AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather in Delaware: The National Weather Service confirmed at least two tornadoes on Delmarva Thursday night, including an EF-1 tornado through the Dover area and another EF-1 in Queen Anne’s County, with no injuries reported; cleanup continues after storms tore through homes and Little League fields. School Bus Safety: Goodrich schools are rolling out stop-arm cameras on buses, with footage used to crack down on drivers who pass stopped school buses. Privacy Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive personal data for more than 17 million commercial drivers, pausing related actions while litigation proceeds. Local Environment: Sussex County Land Trust added Eric Williams as a new stewardship manager to expand care for preserved lands and public-access sites. Community & Recovery: The Little Farm in Kent County is assessing storm damage after animal enclosures and facilities were hit, while residents rally to help rebuild. Arts & Outdoors: Georgetown artist George Bradford won Delaware’s trout stamp art competition for a sixth time. Health & Education: Delaware Tech released a guide for new students ahead of the fall semester. Sports: A Dover Little League team found a new place to practice after tornado damage.

Severe Weather: Cleanup is underway in Dover after a confirmed tornado tore through the city, damaging commercial buildings and tearing the roof off two motels; Dover police say about half a dozen structures were hit, and the Dover Little League fields were left with significant damage. Cybersecurity: Delaware County officials say lessons from a 2020 hack helped during a June network incident that shut down county systems and disrupted phones and operations, with restoration largely completed by early July. AI & State Tech: UD and state agencies teamed up for the Hennovate the State AI hackathon, pairing students with agency case studies on records, customer service, transportation planning, and workforce and benefits. Data Centers & Power Concerns: Dover is weighing an 18-month moratorium on new data centers amid worries about electricity, water, and land impacts. Public Health: Delaware is among jurisdictions affected by a widening cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce. DNREC Conservation: Delaware’s annual waterfowl and trout stamp art contests named new blue-ribbon winners, with artwork set for the 2027-28 stamps.

Severe Weather & Tornado Response: A likely tornado ripped through Dover Thursday evening, prompting a city state of emergency as crews reported downed trees and power lines, damaged hotels on Route 13, and dangerous road conditions; police urged residents to stay home and off the roads while intersections and phone service were disrupted. Utility Costs: Delmarva Power is seeking a nearly $67.8 million rate increase that could add about 4% (roughly $6 per month) to average Delaware residential bills, with beach-area businesses warning even small hikes can squeeze budgets. Local Infrastructure: DelDOT will keep W Water Street closed in Dover between S. Governors Avenue and S. State Street through Aug. 27 as it installs drainage upgrades and repaves to reduce persistent flooding. Accountability in Government Pay: A Delaware op-ed argues the state must not only fix weaknesses found in a dual employment audit, but also determine whether overlapping-work payments already happened and what should be done about them. Schools & Growth: Milford School District is making its fourth push for state approval of nearly $81 million in renovations to address overcrowding and aging modular classrooms. Workforce Licensing: Gov. Meyer signed Executive Order 27 to modernize Delaware’s occupational licensing system, aiming to remove unnecessary barriers and expand workforce opportunities. Sports: University of Delaware women’s soccer beat VCU 3-1 in Newark.

Flood Watch/Warning Confusion: The National Weather Service is warning residents about flooding risk in the Northeast, including northern Delaware, where heavy rain could bring flash flooding and road closures. Local Health Access: Bayhealth added four new primary care physicians across central and southern Delaware to expand appointment availability. Breast Cancer Community: Rehoboth Beach business owner Heather Rowe was named Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s 2026 Sussex County Volunteer of the Year for five years of support for survivors. Arts for Kids: The Children’s Beach House Summer Music Program ended Aug. 13 with a performance at Lewes Beach, bringing together a dozen students from under-resourced areas through a partnership with the Southern Delaware Orchestra and the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a New Castle man after he allegedly drove into a Claymont repair shop employee during a dispute. Crime & Courts: A federal judge sentenced a Seaford man to 45 years for kidnapping, carjacking and cyberstalking an elderly woman, including an attempted hit from jail.

