AGP Executive Report

Banking Modernization: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s banking modernization package updating the state’s banking code for digital assets, virtual currency, and stablecoins, while tightening consumer protections and strengthening the Office of the State Bank Commissioner. AI Trust & Transparency: Anthropic launched a public “Hard Questions” portal inviting people to submit the toughest questions about AI and promising to publish answers plus the reasoning behind them. Permitting Tech for Growth: Delaware rolled out the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator website to speed up project reviews for housing, broadband, energy, and water/sewer work through coordinated agency oversight. Cyber/Payments Enforcement: Delaware will receive $314,000 from a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over Cash App fraud and misleading claims about user protections. Coastal Resilience Data: Lewes’ environmental commission backed extending a beach sand monitoring pilot using cameras along the coast to track sand movement during storms. STEM in Schools: Delaware educators were recognized for the Teaching REAL Lab program boosting Career and Technical Education with hands-on, career-connected lessons. UD Physics Breakthrough: University of Delaware professor Spencer Axani’s CosmicWatch muon detector aims to make cosmic particle detection accessible from classrooms to research labs.

Delaware Permitting Upgrade: Gov. Matt Meyer launched the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator portal to speed up reviews for housing, broadband, energy, and water/sewer projects, with coordinated agency oversight and a dedicated point of contact. AI Transparency Push: Anthropic opened a public “Hard Questions” submission portal, promising to publish answers plus the reasoning behind them—even when uncertain or wrong—after surveys showed low trust in AI companies. STEM in Delaware Classrooms: UD physics professor Spencer Axani’s $100 CosmicWatch muon detector is turning invisible cosmic particles into hands-on classroom and lab learning. Connected Cars, Delaware Tech Ecosystem: Verizon and KDDI said new BMW Group vehicles for the U.S. will use Verizon’s 5G Standalone network for the telematics backbone that powers remote updates and monitoring. Health & Safety Watch: A growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to “explosive diarrhea” is still hard to trace, with experts suggesting water may be a key missing link. Local STEM Wins: Indian River School District students earned national TSA awards, including second place in Robotics. Delaware Business Leadership: Delaware Prosperity Partnership named Monique Claiborne Cardwell as its next president/CEO starting Sept. 14.

Delaware Permitting Tech: Gov. Matt Meyer launched JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, a web portal to speed approvals for housing, broadband, energy, and water/sewer projects via coordinated agency review and a dedicated point of contact. STEM in the Classroom: University of Delaware physics professor Spencer Axani’s CosmicWatch turns cosmic-ray muons into a hands-on, roughly $100 classroom detector that lights up and logs events for later study. AI at Work: A look at how Microsoft Copilot is evolving from drafting and summarizing into a “virtual co-worker” that can execute multi-step tasks with user control. Health Tech & Data Use: Delaware senior living developers are using data beyond demographics—like income profiles and nearby retailer plans—to reduce risk and target growth markets. Space Materials Research: UD researchers reported that geopolymers made from lunar-regolith-like materials gained strength after six months outside the International Space Station, supporting future in-orbit construction. Local STEM Awards: Indian River School District students earned national TSA honors, including second place in Robotics and third in System Control Technology. Democracy & Election Data: Utah’s GOP censured Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson over her resistance to DOJ demands for voter information, highlighting the ongoing state vs. federal fight over election records. Connected Vehicles: Verizon and KDDI say new BMW Group cars for the U.S. will connect to Verizon’s 5G Standalone network for the telematics backbone that powers remote updates and monitoring.

Supercomputer Prep in Delaware: University of Delaware researchers were selected to stress-test Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s next-gen Discovery system, aiming to find software bugs and performance bottlenecks before it goes live for science in 2029. Digital Skills in Delaware: Delaware Libraries is launching a 10-week summer digital literacy program with AmeriCorps VISTA “Digital Literacy Specialists” at 21 branches, offering help with tech basics, AI, and scam avoidance. Health Tech, Delaware Startup: Mosaic Health Solutions incorporated as a Delaware C-corp to support an August 2026 clinical pilot for AI tools that improve medication safety for older adults. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Inova’s NovaCool CDU-ICDU1500 liquid-cooling unit earned UL 62368-1, CE, and FCC certifications for global data center use. Policy Watch: Delaware lawmakers passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act, creating the state’s first nontidal freshwater wetlands regulatory program. Data Center Water Scrutiny: A Columbus Dispatch push highlights the public demand for clearer numbers on how much city water data centers consume.

