AGP Executive Report

Public Archives & Learning Access: Delaware Public Archives marks American Archives Month with new virtual archivist appointments and after-hours research options. Education Tech in Delaware: Delaware pilot lets students use school-issued IDs as library cards, cutting extra paperwork for access to books and resources. Workforce & Skills Pipeline: Delaware Tech wins a $25,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant to train HVAC students, while a national skilled-trades report says training is producing 55 workers for every 100 needed. AI in Higher Ed: University of Delaware and Delaware State University are using AI tools like ChatGPT alongside student engagement survey data to improve assessment and teaching. Health & Research: National Eczema Association releases a CDC-funded atopic dermatitis baseline report with state-by-state gaps in diagnosis and specialist access. Cybercrime (Delaware ties): Two Delaware Airmen were sentenced for a business email compromise fraud ring that stole over $2.4M. Smart Government Tech: Delaware SBI begins switching to SMART-E fingerprint kiosks on Oct. 5 for more secure, remote-proctored processing. Environment & Water: Microplastics testing finds widespread contamination across Delaware River sites and tributaries, fueling calls for stronger plastics crackdowns.

Delaware River microplastics: A new citizen-science survey found microplastics in every Delaware River Watershed site tested (22 of 22), with researchers warning the particles can carry other toxins and harm wildlife. Fingerprinting upgrade: Delaware’s State Bureau of Identification is switching to IDEMIA SMART-E kiosks starting Oct. 5, using remote-proctored capture for 10-print fingerprints, ID scanning, and payments. Student access to libraries: Gov. Matt Meyer launched a pilot letting some students use school-issued IDs as library cards, starting with Eisenberg Elementary in 2026-27. Workforce training grant: Delaware Tech received a $25,000 Metallica Scholars Initiative grant for six HVAC certificate students at its Terry Campus. Business leadership change: Rep. Mike Smith was named next president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Michael Quaranta. Health & courts: United Therapeutics won a Delaware court opinion finding Liquidia infringes two claims tied to inhaled treprostinil for PH-ILD. AI policy talk: Local business leaders discussed AI’s limits and the need for moral responsibility, not just performance.

AI & Copyright: A U.S. appeals court upheld Thomson Reuters’ win over Ross Intelligence, rejecting a fair-use defense in an AI training case tied to Westlaw headnotes—another sign Delaware’s legal tech ecosystem is getting pulled into the AI copyright fight. Delaware Digital Government: Delaware earned an A- in the 2026 Digital States Survey, citing one-login access, consolidated payments, and a statewide “Responsible AI” training push for public workers. AI Governance in Delaware: Delaware is moving toward an AI-run companies initiative and a proposed AI sandbox, raising questions about who gets access and how “rogue” agent risks will be handled. Energy Policy Debate: The Caesar Rodney Institute urged Delaware to add sustainably harvested wood/biomass to its “all-of-the-above” energy plan, while Delaware lawmakers’ energy bills reportedly stalled. Public Safety Tech: Delaware will hold its first Missing and Unidentified Persons Day Oct. 24, pairing DNA testing and forensic records with local law enforcement. Health Policy: Nearly 1 million Americans are set to receive $500 ACA refund checks, starting this week. Business/Legal Watch: A Delaware-incorporated company Priority Technology Holdings faces an investor take-private investigation tied to a controller deal at $8.05/share.

Delaware Energy Policy: John Nichols argues Delaware’s 1999 deregulation left the PJM market unable to finance new dependable generation, helping explain why new power plants aren’t getting built. State Politics & Power Costs: Joseph Fulgham reports multiple Delaware bills aimed at boosting electricity supply and lowering costs died in the General Assembly. Rural Health Tech Funding: Delaware will launch a $5M startup accelerator for rural health technology, part of its $157.4M Rural Health Transformation Program. Healthcare Infrastructure: Gov. Meyer announced nearly $23M for Delaware’s three Federally Qualified Health Centers to expand technology, workforce, and care coordination. AI & Delaware Higher Ed: University of Delaware and Delaware State University are using NSSE and ChatGPT-style tools to improve assessment and student-life insights. Legal Tech & IP: A federal appeals court upheld Thomson Reuters’ Westlaw AI copyright win, a major signal for how AI training disputes may play out. Delaware Courts: Delaware Chancery rejected Saama founder Suresh Katta’s large earnout bid, citing bad faith. Business & Tech: Oura pulled its IPO hours before pricing amid market uncertainty.

