AGP Executive Report

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.

Biggs Museum Spotlight: Delaware artist Joseph Barbaccia’s polymer and acrylic works are on view through Sept. 6 at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, a juried exhibition that marks a “decade-old dream” for the Philadelphia-born artist. Beach & Wildlife Update: DNREC will reopen oceanside access at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park on Sept. 1 after shorebirds use the area through Oct. 1, with new nesting exclosures added this year. Dolly Parton in Delaware Valley: The Northampton Street Bridge in Easton will glow pink in Parton’s honor Friday and Saturday nights, part of a wider wave of tributes after her Aug. 25 death. Local Sports Buzz: Delaware’s own Julian Reese II committed as the program’s highest-ranked recruit ever, while Salesianum’s scrimmage gallery highlights the Hawks’ prep for the Sept. 3 opener. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Laurel crash that killed a 54-year-old woman and seriously injured a 63-year-old man. Social Media Watch: A new “Twitter.now” platform is launching amid an ongoing legal fight over the Twitter name and logo.

Delaware Sports Spotlight: Delaware’s football recruiting keeps heating up: 4-star QB Julian Reese II committed to the Blue Hens, becoming the program’s highest-ranked recruit ever. Local Arts & Community: The Peninsula Gallery in Lewes celebrated its 30th anniversary and just won major statewide and national honors, including Best Art Gallery in Delaware. Music & Pop Culture: Dolly Parton’s legacy is getting a big Delaware-area moment—pink lights are set for the Northampton Street Bridge in Easton/Phillipsburg this weekend. Entertainment Tech Watch: A Virginia startup launched “Twitter.now,” reviving the Twitter name and logo while a trademark fight with Musk’s X continues in Delaware. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Laurel crash on Salt Barn Road involving a Nissan and a Kia. Youth Online Safety: Delaware is included in a sweeping multistate Meta settlement aimed at strengthening Instagram and Facebook protections for teens.

Delaware Arts & Community: The Peninsula Gallery in Lewes, celebrating 30 years, just racked up major recognition—Best Art Gallery in Delaware from the American Art Awards and Best Custom Framing (Downstate) from Delaware Today. Local Business: County Bank promoted Tiffany Walter to branch administrator in Lewes, highlighting her 17+ years in community banking and her work mentoring staff and supporting Delaware nonprofits. Sports Tourism & Small Business: The Delaware Division of Small Business added Tatiyana Graves as Programs Manager and Kira Manuszak as Sports Tourism Coordinator, aiming to connect entrepreneurs with resources and bring more sports events to Delaware. Music Benefit: The Queen Jeans Ball returns Aug. 29 with Jesse Malin, Craig Finn and Tommy Stinson, raising money for Donate Delaware and honoring state Rep. Debra Heffernan. Pop Culture: Turnstile’s “Never Enough: Versions” drops Friday, with remixes featuring Alex G and other big-name collaborators. Road Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash near Laurel involving a Nissan and a Kia.

Delaware Sports & Community: Delaware State’s season opener was delayed by lightning, but the Hornets still kicked off—and debuted Ui Ale as starting QB. Coastal Events: Lewes is gearing up for Boast the Coast (Oct. 3) with free nautical activities, plus Wings & Wheels returns Oct. 3 in Georgetown with WWII aircraft, a car show, and kids’ programming. Arts & Culture: The 212th August Quarterly Festival hits Wilmington this weekend, culminating in the Big Quarterly with youth activities and major outdoor music. Tech & Youth Safety (Delaware angle): Delaware is part of the multistate Meta settlement over Instagram/Facebook child-safety harms, with sweeping new limits and “productive pauses” aimed at reducing addictive design. Local Tourism: Visit Delaware is sponsoring CityPickle’s outdoor pickleball pop-up at Philadelphia City Hall (Sept. 2–Oct. 18), bringing Delaware branding and tourism partners to the courts. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Delaware’s Kent and New Castle counties, with impacts expected through the evening.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Delaware is part of a landmark $17.1B multistate Meta settlement over Instagram and Facebook design choices tied to teen harms, with sweeping new safety rules like daily time limits and “productive pauses.” Local Courts & Celeb News: Selena Gomez is asking a Delaware federal judge to dismiss “absurd” fraud claims tied to her Wondermind mental health startup. Social Media in Delaware Courts: A Virginia startup, Operation Bluebird, launched “Twitter.now” and is betting X abandoned the Twitter brand—while X Corp keeps fighting it in Delaware federal court. Delaware Arts & Events: Visit Delaware is backing CityPickle’s outdoor pickleball pop-up at Philadelphia City Hall (Sept. 2–Oct. 18). Community Spotlight: CultureCheck, a Delaware-made Black culture trivia app, launched with 10,000+ questions and packs across history, music, sports, and more. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Delaware, including New Castle and Kent, until 8 p.m. School Expansion: Holy Cross High School is moving ahead with plans for a permanent campus near Frederica.

Big Tech Accountability (Delaware): Delaware will receive a guaranteed $73.6M from Meta over 10 years as part of a sweeping multistate settlement over alleged teen social media harms, with an $11M payment this year and extra funds if TikTok/YouTube strike similar deals; Meta must also roll out youth safety controls on Instagram and Facebook. Local Arts & Community: The Community Education Building opened its new Youth Development Center in Wilmington, adding a black box theater, gym, fitness center, and youth learning spaces. Delaware Events: Milford Museum’s American History series returns with a duck decoys on Delmarva program featuring carver Rich Smoker on Sept. 12. Entertainment & Culture: Delaware Libraries marked the passing of Dolly Parton, highlighting her Imagination Library impact in the state. Sports (Campus): Georgetown vs. Delaware men’s soccer was moved to a 5 p.m. kickoff on ESPN+ due to weather. Health & Safety: International Overdose Awareness Day events are set across the Delaware Valley, including vigils and community resource events.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Delaware is set to receive at least $73.6 million over 10 years from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal with Meta over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement (pending court approval) also requires major product changes like nighttime blocks and daily time limits for under-18 users, plus stronger parent controls. Delaware Libraries & Dolly Parton: Delaware Libraries marked the passing of Dolly Parton, calling her a “literacy legend” for her Imagination Library, which has reached 50,000+ Delaware children. Community Fundraising: At Lewes Beach, Children’s Beach House’s Noche Tropical fundraiser drew 430+ attendees, featuring live music from The Reel Ting Steel Drum Band and auctions supporting kids with communicative challenges. Local Tech/Health: Intake Dental launched the Dental Passport, a patient-owned record stored in Apple Wallet/Google Wallet that travels to any dental office. Arts & Events: The Milford Readers and Writers Festival kicks off Sept. 18 with free workshops and author events across Milford. DE Civil Rights: Delaware’s Human and Civil Rights Commission fined Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille $15,000 after a discrimination complaint involving bathroom access for a trans woman.