AGP Executive Report

Gaming & Business: Krafton has settled its year-long $250M earnout fight with Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds, agreeing to pay bonuses to the studio’s entire staff; CEO Ted Gill has stepped down as part of the deal. Delaware Home & Finance: A new Delaware HomeStyle Renovation Loan lets buyers or homeowners roll purchase/refinance and renovation costs into one Fannie Mae conventional mortgage, with renovation funding tied to the home’s after-work appraised value. Sports & Community: The North American Cricket Club hired Miller Johnson as outside legal counsel to support league governance, media rights, and expansion across the U.S. Local Entertainment & Events: River House at Odette’s in New Hope launched a Brunch & Bike program, giving weekend brunch guests complimentary hotel bikes for exploring the Delaware Canal Towpath and nearby Lambertville. Arts & Culture: CoastLife highlighted music, fashion, and community, including a Delaware Community Foundation milestone awarding $1 million in scholarships. Delaware Sports (Harrington): Lovers Cay and Warren’s Charm won DSBF elimination races at Harrington Raceway, setting up the July 23 $110,000 final.

Delaware Budget & Education: Gov. Matt Meyer signed Delaware’s FY2027 operating budget, pitching major boosts for public education (nearly $200M), expanded Purchase of Care childcare eligibility, and added healthcare support plus pay raises for direct care workers. Wilmington Police Transparency: Protesters marched to Wilmington police headquarters demanding body-camera footage after a police shooting killed 19-year-old Kadir Skinner; family members say he was shot in the back and want answers now. Arts & Community (America 250): Roxey Ballet will debut “George Washington Crossing the Delaware” free July 3 at Lambertville Station, while Washington Crossing Historic Park hosts an Independence Day celebration July 4 with living history, readings, music, and fireworks. Local Events & Weather: Bethany Beach canceled its July 3 Fourth of July Parade due to extreme heat, moving it to Labor Day weekend; concerts and fireworks still go on. Visual Arts: A July visual arts roundup highlights immersive shows and installations, including Sofiya Inger’s “Open.” Sports & Brackets: Delaware-area readers also got a postseason sports update as IHSAA released substate baseball brackets (Class 3A/4A).

America 250 on the Delaware: Washington Crossing Historic Park is hosting an Independence Day celebration July 4 (4–9:30 p.m.) with living history, readings, music, and fireworks over the river. Twin-Town Fest: New Hope and Lambertville team up for “America Celebrates 250,” a free July 3–5 weekend with reenactments, live entertainment, fireworks, drone shows, a parade, and a dragon boat race. Main Street Momentum: Delaware on Main Street grew again—17 downtown groups received accreditation/affiliation, and Delaware now has six nationally accredited Main Street programs (up from four last year). Arts Spotlight: DVAA brings Thurman Barker to the Tusten Theatre July 11 to celebrate his album “Beyond The Curve.” Community & Culture: Newark marks its America 250 with fireworks and a festival, while Delaware’s Cutest Dogs Contest moves into Round 3 with 39 pups. Local Business/Design: Studio Lingo launches in Sussex County with modern, sustainable residential design plus construction consulting and custom furniture. Sports Note: Rutgers adds St. Peter’s and Delaware State to its 2026–27 non-conference schedule.

Delaware Entertainment & Leisure: Lefty’s Alley & Eats is expanding big time—this July it opens a second location at The Grove in Newark, adding 55,000+ square feet of dining and entertainment, including the East Coast’s first Game Show Studio. Local Sports: Rutgers added Delaware State and St. Peter’s to its 2026-27 non-conference slate, with both games at home (Dec. 13 and Dec. 29). Gaming Culture: KingBoost says adult gamers are increasingly turning to coaching as competitive play gets more complex and schedules get tighter. Community & Events: DVAA Riverfest returns July 26, with free music, kids’ activities, and a poster auction on Main Street in Narrowsburg. Arts & Memory: Ashley W. King, a Lewes fashion designer and founder of Piccolino and Fairy Godmother, has died. Food Finder: Bing’s Bakery in Newark (since 1871) is getting major love for custom cakes, carrot cake, and standout pies. Public Safety (Delaware): A Dover panhandling ordinance could resurface after earlier rejection.

