AGP Executive Report

Delaware Arts & Community: CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL kept the spotlight on local performers and raised support for CAMP Rehoboth’s programs, with a full lineup and on-site auction energy. Live Music (Delaware Valley): Nassau Valley Vineyards hosted an artist reception featuring Delaware scenes from painter Kathy Buschi, giving the Cape-area art community a September gallery moment. Festivals to Plan: Delaware Water Gap’s Celebration of the Arts Festival returns as a 48th annual jazz weekend, with shows across the main stage and Deer Head Inn. Sports (Delaware-area ties): Former Fairmont High athletes landed on college rosters this week, including Jade Regnart (Rider field hockey) and Madi Kyle (Immaculata volleyball). Delaware Tech/Legal Watch: A Delaware court ruling lets a new social platform rebrand around “tweet” and the blue bird icon after X abandoned both terms. Sports Betting Promotions: Multiple prediction-market promos are circulating for college football and MLB, including DraftKings Predictions and ProphetX offers.

Delaware Arts & Culture: The Southern Delaware Orchestra kicks off its 2026-27 season with “Ritmos Latinos” (Latin Rhythms), featuring works by Ravel, Márquez, Rimsky-Korsakov and Rodrigo, plus guest guitarist Dr. Celil Refik Kaya, with concerts set for Oct. 3 in Georgetown and Oct. 4 in Lewes. Local Arts Events: Nassau Valley Vineyards hosts a Sept. 6 artist reception for Milton painter Kathy Buschi, known for Delaware scenes of the Cape Region. Community & Sports Spotlight: Delaware’s sports scene gets a boost with multiple local-to-college athlete updates, including former Valley High School players on college rosters for the week ending Sept. 6. Big Picture (Delaware-linked media/legal): A Delaware federal court ruling forces Operation Bluebird to rebrand Twitter.now as Tweet.app after the judge said X abandoned the “tweet” term and blue bird logo. Entertainment Business: BPG Sports expands youth lacrosse in the Mid-Atlantic by acquiring Coastal Lacrosse Academy and adding long-term management deals for other programs.

Local Arts Event: Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes hosts a Sept. 6 reception for Milton artist Kathy Buschi, featuring her Delaware scenes and Cape Region work. Music & Community: The Southern Delaware Orchestra kicks off its 2026-27 season with “Ritmos Latinos” on Oct. 3 (Georgetown) and Oct. 4 (Lewes), with guest classical guitarist Dr. Celil Refik Kaya. Arts Organization News: OperaDelaware announces new board members and expanded staff positions, signaling growth for the company’s next season. Sports-to-Delaware Spotlight: The Delaware Blue Coats’ GM Ariana Andonian is leaving Philadelphia to become the Los Angeles Sparks’ new GM, a major front-office shakeup tied to Delaware’s G League affiliate. Delaware Legal/Policy Watch: Delaware AG Nick Brown and a coalition of states win a preliminary injunction blocking USPS changes that would have disrupted vote-by-mail systems ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Delaware Entertainment Business: Delaware Lottery launches a new POWERBALL “Xs & Os” game tied to NFL fandom starting in September.

Arts & Culture: Southern Delaware Orchestra kicks off its 2026-27 season with Ritmos Latinos Oct. 3-4 at Sussex Central High School (Georgetown) and Cape Henlopen High School (Lewes), featuring Ravel’s “Boléro,” Márquez’s “Danzón No. 2,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol,” and Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez,” with guest guitarist Dr. Celil Refik Kaya. Local Music: Philly soul-funk band Snacktime drops a new single and video, “Can’t Imagine Why You’d Stay,” continuing its evolution from horn-heavy busking roots. Delaware Governance: Delaware AG Nick Brown and a coalition of 25 states won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from enforcing a rule that would have forced major changes to vote-by-mail systems ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Community & Education: Cape Henlopen students complete a paid dual-enrollment pilot with the University of Delaware, earning college credits while building a hospitality/tourism workforce pipeline. Sports (Regional): Delaware-linked sports coverage includes Delaware’s presence in broader high school football and streaming schedules.

