AGP Executive Report

Delaware Primary Countdown: Delaware’s last state primary before November’s midterms is Tuesday, with closed primaries (registered Democrats vote in the Democratic primary; Republicans in the GOP). State Politics: Voters choose nominees for U.S. Senate, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and legislative seats, with Democrats seeking to hold statewide momentum. Housing & Local Control: In House District 20, incumbent Alonna Berry and challenger Ruby Schaeffer clash over Senate Bill 23, the Housing for Every Delawarean Act, and what it could mean for county infrastructure. Immigration & Public Benefits: Delaware AG Nick Brown joined a 22-state coalition suing to block the Trump administration’s expanded “public charge” rule, arguing it could chill lawful use of Medicaid, SNAP, and other benefits. Education & Equity: Delaware Open Data reports enrollment shifts at Newark Charter School (Asian students 17.6%) and Academy of Dover Charter School (Black students 69.4%), alongside early literacy funding: Indian River School District received a Bridge to Practice grant. Health & Kids: U.S. News marks 20 years of pediatric hospital rankings, naming 90 top children’s hospitals nationwide. Culture & Community: Delaware Oktoberfest funds a historic German cultural club, and the Nanticoke Powwow continues Native culture celebrations.

Immigration & Public Benefits: Delaware AG Nick Brown joined a 21-state coalition suing to block a new “public charge” rule that would let immigration officers weigh use of benefits like Medicaid and food assistance against green card approvals. Delaware Primary Watch: Delaware’s last pre-November primary is Tuesday, with U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride, and state treasurer and legislature races on the ballot. Education & Enrollment: Academy of Dover Charter School reported 320 Black students in 2024-25 (69.4% of enrollment), while Laurel School District listed 6 Hawaiian students (0.2%). Arts & Community Spotlight: Biggs Museum’s Kate Huffman was profiled for boosting Dover visitation and expanding arts programming and partnerships. Arts Leadership: Dover dance studio owner Melody Hubert was highlighted for arts education and building community through her performing arts program. Arts in Delaware: Centreville artist Will Lattanzio is creating whimsical wire sculptures that take 100–150 hours each and are gifted to recipients. Health & Advocacy: AIDS Walk Delaware marks 40 years with the Sept. 19 event in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach. Data Privacy Update: Delaware expanded its personal data privacy law with an opt-out right for automated decisions with major effects, lowering thresholds and broadening coverage. Native Education: Anishinabek Educational Institute earned accreditation as an Indigenous Institute, supporting culturally grounded post-secondary learning. Sports & Local Culture: Philadelphia Cup Regatta returns Oct. 3 with free spectator viewing along the Delaware River.

Delaware Tribe Culture: A Delaware Tribe delegation returned from Sweden and Denmark with a rare look at centuries-old Lenape-made artifacts tied to 1630s diplomacy, bringing home a deeper connection to the Delaware River trade story. Native Community Spotlight: The 48th Annual Nanticoke Powwow filled Delaware with dancing, drumming, storytelling, and hands-on education about Nanticoke history and cultural resilience. Education & Community Planning: The Wilmington Redding Consortium’s next phase will get specific on consolidating Northern New Castle County districts, including student reassignments, staff logistics, and a push toward a comprehensive Wilmington high school. Local Government & Housing Costs: Sussex County offered municipalities access to county assessment data to calculate property taxes; Seaford, Milford, and Milton have already moved to use it, with Milton citing major savings. Tragedy in the Region: Washington Adventist University mourns two students killed in a crash near Bridgeville, Delaware, as officials investigate. Sports & Community Life: Delaware Park and partners donated $20,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, continuing a season-long matching model. Culture Clash in Museums: Across the region, Trump renewed demands that the Smithsonian replace the “Infinity” sculpture with a George Washington “Colossus” and expand Washington-focused exhibits.

Sports & Community: Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association teamed up with jockey health groups to donate $20,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, with a match-from-each-mount-fee model. Local Government: Sussex County is letting municipalities use its updated property assessment data for tax calculations; Seaford, Milford, and Milton have already signed on, with Milton citing major assessment-cost savings. Culture & Identity: The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference unveiled its refreshed “Built By Us” brand identity, spotlighting member institutions and their impact beyond athletics. Arts & Public Life: President Trump renewed pressure on the Smithsonian to replace the “Infinity” sculpture with a 30-foot George Washington “Colossus” and launch a five-year Washington exhibit through 2032. Public Safety: Washington Adventist University identified two students killed in a Delaware head-on crash, as investigators continue to piece together what happened. Climate & Policy: A coalition of 20 states and D.C. sued over Trump-era endangered species habitat rule changes, arguing protections are being stripped back. Delaware Education Data: Delaware Open Data shows Early College High School at Del State enrolled 18 multiracial students in 2024-25, up from the prior year.

