom Funeral Home cut a ribbon on a new Easton location, adding an expanded facility with chapel, lounges and parking. Food & Retail: Cape Deli opened in Lewes and is drawing lines for deli classics, cold cuts and baked goods. Business Expansion: Hometap is expanding into Delaware amid a wave of class-action lawsuits alleging “predatory” practices in how its home equity products are marketed.

Delaware Capital Spending: Delaware lawmakers approved a $1.26 billion FY2027 capital budget, with major funding for road work, school construction, deferred maintenance, economic development, affordable housing, and clean water projects. School Nutrition: The Delaware Department of Education says free and reduced-price meals will continue for the 2026-27 school year under the National School Lunch Program, with eligibility forms sent to families and review/hearing options for disputes. Food Retail Consolidation: Kroger announced a $1.65 billion cash deal to buy Giant Eagle, setting up a 2027 close and possible limited store divestitures—an early signal of more grocery reshuffling across the region. Delaware Courts/Business: Delaware Chancery revived a former partner’s fiduciary claims, keeping pressure on how deals and partner value are handled in the state’s business courts. Entrepreneurship Support: The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation opened applications for its 2026 E3 cohort, offering up to 20 Delaware small businesses a five-week scoping program backed by a $75,000 grant. Energy/Industry Watch: Devon Energy set its second-quarter 2026 earnings date for Aug. 4, with a conference call the next day.

Delaware Infrastructure & Jobs: Delaware’s General Assembly wrapped up its 153rd session by passing a $1.25B Fiscal Year 2027 capital budget, steering money toward education infrastructure, transportation, economic development, and statewide facility upgrades. Engineering Talent Pipeline: IMEG awarded scholarships to 30 engineering students, including repeat recipients, underscoring continued investment in future Delaware-area builders and designers. Data Centers Under the Microscope: Amazon’s proposed “hyperscale” Project Brewster data center campus drew heavy scrutiny in Pennsylvania planning hearings, with officials pressing for clearer answers on traffic, water, and public impacts. Water & PFAS Pressure: Drinking water utilities meeting at AWWA’s ACE 26 highlighted the growing cost and urgency of PFAS monitoring and treatment, with a massive long-term infrastructure funding gap still looming. Local Heat Response: Sussex County opened cooling stations during an extreme heat advisory, offering air-conditioned relief sites ahead of the holiday weekend. Corporate & Legal Watch: FMC agreed to a roughly $400M minority equity investment from Tessenderlo Group, while Delaware-linked business disputes and securities class actions continued to move through courts.

Delaware Courts & Business: A minority investor sued in Delaware Chancery Court over an alleged sham freeze-out that cut out minority holders and shifted valuable medical tech IP to entities tied to the controlling stockholder. Statehouse Watch: With the legislative session ending June 30, lawmakers are pushing last-minute bills on voting rights, restoring voting access after felony sentences, and gun dealer oversight. Energy & Rates: Delaware’s House is set for a fight over a last-minute amendment that would blunt a bill aimed at lowering Delmarva Power’s energy bills, as regulators and lawmakers debate how much infrastructure spending should be capped. Environment & Industry Permitting: Delaware AG Raoul joined a coalition opposing an EPA proposal that would let major air-pollution projects start without New Source Review permits. Infrastructure & Logistics: TransCore launched open-road all-electronic tolling on the New Hope–Lambertville Delaware River bridge, a modernization step toward cashless crossings. Local Economic Development: Delaware on Main Street grew to 17 accredited/affiliated downtown organizations, adding more nationally recognized communities and reporting major reinvestment and job creation. Manufacturing & Tech: AirJoule Technologies unveiled its full-scale AirJoule Prime water-from-air system at its Newark facility, highlighting industrial-scale atmospheric water generation. Fintech & Housing Finance: Hometap expanded home equity investment availability to Delaware, adding another state to its push for flexible alternatives to traditional mortgages. Legal/Policy Signals for Delaware: Delaware’s Supreme Court seat was filled as Vice Chancellor Morgan T. Zurn was confirmed for a 12-year term.