Weather & Safety: A strong cold front is set to bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms to Sussex County Thursday, with the risk of severe storms, heavy rain, and an isolated tornado. Public Health: Delaware measles cases climbed to 22, all confirmed in Kent County, as health officials continue contact tracing and urge vaccination. Housing & Planning: Lewes Planning Commission recommended a moratorium on major subdivision applications while the city updates its comprehensive plan under Senate Bill 23. Utilities & Cost of Living: Delawareans urged the Public Service Commission to reject a proposed Delmarva Power rate increase, arguing it would bake costs into bills and shift risk to customers. Domestic Violence Services: Delaware is moving ahead with its first Family Justice Centers, including a Georgetown location, funded by $2.6 million in federal dollars. Local Crime: Delaware State Police are investigating a sexual assault at a Cheswold-area construction site, and a Newark storage facility hammer attack has led to felony charges. Community & DNREC: Registration opens Sept. 1 for DNREC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend at Camp Barnes (Oct. 2-4). Sports & Culture: Franklin is being remembered as a basketball town, and Messi’s return to Subaru Park drew fans from across the region.

Federal Drug Case: A Whitsett man arrested in the Wilmington area in March after police found more than 2 kilograms of cocaine in his trunk was indicted on a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; he was arraigned Tuesday and remains free pending trial. School Safety: An East High School 16-year-old was arrested after a school resource officer spotted him ditching a backpack containing a loaded, stolen handgun. Dover Investigation: Delaware State Police are investigating a reported sexual assault with a weapon at a construction site in Dover; the suspect is described as a masked white male who fled into nearby woods. Courts & Business: Delaware Court of Chancery examined fiduciary duties of public benefit corporation directors in a change-of-control deal, addressing how PBC safe harbors and enhanced scrutiny may work. Privacy & Tech: A new NYU-backed scorecard says states’ license plate reader laws still fail privacy tests, with Delaware among those falling short. Community & Services: Delaware continues its teacher-driven literacy funding program, giving educators direct state dollars to choose classroom materials. Public Info: Delaware residents can tap utility bill help programs like LIHEAP and Delaware 211 as colder months approach. Local Rescue: Crews rescued a person after a trench collapse in Bridgeville.

Gun Violence in New Castle County: A Wilmington man, Kevin Smith, 64, was charged after police say he fired a shotgun toward a Delaware State Police camera mounted on a sign in the Graylyn Crest area, creating a “significant risk” to nearby homes; he was arraigned and released on $3,500 unsecured bail. Shooting Leaves Elder Injured: In another New Castle County case, an 81-year-old woman was hit by bullets while sleeping during an early-morning attack at a Rose Lane home; police are still working to identify the shooter(s). Politics: Gov. Matt Meyer backed Democratic primary challengers in two state Senate races, including Adriana Bohm vs. Dan Cruce and Shay Frisby vs. Ray Seigfried. Health & Science: A University of Delaware study says estrogen fluctuations can reshape brain connections by tracking hormone-linked mechanical changes in the hippocampus. Local Safety & Traffic: Newark is rolling out mobile automated speed enforcement with a list of preapproved road locations, and Delaware Memorial Bridge work has reopened Newark’s Library Avenue after a 9-week closure. Weather: A quieter stretch is expected across Sussex County and the beaches through Wednesday night.

Federal Research Oversight: The Pentagon ordered 30 U.S. universities—including Harvard, UC Berkeley, MIT and NYU—to audit foreign research ties and potentially end partnerships tied to “entities of concern,” with findings due by Aug. 31. Public Health: Delaware’s childhood vaccine guidance remains unchanged after a White House executive order, with state leaders stressing no added barriers for families. Traffic Safety: Delaware released a new “Ambassador of Safety” video highlighting its Prehospital Whole Blood program, giving paramedics access to lifesaving blood in the field. Coastal & Community Life: Bethany Beach’s Boardwalk Arts Festival returns Sept. 12, while Rehoboth Art League’s Regional Juried Biennial Exhibition runs Aug. 21–Sept. 20. Local Planning: A senior living center plus two office buildings are planned near Rehoboth Beach, with Ciel Senior Living targeting an early-2028 opening. DNREC & Environment: DNREC expanded Delaware’s artificial reef system by sinking the Calcasieu Pass to Reef Site 13. Health & Safety for Hunters: Delaware adopted emergency deer hunting rules to curb chronic wasting disease, including limits on bait/feed and buck lures, with fines up to $250.