Supercomputing for science: A University of Delaware team led by Sunita Chandrasekaran is helping stress-test Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s next-generation Discovery supercomputer, aiming to uncover software bugs and performance bottlenecks before it launches in 2029. AI + energy grid innovation: Indian American professor Arif Sarwat was recognized for advancing energy grid innovation, tying research to the need for reliable power and a highly trained workforce. Delaware wetlands protection: Delaware lawmakers passed the Wetlands Stewardship Act, creating the state’s first nontidal freshwater wetlands regulatory program after years of failed attempts. Public safety upgrades: New York announced $110M for emergency communications and 911 call-taking/dispatch improvements, including funding for Next Generation 911 capabilities. Data center ripple effects: A report raises questions about a Delaware-registered firm tied to a Wyoming hyperscale project after a rare, potentially dangerous bacteria was found in wastewater systems. Cybersecurity governance: Delaware’s Court of Chancery dismissed a KnowBe4 take-private challenge tied to its acquisition, reinforcing the importance of procedural safeguards in deals. STEM in the First State: A nonprofit robotics team from Chesapeake City won a top award at a FIRST Tech Challenge event, highlighting regional STEM momentum. Healthcare tech incorporation: Mosaic Health Solutions incorporated as a Delaware C-corp to advance AI medication-safety tools for older adults. Fraud crackdown: Delaware joined a $45M multistate settlement with Block over Cash App fraud and misleading security claims. Creator economy data: SociaVault Labs released a 2026 pricing report using a cost-per-engagement lens to compare influencer value across platforms.

AI in Schools: Idaho, Maryland, Oklahoma and Virginia are pushing beyond AI guidance by requiring school districts to adopt their own AI policies, with Maryland adding an AI coordinator and Oklahoma limiting AI use for grading and other high-stakes decisions. Public Health Access: The FDA has approved a third over-the-counter naloxone nasal spray, Rextovy, expanding pharmacy and convenience-store access to help reverse opioid overdoses faster. Space Materials Research: A new study tested Moon/Mars regolith-based geopolymer binders outside the ISS and found some materials held up—and even gained strength—supporting future lunar construction using local resources. Delaware Tech Help: Delaware Libraries is rolling out a 10-week digital literacy program with AmeriCorps VISTA specialists at 21 libraries, including help with AI, online applications, and scam-avoidance. Coastal Science in Lewes: Lewes leaders are backing a beach sand movement pilot, using shoreline monitoring cameras to track how waves and tides reshape local beaches for better long-term resiliency decisions. STEM Education Win: Beacon’s W.I.S.D.O.M. bridge team placed fourth in the Delaware DOT Bridge Design Competition, showing off student-built, tested model bridges.

Delaware Digital Skills: Delaware Libraries is rolling out a 10-week Digital Literacy Specialists program with AmeriCorps VISTA staff in 21 branches, offering walk-in help with online applications, basic tech skills, AI guidance, scam awareness, and device troubleshooting. Public Health & Cost Savings: A new study on “medically tailored meals” for Medicaid finds customized, dietitian-built food programs can reduce hospital visits and costs for people with diet-linked conditions. Opioid Funding: Delaware’s Opioid Settlement Commission opened applications for its fourth round of community-based grants, with $12.75M available for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery support. Tech & Business Watch: Hunterbrook’s report claims Bloom Energy relies on Chinese scandium, contradicting CEO statements and triggering a stock dip; Bloom says it will correct the record. Safety & Health Research: Research suggests older adults who get the shingles vaccine have lower dementia diagnoses over four years. STEM in Schools: Beacon’s Women in STEM Dominating Once More bridge team earned fourth place in Delaware’s DOT bridge design competition. Local News: Police are investigating two separate body finds near Rehoboth Beach/Holland Glade Road; forensic science will determine causes of death.

Space & Materials: University of Delaware researchers report that building-material samples mounted outside the International Space Station for six months held up better than identical Earth-stored samples, a promising step toward using lunar regolith for moon construction. Brain Tech: UD teams also use AI to spot subtle EEG patterns linked to epilepsy in mice, aiming to improve diagnosis when seizures don’t show up during routine recordings. Delaware Policy & Finance: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a banking modernization package updating Delaware’s banking code for digital assets, virtual currency, and stablecoins, including new money-transmitter and stablecoin frameworks. Cybersecurity: Delaware County says phone and internet service are restored after unauthorized activity on its network, with investigations slowed by system shutdowns. Local Leadership: Sussex Tech named Dr. Jason Peel as its next superintendent, effective Sept. 1. Health Watch: CDC-linked investigations continue after more than 800 cyclosporiasis cases reported across at least 18 states. Business/Markets: Delaware-based Wave Life Sciences seeks Singapore court approval for its redomiciliation to the U.S. on July 14.

