AGP Executive Report

Federal Health Policy: The Trump administration says federal agencies will stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18, with the change applying to hospitals and medical schools that receive federal money. Legal/Access Update: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings won a court ruling protecting access to gender-affirming care under the Affordable Care Act, striking down a Trump rule that would have removed some care from ACA essential health benefits. Healthcare Workforce & Access: Rep. Alonna Berry convened a Delaware healthcare roundtable focused on rural access, physician recruitment and retention, workforce shortages, and primary care. Child Care: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills to expand summer camp child care for low-income families by streamlining authorization and licensing for providers. Local Health & Safety: Delaware State Police report Wawa employees in Hockessin restrained a knife-wielding suspect after a worker was slashed while calling 9-1-1. Food Safety: The FDA announced a Walmart soup kit recall in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination. Community Health: Delaware Park’s Walk to Cure Arthritis drew 220+ walkers and raised more than $32,000. Public Health Ops: Delaware plans mosquito spraying Monday evening in and near Milford and other nearby areas. Health-Related Environment: Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach closed after a tree assessment found several hazardous trees, affecting the weekly farmers’ market.

Gender-Affirming Care Fight: Delaware AG Kathy Jennings won a court ruling blocking a Trump-era ACA rule that would have excluded some gender-affirming care from essential health benefits, keeping coverage protections in place. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA recalls 3,240 packs of Walmart’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit in 29 states, including Delaware, due to possible Listeria contamination (UPC 194346474004; use-by Aug. 22, 2026). Water Quality Watch: A PennEnvironment report found unsafe E. coli levels in many Philadelphia-area waterways, including the Delaware River, raising swimmer risk and pointing to large volumes of untreated sewage and stormwater. Infectious Disease Anxiety: Commentary on the cyclospora lettuce outbreak says produce handling can return to normal as cases decline, but recalls and slow traceability keep fear high. Wildlife Disease Controls: DNREC adopted emergency deer hunting rules to limit Chronic Wasting Disease spread in Central Sussex County, including a management zone and more testing. Local Safety: Delaware State Police investigated a fatal pedestrian crash in Laurel; a separate Hockessin Wawa stabbing led to an arrest. Community & Cost of Care: A Place for Mom reports Delaware assisted living typically runs about $4,000 to nearly $8,000 per month, depending on care needs and apartment size.

PFAS Lawsuit in Delaware: Veolia sued nine companies in Delaware Superior Court, saying PFAS contamination in waterways that supply about 100,000 New Castle County residents has forced costly treatment and cleanup. Legal Fight Over Wondermind: Selena Gomez’s lawyer called investors’ fraud claims tied to her mental health startup Wondermind “completely meritless” and said a motion to dismiss is coming, after a Delaware federal lawsuit alleged nearly $1.2 million was misrepresented. Public Health Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in multiple states, including Delaware, due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Delaware Traffic Tragedies: Delaware State Police investigated a fatal Laurel pedestrian crash on Sussex Highway and a separate fatal Fenwick Island restaurant incident involving a pickup truck. Community Care: Coastal Corvette Club of Delaware donated $8,400 to Delaware Hospice to offset patient care costs. Injury Update: A 6-year-old was hospitalized after an SUV struck a bicycle in Port Penn.

Health Policy: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18 at hospitals, health systems, and medical schools that receive federal funds, with the change taking effect immediately. Legal & Health Tech: Selena Gomez’s lawyer says a fraud and breach-of-contract lawsuit over her mental health startup Wondermind is “completely meritless,” after investors sued in Delaware federal court alleging they were misled about the company’s resources and promised deliverables. Public Safety (Road): Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Laurel on Route 13; a 41-year-old man was struck by a Toyota Camry and died, and police are asking for video or tips. Public Safety (Road): Delaware State Police also report a fatal motorcycle crash in New Castle where a 42-year-old man was arrested for vehicular homicide and DUI after a Mazda failed to stop and hit the motorcycle. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores in multiple states, including Delaware, due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Community Care: Coastal Corvette Club of Delaware donated $8,400 to Delaware Hospice to help offset patient care costs. Aging & Access: Milford Wellness Village was recognized as a model for rural elder care by combining health services and social supports in one location.

