AGP Executive Report

Energy & Permitting: The Trump administration is set for another Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil and gas lease sale, with conservation groups warning of financial and reputational risks while drilling supporters pitch new U.S. production and jobs. Delaware Utilities: Delmarva Power filed a proposal to expand 2027–2029 energy efficiency programs, targeting tens of thousands of megawatt-hours in annual electric savings and natural gas reductions. Consumer Safety: Reports to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission describe exploding glass oven doors on multiple electric and gas ranges, including frequent Frigidaire models. Delaware Policy & Health: Lawmakers advanced two proposals to curb energy drink access and add warnings for kids and teens, including a ban on sales at public school campuses. Delaware Courts: Gov. Matt Meyer nominated Vice Chancellor Morgan Zurn to fill a Delaware Supreme Court vacancy. Business & Jobs: The U.S. job market added 172,000 jobs in May and kept unemployment at 4.3%, while a judge blocked a Trump asylum freeze affecting dozens of countries. Agriculture: Delmarva wheat growers report mixed harvest expectations after drought and a late-April freeze. Chesapeake Bay: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week runs June 6–14 with a statewide calendar and social media toolkit. Legal/Industry: A $15 million lawsuit tied to Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline plans is moving toward trial in Delaware. Energy Prices: AAA says national gas prices fell again, while Delaware diesel hit a week low in New Castle County.

Biopharma Expansion in Delaware: WuXi AppTec says its new Middletown, Delaware drug-manufacturing site will start oral solid dosage work in Q4 2026, with sterile and injectable production following in Q4 2027, as the CRDMO boosts global capex by at least 17% to meet rising demand for peptides and oligonucleotides. Energy Policy Watch: The Trump administration’s next Alaska oil-and-gas lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge hits a fresh test Friday, with conservation groups warning of financial and reputational risks and supporters pitching potential jobs and new U.S. oil output. Private Markets Stress: Reuters reports Partners Group is flagging higher withdrawal requests and may cap a second fund, while Blackstone already capped withdrawals at a flagship private credit pool—signaling broader strain across open-ended private credit and private equity. Delaware Courts & IP: A Delaware federal judge trimmed two patents from Harbour Medical’s case against an Amgen unit ahead of trial, calling key mouse-antibody claims “nonsensical,” while other Delaware patent fights continue to narrow. Local Business & Construction: D.R. Horton and Forestar urge Delaware Chancery Court to toss a lot-deal shareholder suit, and PennDOT plans a major bridge replacement on U.S. 1 over Darby Creek in Delaware County, starting this fall. Air Quality Alert: Delaware is under a Code Orange ozone action day Friday, with DNREC urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor activity.

Air Quality: Delaware is under a Code Orange ozone alert for Friday, June 5, with hot, sunny conditions and light winds expected to push ozone levels unhealthy for sensitive groups; officials urge kids, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions to limit prolonged outdoor activity. Water & Agriculture: Gov. Matt Meyer declared a statewide drought watch as precipitation drops, with Kent and Sussex Counties most at risk; Delawareans are asked to voluntarily cut water use and the open burning ban remains in effect through Sept. 30. Health & Research: University of Delaware researchers are using AI to spot early epilepsy warning signs in EEG patterns, aiming to help clinicians when seizures don’t show up during routine recordings. Energy & Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile: Delaware County’s lowest regular price hit $3.73 per gallon for the week ending May 30, while statewide regular averaged $3.90. Private Markets: Partners Group flagged more withdrawal pressure across evergreen private funds, including a Delaware-based vehicle capped after repurchase requests exceeded its quarterly limit. Business & Cyber: CSC says its .BRAND domain and security services are now listed on the CrowdStrike Marketplace, expanding brand protection for enterprises. Food Security: Instacart launched its biggest Summer Hunger campaign, partnering with Feeding America groups including Delaware-area food banks.