Delaware Banking Modernization: Gov. Matt Meyer signed a package updating Delaware’s banking laws for digital assets, virtual currency, and stablecoins—Senate Bills 16, 18, and 19 aim to modernize rules and strengthen consumer protections. Cybersecurity in the Region: Delaware County reported unauthorized activity that forced a network shutdown; phone and internet are back, but investigations and services are still disrupted. Delaware Courts & Biotech Governance: The Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims tied to an abandoned biotech IPO and a related settlement, saying the complaint didn’t adequately plead wrongdoing. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a $450M+ federal settlement over PFAS contamination, including a major New Jersey facility tied to early Teflon discovery. AI for Research Workflows: Newark-based Springbase.ai launched multilingual voice-to-execution features, turning spoken ideas into structured outputs like reports, websites, and apps. Public Health Watch: Officials are investigating cyclosporiasis clusters across multiple states after 800+ cases were reported since May 1. STEM & Education Leadership: Sussex Tech named Dr. Jason Peel superintendent, effective Sept. 1, after decades in Delaware school leadership.

Delaware Health Tech: DHSS and the Delaware Health Care Commission launched a Rural Health Transformation Program using the Delaware Health Information Network and Smart Health Network to speed insurance verification and prior authorization, aiming to cut paperwork and help patients get care faster. Delaware Policy & Finance: Gov. Matt Meyer signed three banking modernization bills (SB 16/18/19) updating Delaware’s rules for digital assets, virtual currency, and stablecoins while adding consumer protections. Water From Air: AirJoule’s Prime atmospheric water generator debuted in Newark, designed to pull up to 2,000 liters of water a day from humid air using low-grade heat, with potential for warehouses and food facilities. Haptics Hardware: Azoteq announced a patent licensing deal with Immersion to bring advanced tactile feedback into next-gen computer mouse ICs and peripherals. NOAA Marine Rescue: NOAA awarded nearly $4M across 41 recipients to support marine mammal rescue and entanglement response. Wildlife Safety: Pennsylvania’s new wildlife connectivity work group will use science-based mapping to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and reconnect habitat. Health Equity Watch: A new report highlights racial disparities in pain treatment, including lower odds of receiving pain medication for Black patients.

Health Tech in Delaware: DHSS and the Delaware Health Care Commission launched a Rural Health Transformation Program using the Delaware Health Information Network and Smart Health Network to speed up insurance eligibility checks and prior authorization, aiming to cut paperwork and help patients get care faster. Banking Modernization: Gov. Matt Meyer signed three bills (SB 16, 18, 19) updating Delaware’s banking laws for digital assets, virtual currency, and stablecoins, with new consumer protections for the next wave of fintech. AI Workforce Planning: The Tech Council of Delaware won a $100K Barclays grant to map Delaware’s AI training and upskilling landscape, identify gaps, and align programs with employer demand. STEM Wins in Sussex: Sussex County students earned top results at the TSA National Conference, including robotics and system control technology placements plus leadership awards. Local Science & Research: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science rolled out new behind-the-scenes tours of its Collections & Research lab. Health Care Tech + Policy: Attorney General William Tong urged the U.S. Trade Representative to drop planned tariffs, arguing they would raise costs for families. Science Discovery: DNA helped identify a Revolutionary War soldier’s remains from the Battle of Camden, highlighting genetic genealogy’s growing role in military archaeology.

AI & Workforce in Delaware: The Tech Council of Delaware landed a $100K Barclays grant to map Delaware’s AI training and upskilling gaps, then publish recommendations and a public resource hub. Local Science & Museums: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science is rolling out new behind-the-scenes tours of its Collections & Research lab. Coastal & Wildlife Management: DNREC denied a second request to retroactively approve a 110-foot concrete dune crossing at Prime Hook Beach, ordering removal to protect horseshoe crab habitat. STEM Education Wins: Sussex County students earned top honors at the 2026 Technology Student Association National Conference, including robotics and system control technology placements. Health & Environment: Delaware partners with Google’s Grow with Google to offer free digital skills training and AI courses through Tech Hubs and libraries. Tech Infrastructure Water Use: A new report highlights how data centers in the Columbus area used about 1.2 billion gallons of water in a year, adding pressure to local resource planning. Biotech Deal: Novartis agreed to acquire UK start-up Myricx Bio for $1.1B upfront plus up to CHF400M in milestones for antibody-drug conjugates.