Health Policy: The Trump administration directed federal agencies to stop funding gender-transition procedures for people under 18, affecting hospitals and medical schools that take federal money. Legal/Health Business: Investors sued Selena Gomez and her mother, Mandy Teefey, over alleged fraud tied to their mental health startup Wondermind, with Gomez’s lawyer calling the claims “meritless” and seeking dismissal. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores in 29 states after routine testing showed a presumptive positive for Listeria; no illnesses reported. Local Care for Seniors: Milford Wellness Village was highlighted as a rural model for aging in place, combining health care and social services on one campus. Delaware Safety/Community: A 6-year-old was seriously injured in a Port Penn crash after an SUV hit a bicyclist; Delaware State Police are investigating. Public Health Watch: Measles cases are rising, with Delaware among states reporting infections as vaccine guidance shifts nationally.

Rural Aging Care Spotlight: Milford Wellness Village is being recognized as a model for helping older adults “age in place,” bringing together health care, social services and senior support across a former hospital campus. Workplace Safety: Lewes-based ThinkSecureNet earned a Platinum safety designation for its 2026 training program, moving up from Silver after meeting strict injury-rate and multi-year performance requirements. Food Safety Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Delaware and 28 other states are being told to avoid recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible Listeria contamination; separate recalls also hit a Lidl wok spice mix over possible salmonella. Immunization Watch: Measles cases are rising, with Delaware among states reporting infections as federal guidance shifts and immunity gaps widen. Health Policy Shockwave: A new federal directive says hospitals and health programs receiving federal funds will stop covering gender-transition procedures for people under 18. Local Health & Community: Delaware’s childhood vaccine guidance remains unchanged after federal action, while Delaware animal welfare is using AI tech to reunite lost pets. Legal/Health Business: Investors sued Selena Gomez and her Wondermind team alleging fraud and unmet promises tied to the mental health startup.

Transgender Care Funding: The Trump administration says federal funds will stop for gender-transition procedures for people under 18, affecting hospitals and medical schools that receive federal money. Investor Lawsuit: Selena Gomez and her mother Mandy Teefey are sued in Delaware by investors alleging fraud tied to their mental health startup Wondermind, including claims that promised products and leadership involvement never materialized. Food Safety Recall: Kettle Cuisine recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits sold at Walmart in 29 states (including Delaware) over possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Public Health Alert: Measles cases are rising, with Delaware among states reporting confirmed infections as the administration changes vaccine guidance. Local Tragedy: A truck crash into Mancini’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Fenwick Island killed an 80-year-old grandmother and injured her 17-year-old granddaughter. Delaware Policy: Gov. Matt Meyer signed the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act and also backed healthcare workforce changes, including expanded roles for pharmacists and dental hygienists. Community & Safety: Delaware’s Business on Main Street Accelerator is accepting applications for an 8-week program starting Sept. 14.

Federal Health Policy: The Trump administration says it will stop federal funding for gender-transition procedures and hormones for people under 18, reversing a prior rule and adding pressure as more states move to ban care for minors. Delaware Health & Permitting: Gov. Matt Meyer says Delaware will fast-track three broadband and health care projects through a JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, but critics question why only select applicants get faster treatment. School Safety & Health: Pennsylvania’s 139th district schools are set to receive behavioral health and safety funding, including Delaware Valley, North Pocono, Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne districts. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Delaware and 28 other states are urged to avoid recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits due to possible listeria contamination. Community & Wellness: Delaware’s Business on Main Street Accelerator is taking applications for an 8-week program aimed at helping small businesses grow. Legal/Health System Stress: A new lawsuit alleges investors were misled about Selena Gomez’s mental health startup Wondermind, while a separate report highlights how rural hospitals face Medicaid-driven cutbacks.