Smithsonian Showdown: President Trump is pushing the Smithsonian to swap the National Museum of American History’s “Infinity” sculpture for a 30-foot George Washington “Colossus” and to launch a five-year Washington exhibit running through Feb. 22, 2032. Local Culture Spotlight: Kennett Square’s 41st Mushroom Festival returns as a family-and-farm legacy celebration, with courses and plenty of ways to eat mushrooms. Community & Sports: A women’s pro baseball league is drawing new fans—Delaware-area readers may want to catch the growing momentum and community around the sport. Delaware Connections: Delaware Park’s jockey community teamed up with partners to donate $20,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Data & Schools: Delaware Open Data shows multiracial enrollment rising at Early College High School at Del State (18 students, 2.8%) while Newark Charter School remains majority white (52.6%). Indigenous Culture: The Lenape/Lunáapeew Nations Pow Wow returns to Prospect Park Oct. 3-4 with free, two-day programming. Tech & Work: TECH360 in Chester County (Oct. 14) will focus on “AI Beyond the Hype,” including how AI affects employees and workplace culture.

Women’s sports community: A new women’s pro baseball league is winning fans in Delaware-area households, with one couple’s first live game in Springfield turning into a shared tradition. Local giving: Delaware Park and the jockey community donated $20,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund through a season-long match-and-donate system. Delaware education data: Delaware Open Data shows Early College High School at Del State enrolled 18 multiracial students in 2024-25, while Newark Charter School had 1,637 white students and Laurel School District had 24 American Indian students. Culture & books: WHYY reports on Philly’s Latin American Book Fair bringing authors, music, and family activities to the Kimmel Center. Tech & work: Chester-area TECH360 conference (Oct. 14) will focus on “AI Beyond the Hype,” including how AI affects employees and workplace culture. Immigration pressure on building: Spotlight Delaware details how ICE enforcement fears are complicating construction work for Latino and Hispanic workers in Sussex County. Arts/learning event: HealTree in Lewes hosts a substance-free “plant medicine” psychedelic research and sound-journey session. National museum fight: Trump again urged the Smithsonian to replace its “Infinity” sculpture with a giant George Washington statue and launch a long Washington exhibit.

Local Sports & Pride: Panther Valley inducted its first Athletic Hall of Fame class—eight athletes, a coach, and the 1985-86 boys basketball team—honored Sept. 4 ahead of a Panthers game. Culture & Politics: Trump used Truth Social to demand the Smithsonian replace the “Infinity” sculpture with a 30-foot “Washington Colossus” and launch a five-year George Washington exhibit through Feb. 22, 2032. Delaware Workplace Life: U. Delaware’s return-to-work plan—at least four days on campus—faces employee backlash, with the change not set to take effect until next June. Community Giving: The Shaffer Foundation of Delaware distributed $154,064 to 14 nonprofit first responder groups, pushing its total raised past $500,000. Delaware Civic Calendar: Early voting runs through Sunday ahead of the Sept. 15 primary, with polls open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday. Health & School Safety: Measles cases are surging nationwide as kids return to school, raising alarms about falling vaccination rates. Delaware Arts & Identity: Helly Way teamed with DeSean Jackson and DSU for the Hornets anthem “Swarm.”

Local Author Spotlight: The Bookplate in Chestertown hosts environmentalist Jennifer de Mooy on Sept. 17 at the Sultana Education Foundation’s Lawrence Wetlands Preserve to discuss “Water, Carbon, Time,” a peatlands journey that explains how these overlooked ecosystems store massive amounts of carbon. Delaware Music & HBCU Culture: Smyrna artist Helly Way drops “Swarm,” a Hornet Nation anthem tied to DeSean Jackson and Delaware State University football. 9/11 Remembrance: Milton firefighter Allen Jackson completes a 343-mile run on Sept. 11, honoring the 343 firefighters lost in the attacks. Community & Food: Wawa rolls out a new $5 Sizzli Meal featuring Saquon Barkley and Jada, with a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Health Care Access: Beebe expands its coordinated care model with $1.75 million in federal funds to help patients transition after hospital stays. Policy Watch: Delaware amends its Personal Data Privacy Act (HB 380), expanding coverage and adding new duties for third parties and automated decision-making, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Education & Culture: ROOTS Farm & Forest School highlights hands-on, nature-based learning across Delaware campuses for ages 2–14. Workforce: Delaware’s Department of Labor hosts a statewide construction workforce expo Sept. 17 at POLYTECH High School in Woodside.