Energy & Affordability: Gov. Matt Meyer asked Delaware’s Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 interim rate increase, arguing it could worsen an affordability crisis for families, seniors, and small businesses. Utilities Oversight: The PSC previously tabled the interim hike after public pushback, with lawmakers’ end-of-session timing now shaping next steps. Port & Construction: Delaware approved an extra $110M to close a funding gap for the $669M Delaware Container Terminal expansion near Edgemoor, including electrification upgrades and new electric equipment. Community Solar: Delaware fast-tracked four community solar projects worth $73M+ under a permitting accelerator, aiming to cut bills for renters and households that can’t install panels. Logistics & Tech: Fulfillment Hub USA rolled out in-house AI-assisted workflows across customer service and warehouse operations, reporting faster claims resolution and quicker onboarding. Healthcare Innovation: A robotic exoskeleton system from Northwestern and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab uses a real-time therapist-patient connection to improve stroke walking rehab outcomes. Corporate Governance: A refreshed Delaware guide explains when directors’ and officers’ emails must be produced under Section 220, including when courts may require a higher showing. AI & Work: A new report highlights how workers are weighing AI’s job impact versus the need to pivot and use it as a productivity tool.

Energy Regulation: Gov. Matt Meyer urged the Delaware Public Service Commission to suspend Delmarva Power’s July 9 distribution rate increase, arguing interim rates could be higher than what regulators ultimately approve and adding to Delaware’s affordability squeeze. Port & Construction: Delaware lawmakers approved an extra $110 million to cover a funding gap in the $669 million Delaware Container Terminal phase, with early construction underway near Edgemoor and electrification upgrades driving the revised scope. Midstream & M&A: Matador Resources’ San Mateo Midstream agreed to buy Cardinal Midstream Partners’ operating subsidiaries for $752 million in cash, expanding processing and gathering capacity tied to Delaware Basin growth. Tech & Privacy: XGIMI’s MemoMind One smart glasses face scrutiny over whether their “camera-free” design still creates a recording and wiretapping concern. Health & Courts: An asthma drug developer is moving toward a wind-down in Delaware Chancery Court after clinical trials stalled. Environment & Industry: Chemours reached a multi-state PFAS settlement totaling over $450 million, including major penalties and long-term drinking-water obligations. Business & Local Services: Simple Clean LLC Power Washing Services hit 200+ five-star reviews and expanded across Delaware County and Chester County. Weather Risk: Delaware is bracing for an extreme heat watch Wednesday through Saturday, with heat indexes possibly topping 110.