Arts & Community: Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) is bringing back its 36th-annual Riverfest to Main Street in Narrowsburg on July 27 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) with free, rain-or-shine music, kids’ crafts, and a big River Dogs on Parade pet event plus the 1 p.m. poster auction. Sports & Youth: The Delaware Rising Stars Football Showcase returned June 25-26 at Legends Stadium in Lewes, drawing 60+ middle and high school athletes for NFL-combine-style drills and position coaching. Women in Sports: An all-female lifeguarding competition at Middlesex Beach Patrol in North Bethany saw record turnout, with Delaware State Parks taking multiple wins. Summer Safety: Upper Delaware River visitors get a reminder from the National Park Service to watch for heat illness and cold-water exposure that can still cause hypothermia. Local Food Tech: EvergreenHQ launched a native integration with Shift4 Dine POS, syncing menu items and pricing to digital displays automatically for Delaware restaurants. Independence Day Programming: Delaware’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs highlights 250th events like outdoor movies and Revolutionary-era programming at state museums.

Independence Day in Delaware: Washington Crossing Historic Park is going big for America’s 250th with a free concert-and-fireworks celebration Saturday, plus musket and artillery demos, kids’ activities, and Declaration readings. Local Spotlight: Delaware State Parks marks its 75th anniversary with a new virtual Parks for Everyone 5K running June 22–Dec. 1, with proceeds supporting parks programs and accessibility. Community & Culture: The Intergenerational Worship Summit is bringing churches together across ages through shared stories, listening, and faith-building—part of a “Growing Together in Faith” initiative. Arts Calendar: The 75th Tinicum Arts Festival returns July 11–12 with 300+ artists and artisans, live music, and family-friendly discovery activities. Sports & Entertainment: EA Sports College Football 27 lands July 9, bringing back Mascot Mashup mode with 120 playable mascots. Quick News: Sen. Chris Coons is recovering after a multi-vehicle crash in Sussex County, expected to make a full recovery.

Arts & Community: The 75th Tinicum Arts Festival returns July 11-12 at Tinicum Park in Erwinna with 300+ artists and artisans, live music, kids craft and Discovery tents, and the Art Barn judged exhibit (weekend passes $10 adults, $1 children). Local Culture & History: WHYY spotlights July music in the region, including Philly’s “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on July 4 and Dave Matthews Band’s July 10-11 Camden shows. Delaware Parks: Delaware State Parks launches a virtual 75th anniversary Parks for Everyone 5K (June 22-Dec. 1) with $35 registration supporting parks, education, scholarships, lifeguards and summer concerts. Sports & Entertainment: Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 in Philly to advance to the round of 32, keeping World Cup buzz high across the region. Music Contests: 98 Rock’s “Real or Fake” is giving Delaware-area listeners a shot at Poppy tickets at Echostage (July 7), plus a separate chance to win Trifecta Food Truck & Music Festival tickets (Sept. 26). Outdoor Fun: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest is set for July 12 (rain date July 26) with kayaking/canoes, environmental exhibits, and hands-on arts activities.

Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame: Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne headline the class in Knoxville, with Cheryl Reeve also enshrined—big Delaware ties for fans who followed Delle Donne’s Wilmington-to-UD path. Community & Culture: The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice announces its 10th anniversary gala fundraiser Oct. 24 in Rehoboth Beach, with live entertainment and a silent auction. Delaware Parks: Delaware State Parks launches a virtual 5K for its 75th anniversary, letting people run/walk/roll at any state park between June 22 and Dec. 1. Independence Day Fun: Delaware’s Fourth of July celebrations get the photo treatment, plus a Northeast FreedomFest July 4 in Philly with music, food trucks, and fireworks. Outdoors & Family: Glen Foerd’s free RiverFest returns July 12 with kayaking/canoes, arts activities, and partner exhibits. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: EA Sports College Football 27 lands July 9, bringing Mascot Mashup mode and new rosters. Local Cutest Contest: Delaware’s Cutest Dogs Contest voting reopens for Round 2 (June 27–29). World Cup in Philly: Croatia beats Ghana 2-1 to advance, keeping the Delaware Valley’s soccer buzz going.