Delaware Energy & Utilities: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch as precipitation deficits deepen, urging Delawareans to cut outdoor water use while officials seek roughly 21 inches of rain over the next three months to refill supplies. Healthcare & Long-Term Care: CMS data put Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek at the top of New Castle County nursing homes for Q1 2026 by size, with a 4/5 overall rating and reported fines tied to multiple violations. Tech & AI Infrastructure: Corbenic AI says its new Taliesin memory engine cuts enterprise AI costs by eliminating redundant context reprocessing, claiming a 21x speedup in tests and identical output across GPU generations. Data Centers & Local Planning: A Pennsylvania county planning commission recommended countywide zoning rules for data centers, setting standards for noise, water impacts, cooling, emergency planning, and decommissioning. Delaware Business & Growth: Sepax Technologies is seeking a $100M U.S. headquarters in Glasgow Commons Park, aiming to move out of the Delaware Technology Park. Legal/Policy Watch: Delaware Supreme Court coverage highlights ongoing fights over D&O “bump-up” exclusions, while Delaware AGs join coalitions opposing federal data privacy legislation that could weaken state protections. Community & Culture: Delmarva Public Media earned a record 17 Associated Press awards, and Delaware’s OLLI kicks off summer classes June 22 across multiple locations and online.

Higher-Ed Policy: Delaware’s U.S. Sen. Chris Coons is backing the Protect College Sports Act after a Senate Commerce hearing where Nick Saban and other leaders warned that NIL and transfer rules are driving more lawsuits and pushing college sports toward a pro model. Water & Agriculture: Gov. Matt Meyer issued a statewide drought watch as precipitation deficits deepen, urging Delawareans to cut outdoor water use while the state targets major rainfall to recharge supplies. Public Health: Federal health agencies reopened a salmonella investigation tied to “super greens” supplements after additional illnesses were reported, expanding the affected product list and prompting consumers to check home inventories. Local Health Care: ChristianaCare opened its Aston micro-hospital with a 24/7 emergency department, aiming to serve about 15,000 patients a year and help absorb demand after Crozer-Chester’s closure. Delaware Business & IP: The U.S. Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a Delaware seeds patent dispute, arguing that public access to patented biological material supports competition and innovation in the seed industry. Construction/Infrastructure: Philadelphia’s Chinatown Stitch park project got a temporary boost as a modular shelter arrives, with design funding extended while officials lobby for renewed federal transportation grants. Insurance/Finance: AM Best affirmed credit ratings for Fairfax Financial Holdings and downstream Delaware-based Fairfax (US) Inc., keeping a stable outlook.

Delaware Courts & Business: Delaware’s Court of Chancery refused to toss a Virtu Financial insider-enrichment stockholder suit tied to the company’s share buyback program, keeping the case alive at the pleading stage. Corporate Governance: In another Delaware Chancery filing, a Reddit investor claims the company’s response to a board-removal challenge relied on an “absurd” argument that appears AI-generated. Healthcare Access: ChristianaCare opened its first Delaware County micro-hospital in Aston, adding a 24/7 emergency department and 10 inpatient beds, with an outpatient center planned for fall. Workforce & Education: Delaware selected Thomas Jefferson University to help launch the state’s first four-year medical school, aiming to build an in-state pipeline to address physician shortages. Hospitality & Local Revenue: Millsboro passed a 3% lodging tax ordinance, stacking on top of the state’s existing lodging tax to fund local infrastructure and community needs. Food Safety: Federal health officials reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf superfood supplements after additional illnesses and new recalls. IP & Tech Disputes: Nextpower sued GameChange Energy in Delaware over alleged solar tracker patent infringement, escalating a broader patent fight in the solar supply chain. Energy & Policy: Delaware lawmakers are considering lowering the minimum age for unsupervised hunting from 18 to 16, with supporters citing training and safety requirements.

