AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: Delaware officials are urging residents to prepare for an Extreme Heat Warning through July 4, with guidance to hydrate, avoid alcohol, limit outdoor exertion, and watch high-risk groups like infants, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions. Local Event Changes: Lewes is adjusting Fourth of July plans, including shortening the Doo-Dah Parade to reduce heat risk, while Bethany Beach cancels its Independence Day parade. Power Grid Strain: A heat dome is pushing the PJM grid toward record demand, and federal orders require data centers and other large users to switch to backup power to help prevent blackouts—important for hospitals and emergency services. Wilmington Police Transparency: After the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner, neighbors and advocates are demanding details and body camera footage, citing frustration over limited information. Reproductive Health Policy: Delaware’s attorney general agreed to a court order permanently blocking enforcement of a law targeting pro-life pregnancy centers. Dental Care Access: A guide highlights specialized dental options for children with specialized needs, including sensory-friendly practices and sedation.

Extreme Heat Safety: Delaware is under an Extreme Heat Warning through July 4, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday and Friday; officials urge hydration, shade breaks, limiting strenuous activity, and checking on older adults and people without air conditioning, with cooling centers opening in Newark. Local Health & Caregiving: Experts with the Delaware Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association say Fourth of July plans should be dementia-friendly, with calmer routines, smaller gatherings, and caregiver support in mind. Wilmington Police Shooting Accountability: Community members and city leaders are renewing calls for transparency and body-camera footage after 19-year-old Kadir Skinner was killed in an officer-involved shooting; police say the investigation is ongoing and the family’s access offer remains open. Medicaid Coverage Fight: A coalition of 25 states and DC sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully restricts access to coverage for medically vulnerable people. Delaware Lawmakers & Health Policy: In the final hours of the 153rd General Assembly, lawmakers advanced major bills including healthcare legislation and a bond/capital package headed to Gov. Matt Meyer’s signature. School Meals: Delaware will continue free and reduced-price meal benefits for the 2026-27 school year through the National School Lunch Program, with eligibility forms sent to families.

Delaware Health Policy: The Delaware General Assembly wrapped up its 153rd session by passing major healthcare bills, including a hospital cost review board that pushes for more hospital financial transparency, protections for patients and healthcare workers from violence, expanded hospital financial assistance access, and limits aimed at private equity buying nonprofit acute care hospitals. Hospital Leadership: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia named Stella T. Chou, M.D., as new chief of hematology, effective July 1, after serving as interim chief since 2025. Public Health & Safety: Delaware also approved a $1.26 billion capital budget that includes school construction, road work, deferred maintenance at state facilities, and clean water funding—moves that can affect long-term community health. Legal/Health-Adjacent: In the Wilmington Hospital shooting case, John Wallace-Bey was extradited back to Delaware and ordered held on $3 million cash bail ahead of an arraignment set for mid-July. Access to Care: Delaware’s Department of Education outlined the 2026-27 free and reduced-price meals process for families, continuing USDA school meal rules for students who can’t pay full price.

Heat Response: Delaware opened cooling centers as a dangerous heat wave builds, with DHSS sites across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties offering air-conditioned refuge and hydration through July 2. Local Health & Safety: Delaware’s State Fire Marshal urged caution with fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday, noting most consumer fireworks are illegal and enforcement is ramping up. Medicaid Legal Fight: Twenty-five Democratic-led states and DC sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the “medically frail” exemption is too narrow for people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Public Health Watch: Two measles cases were reported in Chester County, widening concern in the Philadelphia region after Delaware County detected measles in wastewater. Budget & Care Access: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget, boosting education, expanding Purchase of Care for childcare, and increasing support tied to healthcare and workforce needs. Community Impact: A Delaware community held a vigil after a hospital shooting in Philadelphia left one dead and another injured, underscoring the lasting trauma of violence in healthcare settings.