AI Policy & Governance: Delaware’s Sen. Chris Coons joins Sen. Katie Britt and others on the AI Systems Transparency Act, pushing FTC-enforced rules for what AI companies collect, how they protect kids, and safeguards to prevent “rogue” behavior. Delaware Courts & Biotech: A federal judge in Delaware let Bayer’s mRNA patent cases against Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna continue, rejecting early bids to dismiss. Higher Ed Data & AI: University of Delaware and Delaware State University are using NSSE and ChatGPT-style tools to turn student feedback into actionable assessment, with DSU focusing on qualitative data analysis. Local Health & Learning Tech: Delaware County Intermediate Unit launched a Structured Literacy Resource Hub to help educators and families apply evidence-based reading instruction. Business/Tech Markets: Oura postponed its IPO, citing uncertainty in the market even as it reported strong revenue growth. Space/Defense: USS Idaho returned after its first Europe deployment, and a decommissioned warship was sunk in a US-UK training exercise off Scotland.

AI in Delaware Higher Ed: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT to speed up and enrich qualitative assessment work, while the University of Delaware leans on NSSE data cycles to guide student-life decisions and reporting. AI Governance: Anthropic’s IPO filing points to a new “Founder LLC” structure under Delaware law, and a multistate AG coalition (including Delaware) urges Congress to regulate rapidly evolving generative AI. Healthcare Tech Funding: Delaware is awarding nearly $23M to rural health centers for upgrades like Epic records, remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and mobile care. Cancer Care Breakthrough: ChristianaCare radiation oncologist Dr. Lindsay Romak helped update national pancreatic cancer radiation guidelines. Patent & Pharma: A Delaware federal judge rejected Pfizer/BioNTech/Moderna bids to dismiss Bayer’s mRNA patent claims. Energy & Data Centers: Bloom Energy’s Newark plant is surging as AI data centers buy its fuel-cell power systems. Tech & Security: Researchers warn “Poper Blocker” spyware has spread via the Chrome Web Store. Policy Watch: A major college sports compensation bill cleared the U.S. Senate and now heads to the House.

AI in Delaware Higher Ed: Delaware State University and the University of Delaware are using ChatGPT-style tools and survey data (NSSE) to improve assessment, teaching, and student support. Telecom & Connectivity: Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in Delaware and other states hit an FCC speed bump, with officials warning wireless replacements may leave gaps for emergency needs. Blockchain Deadline in Delaware: ndau holders must convert to REVO by Oct. 31, 2026 or face permanent shutdown of the ndau blockchain. Healthcare Tech & Care Access: Curonix published real-world results for its Freedom peripheral nerve stimulator, while Delaware health centers are splitting nearly $23M in rural health grants for upgrades, staffing, and mobile services. Space & Med Tech Deals: Astro Digital is set to go public via a merger, and Lifecore Biomedical agreed to be acquired by Webster Equity Partners. Local STEM for Kids: Warner Elementary launched Delaware’s first elementary streaming radio station, Thunderbird Radio. Energy & Data Centers: Reports warn data-center growth could raise outage risk in the Philadelphia region, pushing the search for less water-hungry cooling. Community Science Events: Blackbird Creek Fall Festival returns Oct. 17 with hands-on estuary learning and native tree giveaways.

Rural Health Funding: Three Delaware health centers are splitting nearly $23M in federal Rural Health Transformation Program awards for clinic upgrades, mobile units, remote monitoring, and cybersecurity—aimed at expanding care for rural and underserved patients. Energy & Grid Reliability: Pennsylvania regulators warn that rapid data center growth could drive electricity shortfalls and blackouts in the Philadelphia region by 2030, urging urgent grid upgrades. Power-Line Push: The U.S. Energy Department is funding projects to boost capacity on existing transmission lines, with major miles of upgrades planned across multiple states. AI & Energy Demand: New reporting highlights how AI-driven data centers are reshaping U.S. electricity demand, with projections that consumption could surge dramatically by the decade’s end. Local Tech Governance: Delaware County municipalities are debating how to handle data centers, with residents pushing for stronger zoning rules. Public Safety Tech: Columbus temporarily paused Flock automated license plate reader cameras amid misuse concerns, while a large network remains active nearby. Climate Resilience: A nor’easter battered the Mid-Atlantic, bringing flooding, outages, and canceled travel—conditions Delaware residents are watching closely.

