AGP Executive Report

Delaware Politics: Three candidates for the District 23 state House seat squared off in a forum at the George Wilson Center, tackling issues like data centers, affordable housing, transparency and budgets ahead of the Sept. 15 Democratic primary to replace Rep. Mara Gorman. Opioid Enforcement: The U.S. Justice Department and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of invalid opioid prescriptions, with claims tied to “pill mill” prescribers and internal compliance priorities. Health Care Costs in Delaware: New local Medicaid billing snapshots show sharp increases in several Delaware categories, including ambulance/transport services in Magnolia and hearing services in Smyrna, underscoring how public health spending shifts at the community level. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach where a suspect allegedly used a demand note and fled on foot; police described the person as a thin man in his 20s dressed in tight feminine clothing and wearing a wig. Business & Markets: Revolution Medicines’ FDA-approved oral pancreatic cancer therapy Rasonque drew investor skepticism as shares stayed near-flat despite the approval.

Banking & Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a WSFS Bank robbery in Rehoboth Beach on Route 1. Police say a thin Black man in his 20s entered the Coastal Highway branch, handed a demand note, and fled on foot with undisclosed cash; no weapon was shown and no one was hurt. Fraud & Consumer Risk: BBB Scam Tracker data show Rehoboth Beach logged two scam reports in July, while Wilmington led Delaware with 13. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel price in Sussex County hit $5.19 per gallon in the week ending Aug. 22, with Delaware’s diesel average at $5.63. Health Care Spending: New Castle, Milford and Magnolia Medicaid billing rose sharply in 2024 for pathology/lab services and ambulance/transport categories, according to federal Medicaid provider spending data. Retirement Watch: New reporting highlights growing pressure on Social Security’s trust fund, with benefits potentially at risk as the fund nears depletion later this decade.

Opioid Enforcement: The U.S. Justice Department and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of invalid opioid prescriptions, with tighter oversight and a hotline included. Delaware Health Tech: Delaware Health Information Network named Mike Lewis its chief growth officer to expand services and analytics across the state’s healthcare ecosystem. Solar for More Homes: Delaware-based Artisanal PV is marketing a freestanding solar carport that can generate power without rooftop installs, aiming at homeowners who can’t or won’t use roofs. Energy & Manufacturing Deals: Tata Chemicals North America acquired soda ash customer contracts from SVM USA in a Delaware bankruptcy court-approved deal expected to generate more than $110 million through 2028. Corporate Governance Watch: Signal Proxy Intelligence recommended NN, INC. shareholders vote against doubling authorized common shares, warning of potential dilution and takeover friction. Local Politics: Delaware’s early voting for the 2026 primary opens Sept. 2, with details on dates, hours, and eligibility. Business & Community: End Community Violence and Operation West Laurel are teaming up on a pop-up resource fair focused on reducing gun violence and boosting job readiness.

Walmart Opioid Settlement: The U.S. Justice Department and DEA announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart over allegations its pharmacies filled invalid opioid prescriptions, with the case tied to a complaint filed in Delaware federal court. Delaware Health Tech Leadership: The Delaware Health Information Network named Mike Lewis its new chief growth officer as it expands beyond a traditional health information exchange. Energy & Insolvency Deal: Tata Chemicals’ U.S. arm acquired soda ash customer contracts from SVM USA through Delaware bankruptcy court, targeting more than $110 million in revenue through 2028. Insurance Distribution Pause: Truist and Fifth Third paused sales of products tied to Mark Walter’s Delaware Life amid a U.S. probe affecting the insurer’s credit-rating shadow. Local Business/Community: End Community Violence and Operation West Laurel teamed up on a resource fair aimed at reducing gun violence and boosting job readiness for young people. Delaware Voting: Delaware Department of Elections set early voting for the 2026 primary to begin Sept. 2, with hours and eligibility rules outlined. Retiree Influx Pressure: A Bloomberg report says Sussex County’s retiree growth is straining local resources, with Delaware’s 65+ population rising faster than any other state since 2020.