41st District GOP Forum: Three Republicans—Jacki Slonin, Doug Conaway and former Rep. John Atkins—made their case to voters in Millsboro ahead of the Sept. 15 primary, trading on experience, local control and voting-record clashes. Newark Budget Crunch: Newark narrowed a projected FY27 budget gap to $2.3 million, but city leaders are weighing property-tax pressure and possible changes like an “opt-in” mailing approach for utility bills. Public Safety: Delaware State Police say Wawa employees in Hockessin helped restrain a knife-wielding man who slashed a worker while she tried to call 9-1-1; the suspect faces multiple charges. Healthcare Roundtable: Rep. Alonna Berry convened a statewide healthcare roundtable focused on expanding access, workforce shortages and primary-care capacity. Summer Child Care: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills to expand summer camp options for families using state aid, aiming to reduce wait times and boost affordability. Education Spotlight: The new Paul M. Hodgson Vo-Tech High School is ready to welcome students, with ribbon-cutting marking the end of a major construction project. Food Recall: Walmart shoppers are urged to check for recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination.

DNREC & Wildlife Health: Delaware’s DNREC adopted emergency deer hunting rules to curb Chronic Wasting Disease, expanding sampling and creating a management zone in Central Sussex County after earlier findings—cluster testing of 100 deer found no new cases. Public Safety: Delaware State Police identified Richard Housel, 41, of Laurel, as the pedestrian killed on Route 13 near Oasis Drive; investigators are asking for video or tips. Environment & Accountability: Veolia sued nine companies in Delaware Superior Court over PFAS contamination, arguing treatment costs shouldn’t fall on about 40,000 Delaware water customers. Courts & Crime: Delaware County prosecutors are working to extradite Michelle Zajko from Maryland to face charges tied to the 2022 killings of her parents in Chester Heights. Flood Disaster Watch (Region): Severe storms and historic flooding in Indiana have killed at least seven people, with evacuations and power outages continuing as recovery ramps up.

Delaware Courtroom Watch: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings says the state is challenging federal demands for CDL driver data, arguing the requests risk “millions” of working Americans’ privacy and are tied to an immigration agenda. Crash & Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal New Castle crash where a 42-year-old man allegedly ran a stop sign and hit a motorcycle, killing a 54-year-old woman. Public Service: Delaware Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services Director Renee Ciconte received a national leadership award for work expanding education, sports, music, and skills programs for youth. Community Events: The Southern Delaware Chorale announced its 2026-27 season, with concerts starting Dec. 5 at Epworth United Methodist Church. Local Arts: Delaware’s Miss Delaware pageant spotlighted “the woman behind the crown,” while other coverage highlighted Delaware’s sports and arts scene. National Legal Drama (Delaware federal court): Selena Gomez’s lawyer called a Wondermind fraud lawsuit “completely meritless,” after investors sued in Delaware federal court over claims tied to the mental health startup.

Indiana Flood Disaster: Historic flooding from days of storms has killed at least six people in Indiana, with the White River topping record levels and hundreds of residents evacuated and rescued, as federal emergency help is moving forward after Gov. Mike Braun said Trump will approve an emergency declaration for multiple counties. Delaware Traffic Fatality: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Laurel on Aug. 15: a 41-year-old man was struck by a Toyota Camry on Route 13 near Oasis Drive and later died; the 21-year-old driver was not injured and the road was closed for about three hours. Delaware County Shelter Update: In the wake of flooding, Community of Hope on Main Street is now the new shelter site with 15 people checked in overnight, after Grace Baptist Church “stood down” its center. Public Safety Reminder: Authorities continue warning residents to stay out of floodwaters as water levels remain dangerous and recovery efforts continue. Food Recall: A Maryland company is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart due to possible listeria contamination, including in Delaware; consumers are told not to eat the product.