Healthcare Expansion: ChristianaCare opened its first Delaware County micro-hospital in Aston, adding a 10-bed inpatient campus with a full 24/7 emergency department and advanced imaging, aiming to serve about 15,000 patients a year. Medical Education Pipeline: Delaware selected Thomas Jefferson University to help launch the state’s first four-year medical school, targeting long-term physician shortages and improving access, especially in primary care and rural areas. Construction & Housing Industry Recognition: Sussex County builder Jake Booth earned the NAHB Certified Master Building Professional credential, highlighting Delaware’s residential construction leadership. Banking Leadership: Orrstown Bank named Adam L. Metz as president and CEO, effective June 2, as the regional lender transitions after Thomas R. Quinn’s retirement. Energy & Infrastructure: Delaware’s high court approved a substation for an offshore wind project, a key step for grid buildout along the Delmarva coast. Logistics & Retail Restructuring: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware, citing heavy debt, lease costs, and failed restructurings, with a plan target for August 2026. Agriculture Transportation Relief: FMCSA granted a waiver expanding hauling fertilizer hours for drivers across 34 states, easing Hours of Service limits during the summer farming season. Industrial Safety & Fire Prevention: NFPA and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition honored Delaware fire safety advocates for pushing home sprinkler adoption.

Data Centers & Local Policy: Ohio lawmakers heard residents push for a moratorium or tougher rules as data centers expand, while the state approved a last round of $42.3M tax exemptions for Cologix projects tied to big construction and job commitments. Delaware Business & IP: Nextpower filed a patent infringement suit in Delaware against GameChange Solar over solar tracker and energy management technology. Energy & Corporate Moves: ExxonMobil won shareholder approval to move its legal home from New Jersey to Texas, echoing a broader corporate shift toward the Lone Star State. Workplace Safety: A Delaware County crash injured a construction worker and two drivers in Prospect Park. Consumer & Health: Wawa issued a Class I FDA recall for drinks sold in Delaware and nearby states due to an undeclared milk allergen. Environment & Waste: Soft plastics like bags and bubble wrap can’t go in standard recycling; the fix is using dedicated drop-off points. Community & Infrastructure: Millsboro is considering a new 3% lodging tax to fund local improvements. Space & Science: NASA said a meteor over New England was about 5 feet wide and released energy equivalent to roughly 230 tons of TNT.

Meteor & Space Science: NASA and the American Meteor Society say a large meteor that broke up over the New Hampshire–Massachusetts border around 2:06 p.m. Saturday triggered the double booms and shaking reported from Delaware to Montreal, with energy estimated around 300 tons of TNT and possible fragments believed to have fallen into Cape Cod Bay. Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: A new map shows residential electricity prices jumped sharply in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with Maryland up 89% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures rise. Water Infrastructure & Lead Risk: A new assessment flags that 1.85 million New Yorkers may be served through lead or probable-lead lines, while Delaware’s $2 billion Aqueduct bypass tunnel project has been delayed again past 2027. Environmental Health: A Delaware River Basin Commission study finds widespread, persistent PFAS contamination across the watershed, including fish and blue crab tissue, with sources still feeding the problem. Finance & Regulation: Delaware AGs joined a coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would weaken retirement protections by steering more workers into riskier alternative investments. Business & Tech: GetMentions AI launched “YouTube Mentions” from Delaware, aiming to help brands secure placements that influence how AI systems surface answers. Construction & Industry: Hall Chadwick Acquisition Corp announced a definitive deal to combine with REEcycle Holdings, targeting a domestic, China-independent rare earth recycling supply chain.

Energy & Trade Security: The U.S. and Iran exchanged renewed fire as President Trump asked for changes to a proposed ceasefire deal, with U.S. strikes targeting Iranian radar and command sites and Iran claiming it hit a U.S. air base—raising new uncertainty for regional shipping lanes and the Strait of Hormuz. Water & Environment: A lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity targets federal inaction on protecting horseshoe crabs, putting Delaware Bay spawning at the center of a fight over NOAA’s endangered-species decisions. Health Care Expansion: ChristianaCare announced plans to open a 24/7 neighborhood hospital in Aston, adding inpatient services and emergency care for about 15,000 patients annually, with more Delaware-area growth outlined. Agriculture & Food Access: Food Bank of Delaware opened registration for its 2026 Community Supported Agriculture program, offering weekly produce shares starting June 25. Local Business & Travel: Avelo hit its one-millionth customer at Wilmington Airport, highlighting continued growth in nonstop routes from Philly-area travelers. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Delaware lawmakers advanced a bill to regulate firearm dealers’ straw-purchase risk, while Delaware Bay and regional weather events kept attention on emergency readiness.