Measles Watch: Delaware confirmed 21 measles cases, all in Kent County, with extensive contact tracing underway and officials urging vaccination as the best protection. Food Safety: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in multiple states after its testing found Salmonella; no illnesses reported. Public Health Policy: Delaware said childhood vaccine guidance and access will stay the same despite new federal recommendations shifting how some vaccines are handled. Animal Welfare Tech: Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare is adopting Petco Love Lost, using AI photo matching to help reunite lost pets faster. Mental Health & Courts: Investors sued Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and Wondermind’s former co-founder, alleging fraud and broken promises tied to the mental health app startup. Community Mental Health Fundraising: Celebrate Wellness’ Orange Party in Bethany Beach raised a record $75,280 to expand mental health support for Delaware hospitality workers. Health-Related Recall: Walmart issued a recall update for a Marketside tomato bisque soup kit distributed in Delaware and many other states due to possible Listeria contamination.

CDL Data Lawsuits: Delaware and other states are suing to block the Trump administration from seizing personal records from the Commercial Driver’s License Information System, arguing the move threatens privacy and federal funding leverage. Delaware Health Policy: DHSS says Delaware’s childhood vaccine guidance stays the same after federal recommendation changes, with routine immunizations still available through public health clinics. PFAS in Drinking Water: Veolia is suing upstream manufacturers tied to PFAS contamination, seeking recovery for a new $35 million PFAS filtration facility at its Wilmington plant. Food Safety: A popular green supplement brand is recalling products over possible salmonella contamination, following earlier outbreaks tied to supplement ingredients. Veterans & Disability Support: A Delaware nonprofit says its service-dog program for veterans with PTSD and TBI is expanding, offering trained dogs and ongoing veterinary care plans. Local Public Safety: Delaware State Police arrested two Lewes men after a fight and shooting on Hopkins Road, including charges tied to a no-contact order. Community & Animals: Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare is upgrading lost-pet matching statewide with Petco Love Lost’s AI photo system. Health Care Business: Forma Life Sciences won a U.S. drug supply deal to manufacture an FDA-approved chronic myeloid leukemia treatment.

Gender-affirming care crackdown: The Trump administration says federal funding for gender-transition procedures for people under 18 will stop immediately, affecting hospitals and medical schools that take federal money. Public health in Delaware: Delaware confirmed 21 measles cases, all in Kent County, with officials urging MMR vaccination and ongoing contact tracing. Food safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix after potential Salmonella contamination, distributed in Delaware and other states. Emergency preparedness: St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Center awarded nearly 50 AEDs to community groups, highlighting how quick response can save lives. Community health & housing: House of Hope in Dover opened a new transitional home for women rebuilding after homelessness, domestic violence, or mental health challenges. Local environment & health: Delaware mosquito control plans adult mosquito spraying in parts of Kent County.

Measles Update: Delaware’s measles outbreak climbed to 21 confirmed cases, all tied to Kent County, as health officials stress MMR vaccination and ongoing contact tracing. Public Health Action: The Delaware Mosquito Control Section scheduled Wednesday evening spraying in parts of Kent and Sussex to target adult mosquitoes. Health Care Workforce: Delaware lawmakers signed new measures aimed at expanding the health care workforce and access to care, including giving more responsibilities to pharmacists and dental hygienists. Court Watch: A Delaware district court affirmed Chapter 15 recognition and enforced nonconsensual third-party releases in a cross-border bankruptcy dispute. School Safety: A new national analysis ranks states on asbestos safety in public schools, with Delaware earning a perfect score. Community Housing: House of Hope in Dover opened a new transitional home for women rebuilding after homelessness, domestic violence, or mental health crises. Wellness Research: A University of Delaware–led study links shingles vaccination with a lower dementia risk in older adults.