Opioid Settlement: Walmart agreed to pay US$50 million to settle the U.S. Justice Department’s opioid lawsuit over alleged unlawful dispensing, with tighter pharmacy oversight and a hotline included. Delaware Courts/Investing: In Delaware Chancery, Meteora Capital Partners won summary judgment in a contract dispute with Roadzen over share registration and resale restrictions. Delaware Housing & Credit: Foreclosure filings rose 10% year over year in July, with Delaware at one filing per 2,579 housing units. Delaware Real Estate: Delaware’s housing market posted broad gains in July, including more sales, higher prices, and rising inventory. Consumer Safety & Fraud: Wilmington led Delaware cities in July scam reports (13), while statewide scam reporting remains a growing concern. Local Food Access: Milford groups received Delaware Grocery Initiative grants to expand fresh-food access and food rescue in Sussex and Kent. Energy/Policy: Delaware signed a package of energy bills, including a cap on Delmarva Power’s nonessential spending and added utility audits. Business/Tech: AiRWA said Nasdaq flagged a late 10-K filing, giving it until late October to submit a compliance plan. Data Centers: Developers pitched an “industry-changing” double-decker data center in Bethlehem, with Delaware-based Tensor IQ involved.

Delaware Courts & Business: A Delaware federal jury found Parse Biosciences infringed Roche Sequencing Solutions patents and hit the biotech with a $4.9M verdict. Opioid & Retail Compliance: Walmart reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations its pharmacies unlawfully dispensed opioids; the case was dismissed in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, with terms not disclosed. Corporate Moves: Norwood Financial Corp’s board approved a stock repurchase program for up to 550,000 shares (about 5% of outstanding). Banking & Local Economy: County Bank promoted Tiffany Walter to branch administrator in Lewes. Energy & Utilities: Delmarva Power is pushing for legislative approval of battery storage as demand grows, while also navigating a bill that limits system upgrades. Real Estate & Finance: TYTL Corp., a Delaware real estate tech firm, filed to offer up to $1B in securities to back its fractional home-equity model. Politics & Voting: Delaware early voting for the 2026 primary starts Sept. 2, with DMV “AVR” voters able to pick a party up to Sept. 15. Small Business Support: The Division of Small Business added staff, including a Programs Manager and a Sports Tourism Coordinator.

Delaware Utility Watch: Delaware ratepayers are pushing back on Delmarva Power’s $67.8 million rate hike request, arguing it would raise bills on already-stretched households and protect company profits while shifting risk away from shareholders. Trade & Growth Support: Delaware’s Compass Grant is helping small firms fund trade shows, international travel, insurance and market research, with the state citing $10 million in new international sales tied to recent awards. Data Center Policy: Delaware lawmakers have enacted clean-energy and ratepayer-protection rules for hyperscale data centers, as other regions weigh tougher zoning standards amid concerns over water, noise and traffic. Big Tech Legal Fallout (DE): Delaware is included in the multistate Meta child-safety settlement, with the state set to receive $73.6 million as reforms target Instagram and Facebook teen harms. Banking/Insurance Deals: Tokio Marine HCC International agreed to acquire UK motor MGA Direct Commercial Limited, adding a new commercial motor line. Corporate/Finance: Analog Devices shifted €5.4 billion of dividends from an Irish operation back to the U.S., according to Irish filings. Local Economy & Tourism: Philadelphia opened a permanent cruise terminal at PhilaPort, boosting regional travel options for Delaware residents. Court/Business Risk: A Delaware federal filing shows AI chatbot “confessions” are increasingly being used in court, raising new compliance and privacy concerns for businesses and consumers. Health/Bankruptcy: Biopharma BioXcel Therapeutics filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware. Fraud & Consumer Safety: Delaware’s Compass Grant and broader fraud reporting trends underscore the ongoing need for consumer protection as scam reports continue nationwide.

Cruise & Ports: Norwegian Cruise Line opened a new $66M permanent terminal at PhilaPort in Tinicum Township, with Bermuda sailings starting now and more routes planned through 2028—an expected boost of about 2,200 jobs and $300M in annual local economic activity. Big Tech & Consumer Protection: Delaware is part of a sweeping $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram and Facebook child-safety practices, requiring major new protections plus restitution to states. Legal Fight Over Branding: A Virginia startup launched “Twitter.now,” reviving the Twitter name and logo while X Corp. pursues trademark action in Delaware federal court. Local Business & Growth: Wilmington’s Precisionists marks 10 years and expands via a new national partnership with Kohler. Energy & Charging: Wawa plans to add eight Wawa-branded EV chargers in Pennsylvania, including sites in Delaware County. Community & Development: DelDOT says South Market Street bridge shoring work is nearing completion, with lane reopenings and eased weight restrictions expected as repairs finish. Delaware Entrepreneurship: A Delaware founder launched CultureCheck, a Black culture trivia app with 10,000+ questions and multiple game modes.