Delaware Primary Countdown: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 15, with polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. (early voting already underway) and a closed primary that requires party registration; the Newark-area spotlight includes the District 23 House Democratic race with Luann D’Agostino, Joe Jasper, David Redlawsk, and Dan Seador. Privacy & AI Watch: Gov. Meyer signed HB 380, amending Delaware’s Personal Data Privacy Act to become one of the strictest in the U.S., with major changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. Immigrant & Gun Policy: New Delaware laws signed Sept. 3 expand protections for immigrants from certain federal enforcement in state-controlled spaces and add tighter oversight for firearms sales and transfers. Education Snapshot: New data from Delaware Open Data shows Early College High School at Del State enrolled 54 white students in 2024-25 (8.3% of the student body), while Laurel School District enrolled 26 Asian students (0.9%). Local Sports: Caravel’s proposed postseason ban was reduced by the DIAA after the school’s late decision not to field varsity football. Community Wellness: HealTree in Lewes added four professionals to its holistic mental health collective.

Delaware Politics: Sussex County House District 20 voters are hearing two competing takes on SB 23, with Alonna Berry defending the Housing for Every Delawarean Act’s public input and Ruby Schaeffer calling it a “gift to developers” that sidelines infrastructure and community involvement. Immigration & Public Safety: Delaware’s new laws take effect to protect immigrants from federal civil enforcement in state-controlled spaces, while a broader legal fight continues over whether armed ICE agents can be sent to polling places. Health & Consumer Life: Delaware will also roll out a new Title IX coordinator and new rules on kratom, including a ban on sales to people under 21. Civic Transparency: Spotlight Delaware launched a Delaware Campaign Finance Explorer to help residents track who funds candidates and outside spending. Arts & Community: Delaware Shakespeare brings a fast, funny “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” to Lewes Public Library on Sept. 16, and the Delaware Beaches Songwriters Festival adds a Nashville-style listening experience to the Shore. Sports & Culture: Olympian Venice Traill was selected for an international coaching enrichment program with University of Delaware and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee partners.

Immigration & Voting in Delaware: The League of Women Voters of Sussex County is hosting a Zoom forum, “Knowing Our Neighbors – Immigration and Voting in Delaware,” with local immigrant voices and policy discussion on family reunification and voting access. Reproductive Health Rights: Vermont’s AG Clark is joining a 22-state lawsuit challenging new federal Title X funding conditions that could penalize providers and states over “ideological” requirements. Public Safety & Civil Liberties: Delaware AG Ford is part of a coalition urging a court to uphold limits on ICE warrantless arrests, arguing officers must follow legal safeguards. Education & Student Well-Being: Pennsylvania is requiring daily K-5 recess (at least 30 minutes), a reminder that school culture and health policies shape daily life. Local Culture & Community: Rehoboth’s Boardwalk Historic Designation Task Force faces pushback from residents worried designations could lead to future restrictions. Higher Ed & Opportunity: Delaware’s degree-completion data shows Black or African American students at 47.3% within six years (2018 cohort), highlighting persistent gaps. Public Media: The FCC approved transferring Penn State’s WPSU radio/TV assets to WHYY, keeping a local public-media voice alive for 1.5 million in central/northern Pennsylvania.

Community Bridging: Philadelphia’s Chinatown Stitch project is being celebrated as a way to reconnect Chinatown across the Vine Street Expressway, after decades of neighborhood pushback against the highway’s divide. Education Equity: Delaware reports a 47.3% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students who started in 2018 (455 of 962), highlighting persistent gaps. Immigration & Due Process: Delaware AG Aaron D. Ford joined a coalition urging a court to halt ICE warrantless civil arrests, arguing for strict legal guardrails. Environment & Culture: A coalition of 21 attorneys general, including Delaware’s Nick Brown, sued to block Trump-era Endangered Species Act rule changes that they say weaken habitat protections. Public Media: The FCC approved transferring Penn State’s WPSU radio/TV licenses to WHYY, keeping local storytelling alive for about 1.5 million people. Local Nature & Learning: DNREC will co-host a virtual hearing on Atlantic menhaden management, with proposed changes that could reduce the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap. STEM & Health: UD will lead a $21.5M NSF AI institute focused on human-AI cooperation for personalized physical therapy and rehabilitation. Arts & Outdoors: Rehoboth Art League’s native plant sale and free education event returns Sept. 12.