Healthcare Expansion: ChristianaCare plans to open a new 24/7 neighborhood hospital in Aston (700 Turner Industrial Way), with inpatient services, imaging, labs, and virtual specialty consults, plus an outpatient center slated for fall 2026 after Pennsylvania inspections. Broadcasting Recognition: WDEL was named the region’s Outstanding News Operation of the Year by the Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association, earning 15 awards including top honors for its newscast and anchor. Agriculture & Risk: New York growers are seeking a USDA disaster declaration after April frost losses estimated at $30M+; the move would unlock low-interest emergency loans. Public Safety & Science: A meteor exploded over northeastern Massachusetts, producing a sonic boom heard from Delaware to Montreal; NASA confirmed it was natural material, not debris. Housing Development: Interfaith Community Housing broke ground on a Milford affordable housing project targeting at least 36 units, up to 95, as local leaders cite workforce housing demand. Coastal Resilience: Delaware lawmakers urged the U.S. Army Corps to reinstate a canceled flood mitigation “Back Bay” study for the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay coast, warning the loss of planning data for storm risk and farmland protection. Transportation & Growth: Avelo hit its one-millionth customer milestone at Wilmington Airport, marking rapid network expansion since ILG service began. Local Policy: Delaware Senate passed a bill to regulate firearm dealers’ straw-purchase risk via storage, reporting, and basic security standards enforced by Delaware State Police.

Coastal Resilience Push: Delaware’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restart a canceled flood mitigation “Back Bay” study for the Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast, warning the loss of the legally required work could leave Sussex County and local farmland without key storm-risk guidance. Healthcare Expansion: ChristianaCare is preparing to open its first Delaware County micro-hospital in Aston in mid-June, a $50.9 million neighborhood facility with 24/7 emergency care, inpatient beds, imaging and labs to reduce travel burdens after Crozer-Chester’s collapse. Affordable Housing Momentum: Milford broke ground on Lafayette Place, an affordable development expected to deliver up to 95 homes for families around 80% of area median income, as Delaware leaders point to rising housing pressure. Energy Assistance Reminder: Delmarva Power is highlighting its ReliefDE customer relief options and an Assistance Finder tool for bill help and energy-saving programs. Data Center Backlash Watch: A national look shows states are tightening or reworking data center deals as lawmakers weigh grid, water and utility-bill impacts. Local Business & Community: Lewes Brewing Company is gearing up for its second full summer season, while the Rocky Run YMCA marks 25 years with a June 7 community celebration. Industry/Legal: Incyte reported positive Phase 3 frontMIND trial results for tafasitamab plus lenalidomide with R-CHOP as a first-line option in high-risk DLBCL/HGBL.

Healthcare & Emergency Services: ChristianaCare’s $50.9M Aston micro-hospital is set to open in early June, adding a 24/7 emergency department (10 beds) plus imaging and lab services, with primary care and specialty services planned for later this fall. Energy Assistance: Delmarva Power is reminding customers about its available energy relief programs, pointing residents to ReliefDE and an Assistance Finder tool for bill help and energy-saving options. Housing Development: Milford broke ground on Lafayette Place, an affordable housing project expected to deliver up to 95 homes for families around 80% of area median income. Local Budgets & Services: Sussex County unveiled a proposed $300M 2027 budget, including new roles like a building permit surcharge for school districts and shared billing/ambulance costs for fire and EMS. Construction & Built Environment: Indianapolis City Market redevelopment is moving forward, with visible work beginning at Whistler Plaza in June and plans to showcase restored historic catacombs. Legal & Industry: Gate City Renewable Fuels sued White Energy for $200M in Delaware Chancery Court over a carbon project that allegedly became nonviable. Patents: A Delaware federal judge upheld a Nielsen patent after rejecting an Alice invalidation bid tied to audio recognition software. Engineering & Recognition: George, Miles & Buhr named a Delaware engineer a 2026 Rising Star, highlighting municipal infrastructure leadership. Food Access Grants: Delaware announced $712,500 in grants to 28 organizations to expand healthy food access statewide.