Meta Settlement for Delaware: Delaware will receive a guaranteed $73.6 million over 10 years from Meta’s child-safety deal, with an $11 million payment this year and up to $30 million more if other platforms (including TikTok and YouTube) reach similar agreements; the money is set to support teen health and safety, including at-risk youth and enforcement efforts, while Meta must add youth protections like daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Energy & Data Centers: Gov. Matt Meyer signed new energy consumer protection laws that require large energy users such as data centers to pay more of the grid upgrade costs, secure their own power, and face tighter utility oversight. Delaware Housing/Construction: Wilmington’s Riverfront development continues, including the Rowhaus project planned as a seven-story, 164-unit luxury apartment building. Banking & Crypto Infrastructure: A coalition of 39 state banking groups is forming the BankChain Alliance targeting a 2027 bank-owned blockchain network for tokenized deposits and payments. Healthcare Fraud: DermTech (now in liquidation) agreed to pay up to $5M to resolve allegations it submitted unreliable skin cancer test claims to Medicare. Local Governance: Dewey Beach is weighing a local ordinance to preserve a 1 a.m. alcohol cutoff if Delaware later allows later hours.

Big Tech & Kids Online: Delaware is set to receive a guaranteed $73.6 million over 10 years from Meta’s landmark multistate settlement over alleged harms to children on Facebook and Instagram, with Meta also agreeing to major teen protections like night mode and time limits. Patent Fight: Guardant Health has been ordered to pay $245M+ in a Delaware-linked patent dispute with TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington, and says it will appeal. Elections & Voting Access: Delaware AG Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition suing the USPS over a rule aimed at restricting vote-by-mail procedures on a tight timeline. Local Business & Growth: Streamliners Management Consulting is highlighted among Delaware’s fastest-growing firms on the Inc. 5000. Education & Workforce: Delaware Valley School District students won top prizes at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, and Delaware teachers’ health plan contribution limits rise for the new school year. Sports Business: TWG Global (Mark Walter’s holding company) issued a statement denying any Dodgers sale amid a federal probe tied to affiliated assets.

Delaware Workforce: The Delaware Department of Labor opened a new Dover Workforce Center at 650 South Bay Road, replacing its Blue Hen Corporate Center office and bringing job services, training, and unemployment support under one roof, with added tech and a Grow with Google partner site. Delaware Courts & Business: The Delaware Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of a SPAC-related lawsuit tied to a $1.4 billion deal, saying the plaintiff waited too long to sue. Delaware Politics: Delaware AG candidate Kathy Jennings highlighted crime and recidivism reductions and her office’s lawsuits against the Trump administration, including a fight over a federal demand for CDL drivers’ personal data. Coastal Development: A Delaware coastal advisory group reviewed possible changes to the state’s Beach Preservation Act rules, focusing on how construction affects dunes, including crossings, fencing, plantings, and foundation methods. Consumer Fraud Watch: Delaware cities saw scam reports in July, with Wilmington leading and Milton, for example, tied to a single reported online purchase loss. National Business/Legal: A Delaware federal judge finalized a $245M patent judgment against Guardant Health in favor of TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington.

Pharma Litigation: A Delaware-linked class action over Bristol Myers Squibb’s Celgene deal heads back to the merits after the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan revived claims tied to $9-per-share CVR payouts that vanished when an FDA deadline passed. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data show Delaware logged 5 scam reports in July 2026, tied for 141st among Ohio cities; the FTC says fraud losses hit $12.5B in 2024. Federal Privacy Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings and a coalition won a temporary block against a Trump administration push to obtain sensitive commercial driver data from AAMVA, citing privacy-law violations. Local Courts & Public Safety: A Lewes Fire Department fire police officer’s case review was continued as defense counsel seeks more time to review discovery in a Sussex County case involving attempted rape and child solicitation charges. Business & Compliance: FinCEN ended BOI reporting for U.S. persons under the Corporate Transparency Act, effective Aug. 14, 2026, reshaping who must file beneficial ownership forms. Energy/Industry: A first-lien loan tied to Guggenheim Investments reportedly cratered to about 72 cents on the dollar amid concerns over earnings, accounting and federal probes. Delaware Corporate News: Guardant Health faces a final Delaware judgment requiring payment of more than $245M to TwinStrand and the University of Washington over DNA sequencing patents.

