AGP Executive Report

Housing and Development: Gov. Matt Meyer spotlighted Delaware’s housing and permitting reforms, which call for affordable-housing plans in larger communities and faster review for projects that meet zoning rules. A new transportation review process and county-based impact fees are also planned. Business Climate: Delaware has expanded its consumer data privacy law, adding new obligations for companies handling personal information. The state is also promoting a film tax credit to draw outside production spending while creating local work. Corporate Law: A Delaware fiduciary-duty lawsuit over Nvidia’s $20 billion Groq deal puts the state’s business courts in focus, as another ruling weighs whether a shareholder dispute belongs in Delaware or Texas. Agriculture: Rising land values are prompting Delaware farm families to plan how farms will pass to the next generation, a pressing issue for the state’s agricultural businesses.

Business Regulation: Delaware’s expanded consumer privacy law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. HB 380 lowers the threshold for which businesses are covered, narrows some exemptions and adds rules for handling sensitive data and working with third parties. Economic Development: Delaware’s new economic-development chief says the state can build on its regional position, with the Innovate Delaware initiative aiming to attract investment, support startups and create jobs in high-growth industries. Agriculture: Rising land values are pushing Delaware farm families to plan succession, while growers also face challenges turning harvests into sales — pressures with implications for the state’s rural economy. Biotech Dispute: Immunomedics’ founder is asking Delaware’s Supreme Court to revive a $365 million compensation claim, arguing Gilead became an affiliate when it acquired the company for $21 billion.

Coastal Recovery: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons and U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride toured damage from last week’s nor’easter, urging more federal help for beach erosion and storm recovery along Delaware’s coast. Local Construction: DelDOT closed Nassau Road in Lewes for a new roundabout tied to the Minos Conaway Road separated intersection project, with impacts expected through mid-January. AI Spending Watch: A new state-by-state map shows consumers spent more on OpenAI than Anthropic in 47 states, with Delaware among the strongest OpenAI states at 82%. Crypto Markets: Winklevoss Asset Services filed with the SEC for a spot Zcash ETF on Nasdaq (ticker WINK), proposing a 0.25% fee and direct ZEC holdings. Retail Innovation: Wawa is testing sushi at select Delaware Valley stores, adding six cooked roll varieties delivered daily by Sushi Soku. Business & Courts: Delaware bankruptcy court approved a $3.5M settlement for ex-leadership of CaaStle Inc., while multiple securities class-action deadlines and notices continue to circulate. Road Safety: AAA is warning drivers as peak deer season approaches, citing higher crash risk during dawn, dusk, and after dark.

Texas court fight for Coinbase: A Texas business court dismissed a shareholder suit against Coinbase executives, ruling Delaware law doesn’t control whether investors can sue because the crypto exchange reincorporated in Texas. Crypto ETF fee war: Winklevoss Asset Services filed for a spot Zcash ETF that would charge a 0.25% sponsor fee—far below Grayscale’s 2.5%—as it targets the incumbent ZCSH product. Delaware housing brand refresh: Delaware’s cabinet-level housing agency rebranded as “Housing Delaware,” updating its logo and website while keeping its programs under one umbrella. State policy push: Gov. Matt Meyer signed nearly 31 bills, including PFAS limits on firefighting foam and creation of an Office of New Americans, while vetoing four measures. Local business & community: Sussex County will host a free 9-1-1 Awareness Day Oct. 8; Selbyville’s Trunk or Treat returns Oct. 17; and Newark’s Greene Turtle closed, adding to restaurant churn in New Castle County. Delaware corporate/legal watch: Liquidia investors are urged to contact counsel after a Delaware court ruling tied to Yutrepia patent claims. AI and business litigation: Groq investors sued over allegations its reverse acqui-hire with Nvidia improperly moved staff and tech without a stockholder vote.