School Meals Watch: Vermont topped a new 2026 State of School Lunch report, ranking No. 1 for school meal access and participation, with New Mexico, New York, West Virginia and D.C. close behind. Crypto & Culture: Hunter Biden defended his upcoming $LAPTOP memecoin, framing it as a bid to “reclaim” the laptop controversy while detailing token plans and noting platform pushback. America’s 250th in Philly: Philadelphia’s fall and winter lineup keeps the 250th anniversary momentum going, including a major Museum of the American Revolution exhibition running into January. Local Education & Identity: Delaware Open Data spotlighted Laurel School District’s 2024-25 enrollment, with multiracial students at 8% (226 students), plus a separate look at American Indian enrollment in New Castle County Vocational-Technical. Health Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Fair Standards in Mental Health Care Act, aiming to curb insurance denials and delays for mental health and substance use care. Community Arts & Heritage: The Delaware Art Museum hosts a Hispanic Heritage 50th anniversary kickoff with Frankie Negrón headlining. Delaware Sports for a Cause: The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s Monster Mile Walk for a Cause returns Oct. 11 at Dover Motor Speedway, adding a new timed 5K. Housing Funding: Delaware’s congressional delegation celebrated $5 million in federal affordable housing support in Laurel, tied to ARPA-backed projects adding homes.

Mental Health Coverage: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Fair Standards in Mental Health Care Act, tightening insurance rules so mental health and substance-use care can’t be delayed or denied unfairly. Arts & Community: The Delaware Division of the Arts named six new members to the Delaware State Arts Council, adding fresh voices from across the state. Immigration & Voting: The League of Women Voters (Sussex County) will host an online forum on immigration and voting in Delaware, featuring local immigrant-community perspectives. Education & Culture: Holy Cross High School is pursuing a standalone campus in Frederica, with plans for classrooms plus arts, music, and performance space. Local History: A new Delaware Public Archives marker honors the Milford 11, reinstating recognition outside Milford Middle School. Community Care: Delaware Division of the Arts secured national funding to expand free “Access Creative Aging” workshops for adults 55+ at public libraries. Hispanic Heritage: Frankie Negrón headlines Wilmington’s 50th Hispanic Heritage celebration kickoff at the Delaware Art Museum. Faith & Service: Holy Cross alumni and faculty are sharing compassion through mission trips to Mustard Seed in Jamaica. Policy Watch: Delaware’s three new immigration-enforcement laws take effect immediately, limiting civil arrests and cooperation with ICE at schools and churches.

Delaware Court Watch: The Delaware Court of Chancery upheld the state’s permanent absentee voting law, rejecting a challenge from 2026 State Senate candidates who argued “permanent” status effectively grants indefinite absentee voting. Healthcare & Community: Bayhealth, TidalHealth, and Beebe are teaming up to oppose ChristianaCare’s proposed downstate campuses in Georgetown and Camden, arguing the plans threaten their established service areas and may conflict with a new law limiting for-profit involvement in nonprofit healthcare. Arts & Local History: Temple Theatre Company kicks off its 2026-27 Mainstage Season with “1776, the Musical,” launching Thursday and running through May 2027 as part of the 250th anniversary celebration. Culture & Reading: Philadelphia’s 20/20 Photo Festival returns Sept. 10–19 with free citywide programming, including an analog-only centerpiece exhibition, “Transforming Landscapes,” focused on 250 years of change. Food & Community Recognition: Delaware’s Chamber Superstars in Business awards will honor the Food Bank of Delaware and other local small businesses at an Oct. 29 ceremony in Wilmington. Sports (Delaware angle): Delaware’s girls cross country preseason runner-of-the-year vote highlights top returning athletes like Padua’s Paige Ballinger and Tower Hill’s Izzy Daniel.

Education & Equity Data: Delaware’s public four-year completion rate for white students who started in 2018 hit 83.5% by 2024, with the state pooling results from its two reporting institutions. Local Education Snapshot: New Castle County’s Hispanic/Latino students reached a 78.9% six-year bachelor’s completion rate (2018 cohort), while Kent County’s two-or-more-races group lagged at 24.2% (Delaware State). Housing Policy Debate: A broad Delaware business coalition argues SB 23 won’t override local zoning, pushing back on claims as the housing fight heats up. Arts & Community: Philadelphia’s 20/20 Photo Festival returns Sept. 10–19 with analog-only programming and a citywide lineup. Culture & Reading: A reflective piece looks at why reading is slipping from the mainstream—and what that means for American culture. Delaware Sports Spotlight: Delaware State Beach Patrol lifeguards helped Sussex win a national lifesaving championship for a third straight year. Delaware Business Recognition: The Delaware State Chamber’s Superstars in Business awards honor the Food Bank of Delaware and others at an Oct. 29 ceremony.