Medicaid Legal Fight: Delaware AG Charity Clark is joining a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Medicaid work requirements, arguing the rule unlawfully narrows “medically frail” exemptions and could cut off coverage for people with serious illnesses. Extreme Heat Response: Delaware DHSS is opening cooling centers statewide from June 30 through July 2 (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with some sites open until 6 p.m. July 1) to help residents escape dangerously hot weather and stay hydrated. Drinking Water Monitoring Pushback: The EPA’s draft drinking water monitoring plan faces backlash for not including microplastics in a key monitoring rule, despite pressure from dozens of organizations and multiple governors and attorneys general. Public Health & Aging: Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester helped secure $1.25 million in federal funding for behavioral health support for seniors through Education, Health, Research International in Milford. Community Health Support: The Food Bank of Delaware reports more than 10,000 volunteers helped distribute over 20 million meals statewide, alongside training and “Healthy Pantry” services. Safety in the Field: Delaware Senate Bill 325 would require background checks for fire and EMS applicants and members, with limited automatic disqualifiers and a waiver option in extraordinary circumstances.

Medicaid Legal Fight: A coalition of Democratic-led states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, sued the Trump administration to block new Medicaid work requirements that narrow the “medically frail” exemption—arguing the rules could strip coverage from people with serious illnesses and disabilities. Heat & Health Alerts: The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch for the Delaware Valley, with Philadelphia forecast to hit near/over 100 degrees and heat indexes around 110, plus air-quality warnings for people with heart and respiratory conditions. Senior Care Funding: Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester helped secure a $1.25 million federal grant for behavioral health support for seniors through Education, Health, Research International in Milford. Delaware Community Solar: Delaware fast-tracked more than $73 million in community solar projects, aiming to expand bill credits for renters and households that can’t install panels. Local Public Health Support: DSHA and the American Heart Association teamed up to help public housing residents monitor blood pressure to reduce stroke and heart disease risk. Violence Updates: Delaware State Police investigated a shooting near Newark that injured two people, and Dover police investigated a separate shooting that left an 18-year-old critically injured. AI in Healthcare: Pennsylvania regulators are scrutinizing AI chatbot medical claims, raising questions about oversight as AI moves into clinical settings.

Heat & Public Health: A “mega heat dome” is pushing dangerous heat across the region, with Philadelphia and nearby areas facing an excessive heat watch and heat indexes climbing toward lethal levels—raising risks for older adults and people with medical conditions. Delaware Policy: Delaware lawmakers are weighing a bill that would require criminal background checks for many current and prospective fire and EMS members, with a waiver process for extraordinary circumstances. Medicaid Work Requirements: Final federal rules spell out how states must enforce Medicaid work requirements starting in 2027, with agencies scrambling to update systems and advocates warning about coverage churn. Infectious Disease Watch: Pennsylvania is reporting a growing measles outbreak tied to Lancaster/Lebanon, with health officials warning about spread risk as World Cup crowds approach; Delaware County has also seen a measles signal in wastewater. Health Care Labor: ChristianaCare physicians have ratified their first union contract, a major milestone for Delaware’s private-sector healthcare workforce. Food Safety: Delaware County restaurant inspections found violations at multiple liquor-licensed sites, including issues with handwashing, food dating, and storage. Legislative Deadline: Major bills remain in limbo as Delaware’s 2026 session heads toward its final day.

Car Crash & Health: U.S. Sen. Chris Coons was briefly hospitalized after a multi-car crash in Lewes triggered by another driver’s medical incident; Coons said he’s home and expected to fully recover, while six people were treated for injuries. Public Health & Environment: A Penn State-led look at Pennsylvania waterways finds microplastics are nearly everywhere, with sediment concentrations rising sharply over decades—raising concerns about long-term health impacts. Substance Use Policy: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer is weighing whether to sign a harm reduction bill that would expand state licensing and regulation of programs, including decriminalizing possession of drug paraphernalia. Food Assistance Watch: New reporting highlights how SNAP payment error rates remain high in some states, with Delaware among those facing scrutiny—an issue that can affect access and costs. Community Wellness: Delaware’s Summer Living Expo drew more than 60 exhibitors focused on health, wellness, and seasonal living resources for residents. Injury & Safety: Delaware State Police reported two deaths and one hospitalization after a two-car crash near Milford.

Police Accountability & Community Safety: Wilmington family of 19-year-old Kadir Skinner says he was shot by officers after allegedly carrying a gun toward a crowd, but they’re demanding body-camera footage and allege he was shot in the back and not taken to an ambulance. Violence in Wilmington: A 15-year-old was hospitalized after a Saturday night shooting near West 9th and Jefferson Streets; police say the motive is unknown. Health & Nutrition: A new look at low iron in runners highlights how iron deficiency is common—especially among women—and what athletes can do about it. PFAS & Public Health: Federal and state regulators reached a $450 million settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” discharged into the Ohio, Cape Fear and Delaware rivers, including penalties, long-term discharge cuts, and drinking-water support. Immigration & Health Access: The U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the end of temporary protections for Haitians and Syrians is raising fears in Milford’s Haitian community about safety and access to care. Local Traffic Crash: Delaware State Police report two deaths and one life-threatening injury after a Milford crash involving a speeding Ford and a Nissan that caught fire. Food Assistance Policy: Delaware is among states with higher SNAP payment error rates, a sign of how administrative problems can affect vulnerable families.