Wilmington Retail Shift: Al’s Sporting Goods, a nearly century-old Wilmington landmark, will close in December as owner Bob Hart retires; he sold the building to JPMorgan Chase, which already uses the site as part of its Wilmington headquarters footprint. Food Safety Recall: A frozen berry recall tied to potential E. coli contamination has expanded again, hitting additional Great Value berry blends and blueberries sold at Walmart plus a Trader Joe’s mixed berry blend lot. Chancery Court Watch: Delaware Chancery Court allowed Boehringer Ingelheim to continue discovery in its trade secrets fight against United Therapeutics, but denied a faster, more aggressive schedule. Chip Contract Battle: Qualcomm and Arm returned to Delaware federal court for a five-day jury trial over alleged withholding of required chip-testing tools and a disputed royalty pause request. Coastal Funding: Sen. Chris Coons says Delaware is seeking an additional $30 million for beach replenishment after a nor’easter’s erosion and dune damage. Local Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps has started dredging the Lewes–Rehoboth Canal, with some homeowners questioning where dredged material will be placed. Healthcare Innovation: Deborah Heart and Lung Center performed its first commercial implant in the tri-state region of the Trilogy transcatheter heart valve for severe aortic regurgitation. Business & Community: A Pathmark comeback may be in talks for Wilmington’s Adams Four shopping center, aiming to restore a downtown full-service supermarket presence. Workforce: Ocean State Job Lot begins a two-day walk-in hiring event at all 177 stores.

Courtroom Showdown: Qualcomm and Arm are back in Delaware court for a contract dispute over alleged withholding of chip-testing tools and a leaked termination threat, with Qualcomm seeking to suspend royalty payments for up to five years. Corporate Moves: Montium named Shazia Chaudry as President, tasking her with translating strategy into day-to-day execution as the multifamily firm pushes growth. Energy & Restructuring: Pleasants Power’s bankruptcy in Delaware continues, with documents showing governance changes and a path to keep operations secure while a possible sale is discussed. Hotel Industry Stress Test: American Hospitality Properties REIT and 15 affiliates filed Chapter 11 in Texas, listing Marriott and Hilton as unsecured creditors tied to franchise fees. Delaware Business & Tech: Devolver Digital shareholders voted to take the indie game publisher private, with the company registered in Wilmington, Delaware. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested a Claymont man in connection with a Wilmington auto shop burglary that led to two stolen vehicles, and are seeking a second suspect. Food Recall Watch: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded again, now including Walmart and Trader Joe’s products in dozens of states.

Solar & IP: First Solar sued JA Solar and American Panel Solutions in the U.S. District Court for Delaware, adding Corning’s AMPS after earlier ITC steps—another sign the TOPCon patent fight is moving deeper into Delaware’s courts. Crypto & Delaware business: Arkham says wallets tied to Delaware-registered Kelsier Ventures (behind the LIBRA memecoin) have fallen from nearly $300M to about $2M, underscoring how fast token fortunes can evaporate. Semiconductors: Renesas finalized plans for a new Delaware-based wholly owned holding subsidiary, Re-Alt Software Holdings, set to launch in mid-October 2026. Consumer & compliance: A 50-state review found 11 states require a bill of sale for ordinary private car sales, while Delaware’s rules couldn’t be confirmed cleanly from official sources. Local economy & community: Newark’s Main Street Mile marked its 20th anniversary with about 350 runners and more than $300,000 raised over time for the Newark Police K-9 unit. Environment & infrastructure: Funding was secured to keep a Delaware River USGS streamflow gage operating through Sept. 30, 2027. Health costs: A new report argues employer health insurance premiums are being driven less by usage and more by out-of-control prices across the health care system.

Data Center Backlash: A new wave of public anger over data centers is spilling into local policy fights, with Philadelphia moving toward limits and Pennsylvania tightening requirements for developers. Cost of Living & Retirement Math: A new living-wage comparison puts Delaware’s “retire comfortably” income need at $49,484, while a separate utilities study pegs Delaware’s annual utility costs at $6,044. Food Safety: A Chilean supplier expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to E. coli, adding more lots of Trader Joe’s and Walmart’s Great Value products sold in Delaware. Delaware Business & Travel: Wilmington Airport (ILG) is breaking ground on a new food, beverage and retail concession area after DRBA approved a contract and lease for Sky+Go. Human Trafficking Response: Delaware’s new coalition held a two-day summit in Dewey Beach focused on prevention, training, and changing misconceptions about trafficking. Workforce/Immigration: Delaware employers filed 13 approved H-1B petitions in 2025 in the administrative/support and waste remediation sector.