Delaware Workforce & Economy: Delaware’s unemployment rate edged down to 4.8% in July, with revisions to June showing a smaller job loss than first reported. Housing Policy: Senate Bill 23 aims to speed approvals and expand housing types, but critics warn it may not guarantee affordability for working Delawareans. Business & Skills: Delaware is partnering with Google’s Grow with Google to expand access to Google Career Certificates and AI courses for digital and technical job training. Local Courts & Development: The Delaware Court of Chancery ruled for Osprey Point Preserve LLC in its dispute with NVR over a marina-related site plan approval. Consumer & Fraud Watch: Delaware tied for 25th among Ohio cities in BBB Scam Tracker reports (via BBB data), underscoring ongoing scam losses. Environment & Agriculture: The box tree moth quarantine expanded in Maryland, with Delaware flagged due to proximity—raising compliance needs for growers and shippers. Infrastructure: Market Street Bridge in Philadelphia is set for a more-than-year closure as part of a major rehab project affecting SEPTA routes and parking. Sports/Community: A Delaware student-led nonprofit, SkillSphere Foundation, is donating business and tech supplies and training to students statewide.

Delaware Governance & Consumer Protection: Delaware’s Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act is headed to the governor after clearing the House and Senate, aiming to stop shoppers from mistaking high-powered electric mopeds or motorcycles for legal e-bikes—differences that can affect traffic rules, licensing, registration, and insurance. Corporate & Finance: Lakefront Biotherapeutics disclosed a Bank of America transparency notification showing the bank crossed above the 10% voting-rights threshold, holding 10.11% combined voting rights and equivalent instruments. Business & Jobs: Onda/Weiland USA plans to add 100 Delaware jobs tied to data center cooling systems, as Ohio development announcements tout nearly 600 new jobs across the region. Courts & Oversight: A Women’s Pro Baseball League board member is asking Delaware Chancery Court to force record releases, alleging possible misuse of funds and undisclosed conflicts. Public Sector & Infrastructure: DNREC broke ground on the Creekside Discovery Center at White Clay Creek State Park, a $13.4M project expected to be completed in 2028 to expand education space and exhibits. Energy & Risk: Delaware farmers are watching the stalled federal farm bill negotiations as costs rise and crop prices soften, leaving uncertainty over subsidies and insurance. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a New Castle man after a drunk crash into a Newark pub, charging him with multiple felonies.

Entrepreneurship Watch: Registered Agents says July 2026 set a record for new business formations, with 553,918 startups nationwide—up 6% from July 2025 and 21% from July 2024. Delaware logged 30,426 new formations, ranking among the top states. Health & Insurance: Delaware’s insurance commissioner issued a bulletin requiring insurers to cover accelerated MMR shots for infants aged 6–11 months during the Kent County measles outbreak, with coverage set to end once the outbreak is declared over. Public Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed a total of six tornadoes from Aug. 20—three in Delaware (including EF-1s near Marydel and Dover) and three across the region—reporting no fatalities or serious injuries. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Newark ranked among Delaware’s worst for scams in July, with six reports; Wilmington led the state with 13. Local Business & Community: After a deadly crash forced Mancini’s Brick Oven Pizzeria to close temporarily, Crabcake Factory Bayside in Selbyville held a fundraiser to donate 20% of sales to help the restaurant recover. Tech & Real Estate: PropOrbit launched an AI satellite intelligence platform aimed at commercial real estate developers and construction managers.

Data Centers & Local Backlash: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says AI data center developers “dug their own grave” by moving too fast without community buy-in, citing concerns over power, water, and neighborhood impacts; he’s paused up to 1,800 projects while statewide standards roll out. Workplace Privacy: A new national look at employer monitoring finds workers tracked through location, productivity, and even device camera access—raising fresh questions about how much privacy employees have surrendered. Delaware Storm Aftermath: The National Weather Service confirmed five tornadoes from Thursday’s storms, including an EF-1 that tore through parts of Dover and hit the Kraft-Heinz warehouse area. Hospitality Tech Funding: XCards Inc. launched its Global Trust Infrastructure and a $15M Series A to replace single-use hotel keycards with reusable NFC membership credentials. Local Business Support: Beebe Healthcare awarded annual nursing scholarships to students across Sussex and Kent counties. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Delaware logged 1 scam report for the week ending Aug. 15, while Ohio cities continue to report losses tied to online purchase and phishing schemes.