Healthcare Labor: ChristianaCare’s physicians’ union ratified a first-ever collective bargaining contract, a milestone for Delaware’s private-sector healthcare workforce. Port & Construction Funding: Delaware’s Bond Bill leans on a controversial “pot of money” tied to unclaimed property to help close gaps for Port of Wilmington expansion and other projects, as legal scrutiny grows. Energy & Permitting: Delaware is pushing faster community solar approvals through a JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, aiming to cut permitting timelines and speed grid connections. Environmental Compliance: Chemours agreed to a $450M PFAS settlement tied to “forever chemicals” discharges affecting the Delaware River and other waterways, with major cleanup and controls commitments. Public Finance Watch: Delaware’s unemployment rate ticked down again, while national economic growth was revised to 2.1% for Q1—useful context for local hiring and investment. Food Assistance Oversight: SNAP payment error rates remain a concern nationally, with Delaware among states flagged at higher-than-average rates. Industry & Business: Gates Industrial won strong shareholder support to redomicile to Bermuda, signaling ongoing corporate restructuring trends.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours, a Wilmington-based PFAS manufacturer, agreed to a $450 million settlement with federal and state regulators tied to “forever chemicals” discharges into the Delaware River and other waterways, with major funding for pollution controls and drinking-water work. Energy & Permitting: Delaware is speeding up community solar approvals through Gov. Matt Meyer’s JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, aiming to cut permitting timelines and get new megawatts onto the grid faster. Industrial & Infrastructure Watch: PennDOT posted the latest Route 352 and U.S. 1 improvement planning materials and outlined upcoming roadwork and lane closures, signaling continued construction impacts for drivers. Corporate Moves: Gates Industrial’s shareholders backed a plan to redomicile the company to Bermuda, a move the firm says is meant to reduce administrative complexity. Local Agriculture Pipeline: Delaware Farm Bureau is taking applications for its Youth Ambassador Program, offering a $5,000 scholarship for a student leader promoting Delaware agriculture statewide. Health & Workforce Angle: A new look at runner iron deficiency highlights how common low iron is among marathon and half-marathon athletes, especially women—an issue with real implications for training and performance.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours, a Wilmington-based PFAS maker, agreed to a $450 million settlement tied to “forever chemicals” discharged into the Ohio, Cape Fear and Delaware rivers, including a $22.5 million civil penalty, $90 million in discharge-cutting commitments over 15 years, and major spending for controls and drinking-water cleanup. Delaware Industry & Infrastructure: Delaware’s energy and infrastructure debate continues as lawmakers weigh bills that critics say could harm the state’s economy and energy policy, while separate coverage notes an Amtrak maintenance facility planned for Newark and a new Route 1 traffic light project near Rehoboth Beach. Agriculture & Community: Delaware Farm Bureau is taking applications for its Youth Ambassador Program, offering a $5,000 scholarship and a year of outreach promoting Delaware agriculture. Maritime & Trade: The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini docked in Baltimore after sailing through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, underscoring regional maritime ties ahead of Sail 250 Maryland. Food Assistance Watch: SNAP payment error-rate reporting shows Delaware among the higher-error states, a reminder of looming federal cost and penalty pressure.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” including a $22.5M civil penalty plus $90M over 15 years for mitigation and pollution controls. Corporate Moves: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s legal home from Delaware to Texas, a reminder that Delaware’s business climate is still shaped by big-board decisions. Local Development Watch: Sussex County advanced solar projects after developers adjusted plans to protect a nearby therapeutic riding center, while construction continues on the Centre at Love Creek on Route 24 with Royal Farms and Dunkin’ confirmed. Energy Policy Debate: Delaware lawmakers are weighing data-center-related bills amid calls for stronger consumer protections and more balanced energy planning. Industrial Safety: Crews responded to a fire at an American Zinc Recycling Corporation site in Palmerton, with damage largely tied to conveyor belts. Agriculture & Youth: Delaware Farm Bureau is taking applications for its Youth Ambassador Program, with a $5,000 scholarship and a Sept. 15 deadline. Public Works: A new traffic light with crosswalks is now active at Holland Glade Road and Coastal Highway near Rehoboth Beach. Food Aid Oversight: Illinois SNAP error rates keep climbing, with federal penalties looming—highlighting how compliance costs can ripple across the region.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” including penalties and long-term mitigation and clean-water commitments across multiple states. Corporate & Legal Watch: Delaware court activity continues to shape governance and deal risk, including a rejected push by Albertsons to force Kroger to hand over broader legal communications. Delaware Economy & Industry: Davis, Bowen & Friedel is expanding Eastern Shore capacity by acquiring a Centreville civil engineering firm, adding land development staff and capabilities. Energy & Infrastructure: Sussex County approved a solar project after developers adjusted plans to protect a nearby therapeutic riding center with added buffers and fencing. Retail Development: Construction is underway on the Centre at Love Creek shopping center on Route 24, with Royal Farms and Dunkin’ confirmed. Transportation Updates: A new traffic light with crosswalks is now active at Holland Glade Road on Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach, with more Route 1 work expected later this summer. Public Services: Ocean View’s post office rebuild has been pushed to 2027 after lawmakers criticized USPS delays and scope changes. Tech & Capital Markets: BlackRock-backed Securitize is targeting a $400M NYSE debut as it advances tokenization expansion. Defense & Biopharma Risk: The Pentagon blacklisted WuXi, putting a major Middletown pharmaceutical project in jeopardy.