Delaware Politics & Housing: In District 20, incumbent Rep. Alonna Berry faces Republican Gene Dvornick, with the Housing for Every Delawarean Act (SB 23) shaping the debate as voters head to the Nov. 3 election. Sussex Land-Use Showdown: Sussex County Council District 5 candidates John Rieley and Jill Hicks spar over growth and environmental protection, with Rieley touting preservation and Hicks pushing for land-use reform to keep infrastructure and quality of life ahead of development. U.S. Climate Court Watch: The Supreme Court is set to hear Suncor v. Boulder on whether local governments can use state tort law to pursue oil and gas companies over alleged climate harms. Delaware Human Trafficking Response: Delaware’s inaugural Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit in Dewey Beach brought together health, law enforcement and advocates to tackle misconceptions and improve coordination. Airport Business Update: ILG (Wilmington Airport) begins construction on a new food, beverage and retail concession area after DRBA approved a contract and lease for Sky+Go. Consumer & Health: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berry recall expands after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people. Energy Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer vetoed a bill that would have required third-party energy suppliers to report pricing and distribution data to Delaware’s Public Service Commission. Funding for Food Insecurity: The Harry K Foundation received a $10,000 Captrust grant to support Delaware children’s food programs, including weekend backpack supplies.

Airport & Local Economy: Wilmington Airport (ILG) is breaking ground on a new food, beverage and retail concession area after the DRBA approved a $386,000 construction contract and a five-year lease for Sky+Go, aiming to expand passenger amenities and create local business opportunities. Nonprofit & Food Security: The Harry K Foundation received a $10,000 Captrust Community Foundation grant to support child food-insecurity efforts in Delaware, including its statewide pantry network and weekend backpack program. Human Trafficking Response: Delaware’s Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Action Summit drew more than 150 people in Dewey Beach, pushing beyond myths and focusing on how health care, law enforcement and advocates can coordinate action. Public Health: A Chilean supplier expanded recalls of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people and hospitalized six, prompting shoppers to check specific product lots. Business & Startups: Entravel Group, a Delaware-registered travel tech firm, closed a $7.5 million round to grow its white-label travel rails for fintech and settlement services. Consumer Costs: New data shows ACA marketplace plan selections fell 4.9% in 2026 while premiums rose 19.7%, signaling higher costs and shifting enrollment behavior.

Delaware Politics & Economy: Delaware’s U.S. House and Senate races are shaping up as a high-stakes referendum on President Trump’s second term, with control of Congress hinging on a few dozen contests and issues like energy prices and AI-driven data-center backlash. Brunch & Local Business: First Watch is set to replace a long-closed Ruby Tuesday in Easton, with the site currently being updated and no firm opening date yet. Sports & Community: Delaware State heads to UAlbany this weekend; the game is streamed via FloCollege, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday. Healthcare Costs: A new explainer highlights how many patients may be billed for hospital charges they likely don’t owe, and urges people to ask nonprofit hospitals about charity care screening. Housing Development: Sussex County planners reviewed a proposed 1,387-unit affordable housing project north of Milton, with neighbors raising traffic and related concerns. Energy Infrastructure: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a roughly $75M pipeline expansion to add capacity across Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Corporate/Legal Watch: Delaware Chancery Court activity includes a case involving Skechers appraisal claims after a $9.4B takeover, as the company asks for dismissal.

Energy & Infrastructure: Eastern Shore Natural Gas is seeking federal approval for a roughly $75M Delmarva pipeline expansion, including new/updated capacity in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania to meet rising residential, commercial and industrial demand. Housing & Local Development: Sussex County planners reviewed a proposed 1,387-unit Coastal Passage development north of Milton, with neighbors raising traffic and other concerns even as state agencies cite affordable-housing need. State Policy & Business Climate: Delaware added Claymont and Newport to its Downtown Development District program, with Millsboro also joining, unlocking rebates that can offset up to 20% of eligible capital costs for private projects. Legal & Consumer Impact: Delaware’s AGs are among states suing over Trump-era rollbacks to fuel economy standards, arguing the changes violate federal law and will raise costs for drivers. Education & Immigration: DOJ sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, challenging it under federal law. Recognition & Community: Gov. Matt Meyer honored 10 recipients with the Order of the First State, including former Sen. Ernie Lopez and Children’s Beach House leader Richard Garrett.

