AGP Executive Report

Opioid accountability in Delaware: Walmart agreed to pay $50 million to settle a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit alleging unlawful opioid dispensing from its pharmacies, with the case dismissed in federal court in Wilmington; the settlement also calls for tighter pharmacy oversight and a hotline for suspected illegal activity. Food access in Milford: Delaware Grocery Initiative grants will fund projects aimed at expanding healthy food options in Milford, including fresh-food distribution, blessing-box supplies, and food rescue efforts tied to food deserts. ChristianaCare visitor ID rule: ChristianaCare now requires adults (16+) to show photo ID to get visitor badges at its Newark, Wilmington, and Cecil campuses. Health system employment shake-up: A psychiatrist, Dr. Avram Mack, who testified in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, is reported to be no longer employed by Nemours Children’s Health after his testimony. Public health after disasters: UD epidemiologist Jennifer Horney says Nepal’s flooding could drive long-lasting health problems, from infectious disease risk to mosquito-borne illness and mental health strain. Local safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a Laurel crash that killed one person and seriously injured another.

Opioid Accountability: The U.S. Department of Justice and Walmart confirmed a settlement ending the federal opioid prescription lawsuit, filed in 2020 over alleged Controlled Substances Act violations by Walmart pharmacies; terms weren’t disclosed, but a joint stipulation dismissing the case was filed in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware. Local Health Access: ChristianaCare is now requiring adults (16+) to show photo ID to get visitor badges at its Newark, Wilmington, and Cecil campuses, with IDs required to be worn during visits. Caregiving Support: A new guide looks at early signs it may be time to arrange in-home respite care for aging loved ones, focusing on changing daily needs and caregiver burnout. Refugee Services: Sen. Chris Coons hosted a refugee roundtable at Jewish Family Services in Wilmington, highlighting $1 million in congressionally directed funding for health, care navigation, and cancer care programs. Housing Pressure: Delaware lawmakers’ new affordable housing laws are raising concerns in Sussex County about potential knock-on effects like traffic, school overcrowding, and environmental strain. School Expansion: Cape Henlopen School District is seeking state approval for major renovations and expansions at three schools totaling about $115 million. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash near Laurel where a 54-year-old woman died and a 63-year-old man was seriously injured. Health Policy Fight: Maine joined a multistate lawsuit challenging new Title X funding conditions that states say are unlawful and discriminatory. Community Health Events: Delaware County will hold its 30th annual Clean Sweep chemical disposal event Oct. 9-10, with registration required.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Delaware is set to gain about $103 million from a massive multistate Meta settlement, with the deal also requiring sweeping Instagram and Facebook child-safety changes like daily time limits and “Productive Pauses,” plus nighttime blocks and stronger age checks. Reproductive Health Funding Fight: Delaware is among states suing the Trump administration over new Title X family planning funding conditions, arguing the rules are unlawful and would reduce access to contraception, cancer screenings, and other preventive care. Public Health Update: Ohio’s cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is still widespread across 47 states, but new cases in Ohio are dropping week to week. Local Health & Community: Children’s Beach House in Lewes is partnering with the city and Delaware Forest Service to remove unsafe trees and replant for long-term campus safety and ecosystem health. Injury & Safety: Delaware State Police report a serious motorcycle crash in Milford-area Millsboro after a driver failed to remain stopped at an intersection.

Title X Fight: A coalition of states, including Washington, sued to block new federal Title X funding conditions that would force providers to drop nondiscrimination protections and adopt the administration’s ideological rules, warning it could cut access to contraception, cancer screenings, and other preventive care. Meta Youth Safety Settlement: Delaware is among states receiving money from Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over Instagram and Facebook child-safety harms, with required changes like daily time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger age checks. Cyclospora Update: The CDC reports 17,180 lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 48 states; Ohio’s weekly new cases keep falling, down 55% in the latest week, while Delaware is still not reporting cases. Delaware Court Case: In Delaware federal court, Selena Gomez asked a judge to dismiss “absurd” fraud claims tied to her mental health startup Wondermind. Local Health & Safety: Delaware’s School Safety Conference drew nearly 300 professionals focused on bullying, online safety, AI, and emergency communications. Community Care: Brandywine Valley SPCA is waiving all adoption fees Aug. 29 as part of Clear the Shelters. Beach Safety Win: Sussex County’s lifeguards helped Delaware win a third straight national lifesaving championship.