Local Planning & Construction: Trappe’s Planning Commission delayed a proposed concrete batch plant near Old Trappe Road and Backtown Road until July 21, after residents raised concerns about roads and wastewater. Corporate & Legal: A Delaware court rejected Albertsons’ bid to force Kroger to turn over broader legal communications in the failed merger fight, narrowing what must be produced. Business & Governance: Dell shareholders approved moving the company’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas, a reminder that corporate legal “homes” can shift even when operations stay put. Energy & Permitting: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer announced accelerated community solar projects, with four Sussex and New Castle initiatives accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator. Public Finance: Delaware’s proposed FY27 bond bill would boost capital spending to about $1.26B, including roads, schools, and a Port of Wilmington expansion. Environment & Industry: Delaware-based Chemours agreed to a $450M PFAS settlement with federal and state authorities over alleged “forever chemicals” violations. Food Assistance Oversight: USDA says improper SNAP payments hit $10B in 2025, with Delaware among the states showing high payment error rates. Rail & Jobs: Amtrak’s new Newark maintenance facility is set to bring about 100 jobs, run by Alstom under an Acela servicing contract. Manufacturing & Compliance: SPI Pharma asked Delaware for permission to replace electrical conduit and conductors at its Lewes fishing pier area in Cape Henlopen State Park. Gun Dealer Regulation: The Delaware House passed a bill creating a state licensing system for gun dealers, adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M settlement with the U.S. government over “forever chemicals” releases, including penalties and long-term mitigation and water-supply commitments. Public Safety & Retail Oversight: Delaware’s House advanced a bill creating a state licensing system for firearm dealers, adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements. Local Transportation Tech: New Castle County is moving toward a third electronic speed camera, with violations tied to speeding over the posted limit but no license points. Real Estate Tech: Bright MLS will feed listings into Google mobile search through a HouseCanary partnership, aiming for premium placement for member brokerages. Food Assistance Costs: USDA data shows SNAP payment error rates remain high nationwide; Delaware’s rate is listed at 16%, putting the state in the group facing potential future financial penalties. Immigration Policy: Govs. Matt Meyer and Wes Moore criticized a Supreme Court decision that clears the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians. Energy & Industry: A fire at Monroe Energy’s Trainer refinery injured workers and sent smoke plumes over the area, underscoring ongoing risks in Delaware County’s refining sector. Community & Workforce Support: Kent-Sussex Industries recognized staff for disability-focused training and job-readiness work, highlighting local pathways into employment.

PFAS & Environmental Enforcement: Chemours reached a $450M settlement with the U.S. government over “forever chemicals” releases, with EPA alleging violations tied to PFAS discharges into the Cape Fear, Delaware and Ohio Rivers. Delaware Riverfront Industry & Safety: A two-alarm fire at Monroe Energy’s Trainer refinery in Marcus Hook triggered a shelter-in-place for nearby residents; officials later lifted it after air monitoring showed no unsafe levels and crews moved into cleanup. Food Assistance Compliance: USDA says SNAP improper payments topped $10.1B in FY2025, with a national error rate of 10.62%; Delaware’s rate is listed at 16.00%, putting states on track for new penalties starting in 2027. Energy Costs & Travel: AAA reports the national gas average fell for a fifth straight week to $3.91/gal; Delaware’s average is $3.75. Local Housing Policy: Lewes joined opposition to a Delaware affordable housing bill, arguing it would shift too much control over local land-use decisions. Workforce & Training: Delaware students brought home six national SkillsUSA championships and 44 Skill Point Certificates, highlighting career-ready training momentum. Data Centers & State Tax Policy: Pennsylvania lawmakers split on data center incentives—one bill would incentivize “behavior” and transparency, while another would repeal the sales tax break.

PFAS Accountability in Delaware Region: Delaware-based Chemours agreed to a multistate $450M settlement with the Trump administration and EPA over “forever chemicals,” including a $22.5M penalty and $90M in mitigation across West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey, plus major cleanup and drinking-water commitments. Insider Trading—Nuclear Industry: A Constellation Energy engineering manager from Marshallton, Del., was indicted for alleged insider trading tied to plans to restart Three Mile Island, with prosecutors seeking forfeiture of $1.48M. Delaware Energy Policy Tensions: A Delaware energy tax plan is facing conflict-of-interest concerns, adding pressure to an already contentious push tied to climate compliance costs. Consumer Data Rules: A Pennsylvania privacy bill advanced with opt-outs, correction rights, and deletion requests, building on the region’s growing data-protection trend. Data Centers & Local Control: Pennsylvania lawmakers approved a bill letting municipalities pause data center proposals for six months, aiming to slow pressure on local planning. Delaware Housing Fight: Wilmington Mayor John Carney vetoed a housing trust fund proposal, setting up a potential override vote. Education Leadership Loss: Delaware State University mourns Dr. Saundra DeLauder, its first female provost, credited with launching eHBCU.