AGP Executive Report

Education Leadership: Maryland’s State Board of Education unanimously re-elected Dr. Joshua Michael as president and chose Delaware educator Dr. James Bell as vice president, spotlighting a cross-state push for stronger literacy, math, and modernized standards. Community & Learning: UD’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is inviting Delaware adults 50+ to open houses in Lewes, Wilmington, Ocean View, and Dover ahead of a fall lineup of classes. Outdoor Culture: DNREC launched “Paddle Quest,” a statewide kayak/canoe/paddleboat challenge tied to Delaware State Parks’ 75th anniversary, plus new self-service kayak rentals at Delaware Seashore State Park. Local Governance: Sussex County Council will weigh a forest preservation/tree-planting ordinance and discuss how a new state land-use law (SB 23) changes “by-right” approvals. Safety & Health: Delaware Sea Grant’s “Beat the Heat” Resource Fair in Lewes offers extreme-heat preparedness tips and local support resources. Arts & Lifestyle: River House at Odette’s in New Hope is promoting an “Antiquing Getaway” package with curated vintage shopping and shipping help. Public Safety (Region): A Havertown man was arrested for allegedly leaving racist, Islamophobic, and threatening voicemails for Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara. Business/Local Interest: Insight Homes opened sales at Sycamore Chase in Frankford, marketing energy-efficient coastal living near Bethany Beach.

School Funding & Special Needs: Delaware-area families are pushing back as stretched budgets leave children—especially those with special educational needs and disabilities—without the support they need, with advocates calling for more investment and faster access to services. Gun Violence Prevention: End Community Violence Now is urging Gov. Matt Meyer and lawmakers to convene a special legislative session, saying youth shootings are rising and the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety isn’t funded enough to do the job. Measles & Vaccines: A Delaware County mobile clinic is rolling out back-to-school vaccinations as Pennsylvania reports its highest measles rate in 30+ years, with Delaware also seeing cases and vaccination rates slipping. School Safety & Tech: A new national study finds more states are moving toward cellphone limits or bans in K-12 schools, tying the trend to concerns about youth mental health. Road Safety: Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety is teaming with NASCAR driver Ross Chastain to promote safer driving during the summer travel season. Community Input: Red Clay is hosting public town halls to shape its superintendent search, inviting students, families, staff, and residents to weigh in on what the next leader should prioritize. Arts & History: Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is offering free August programs tied to the state’s 250th celebrations, from Revolutionary-era themed events to hands-on fiber demonstrations. Wildlife Watch: Delaware Bay shorebird monitoring highlights restored Mispillion Harbor and strong early red knot flocks during spring migration.

Wildlife & Community: Delaware Shorebird Project counts show red knots fattening during spring migration, with Mispillion Harbor regularly topping 1,000 and peaking near 3,000 birds. Public Safety: New York is expanding a “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right!” campaign (July 27–31) to prevent bridge strikes, with more states joining and an 8-point violation in place. Legal & Tech: A Delaware Superior Court judge lets Robby Starbuck’s AI defamation case against Google’s Bard move forward, keeping claims alive over alleged false sexual assault links and other outputs. Politics & Rights: AG Jay Jones joins a coalition suing the Trump White House over counterterrorism and emergency funding conditions tied to sharing voter data with DHS and assisting immigration enforcement. Delaware Culture & History: Woodburn Hall’s First Saturday programs highlight African American history and civic equality, while Abbott’s Mill restoration work is set to reopen for interpretive programming. Local Sports: UD men’s soccer drops a 2026 promotional calendar with giveaways, themed nights, and discounted tickets. Arts: “Peaking Beneath the Paint” brings Georgia O’Keeffe conservation discoveries to the BSMA.

Delaware Civic Life: Delaware’s “corporate franchise” gets a fresh spotlight in a Civics 101 series, arguing the state’s long-running business-friendly setup brings billions in revenue and helps fund schools and services. Local Governance & Community Health: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, offering judgment-free adult sexual health care and LGBTQ+ community space, with Sussex lawmakers and Rep. Sarah McBride on hand. Public Safety: Delaware sheriff Siddiq Kamara is investigating a racist, Islamophobic voicemail threat aimed at him, prompting a criminal probe. Arts & Culture: A Visual Arts Roundup for August points to new exhibitions and creative fellowships, while Delaware-linked arts coverage also includes experimental programming partnerships and teen-focused making. Sports & Local Interest: Delaware’s presence shows up in regional sports and events, including a Cape Henlopen football golf fundraiser and more community happenings. Health Watch: Delaware’s measles outbreak coverage continues as cases rise in the region, with officials urging tracking and vaccination.