DOJ vs. UD Tuition: The U.S. Department of Justice sued the University of Delaware to block in-state tuition for undocumented students, arguing it disadvantages U.S. citizens and pushes new policies that “favor illegal aliens over U.S. citizens.” Energy & Climate Litigation: A coalition of states and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA moves to roll back greenhouse-gas limits for coal and gas power plants, saying the change will worsen the climate crisis. Delaware Insurance Relief: Delaware State Farm customers are set to receive a national $5B dividend plus rate cuts approved by the state, with an average $142 per vehicle dividend and additional savings from recent filings. Data Center Transparency Push: Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester and Utah Sen. John Curtis introduced bills to require more reporting and community access to independent expertise on data-center impacts. Downtown Development: Millsboro was named one of Delaware’s newest Downtown Development Districts, joining Claymont and Newport and unlocking state/local incentives for redevelopment and mixed-use projects. Public Safety Tech Upgrade: Delaware SBI is switching fingerprinting to IDEMIA SMART-E kiosks starting Oct. 5, adding facial capture and remote-agent supervision. Corporate/Legal Watch: A Delaware Court of Chancery fair-value request is tied to the $342M SewerAI deal, while a separate take-private probe targets Priority Technology Holdings.

Insurance Relief for Delaware Drivers: State Farm filed rate cuts in 40 states totaling $4.6B in savings; Delaware saw an average 9.7% decrease in March, plus another 2.3% cut in July, with eligible customers set to choose paper checks or digital payments like Venmo/PayPal/Zelle. Legal Fight Over Tuition Rules: The DOJ sued the University of Delaware over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, arguing it conflicts with federal law and disadvantages U.S. citizens who don’t meet residency rules. Local Business Expansion: Southern Delaware Brewing is planning Fenwick Island Brewing, a third brewpub opening in 2027 at Bayside Marketplace, adding to its Rehoboth and Ocean View locations. Energy & Climate Court Battles: Delaware AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing to restore EPA power-plant greenhouse gas limits after the Trump administration rolled back Biden-era rules. Downtown Development Push: Millsboro was named Delaware’s newest Downtown Development District, unlocking incentives like rebates up to 20% for eligible capital projects. Tech & Talent: A bipartisan Senate duo, including Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester, introduced bills aimed at data center transparency, as the skilled trades push highlights a looming workforce gap.

Delaware Film Push: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a new 30% transferable film and entertainment tax credit, with applications now open for productions spending at least $100,000 in Delaware; officials say it’s already drawing activity and could expand jobs and local vendor work. State Finance & Infrastructure: DelDOT’s Delaware Transportation Authority earned top AAA credit ratings from both S&P and Moody’s ahead of a planned Oct. 6 bond sale, a move expected to lower borrowing costs. Small-Business Deregulation: Meyer’s Office of Small Business Access says it has cut regulatory barriers through listening tours and reviews, including planned early-2027 updates to cottage food rules. Healthcare Costs: A national push for “presumptive eligibility” aims to automatically screen patients for hospital financial assistance to prevent medical debt—an approach Delaware-area providers may watch closely. Cybercrime Sentences: Two Delaware-based Air Force members, Chijioke Odimegwu and Harafat Mogaji, were sentenced to a combined 189 months for a $2.4m business email compromise fraud. Patent Watch (Delaware Court): United Therapeutics won a Delaware ruling against Liquidia over inhaled treprostinil patent claims tied to PH-ILD, a decision that could affect Yutrepia’s label and market.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration began mailing $500 checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states that use HealthCare.gov, saying they were overcharged for Affordable Care Act exchange user fees; Delaware is on the list. Film & Entertainment Incentives: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s new 30% transferable film and entertainment tax credit, aiming to pull productions into the state and boost local jobs and small businesses. Energy & Solar: TurningPoint Energy celebrated energization of its third Delaware community solar project in Georgetown, fully subscribed and serving 560 residential customers, including low-income households. Corporate Courts: Delaware lawmakers are set to consider Gov. Meyer’s nominee Kyle Lachmund for the Court of Chancery, as the state continues to refine director-independence standards under SB 21. Housing Agency Rebrand: Delaware State Housing Authority is rebranding as “Housing Delaware” to reflect its broader affordable housing and homelessness work. Biotech Patent Hit: Liquidia shares plunged after a Delaware federal court ruled its Yutrepia infringes key United Therapeutics patent claims. Environment Watch: A new survey found microplastic pollution in every Delaware River tributary segment tested, including the Christina River in Delaware. Public Media Deal: WHYY finalized an agreement with Penn State to take over and operate WPSU, helping keep the station from closure. Telecom: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to end legacy copper landline service in parts of Delaware and Virginia while it reviews the request. Business Leadership: Delaware State Chamber named State Rep. Mike Smith as its next president.