Delaware Arts & Dining: Delaware’s arts scene gets a boost with “artsy dining” spots—restaurants that spotlight local painters, commission interiors, and host live music—plus a look at how venues like Zollie’s Jazz Cucina and Rehoboth’s The Back Porch Café turn meals into gallery nights. Local Entertainment & Film: Regal Cinemas is rolling out a Dolly Parton Tribute Weekend (Sept. 4–9), pairing two classics and directing proceeds to her Imagination Library. Sports (Delaware): UD kicks off its 2026 season with a 42–7 home win over Merrimack, while Delaware’s high school football top teams enter Labor Day weekend with Middletown listed as the state’s top team so far. Policy & Community: Gov. Matt Meyer signs new Delaware gun laws, including a “ghost” gun registration path and added dealer rules, and a new Delaware privacy law tightens how companies can sell sensitive consumer data. Big Picture (Delaware in the mix): Delaware joins a multi-state lawsuit challenging a federal rule that would block Medicaid funding for youth gender-affirming care.

Labor Day & 9/11 Weekend Picks: Newark’s Community Day returns on the UD Green (Sept. 20), plus a Labor Day concert at White Clay Creek State Park (Sept. 7) and a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at Olan Thomas Park, followed by a Parks on Draft family pop-up beer garden and live music. Arts & Culture in Delaware: The Delaware Division of the Arts named six new members to the Delaware State Arts Council, and the Southern Delaware Chorale announced its 2026-27 season (including “Making Spirits Bright” Dec. 5). Local Art Spotlight: Peninsula Gallery in Lewes earned “Best Art Gallery in Delaware” recognition from the American Art Awards. Community/Service: Delaware State Police and municipal recruits graduated from the 106th DSP and 102nd Municipal Police Recruit Class. Tech/Business (Delaware-linked): Linked Helper rolled out a major Autumn 2026 update for its LinkedIn automation platform, adding an AI suite and a redesigned dashboard.

Delaware Arts Spotlight: The Delaware Division of the Arts has named six new members to the Delaware State Arts Council, adding fresh voices to guide arts policy and public investment statewide. Gallery Watch: Mezzanine Gallery in Wilmington is hosting Alan B. Tuttle’s solo show “Passing through…” (Sept. 11–25) with a free opening reception Sept. 11. Coastal Culture: Bethany Beach’s long-running annual jazz funeral is back with changes after the longtime organizer’s death—now framed as a farewell to summer and a welcome to the new season, with the boardwalk second-line tradition continuing. Community Fundraiser: Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding’s “Riding for Freedom” brought live music, food, and an auction to raise more than $45,000 for equine-assisted services. Local Sports & Entertainment Crossovers: Fans are reacting to the Phoenix Suns’ Miles Bridges trade as renewed debate grows around how leagues handle domestic violence; and Delaware’s arts scene also gets a nod via a Rehoboth Beach power-yoga feature blending techno and performance-style movement.

Delaware Arts & Culture: Fort Miles marked the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender with a Victory over Japan Day ceremony at Cape Henlopen State Park, honoring Delaware WWII veterans and the USS Missouri gun barrel on display. Local History & Community: This weekend, the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge anniversary continues with a Sept. 5 ceremony at Pencader Heritage Museum and a noon-to-3 p.m. shuttle tour/open house at the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, with music from the Uptown Strutters and games at the Cooch homestead. Music & Entertainment: OperaDelaware announced new board members and expanded staff positions, signaling growth for the company’s upcoming season. Sports & Local Pride: The Delaware Blue Coats are involved in a G League player-rights trade that sends Jameer Nelson Jr. to Delaware, keeping the affiliate’s roster pipeline active. Energy Costs: Delmarva Power’s rate increase request jumped from $68.6M to $75.8M, with the Public Advocate calling it the largest in Delaware history and warning of affordability impacts. Public Safety: A Delaware County DA charged a woman in a Little League check-forgery case, alleging more than $7,000 stolen via washed checks and deposits.