Transportation & Immigration: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from withholding billions in transportation funds from states that won’t comply with immigration enforcement conditions. Road Safety: Delaware State Police report two deaths and one life-threatening injury after a two-vehicle crash in Milford. LGBTQ Rights in Delaware: Delaware House votes down a bid to enshrine marriage equality in the state constitution, falling short of the required supermajority. PFAS & Public Health: Chemours reached a major federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with penalties and long-term cleanup and drinking-water protections. Haitian Community Fear: A U.S. Supreme Court decision clears the way to end temporary protections for Haitians and Syrians, leaving Milford’s Haitian residents anxious about what comes next. Access to Care: Beebe Healthcare CEO Dr. David Tam discussed plans for Delaware’s first medical school and Beebe’s growing residency program. Community Health & Aging: A Ridley Park man is building connection through weekly walks that blend togetherness and conversation. Food Assistance Accuracy: SNAP payment error-rate reporting shows Delaware among the higher-error states nationwide, underscoring pressure on states administering benefits. Public Health & Environment: Delaware’s updated fireworks rules aim to improve safety and reduce health and environmental impacts ahead of July 4.

Marriage Equality Fight: A proposed Delaware constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to marry regardless of gender fell short in the House, missing the two-thirds vote by three—despite passing the Senate 16-5. Fatal Crash in Milford: Delaware State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash on Milford Harrington Highway that killed two people and sent a 36-year-old driver to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Youth Mental Health Setback: Alaska lawmakers failed to override a veto of a bill that would have required public schools to develop mental health education guidelines. PFAS Accountability: The federal government reached a major settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” with penalties and long-term mitigation and clean-water commitments totaling about $450 million. SNAP Error Rates Pressure: New USDA data show Illinois’ SNAP payment error rate rising to 14.7%, highlighting how high error rates can trigger future state costs and stricter federal requirements. Immigration Uncertainty for Haitians: A U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing the end of temporary protections for Haitians is raising fears of deportation among Delaware’s Haitian community in Milford. Delaware Health Policy: Delaware’s new law updates parentage rules for assisted reproduction and surrogacy, including removing gendered terms and allowing a “de facto parent” to be recognized. Fireworks Safety Update: Delaware’s General Assembly passed a bill clarifying fireworks rules ahead of the July 4 weekend, including new seller safety literature and site inspection requirements.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to pay about $450 million to settle “forever chemicals” claims, including penalties and long-term investments to cut PFAS pollution and protect drinking water in multiple states. Rural Health Access: A New York coverage change tied to the Essential Plan could leave tens of thousands without insurance, with rural communities hit hardest—an issue Delaware readers will recognize as care gaps widen. Public Safety & Health: Delaware’s fire marshal says July 4 fireworks safety starts with attending licensed displays, and a new state bill (HB 63) tightens rules like safety literature and site inspections for legal sales. Immigration & Community Health: A U.S. Supreme Court decision letting the administration end Haitian and Syrian protections has Milford’s Haitian community worried about family safety and access to care. Local Care Workforce: Beebe Healthcare CEO Dr. David Tam discussed plans to expand residency training and Delaware’s push for a new medical school partnership. Health Policy Watch: Delaware lawmakers advanced updates to the state’s personal data privacy law, lowering thresholds and expanding “sensitive data” protections. Delaware Workplace Violence: A shooting at ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital left one dead and another injured; the suspect was arrested and faces serious charges. Animal Health: Bird flu (H5N1) continues to spread in U.S. dairy herds and poultry, with experts warning it’s not going away soon.