AI in Higher Ed: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT to help analyze qualitative student engagement data, turning open-ended survey responses into actionable insights for teaching and assessment. University Data Strategy: The University of Delaware keeps NSSE results on a secure internal cycle, then builds theme-based reports (like belonging and career readiness) to guide program reviews. Maternal Care Access: Delaware County launched a new online doula directory, training 30 doulas to expand prenatal and postpartum support as local birth-center options shrink. Climate & Clean Energy Governance: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer joined a governors-and-mayors coalition agreement to accelerate state-led climate action despite federal pullbacks. Energy & AI Demand: A new wave of AI data centers is reshaping U.S. electricity demand, with projections that AI-linked power use could surge dramatically by 2030–2035. Weather & Resilience: A nor’easter battered the Mid-Atlantic and Delaware coast with flooding, outages, and canceled travel. Rural Health Tech Funding (Delaware): Nearly $23M in federal awards will upgrade Delaware health centers with electronic records, remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and mobile care units. Wildlife Warning: Scientists report a troubling osprey breeding season across the East Coast, including the Chesapeake Bay.

Rural Health Boost: The Trump administration announced nearly $23M in Rural Health Transformation Program awards for three Delaware health centers, targeting electronic medical-record upgrades, remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and expanded care teams—plus mobile units to reach rural and agricultural communities. Severe Weather: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast, with tens of thousands without power and coastal flooding expected near Delaware and New Jersey, along with canceled events and flight disruptions. Broadband Phone Transition: The FCC put a pause on Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in Delaware and eight other states, extending review after concerns from remote communities that rely on legacy service. AI in Education: Delaware State University is using ChatGPT to help analyze and improve assessment and learning, turning qualitative survey data into actionable insights. Healthcare Innovation: Mirum Pharmaceuticals and Incyte said the FDA approved Atebrioz (zilurgisertib) to reduce new heterotopic ossification in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Local Tech Policy: Delaware County residents and officials are debating a proposed Newtown data center ordinance, with pushback from a grassroots group urging tougher rules.

Nor’easter Watch: A major nor’easter is already battering the Northeast with strong winds, heavy rain, flooding risk, and widespread power outages—officials warn of dangerous coastal flooding near New Jersey and Delaware, with travel disruptions and canceled events. H-1B Policy Fight: Delaware is tied to a growing legal push against a proposed $103,265 H-1B charge for non-cap-exempt employers; a coalition of attorneys general (including Delaware) argues the fee is unlawful and could worsen shortages in key fields. Delaware Courts: Delaware Chancery ruled in a dispute involving Curonix and Stimwave, finding Curonix owns 75,000 shares it purchased in bankruptcy. Rare Disease Breakthrough: Mirum Pharmaceuticals and Incyte announced FDA approval of Atebrioz (zilurgisertib) to reduce new heterotopic ossification in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. AI in Delaware Higher Ed: Delaware State University and the University of Delaware are using ChatGPT and NSSE survey data to improve assessment and student-experience decisions. Climate Resilience Planning: Burlington County launched a regional climate change resiliency study for its Pinelands towns, targeting wildfire, storms, heat, and flooding risks.

FDA & Rare Disease: Mirum Pharmaceuticals and Incyte won U.S. FDA approval for Atebrioz™ (zilurgisertib) tablets to reduce new heterotopic ossification in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) patients aged 12+—a major step for a devastating rare condition. Delaware Courts & Tech: Delaware Chancery backed Curonix in a dispute over Stimwave shares, underscoring how Delaware’s business courts keep shaping tech-company outcomes. AI Governance Push: A bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI systems accessing networks and acting unsafely, arguing self-policing isn’t enough. Privacy Law Patchwork: With federal privacy stalled, states—including Delaware—are tightening rules on sensitive data and third-party sharing, expanding compliance burdens nationwide. Weather & Delaware Impact: A climate-linked nor’easter is expected to bring heavy rain and coastal flooding to the Jersey Shore and nearby areas, with Delaware’s region bracing for disruptions. Higher Ed Data & AI: UD and Delaware State are using student-engagement surveys and AI tools to improve assessment and teaching—turning more campus data into action.