Delaware Arts & Culture: OperaDelaware added four new board members and expanded staff roles effective Sept. 1, including a new Marketing Manager and an Education and Community Engagement lead. Local Arts Spotlight: Brandywine Festival of the Arts returns Sept. 12–13, turning Wilmington’s Brandywine Park into an outdoor gallery with 200+ artists, live music, kids’ activities, and proceeds from alcohol sales benefiting Opera Delaware. Community Events: Browseabout Books will host “F is for First State” illustrator Elizabeth Traynor for a Sept. 5 signing in Rehoboth Beach. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Delaware’s Merrimack vs. Delaware is listed among Week 1 college football games with TV/streaming coverage, while the wider Philly region is also bracing for more severe storms that could affect schedules. Business/Tech (Delaware angle): Headsafe established a Delaware-incorporated U.S. parent company to scale commercialization of its FDA-cleared concussion assessment device, Nurochek. Legal/Finance (Delaware courts): A Delaware Court of Chancery ruling highlights limits of strategic investor governance rights in a dispute involving access to a startup’s technology.

Pop Culture & Community Choir: Pop-Up Choir Princeton is back for a new season starting Tuesday, Sept. 8 (7–8 p.m.) at the Arts Council of Princeton, with no auditions and beginner-friendly sing-alongs—this round’s theme is Earth Wind & Fire, followed by Halloween, Police, and Wizard of Oz medleys. Local Arts in Delaware: “Art Without Walls” brings plein air watercolor paintings from Point Breeze (Bordentown) to the Discovery Center through Dec. 31, featuring Garden State Watercolor Society artists who painted the historic Gardener’s House grounds. Sports & Entertainment News: Delaware-linked sports headlines include a Delaware Chancery Court lawsuit accusing NFL legend Emmitt Smith of a $2.5 million solar-energy scam tied to a Cherokee-owned LLC, plus a major entertainment-sports shakeup with the Angels being sold to Rams owner Stan Kroenke. Weather Disruptions: Severe storms knocked down trees across the region and briefly halted a Bruno Mars concert in Philadelphia. Delaware Arts Education: The Southern Delaware Chorale announced its 2026–2027 high school scholarship recipients, awarding students private voice lessons and featured solo opportunities. Regional Event Picks: The 55th Lock Haven Boat Regatta runs Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4–7, with live music and arts-and-crafts activities.

Delaware Arts & Events: The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is back, and Cape Gazette is publishing the official program—perfect for locals and visitors planning their weekend. Local Governance & Community: Delaware County is rolling out 70 AWARE flood gauges to track water levels in real time and help municipalities respond to worsening flooding. Politics & Public Life: Rep. Alonna Berry held a town hall in Milton after canceling a planned candidate forum, explaining it was tied to a family health situation ahead of the District 20 primary. Courts & Accountability: A Delaware County media attorney pleaded guilty in federal court to $400,000+ tax fraud and bogus check charges. Sports (Delaware ties): Delaware field hockey’s Avary Miller earned MPSF Defensive Player of the Week honors. Business & Delaware Economy: Wilmington-based Shipo published a transparent 2026 breakdown of fulfillment pricing and hidden fees. Media/Entertainment Law: A Fox stockholder lawsuit targets a planned $22B Roku deal in Delaware Chancery Court.

Delaware Business & Media: IBT Media says it transferred ownership to a newly formed Delaware perpetual purpose trust with no beneficiaries, aiming to keep the company’s editorial mission independent of any one person. Delaware Courts: A Court of Chancery ruling in Bengson v. Elevate RCM Holdings underscores how LLC inspection rights can be limited by contract waivers. Community & Arts: Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is rolling out free September tours, lectures, and dance lessons, including “Walk to DeBraak” at Cape Henlopen State Park. Local Culture & Awareness: Deaf Awareness Month kicks off with library programs in Sussex County, featuring a documentary screening and a talk on Deaf View/Image Art. Sports (Delaware-area): Georgetown edged Delaware 1-0 with a late goal and a strong defensive effort. Health & Tech (Delaware-area): NexLife expands its flat-rate compounded GLP-1 telehealth program with injectable, microdose, and sublingual options. Public Safety: Delaware County reports an arrest after a man allegedly failed to register social media accounts as required for sex-offender probation.