Wilmington Hospital Shooting: ChristianaCare’s Wilmington Hospital was the scene of a targeted attack Tuesday that killed one person and left another injured; suspect John Wallace-Bey, 23, was arrested in Philadelphia and denied bail pending extradition. PFAS Accountability: The EPA and DOJ announced a landmark $450 million settlement with Chemours over alleged “forever chemicals” releases into the Cape Fear, Delaware, and Ohio rivers, with major funding for drinking-water alternatives and compliance fixes. Blood Supply Push: Blood Bank of Delmarva is urging eligible donors to give before the Fourth of July as summer travel and “trauma season” can strain hospital inventories. Sleep Health Q&A: A new health column highlights non-med options for insomnia—bedroom light/noise control, consistent sleep timing, and checking for causes like sleep apnea or bladder issues. Community Health Events: Delaware-area awareness and family events include an ovarian cancer awareness walk/health fair and Hero Day with blood donation, bone marrow registry sign-ups, and hair donations for cancer patients. Local Safety Update: Elkton police are still investigating a non-life-threatening leg shooting reported as likely accidental. Legal/Policy Watch: Delaware’s assisted reproduction protections advanced as lawmakers move late-session health-related bills.

Union Contract: Unionized ChristianaCare doctors ratified a first contract covering three years, adding physician input structures, a grievance process, and labor-management committees tied to clinical practice and workplace safety. Public Safety & Health Care: Wilmington-area families are demanding answers after an officer-involved shooting, alleging the victim was shot in the back and pushing for full body-camera footage. SNAP Accountability: USDA data shows SNAP payment errors hit $10.1B nationwide in fiscal 2025; Delaware’s payment error rate is 16%, with new federal penalties tied to a 6% threshold looming for high-error states. Delaware Immigration: Two immigration enforcement bills passed the Delaware Senate, including limits on local cooperation with ICE at sensitive sites and restrictions on detaining people based only on immigration detainers. Measles Watch: Pennsylvania confirmed additional measles cases in York and Northumberland counties, with health officials recommending early vaccination for infants starting at 6 months in affected areas. Industrial Incident: A fire at Monroe Energy’s Trainer refinery injured three workers and triggered a shelter-in-place for nearby residents before being lifted as monitoring found no unsafe air levels.

ICE Accountability Fight: New York AG Letitia James led a coalition urging DHS/ICE to reverse a new policy that ends investigations and public reporting of deaths shortly after people are released from ICE custody, arguing it cuts transparency as abuse concerns rise. Delaware County Fire Response: Crews battled a large blaze at Monroe Energy’s refinery in Trainer, PA; officials issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and said air monitoring showed no risk. PFAS Settlement: Chemours agreed to a $450 million “forever chemicals” deal with the U.S. government, including penalties and long-term mitigation and clean-water commitments tied to releases affecting the Cape Fear, Delaware and Ohio river systems. Vaping Access Crackdown: Hawaiʻi AG Anne Lopez joined a coalition praising Shopify’s ban on selling all vaping products on its platform, citing youth access and FDA authorization gaps. SNAP Error Costs: New USDA data shows SNAP payment error rates remain high, with states facing potential new costs starting in 2027 if they don’t reduce mistakes. Delaware Family Law: Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signed SB 250 to modernize parentage rules for children born via assisted reproduction/surrogacy, aiming to secure legal relationships and health-insurance access. Health Tech Update: DeepHealth received FDA clearances for new breast imaging AI features, including arterial calcification assessment and prior exam integration. Wilmington Violence: A community vigil is planned after the June 16 Wilmington Hospital shooting, with organizers focusing on grief, trauma, safety and support.

PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a $450 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over “forever chemicals” releases, including a $22.5 million penalty and a $90 million plan to cut discharges, plus major drinking-water and pollution-control commitments across West Virginia, New Jersey and North Carolina. Tobacco & Youth Vaping: Delaware and other attorneys general welcomed Shopify’s move to ban all e-cigarette sales on its platform, citing youth access and health risks from highly addictive nicotine products. Cancer Care Access: AstraZeneca and YMCA of the USA announced a five-year partnership to expand cancer education, screening and early detection, aiming to reach 175,000 people across 75 communities. Health Tech for Equity: Penn researchers received a Google grant to use an AI imaging model to improve access to medical scans in Botswana, targeting delays in diagnosis for underserved areas. Local Public Health & Environment: DNREC is set to start its annual wild turkey productivity survey in July, using a new online form for volunteers to track reproductive health and population trends. Community Health Support: Delaware Community Foundation’s Arsht-Cannon Fund awarded $650,000 in 39 grants to nonprofits serving Hispanic communities, including health education and youth programs.