World Cup (Philly): Croatia and Ghana close out group play at Lincoln Financial Field with a knockout spot on the line, plus a rain watch for match day. Local Arts & Culture: Delaware’s Blue Star Museums program is offering free admission to active-duty military families at major sites like Winterthur, Hagley, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science through Sept. 7. Delaware Arts Spotlight: Winterthur’s 75th anniversary exhibit, “At Home at Winterthur,” opens a sweeping look at the estate’s collections and generations of life there. Pride & Community Fundraising: Philly’s Carlota Ttendant (Michael Byrne) is stepping away after 30 seasons of Gay Bingo, which has raised millions for HIV/AIDS support. Sports & Delaware Connections: Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class in Knoxville includes Elena Delle Donne, a Wilmington-area UD standout. Delaware Entertainment Calendar: Young artists are taking center stage at the Lewes library art wall as Lewes in Bloom’s 25th birthday celebrations roll on.

Winterthur 75th Anniversary: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is marking its 75th with “At Home at Winterthur,” a sweeping, multi-generational exhibit that uses objects from its collection to trace the site’s past, present, and future. July 4 Fireworks Safety: Delaware Public Media breaks down the state’s fireworks rules ahead of the 250th, including new House Bill 63 requirements for safety literature and site inspections for legal sellers. World Cup Soccer Buzz: A University of Delaware instructor explains how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is sparking youth soccer interest locally. Jazz on the Calendar: The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival keeps Wilmington’s music scene humming, drawing crowds to Rodney Square. Community Sports Spotlight: Team Delaware’s Bennetch brothers kick off Special Olympics USA Games with two wins for the high school unified basketball squad. Local Food & Culture: Brian’s Best Cafe & Pastries in Chestertown is opening up with fresh-baked favorites and plans for breakfast and lunch. Arts & Entertainment Picks: A24’s comedy “The Invite” and Angelina Jolie’s “Couture” headline this week’s specialty film preview. Delaware-to-Texas Corporate Move: Dell shareholders approve moving the company’s legal home from Delaware to Texas—big news, even beyond entertainment.

Local Arts Calendar: Newark’s summer and fall lineup is packed—starting with “The Wizard of Oz” (Aug. 1-3) and National Night Out (Aug. 5), then outdoor concerts and community events like Parks on Draft (Aug. 8) and improv at Chapel Street Players (Aug. 29). Later highlights include Newark Street Market (Sept. 13), “The Artistry and Activism of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper” (Sept. 14), and a full run of October family favorites like Halloween movie night (“Hocus Pocus,” Oct. 17) and the Deer Park Goes Pink 5K (Oct. 19). Community Spotlight: Special Olympics Delaware brought more than 700 athletes to Newark for the Summer Games, with a law enforcement torch run and a big opening ceremony at UD. Sports & School Pride: Delaware high school sports stories keep rolling—Caravel Academy’s sixth straight softball state title and Newark Charter’s baseball run to the quarterfinals. Public Safety: New Castle County Police shared e-bike and e-scooter safety reminders, stressing helmet use for riders under 18. Policy Watch: The Delaware House passed a gun dealer oversight bill creating a state licensing system with added inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements.

Delaware Arts & Culture: A Philadelphia-area high school troupe staged the Tony-winning musical 1776 in a set-up modeled on Independence Hall, with former Gov. Ed Rendell calling it a long-sought dream. Delaware Public Safety: The Delaware House passed a bill creating a state licensing system for firearm dealers, adding inspection, reporting, training, and security requirements. Delaware Community Spotlight: Delaware’s Indigenous and Cuban cultural traditions got a boost via a national grant initiative, including funding for Wilmington Lenape beadwork and a Claymont Cuban dance organization. Delaware Summer Plans: Delaware’s Fourth of July guide highlights parades, fireworks, and weekend events across Kent and Sussex counties. Regional Entertainment & Sports: Ivory Coast advanced to the World Cup knockout round with a 2-0 win over Curaçao at Philadelphia’s stadium, while Netflix’s The Four Seasons Season 2 drew fans with a published location roadmap. Tech & Lifestyle: Delaware-based Commodore unveiled a retro flip phone aimed at reducing smartphone addiction.