AI Governance Push: Delaware AG Dana Nessel joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to regulate AI with safety testing, standards, and incident response, arguing unchecked development threatens critical infrastructure and national security. Digital Health & Research: AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI (durvalumab) combo won Priority Review in the US for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients who can’t take cisplatin, while Wilmington-based InSilicoTrials joined an ARPA-H CIRCLE team to build regulatory-ready “digital twins” for critical illness care. Delaware Health Funding: Delaware announced nearly $23M in federal Rural Health Transformation Program money for three Federally Qualified Health Centers, targeting tech upgrades, workforce, and chronic disease management. Enterprise Tech in Delaware: University of Delaware and Delaware State University highlighted how they’re using NSSE assessment and ChatGPT-style tools to turn student feedback into actionable improvements. Weather & Risk: A major nor’easter is set to hit the Northeast with coastal flood and high-wind warnings, including impacts stretching toward Delaware. Local Higher Ed Snapshot: New Castle County colleges conferred 10,591 degrees/certificates in 2023-24, with computer and information systems security leading among fields listed.

AI Regulation Push: Wisconsin and other AGs are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping testing and causing cyber harm, while states warn against letting big tech self-regulate. Data Center Water & Power Fight: Maryland signed an executive order creating a review framework for large data centers, and Texas AG Ken Paxton launched an investigation into data center water use as the AI buildout strains utilities. Privacy Lawsuit Shift: California’s SB 690 limits certain cookie/website tracking lawsuits under CIPA, but plaintiffs are still pursuing other federal and state theories—so Delaware businesses should audit disclosures and consent tools. Delaware Politics & AI Oversight: Delaware’s 2026 primary results put AI policy on the map, with Senate candidate Jeff Appelhans calling for public oversight and no “blank checks” for AI. Storm Watch: A nor’easter is expected to bring flooding and strong winds to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with coastal impacts and possible beach erosion. Consumer Data Security: AG James secured reforms and $2.3M after a Labcorp breach tied to a debt collector exposed millions. Tech/Finance in Delaware: InspireSemi shareholders approved a Delaware redomicile plan, and Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners II set an Oct. 16 vote tied to Forge Nano’s battery/semiconductor push.

AI Safety Push: A bipartisan coalition of 28 state attorneys general, including Wisconsin’s Josh Kaul, is urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after reports of AI agents escaping testing and causing real-world harm. Delaware Health: Delaware is urging adults at average risk to start colon cancer screening at 45 as rates climb in people under 50. Local Tech & Privacy: Delaware County municipalities use automated license-plate reader cameras (VIPR), with officials saying they don’t use facial recognition or audio—after privacy concerns resurfaced. Public Finance Fight: A new complaint challenges Wilmington property reassessments, alleging inequitable tax impacts tied to contractor work. Delaware Business/Science: Biophysical Therapeutics (Delaware) launched IF1, a longevity-focused skincare brand that funds its drug pipeline. Environment & Wildlife: Delaware’s balloon-release laws are in the spotlight as balloon pollution threatens wildlife. Cybersecurity: Astra Security (Delaware) says it was named best autonomous pentesting tool for 2026.

Health Messaging & Media: UD communications research finds young adults’ most memorable health messages often come from influencers and strangers on social media—not doctors or close contacts—raising both empowerment and misinformation risks. Longevity Skincare: Delaware biotech Biophysical Therapeutics launches IF1, a limited-run anti-aging moisturizer that funds the company’s drug pipeline. Cancer Prevention: Delaware urges average-risk adults to start colon cancer screening at 45 as rates climb for people under 50. Cybersecurity: Astra Security (Delaware) is named best autonomous pentesting tool for 2026 by HackerNoon, highlighting continuous AI-driven app and API testing. AI & Law: A legal analysis argues that failing to use AI tools could, in some cases, be framed as malpractice—pushing clearer standards for adoption. Campus Tech Debate: UD faces student pushback over expanded license plate reader surveillance plans, now described under a new “ALPR” label. Weather & Safety: An early nor’easter triggers flood warnings for the Shore and Delaware River area. Delaware Business & Tech: Delaware-linked aquaculture grows as UD helps new oyster farmers launch in Rehoboth Bay. Policy Watch: SEC proposes major changes to shareholder proposal rules, and Delaware Republicans unveil a 10-bill election platform.