Severe Weather Watch: Sunday’s wet stretch for the Philly region could bring 1–2 inches of rain (locally higher) and a flash-flood risk, with the heaviest downpours Sunday evening into overnight; a few stronger storms are possible near Delaware and southern New Jersey. Disaster Response: Indiana’s historic flooding has killed at least five people, with rescues continuing along the White River; President Trump approved an emergency declaration to unlock federal disaster aid for dozens of counties, including Delaware County. Local Safety: Delaware State Police arrested Hartly man Dakota Carey after two separate Hartly shooting incidents; charges include multiple counts of firing at an occupied dwelling and reckless endangerment. Health Alert: Walmart recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Delaware, due to possible listeria contamination. Sports & Community Pride: Elena Delle Donne was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, spotlighting her sister Lizzie’s influence on her life and career. Public Works: Woodland Ferry in Sussex County is closed until further notice, with DelDOT urging drivers to use alternate routes.

Delaware Courts & Business: A federal lawsuit filed in Delaware accuses Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and former partner Daniella Pierson of fraud and breach of contract tied to Wondermind Global, alleging investors put nearly $1.2 million into a mental health startup that failed to deliver promised infrastructure and a mobile app. Local Community: Delaware Womenade’s 4th Annual “Wimbledon Whiteout” tennis event raised $10,000 for survivors of abusive relationships, funding emergency programs that help families stay safe. Education Debate: An opinion piece argues Delaware-area lawmakers should rethink requiring foreign-language credits for students who won’t pursue college, saying schools often start too late and students “go through the motions.” Public Safety & Scams: A Delaware-related roundup cites BBB Scam Tracker results showing Delaware cities with reported scams in July, while a separate reminder urges residents to call 811 before digging to avoid hitting underground utilities. Road Work: DelDOT announced overnight lane closures on US 13 in Kent County starting Aug. 17 for signal work tied to the East Camden Bypass project.

Lawsuit in Delaware federal court: Investors are suing Selena Gomez and her mother Mandy Teefey over alleged fraud tied to the mental-health startup Wondermind, claiming Gomez and others misrepresented the company’s readiness and failed to deliver promised products like a mobile app. Public safety & health: The FDA announced a recall of Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Delaware, after routine testing showed a presumptive Listeria result; separate Lidl spice mix recalls also hit Delaware due to possible salmonella. Local government: Sussex County has started issuing 2027 property tax bills, with paper bills mailed through August and a Sept. 30 deadline. Weather and tragedy: Floodwaters in Delaware County are linked to a woman and a dog found dead after a vehicle was swept away; separately, a pickup crashed into a Fenwick Island restaurant, killing one and injuring others. Sports: Delaware’s Little League run continues as local teams battle for Williamsport spots.

Local Crime: Dover Police say a third teen has been arrested in the 2024 Christmas Eve murder of 14-year-old Juwan Walker, with the latest suspect taken into custody in Pennsylvania and awaiting extradition to Delaware. Courts & Accountability: Investors have filed a federal lawsuit in Delaware accusing Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and others of misleading them about Wondermind’s leadership, plans, and financial stability, seeking repayment and damages. Public Safety & Enforcement: The FBI and partners carried out a regional sweep dubbed “Summer Heat 2.0,” leading to 109 arrests across Maryland and Delaware over several weeks. Climate & Land Use: Delaware’s climate plan highlights strong ties to University of Delaware research, focusing on net-zero goals and how land-use choices can cut emissions and reduce flood risk. Health & Policy: Delaware’s measles situation is worsening, with cases rising in Kent County. Consumer Watch: Car insurance costs are climbing again, with Delaware among the highest-priced states, according to a new regional analysis. Business/Tech: A Delaware Chancery case is tied to a luxury resort dispute involving Four Seasons Resort Nevis and its homeowners association. Food Safety: A Walmart soup kit sold in 29 states is recalled over possible listeria contamination.