STEM Wins in Sussex: Sussex County students brought home top honors at the 2026 Technology Student Association National Conference in Maryland, including Indian River HS (Robotics runner-up), Selbyville Middle (System Control Technology third), and leadership awards for Sussex Tech and Sussex Central. Workforce + AI Training: Delaware is partnering with Google’s Grow with Google to offer free digital skills training and AI courses via Tech Hubs, including Sussex Technical High School and local libraries. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a multi-state settlement over “forever chemicals,” with at least $450M in penalties and cleanup plans affecting West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Coastal Protection Update: DNREC denied a Prime Hook Beach dune crossing permit again, ordering removal of an unpermitted concrete structure to protect horseshoe crabs. Heat + Safety: A brutal heatwave and extreme conditions disrupted plans nationwide, while Delaware-area readers also saw how heat can turn routine logistics into hazards. AI Data Centers + Power Strain: Federal emergency orders forced AI data centers in the PJM region onto diesel backup power during grid stress, highlighting growing strain from fast-rising data center demand. Local Environment Funding: Delaware County (PA) approved nearly $5M in federal support for composting and hazardous waste collection upgrades.

AI Infrastructure & Power Grid Stress: The U.S. Department of Energy used a wartime-era law again to force AI data centers in the PJM region onto diesel backup during grid emergencies, underscoring how fast new computing load is straining electricity reliability. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a multi-state settlement over “forever chemicals,” with at least $450M in penalties and cleanup commitments tied to water and air controls. Delaware Workforce Tech: Delaware is partnering with Google’s Grow with Google to offer free digital skills training, including AI and cybersecurity career certificates, via Tech Hubs and libraries. Delaware Environment Watch: DNREC denied a Prime Hook Beach dune crossing permit for a second time, ordering removal of an unpermitted concrete structure to protect coastal habitat. Health Policy (Delaware): Delaware lawmakers advanced a bill to expand coverage for biomarker testing, aiming to improve access to precision cancer care. Local Safety: A Delaware childcare teacher faces child abuse charges after alleged physical mistreatment of a 3-year-old. Climate Impacts: A record heatwave disrupted major July 4 events, including cancellations and schedule changes across the region.

Climate & Public Safety: A record-breaking heatwave forced cancellations and major changes to July 4 events, including the Washington, D.C. Independence Day parade and other regional plans, with heat index values pushing into dangerous territory. Delaware Workforce Tech: Delaware is partnering with Google’s Grow with Google to offer free digital skills training, including AI and career certificates, via Tech Hubs and libraries. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to a multi-state settlement over “forever chemicals,” with at least $450M in penalties and cleanup/mitigation steps affecting West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Coastal Protection: DNREC denied a Prime Hook Beach dune crossing permit again, ordering removal of an unpermitted concrete structure to protect dunes and horseshoe crab habitat. Health Policy (Biomarkers): Delaware lawmakers advanced a bill to expand coverage for biomarker testing, aiming to improve access to precision medicine. AI & Power Grid Stress: Federal emergency orders were used to require AI data centers in PJM to switch to diesel backup during grid emergencies, highlighting growing strain from rapid data center load growth. Road Safety: A MoneyGeek crash analysis ranks Delaware among the more dangerous states for July 4 travel, based on fatal crash rates.

Delaware Workforce Tech: Delaware is expanding digital skills training with Grow with Google, adding free, flexible Google career certificates and AI courses in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, and more. Health Policy: Delaware lawmakers advanced a bill to expand coverage for biomarker testing, aiming to improve access to precision medicine for patients on state-regulated plans and Medicaid. Power & Data Centers: A heat-driven strain on the grid is pushing attention to data-center backup power needs across the Mid-Atlantic, including Delaware within the PJM region. Climate & Air Quality: The National Weather Service issued toxic air alerts across 16 states, including Delaware, urging residents to limit outdoor activity due to ozone and smoke/particle pollution. Legal/Tech Governance: Delaware’s courts continue shaping tech and corporate disputes, including a Delaware forum selection ruling tied to equity option agreements. Revolutionary War Science: Archaeologists and DNA experts are working to identify Revolutionary War soldiers, with Delaware-linked interest in the broader effort to name the fallen.