Revolutionary War & America 250: A new “Spirit of ’76” exhibit at Freedom Plaza spotlights lesser-known heroes, including Caesar Rodney’s legendary midnight ride, with designer Matthew Taylor explaining the stories behind the statues and immersive memorials. Local TV culture: Cecily Tynan, a beloved Channel 6 meteorologist, shared her retirement plans after more than three decades on air. Delaware health & community: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, offering judgment-free adult sexual health care and HIV/STD services, with Congresswoman Sarah McBride highlighting its importance for LGBTQ+ residents. Arts education: Philly teens are learning hand screen printing through the Fabric Workshop and Museum’s apprenticeship program, keeping a long tradition of youth-to-career training alive. Sports & local fandom: The Phillies’ Tyler Spangler signed his rookie deal, looking ahead after a healed back injury. Delaware legal/lifestyle: Delaware’s Court of Chancery clarified limits on implied covenant claims, a reminder to draft consent and “efforts” terms carefully. Public safety: Delaware sheriff Siddiq Kamara was targeted by a racist, Islamophobic threat, prompting a criminal investigation. Transit in the region: SEPTA is piloting SEPTA Key Advantage for apartment residents via a two-year program. Health alert: Delaware declared a measles outbreak after multiple confirmed cases, as Pennsylvania’s numbers keep rising.

Clean Energy & Politics: The Trump administration admitted in court documents it canceled $7.6 billion in grants for hundreds of clean energy projects “based solely” on whether the state voted for Kamala Harris in 2024, sparking fresh backlash from Democrats and environmental groups. Delaware Courts & Tech: A Delaware judge let conservative activist Robby Starbuck’s defamation case against Google move forward, rejecting “AI hallucinations” as a get-out-of-lawsuit defense. Local Health & Community: Novus Health Services opened in Milton, offering judgment-free adult sexual health care and HIV/STD services, with leaders including Sarah McBride attending. Culture & Arts: WMMR’s rock legacy is getting an oral history book release, while Philly teens are learning hand screen printing at The Fabric Workshop and Museum through an apprenticeship model. Sports & Delaware Life: Tyler Spangler signed with the Phillies after a healed back, and DSBF winners were crowned at Harrington Raceway during a major Delaware State Fair harness racing night. Transit & Daily Life: SEPTA is piloting SEPTA Key Advantage for apartment residents, starting with tenants in a Philadelphia building near Berks Station.

Delaware & Philly Transit: SEPTA is testing a new way to get around—extending its SEPTA Key Advantage pass to tenants in select apartment buildings, starting with the HOW Group’s Isaac building near Berks Station, with a two-year DVRPC-funded pilot. Public Health: Delaware is dealing with a measles outbreak after new cases, as Pennsylvania reports rising counts and officials warn that vaccine refusal is fueling spread. Community Safety: Advocates in Philadelphia rallied for faster, safer streets on Market Street in University City, pushing PennDOT for concrete changes to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Local Justice: Delaware County Sheriff Siddiq Kamara is the target of a racist, Islamophobic threat left on an anonymous voicemail, prompting a criminal investigation. Courts & Tech: A Delaware judge let a defamation case against Google over AI “hallucinations” move forward, a potential sign of how courts may treat harmful AI-generated claims. Culture & Lifestyle: Franklin Square in Philadelphia is celebrating 20 years since its revitalization, and the weekend spotlight includes family-friendly events and local food culture. Sports & Community: A Cape Henlopen football booster club fundraiser is set for Aug. 7 at Mulligan’s Pointe, supporting travel, equipment, and meals.

Public Health: Delaware’s measles outbreak keeps expanding after Pennsylvania’s surge, with officials scrambling to track cases as vaccine refusal fuels the spread. Transit & Daily Life: SEPTA is testing a new way to extend its free SEPTA Key Advantage pass to apartment residents, a move that could reshape how riders access the system. Community Safety: Bike and pedestrian advocates rallied for safer Market Street in University City, pushing PennDOT for faster, practical fixes like speed reductions and better crossings. Local Culture & Events: Lewes is rolling out a Summer Education Passport, turning museums and historic stops into a family-friendly scavenger hunt. Delaware Spotlight: A Delaware court ruling lets conservative activist Robby Starbuck’s defamation case against Google over AI “hallucinations” move forward. Human Rights: New Castle County police say a Crystal Spa operator and alleged customers were tied to a human trafficking case, highlighting forced labor allegations. Sports & Community: Hawthorne Race Course’s bankruptcy sale edges toward an Aug. 31 clear-out date, with major implications for horses and workers. Politics & Policy: Multiple states, including Oregon and others, are suing over FEMA/DHS grant conditions tied to election and immigration requirements. Education & Culture: UD geography professor Saleem Ali received a Humboldt Research Award for work on critical minerals and inclusive energy transitions.