Local Arts & History: Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is rolling out free September tours, lectures, and dance lessons, including guided “Walk to DeBraak” programs at Cape Henlopen State Park (Zwaanendael Museum). Music & Entertainment: PNC Bank Arts Center’s September concert lineup is getting a spotlight, with the piece arguing fall shows are the sweet spot for outdoor vibes. TV & Media: Cecily Tynan’s final 6abc broadcast airs tonight, marking the end of a decades-long run as Philadelphia’s chief meteorologist. Sports (Delaware ties): The AHA women’s hockey preseason poll names Delaware seventh, with Penn State picked first; plus, William & Mary’s massive comeback vs. Villanova is driving national sports buzz. Community & Culture: Quiet Waters Park is adding a communication board to help kids with autism and other communication differences connect outdoors. Public Safety (Delaware): Delaware State Police identified the woman killed in a Laurel crash; the investigation continues.

Fashion & Business: Shein’s Hong Kong debut is here, but the hype is softer than before—its IPO values the company far below its 2022 peak, and CEO Sky Xu’s wealth reportedly drops by more than $15B amid tariff pressure and tougher competition. Arts Education: Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud school registration is open now through Oct. 30, with state finals set for Feb. 18 at the Smyrna Opera House. Local Politics & Voting: Delaware early voting for the Primary Election starts Wednesday, Sept. 2, running through Sept. 13 with multiple sites in each county. Sports (Delaware): Delaware State opened its season with a 41-34 win over Stony Brook in Dover, with DeSean Jackson improving to 9-4 as head coach. Community & Culture: The fourth annual Baila Con Dover Latin Festival brought Latin music, food, and family-friendly activities to Dover. Public Safety: Flash flooding in the Grand Canyon left at least 15 hikers missing, with one body recovered as rescues continue.

Camden Waterfront Music: XPoNential Music Festival returns Sept. 18–20 with Dawes and Portugal. The Man headlining, plus Little Feat closing out Sunday. Delaware Football: Delaware State held off Stony Brook 41–34 in the season opener as DeSean Jackson improved to 9–4; Ui Ale scored twice in the win. Local Arts & Culture: Clear Space Theatre Company announced its biggest-ever 2027 season, spanning Sondheim, Shakespeare, Britney Spears, Elvis, Billie Holiday, Johnny Cash, and new works. Public Safety (Delaware): Delaware State Police identified Norma Eckard, 54, as the victim in a fatal crash south of Laurel; investigators are still seeking witnesses or video. Community Spotlight: Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a possible redesign of the Stango Park stage to better fit larger bands. Sports/Community (Delaware): The Point at Cape Henlopen oceanside beach reopens Sept. 1 after shorebird closures.

The Arts in Delaware: Clear Space Theatre Company announced its biggest-ever 2027 season, spanning 200+ performances and 14 productions—from Sondheim and Shakespeare to “Into the Woods,” “Come From Away,” and “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” Community & Culture: The fourth annual Baila Con Dover Latin Festival brought free, family-friendly Latin music, food, and performances to Dover. Local Arts Spotlight: Delaware artist Joseph Barbaccia’s work was selected for a juried exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover through Sept. 6. Parks & Public Spaces: Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a possible redesign of the Stango Park stage to better fit larger bands. Libraries & Literacy: Delaware Libraries marked Dolly Parton’s legacy, highlighting the Imagination Library’s impact on tens of thousands of Delaware children. Outdoor Delaware: DNREC will reopen oceanside beach access at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park on Sept. 1, with closures tied to shorebird protection. Theater Calendar: WHYY and Lewes Public Library teamed up for an end-of-summer neighborhood block party. Sports (Delaware): Delaware hosts Coastal Carolina on Sept. 19 at Tubby Raymond Field.