Arts & Culture Spotlight: Delaware and Wilmington earned top billing in SMU DataArts’ 10th annual Arts Vibrancy Index, ranking Delaware #11 nationwide and Wilmington #57 among arts-vibrant communities. Community-Driven Art: The Delaware Art Museum is gearing up for “The People’s Gallery,” a community-submitted exhibition opening in August, with submissions starting July 6 for members and July 8 for Delaware residents. Local Food & Fun: Newark’s Juice Pod opened its second Delaware location, and downtown Wilmington welcomed Urban Fork, a new Black-owned soul food spot. Entertainment Calendar: Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach is hosting “The Cher Show” through Aug. 27, and the Grand Opera House is set for Taj Mahal on July 17. Family & Law (Delaware): Gov. Matt Meyer signed SB 250 to modernize Delaware’s parentage law for children born through assisted reproduction and surrogacy.

Table Tennis in Chester County: The USA Table Tennis Pennsylvania Open is set for Phoenixville this weekend, bringing ping-pong players for cash prizes, rankings, and Olympic-path points—plus a reminder that the sport is also about community. Delaware Sports on the Air: Delaware lawmakers are pushing DIAA to review its exclusive postseason media rights, aiming for more broadcast options so families can actually watch high school championship games. Title IX Spotlight: Sen. Mazie Hirono (with Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester) co-introduced a resolution marking Title IX’s 54th anniversary, defending the law amid efforts to narrow protections. Rehoboth Beach Safety Watch: Rehoboth Beach police are preparing for another unsanctioned “Takeover” gathering, warning of extra enforcement focused on drugs, alcohol, disorderly conduct, and traffic. Cancer Care Partnership: AstraZeneca and YMCA of the USA announced a five-year partnership to expand cancer education, screening, and early detection support for communities nationwide. Local Culture Tech: CultureCheck launched as a new Black-culture trivia platform with 15,000+ questions and themed quiz packs.

Meta & Fake Ads: A federal appeals court revived former Gov. Mike Huckabee’s lawsuit against Meta over alleged fake CBD endorsements, sending the case back to a Delaware judge for more proceedings. Cancer Care Partnership: AstraZeneca and the YMCA of the USA announced a five-year partnership to boost cancer screening and early detection, aiming to reach 175,000 people across 75 communities. iGaming Expansion: Caesars struck a long-term deal with three Maine tribes ahead of the state’s expected iGaming launch, bringing Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, and Horseshoe Online Casino. Entrepreneurship in Delaware: The Nihar Gala Scholarship for American Entrepreneurs opened applications, backing undergrad and aspiring founders with an essay-based selection. Delaware Homebuying Help: DSHA’s Welcome Home program pairs a below-market 30-year fixed rate with up to 5% down-payment assistance via zero-interest second mortgages. Independence Day Travel: AAA expects nearly 209,000 Delawareans to travel 50+ miles for the holiday, mostly by car. Wildlife & Community: DNREC is asking Delawareans to report wild turkey sightings during its annual productivity survey (July 1–Aug. 31). Tech Learning: DemoBook argues people learn AI best by watching real usage, not polished explainers.

Delaware Sports & Arts: The DIAA is overhauling how Delaware teams qualify for state championships, shifting from enrollment-only to a mix of 2- and 4-year winning percentages plus enrollment—meaning some playoff-caliber programs could miss out while others gain new chances. Local Arts Spotlight: Gallery One is set to open “Celebration” on July 1, running through Aug. 4, with works honoring joy and resilience—including Delaware-themed pieces like Eileen Olson’s “Magnolia.” Music & Community: Camden County’s free summer concert series keeps rolling this week with Devon Gilfillian (June 24) and Suitcase Murphy (June 26), bringing live music to local parks. Film/Streaming: Netflix’s “The American Experiment” (Tom Hanks-produced) is getting attention for its look at the nation’s founding through a hopeful-but-honest lens. Policy for Students: Delaware’s Senate approved a bill to create a statewide Title IX Coordinator focused on athletics, aiming to help schools stay compliant and expand opportunities.