Immigration & Community: Delaware’s Haitian community is bracing for mass deportation risk after a recent SCOTUS ruling ended Temporary Protected Status, with nearly 5,000 Haitians in the state and TPS tied to about $55 million in annual economic impact. Arts & Summer Culture: Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth is in full repertory mode this summer, juggling multiple Broadway-style mainstage musicals plus youth programming and a cabaret series. Local Reading & Coastal Lifestyle: Salty Girl Books is bringing a women-owned mobile bookstore and curated beach-friendly picks to coastal Delaware, while a Cape Region wine culture feature spotlights how wine is carving out more beach time. Delaware Public Health: Delaware has declared a measles outbreak after confirmed cases, as the U.S. hits a 35-year high in measles numbers. Education & Workforce: Delaware County Intermediate Unit graduated 37 students from its Practical Nursing Program, with strong pass rates since 2023. Civic Life & Faith: Congregation Beth Tikvah in Marlton welcomed Rabbi Pamela Gottfried as its new spiritual leader. Public Safety & Policy: States including Delaware are challenging new federal disaster funding conditions tied to election and immigration requirements. What to Do: The Delaware State Fair runs through Aug. 1 with themed admission days, family activities, and big entertainment.

Delaware State Fair: The Delaware State Fair runs through Aug. 1 in Harrington, with special admission days like Food Lion Hunger Relief Day (July 27), Kids’ Day (July 28), and Armed Forces Day (July 29). Arts & Education: Biggs Museum of American Art is partnering with Delaware State University to re-energize the Schwartz Center for Arts with experimental programming, including an America 250 OperaDelaware event and jazz showcases. Public Health: Delaware declared a measles outbreak after five positive cases, all in unvaccinated males in Kent County, urging high-risk residents to contact providers and get MMR guidance. Community & Culture: Lewes Public Library and the Delaware Art Museum host a free Aug. 1 reception for “Citizen Photographer,” a juried statewide photo exhibit tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Local Lifestyle: A new Delaware portal, Explore Schools, is launching to help families find school performance and boundary info in one place. Sports & Community: Dewey Beach’s Bump, Set, Light volleyball tournament (July 26) raises funds for Sean’s House Sussex, opening this fall in Lewes. Housing: A USDA grant will help Milford Housing Development Corporation build 24 energy-efficient homes for low-income families in Kent and Sussex.

Local Education Leadership: Aspira Delaware named René Diaz as founding head of school for Las Américas Aspira Academy in Georgetown, a new free dual-language charter school opening in 2027. Community Safety & Family Fun: Millville will host “Ready, Set, Bike” on Aug. 5 with bike-safety training plus free helmets and lights, aiming to prevent crashes after a recent fatality. Outdoor Culture & Fitness: Millsboro’s Dam Mill 5K returns July 26, with age-group awards, a “Hall of Fame” moment, and registration still open. Wildlife & Local Attractions: Brandywine Zoo unveiled “Hidden Falls,” a year-round mixed-species exhibit featuring squirrel monkeys, porcupines, mara, iguanas and tortoises. Civic Life: Ocean Pines Association board election voting runs until Aug. 5 noon, with five candidates competing for three seats. Delaware Public Health: Delaware confirmed additional measles cases in Kent County, expanding the outbreak response. Sports & Leisure: Delaware darts leagues keep rolling year-round, with organized play across multiple nights at local bars. Politics & Rights (National, with Delaware ties): A multistate coalition led by AGs including Delaware’s challenged Trump administration grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and election changes.

Affordable Housing: A $940,000 USDA grant will help Milford Housing Development Corporation build 24 energy-efficient homes for low-income families in Kent and Sussex, expanding rural homeownership through a “sweat equity” model. Public Health: Delaware has declared a measles outbreak after four confirmed cases in unvaccinated adult men in Kent County, with contact tracing underway and guidance for unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or too-young-to-vaccinate residents to seek MMR advice. Community & Culture: Researchers with the MERR Institute are tracking a rare albino/leucistic dolphin spotted along the Delmarva coast, asking the public to keep distance and share photos/videos without disturbing wildlife. Local Life: The Cecil County Fair returns July 24–Aug. 1 with new acts including Scott’s World of Magic and All-American Pig Races, plus themed daily events and live music. Education & Inclusion: NSAP is working to set broader autism therapy standards and advocacy beyond one care type, aiming for credentials and payer-agnostic best practices. Arts & Learning: UD researchers are joining the DOE’s Genesis Mission to use AI for advanced composite manufacturing, targeting lighter materials for everything from vehicles to energy infrastructure.