Measles Watch: Delaware’s surgeon general urged residents not to panic as the state’s measles outbreak grows, stressing that an “outbreak” means related cases and that the best protection is staying up to date on MMR shots. Food Safety & Cyclospora: As the national cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce continues to ease, experts say recalled product is largely off shelves, but Delawareans are still being told to stay alert as officials investigate additional clusters. Heat Preparedness: Savannah opened cooling centers amid extreme heat, with guidance to hydrate, avoid sun exposure, and check on neighbors—especially kids and pets. Local Health Policy: The Delaware Healthcare Association criticized Dover’s proposed impact fee on large tax-exempt properties, arguing it could strain hospitals already facing staffing and access pressures. Workforce Expansion: Gov. Matt Meyer signed new laws to strengthen Delaware’s health care workforce, expanding pharmacy and dental hygienist roles and studying an apprenticeship degree pathway. Hospital News: ChristianaCare was again named Delaware’s No. 1 hospital by U.S. News, with high-performing ratings in 13 areas. Public Health Infrastructure: Delaware environmental officials responded after a “radioactive”-marked object washed ashore at Broadkill Beach, treating it as hazardous material. Community Health & Safety: Delaware County’s former EMS office manager faces 10 felony charges tied to alleged theft and misuse of funds.

Delaware health workforce: Gov. Matt Meyer signed bills to expand the state’s health care pipeline—modernizing pharmacy practice, widening dental hygienists’ roles, and studying a paid apprenticeship degree program aimed at boosting rural access. Public health & safety: DNREC responded after a “radioactive”-marked object washed ashore at Broadkill Beach; officials detected trace radiation, secured it for hazardous disposal, and cleared responders by evening. Local EMS accountability: Delaware County prosecutors charged a former EMS office manager with 10 felonies tied to an alleged multi-year theft scheme totaling about $200,000. Community care: Milford Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is running a back-to-school drive through Aug. 31 for Delaware Valley School District students. Violence in Wilmington: Police say four people were shot early Tuesday morning near 10th and Spruce; all were transported and listed in stable condition. Missing person update: Dover police identified human remains found Aug. 4 near a retention pond as 37-year-old Tiffany Pendexter; the medical examiner is still determining cause and manner of death.

Health Policy Fight: Delaware and Maryland AGs joined a lawsuit to block the U.S. Department of Education from cutting congressionally approved school-based mental health grants, warning rural communities could lose millions in support for students. Drug Pricing & Competition: AG Ford announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged conspiracies to inflate prices and limit competition—aimed at protecting access to affordable generics. Vaccines Reminder: August marked National Immunization Awareness Month, with Delaware’s Surgeon General urging residents to review records and talk with providers about staying up to date. Workplace Safety in Care: Beebe Healthcare is rolling out wearable duress buttons across its system, starting in the Lewes ER, to help protect frontline staff and reduce escalation during incidents. Mental Health Access: Delaware County launched CredibleMind, a free, confidential online mental health resource for ages 13+ with self-assessments and expert-vetted materials. Public Health Alerts: A growing Salmonella outbreak tied to eggs, jalapeños, and pets has triggered recalls and hundreds of illnesses nationwide.

Workplace Safety in Delaware Healthcare: Beebe Healthcare is rolling out Canopy Protect wearable duress buttons for about 1,500 frontline staff, starting in the Lewes Campus Emergency Department and expanding across the system through fall, as hospitals respond to rising workplace violence concerns. Mental Health Access: Delaware County Public Health launched CredibleMind, a free, confidential, 24/7 online mental health platform for ages 13+, with expert-vetted resources and optional self-check-ins. State Child Health Policy: Advocates are pushing Republicans to support a federal Child Marriage Prevention Act, arguing the issue is nonpartisan and targets legal loopholes that leave children vulnerable. Health Insurance Costs: New Jersey’s attorney general is co-leading a lawsuit to block a Trump administration ACA payment rule for 2027 that states say could raise premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Delaware Public Service Leadership: Delaware’s DSCYF Secretary Steven Yeatman plans to retire Aug. 31 after 30 years, with Gov. Matt Meyer praising his work across child and family services. Community Solar in Delaware: A Dover farm is converting part of its land into a community solar project with nearly 12,000 panels, aiming to cut electric bills for participating Delmarva Power customers. Public Health & Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Delaware, and separate coverage highlights Delaware’s ongoing mosquito-borne disease monitoring and prevention guidance.