College Sports Policy: Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell unveiled a bipartisan push to “restore order” in college athletics, as a separate NIL compensation framework bill remains stalled in the House after opposition from the Congressional Black Caucus. Agriculture & Weather Risk: New York growers are seeking a USDA disaster designation after April frost hit apples, stone fruit, grapes and strawberries, with losses topping $30 million in affected regions. Delaware Tax Pressure: Sussex County’s first assessment update since 1974 is reshaping budgets by shifting more value to beachfront properties, raising concerns for county and school district planning. Food Safety: Wawa issued a voluntary recall of select beverages due to undeclared milk allergens, triggering the FDA’s highest risk warning. Workplace Safety: OSHA guidance highlights that employers can’t ignore dangerous heat or harmful air, especially when workers lack heat acclimatization. Health Coverage Operations: UnitedHealthcare expanded Synapse Health’s role managing DME orders across multiple states, including Delaware. Infrastructure & Traffic: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced nearly $30 million in road work and AI-enabled signals to ease congestion around the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Energy Costs: PECO ratepayers face about a $5 monthly increase starting June 1 as electricity supply costs rise. Public Works: Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park fishing pier is facing worsening structural problems, with officials urging a full replacement rather than repeated repairs. Industrial Safety: Honeywell is seeking to move a caustic leak injury lawsuit to federal court. Telecom: Mediacom launched a 5-Gig residential broadband tier across hundreds of thousands of homes, including in Delaware.

Biotech & Health: AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI (durvalumab) won US FDA approval for BCG-naïve, high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, marking a new immunotherapy combination option after decades with no major advances. Public Safety & Health Tech: Delaware advanced 911/988 coordination for behavioral health crises through new guidelines developed with DSAMH, HEALTHe Insights, and Mission Critical Partners. Food & Consumer Safety: Raaw Energy expanded a listeria-related pet food recall across multiple states including Delaware, with the FDA warning about ongoing exposure risks. Energy & Courts: Delaware’s Supreme Court upheld state law enabling an electrical substation tied to an offshore wind project, rejecting Fenwick Island and Sussex County’s challenge. Education & Local Infrastructure: Delaware transportation leaders rejected a nearly $900,000 grant for the ASPIRA Georgetown bilingual charter school, citing program rules that treat charter schools as public schools, not businesses. Logistics & Supply Chain Tech: PULPO WMS launched a 3PL client portal aimed at improving fulfillment visibility and collaboration for shippers. Agriculture & Competition: The US DOJ filed a statement in a Delaware seed-industry patent dispute, flagging market concentration concerns. Energy Prices: AAA reported Delaware gas prices averaging $4.22, down 12 cents week over week.

Delaware Corporate Courts: A Delaware Court of Chancery judge sanctioned WWE boss Vince McMahon and WWE president Nick Khan in the TKO merger lawsuit after finding they recklessly allowed Signal messages to be destroyed, shifting the burden to them to rebut key claims. Healthcare Access: ChristianaCare opened a new $50 million Aston micro-hospital in Delaware County, adding a 10-bed inpatient unit plus an expanded outpatient health center. Logistics Tech: PULPO WMS launched a 3PL Client Portal aimed at boosting fulfillment transparency and collaboration between 3PLs and merchants. Energy & Governance: Exxon Mobil won shareholder approval to move its legal incorporation from New Jersey to Texas, while Aegon unveiled “US-aligned” governance changes tied to relocating its legal seat to Delaware. Labor & Shipping: Teamsters say former Yellow Corp. workers may finally get paid for unused vacation and sick leave as the Delaware bankruptcy liquidation plan moves toward distributions. Local Industry Support: Farm Credit Foundation awarded $457,000 in scholarships to 66 students across Delaware and the region. Business & Markets: BrandJet rolled out an “organic social signal” capability for sales teams to track public conversations and feed them into outreach workflows.