Public Health: Delaware confirmed two measles cases in Kent County, both tied to unvaccinated men, as contact tracing continues and officials urge people to check vaccination status. Community & Learning: Lewes Public Library is rolling out teen-focused summer programs, including a self-defense basics class, a teen photography workshop with a gallery display, and one-on-one college essay help for rising seniors. Education & Demographics: Capital School District reported 1,212 Hispanic students enrolled in 2024-25, making up 15.3% of the district’s student body. Local Leadership: Dover City Council President Fred Neil, 92, brings decades of communications and public service experience into his second term presiding over city meetings. Arts & Youth Performance: Ridley Performing Arts Program will stage Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and “Newsies” at Widener University this week. Culture & Identity: A Smithsonian exhibit controversy over a “crotch harness” is landing in Congress, with the museum director defending its parental advisory approach. Safety & Service: Delaware State Fire Commission appointed Matthew M. Dodds as director of the Delaware State Fire School.

Public Health Alert: Delaware confirmed a second measles case in Kent County—both patients are unvaccinated adult men—prompting ongoing contact tracing and a push for residents to check MMR records as more than 60 people got vaccinated at DPH clinics and mobile units. Community & Faith: Religious leaders in Wilmington joined the Skinner family’s call for justice and police reform after Kadir Skinner’s June 24 officer-involved shooting, urging accountability and independent investigation. Delaware History: Delaware Public Archives unveiled a Greenwood School 222-C historic marker honoring an African American children’s school built in 1922, spotlighting local memory and records uncovered through the marker program. Local Life & Wellness: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth are opening the Beebe Health Suite in downtown Rehoboth for scheduling July 27, with services starting July 29 including HIV/STI screening, PrEP, vaccinations, and care navigation. Civic Notes: Dewey Beach planning and zoning hearings cover demolition thresholds and roof/gutter/outdoor shower code updates, while Lewes BPW meets July 22.

Next Generation 911: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 468 to boost the 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents starting Oct. 1, funding a statewide NG911 upgrade with new infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and training. Public Health: Delaware DPH confirmed its first measles case in more than a decade—an unvaccinated adult male in Kent County—triggering contact tracing and urging residents to check vaccination status via DelVAX. Community Health Access: Beebe Healthcare and CAMP Rehoboth are opening the Beebe Health Suite for scheduling July 27, with appointments starting July 29, offering HIV/STI screening, PrEP, vaccinations, and care navigation downtown. Local Arts & Identity: A Delaware Valley Arts Alliance installation, “Crazy Wall,” has sparked a censorship/free-speech fight after a planned Roscoe mural was painted over, leading to federal court motions. Sports & Community: OnDeck Partners’ acquisition of the Wilmington Blue Rocks received final approval, setting up new ballpark and community programming for Frawley Stadium. Faith & Justice: Wilmington faith leaders and activists rallied around the family of Kadir Skinner after a deadly police shooting, citing calls for transparency and reform. Culture in the Spotlight: Coastal Delaware’s Coastal Delaware Artisan Market returns Aug. 16 in Rehoboth with 35 local makers, plus kids’ book signings and food vendors. Delaware in the News: Delaware increases the 911 surcharge for NG911; Cape Henlopen approved its FY 2027 tax rate unchanged.

Public Health Alert: Delaware confirmed its first measles case in more than a decade—an unvaccinated Kent County man—with contact tracing underway and residents urged to check MMR status via DelVAX. Emergency Services Upgrade: Gov. Matt Meyer signed HB 468, raising Delaware’s 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents starting Oct. 1 to fund Next Generation 911 modernization, including cybersecurity, training, and call-handling tech. Mental Health Access: Meyer also signed a bill expanding access to mental health care by updating psychology licensure pathways for master’s-level associates and aligning Delaware standards with national requirements. Community & Culture: Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts hosts “The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue” on July 25. Local Life: Wawa is offering free coffee on July 20 in memory of longtime CEO Dick Wood. Sports Spotlight: Delaware State is picked third in the MEAC preseason poll, with DeSean Jackson’s Hornets earning rising expectations.