Medicare Fraud Settlement: Delaware-linked DermTech (now DTech Liquidating) agreed to resolve False Claims Act allegations tied to unreliable skin cancer tests, with the U.S. seeking a $5.0M claim in its Delaware bankruptcy. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Delaware will receive a guaranteed $73.6M over 10 years from Meta’s $17.1B multistate settlement over addictive Instagram/Facebook design, with extra money possible if TikTok/YouTube reach similar deals; Meta must add child-safety features like daily time limits and nighttime blocks. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. topped 17,000, with Michigan leading the cluster and Delaware among the last states without confirmed cases—officials warn the true total may be higher. Local Health Planning: Bayhealth is asking Delaware regulators to pause review of ChristianaCare’s proposed downstate “microhospital” plans in Camden and Georgetown, arguing the state lacks clear definitions and standards. Caregiver Support: Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore drew a full 400-person crowd to its “Taking Care of YOU” caregiver conference, offering respite and health resources. Community Health & Safety: Flood watches were issued across parts of Delaware and the region, warning of heavy rain and flash-flood risk.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Delaware is set to receive a guaranteed $73.6 million over 10 years from Meta’s multistate deal over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with an initial $11 million payment this year; Meta denies wrongdoing but agreed to major product changes, including nighttime blocks and time limits for under-18 users, plus stronger parent controls. Delaware Teachers’ Health Costs: Delaware teachers can now contribute an extra $100 pre-tax to health care flexible spending accounts for the new school year after the federal limit rose to $3,400. Guardant Patent Ruling: A federal court ordered Guardant Health to pay $245 million in a DNA sequencing patent dispute involving TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington; Guardant says it will appeal. Dental Records Innovation: Intake Dental launched the Dental Passport, a free patient-owned record stored in Apple/Google Wallet that can travel between dental offices. Community & Wellness: COSA is offering the free Power Over Pain chronic pain self-management program (Tuesdays, Sept. 15–Oct. 20). Local Civil Rights: Delaware’s Human and Civil Rights Commission fined a Rehoboth bar $15,000 for discriminating against a trans woman over bathroom access. Public Health/Environment: DNREC announced new chronic wasting disease hunting rules effective Sept. 1, including free deer testing.

Delaware Health Policy & Access: Bayhealth is asking Delaware regulators to clarify legal and regulatory questions before moving forward with ChristianaCare’s proposed “microhospitals” in Georgetown and Camden, including how the facilities should be defined and reviewed and how an Emerus ownership/governance setup would work. Public Health: Delaware epidemiology experts are pointing to Pennsylvania’s first measles deaths in 35 years as a reminder that MMR vaccination is the best protection, with officials noting the highly contagious nature of measles and low vaccination rates in some communities. Health & Safety in Delaware Communities: Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal Long Neck Road crash from Aug. 18 that killed an 86-year-old Millsboro man; investigators are seeking any video or information. Environment & Health: Crews are removing diseased red oaks at Rehoboth Beach’s Grove Park after bacterial leaf scorch was found, with the city saying there’s no cure and infected trees may have only a few years left. Data Privacy & Health Tech: Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings and a coalition won a temporary federal court block stopping the Trump administration from demanding sensitive commercial driver personal data from AAMVA. Research & Training: Delaware universities are joining a new $21.5M NSF institute focused on how AI can work alongside people in health care and rehabilitation. Legal/Medical Industry: A Delaware federal court finalized a $245M patent judgment ordering Guardant Health to pay TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington for willful DNA sequencing patent infringement.

Delaware Health Policy & Access: Delaware State University and the University of Delaware are joining a new $21.5 million National Science Foundation AI Institute focused on how AI can work alongside people in health care and rehabilitation, a five-year effort aimed at research and training. Local Care Expansion: Atracare is adding comprehensive general surgery services at its Lewes campus, offering more outpatient and surgical options close to home. Cancer & Community Support: The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s Shining Light Awards honored Stockley Tavern for six years of fundraising that has raised $542,500 for DBCC programs. Public Health & Prevention: Delaware’s neighbors in Pennsylvania reported two measles deaths in Lancaster County—both unvaccinated—highlighting how fast measles spreads and why vaccination matters. Health Costs & Coverage Debate: Delaware’s Senate Bill 1 is expected to increase primary care investment in the state’s group health plan, with projections of $264 million more for primary care between 2029 and 2035. Research & Biotech: A Delaware federal court entered final judgment requiring Guardant Health to pay more than $245 million to TwinStrand Biosciences and the University of Washington in a DNA sequencing patent dispute. Workplace Health Benefit: A new push for permanent paid family leave is framed as a win for workers and employers, with federal support and employer tax credits highlighted.

Health Policy & Access: Delaware is among 20 states backing a court win blocking a federal move that would have excluded gender-affirming care from ACA essential health benefits, arguing the rule was improperly adopted. Cancer Care: A Philadelphia phase-one trial at Fox Chase is testing a combo of FDA-approved drugs for advanced myelofibrosis, offering new hope for patients not responding to standard therapy. Public Health & Environment: A Pennsylvania report found E. coli levels at potentially unsafe levels at many river and stream sites, including parts of the Delaware River and Brandywine Creek. Community Safety: Delaware State Police seek the public’s help locating 22-year-old Arturo Morgado-Sanchez after an attempted robbery and shooting in Seaford left a 26-year-old with a non-life-threatening wound. Mosquito Control: DNREC plans downstate mosquito spraying Monday evening in multiple towns and spray zones. Local Economy & Health Workforce: Delaware’s unemployment rate edged down to 4.8% in July, while regional health-related funding and staffing updates continue to ripple through communities.

Clinical Research: A Philadelphia phase one trial at Fox Chase Cancer Center is testing an FDA-approved drug combination for advanced myelofibrosis, with Dover resident Demetria Mears saying her symptoms have improved dramatically. Public Safety: Delaware State Police are seeking 22-year-old Arturo Morgado-Sanchez after an attempted robbery and shooting in Seaford left a victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Health & Access: Delaware limited-liability company CHHC plans to lease the former Community Memorial Hospital property in Hicksville, aiming to restore critical access and emergency services. Food Safety: Delaware County health inspections found violations at six of nine liquor-licensed establishments, including issues with food licenses, handwashing sinks, and expired or improperly dated foods. Environment & Education: DNREC broke ground on the Creekside Discovery Center at White Clay Creek State Park, a new two-story facility expected to be completed in 2028 to expand classroom space and environmental programming. Policy & Oversight: Delaware’s Board of Elections is set to meet again after months of canceled sessions, following a Spotlight Delaware report about a lapse in oversight. Workplace Health Tech: A University of Delaware contributor is taking over an APS teaching column on AI-generated empathy, focusing on how to use AI tools in classrooms responsibly.

Measles response in Delaware: Delaware’s Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin telling insurers to cover accelerated MMR shots for infants ages 6–11 months during the Kent County outbreak, with coverage statewide and set to end when the outbreak is declared over. Workplace privacy concerns: A new national report highlights how employers use location tracking, cameras, and other digital tools to monitor workers, raising alarm about how much privacy employees give up. Public health outbreak update: CDC says confirmed cyclospora cases are still rising but the overall trend is starting to slow, with infections reported across 47 states plus D.C. Health education funding: Kirkwood Community College voters in Iowa will decide an $88 million bond for nursing and EMT equipment upgrades. Local health workforce support: Beebe Healthcare named recipients of its annual nursing scholarships, awarding multiple students across Sussex and Kent counties. Delaware safety reminder: Wilmington police report a man hospitalized after a Saturday early-morning shooting, and are asking for tips.

Workplace privacy: A new report highlights how employers use location tracking, app monitoring, and even device cameras to build detailed worker “dossiers,” raising concerns about what employees give up even at home. Public health: CDC says cyclospora cases are still high but trending down, with 15,716 confirmed infections across 47 states plus D.C. since May 1. Delaware nursing pipeline: Beebe Healthcare named recipients of its annual Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing scholarships, awarding $1,000 and multiple additional honors to students across Sussex and Kent counties. Community health programming: Cape Henlopen Senior Center lists September events including a YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program information session and a fraud-awareness seminar. Safety and access: SEPTA’s New Bus Network begins Sunday in Philadelphia, with several routes eliminated or reduced and new routes added. Delaware beach health: Jellyfish are crowding Delaware beaches, with lifeguards reporting stings lasting all day and keeping some swimmers out.

Workplace privacy: A national debate is heating up over employer surveillance, with experts warning that new AI tools can turn everyday monitoring into detailed “dossiers” that leave workers with less control. Public health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated produce is still spreading, with confirmed cases rising to more than 27,000 across 47 states, including Delaware, as officials urge caution about what to eat while investigations continue. Food safety in Delaware: FDA updates say recalled iceberg lettuce linked to Taylor Farms may have reached additional locations, including Delaware, raising concerns for restaurants and retailers. Delaware health care investment: AmeriHealth Caritas will invest $15 million in Deon Health, a start-up focused on coordinating care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local health access: Bayhealth announced new primary care physicians to expand access across Delaware. Delaware community health: Delaware Tech released a guide for new students ahead of the fall semester, including how to use MyDTCC and Brightspace to stay on track.

Public Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis is still spreading, with confirmed cases rising to 15,716 across 47 states (plus D.C.) since May 1, and Delaware named among jurisdictions tied to recalled iceberg lettuce distribution. Food Safety & Schools: The outbreak comes as families weigh school lunch choices, including how often kids can pick items like chocolate milk—an everyday reminder that nutrition and health guidance matter. Delaware Crime & Safety: Wilmington police say a 37-year-old man is recovering after a Saturday early-morning shooting, and a separate Wilmington crash coverage highlights the legal “duty of care” expectations for truck drivers. Privacy & Health Data: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing sensitive personal data for more than 17 million commercial drivers, a win for privacy that could affect how health-adjacent safety systems handle records. Community Health Events: Beebe Medical Foundation’s Jean & Joan Golf Classic is set for Sept. 14 to support oncology services. Environment & Wellness: Jellyfish are crowding Delaware beaches, with reports of hundreds of daily stings and longer-lasting pain for swimmers and lifeguards.

Privacy & Health Data: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from accessing a database with sensitive personal information on more than 17 million commercial drivers, pausing a Homeland Security subpoena and stopping potential funding cuts tied to compliance. Public Health: Delaware reported 22 measles cases this year, while Pennsylvania confirmed 89 new cases in a week as a fast-growing outbreak spreads across more than two dozen counties. Care for People with Disabilities: AmeriHealth Caritas will invest $15 million in Deon Health, a Michigan start-up focused on coordinating primary care, specialty care, behavioral health, and long-term supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Delaware Education & Access: Delaware Tech released a guide for new students ahead of the fall semester, pointing to MyDTCC and Brightspace for schedules, announcements, and course materials. Community Health & Safety: Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare upgraded the statewide lost-and-found pet system with Petco Love Lost, using AI photo matching to reunite pets with families faster. Local Economy: Delaware’s unemployment rate fell again in July to 4.8%, with private education and health adding jobs.

Patent Fight: A Delaware jury backed Cytek Biosciences on three of four Beckman Coulter patent claims, awarding $20M in lost profits and $36M in royalties, with Cytek planning post-verdict challenges. Public Safety: In Chestertown, Md., police say a man fired randomly from his home during a hours-long standoff; about 80 guns were seized under an emergency order and the suspect remains jailed. Local Emergency Response: Dover lifted its tornado-related state of emergency after damage from a possible tornado; officials urged residents to avoid debris areas while recovery continues. Animal Welfare Tech: Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare is upgrading its lost-and-found system statewide using AI photo matching through Petco Love Lost. Health Alert: FDA says recalled Taylor Farms lettuce tied to cyclosporiasis may have reached additional states, including Delaware. Community & Wellness: PAWS for People’s Wag & PAWSathon returns this fall, and “Dogsboro” is temporarily replacing Dagsboro for International Dog Day to support a local K-9. Environment & Parks: Rehoboth Beach updated its Grove Park tree closure plan after bacterial leaf scorch was found; removal and reopening steps are underway.