AGP Executive Report

Infant Formula Recall: Federal health officials say parents should stop using Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Powdered Infant Formula after three babies were hospitalized with botulism in California, Pennsylvania and Washington; the FDA/CDC are investigating and Nara has recalled all lots sold nationwide through Target stores, Target.com and Nara.com. Public Health Watch: The outbreak is being treated as serious but no deaths have been reported so far, and testing of leftover formula is underway. Local Community Loss: David Hileman, a central Pennsylvania dairy leader and longtime scholarship supporter, died June 7 at 81. Arts & Culture: Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra named Michael Avagliano its new music director, with “Valley Vivaldi” and other summer programming set for the Lehigh Valley. Environment: A new report finds PFAS in Delaware River fish and rising contamination levels, including higher readings near Chester and in parts of the Schuylkill River. Sports & Entertainment: Ivory Coast opens World Cup play in Philadelphia vs. Ecuador, while Harrisburg-area fans also get a reminder that the weekend’s big NBA Finals moment is already history.

AI & Kids: Pennsylvania is cracking down on chatbots that pose as licensed doctors, with a state task force flagging role-playing sites that claim fake medical credentials. Local Courts: A Hanover business owner is suing over a 163-year-old Pennsylvania law banning paid fortune-telling, after police cited the statute during a shop visit. Public Safety/Transit: Jim Thorpe Borough asked PennDOT to relocate a bus stop at 5 Lehigh Ave., citing safety, accessibility, and congestion problems. Health & Education: A report finds many Pennsylvania colleges aren’t properly training future teachers to teach reading, with some programs earning failing grades. Veterans: Monroe County commissioners honored the Veterans Affairs Office for helping secure medals, including a Purple Heart case. Sports: Twin Valley won the PIAA Class 2A girls lacrosse title, beating Wyomissing 11-5. Economy: Vanguard, based in Valley Forge, overtook BlackRock as the top U.S. ETF issuer.

Crime & Courts: Pennsylvania’s AG says Treasurer Stacy Garrity acted lawfully by declining a $1 million payment for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private-home security upgrades after an arson attack, while urging lawmakers to create clearer rules for such spending. Public Safety Funding: The state’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved more than $21M in grants aimed at victims’ services, youth violence prevention, and treatment for substance use disorders. Local Water Crisis: Records show how long-running problems preceded a still-active boil-water advisory for Southwest Warren County Municipal Authority customers in Tidioute, with issues traced through years of DEP and authority documents. Healthcare Access: A House committee heard testimony on pharmacy benefit manager reform, with a Warren pharmacist warning closures are leaving many residents in “pharmacy deserts.” Firearms Case: Warren police and federal ATF-linked charges stem from a domestic incident that led to allegations of straw purchases from two Warren businesses. Arts & Community: The Women’s Club of Altoona recognized decades of student art talent, awarding winners from Altoona Area High and Bishop Guilfoyle Academy. Sports: Logan McGinn, 14, became the youngest golfer to qualify for the Pennsylvania Amateur Championship.

Lancaster County Democrats: A leadership fight is brewing ahead of Sunday’s Lancaster County Democratic Committee reorganization, with former chairs backing Hempfield’s Michael Mezzetti and Lancaster Township’s Charlotte Brown over current chair Tom O’Brien and vice chair Stella Sexton, accusing them of a dismissive, top-down style. Local Government & Infrastructure: Lancaster City Council approved a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority loan for up to $3.88 million for wastewater upgrades, with multiple suburban partners splitting the remaining borrowing. Public Safety: Pennsylvania State Police issued nearly 700 citations and 300 warnings during a June 8-10 crackdown on handheld cellphone use under Paul Miller’s Law, which now carries a $50 fine. Police & Courts: Lawmakers are calling for a decision on a controversial Quakertown police response to a February school protest, where a chief allegedly escalated tensions. Health & Tech: Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital plans updated high-definition 3D mammography machines with AI enhancements. Arts & Law: A Pittsburgh-area artist sued Primanti Bros., alleging the chain illegally reproduced a mural without permission.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Pennsylvania Senate passed Sen. Cris Dush’s SB 45, shifting many prostitution offenses into the human trafficking section and boosting penalties, with the stated goal of targeting traffickers and abusers. Data Center Fight in Chester County: A judge rejected late challenges to East Whiteland’s 1.5 million-square-foot data center, calling the appeals frivolous and saying the complained-of issues weren’t reviewable. Budget Pressure on Schools: Across states including Pennsylvania, leaders are scrambling to protect school athletics and activities as funding shortfalls threaten cuts. Tech Tax Debate: Lawmakers are floating new ways to raise revenue, including ending sales-tax exemptions tied to data centers or extending a tax to digital ads, as Pennsylvania works through budget gaps. Public Health & Vaccines: Local guidance and reporting highlight measles risk around major events and address MMR questions for people on rheumatoid arthritis biologics. Community & Events: Tioga County’s Laurel Festival returns, Penn State Extension is offering “Venison 101,” and local fairs are seeking volunteers.

Transportation & Local Funding: Chambersburg is applying for a $1.69M state grant to reconfigure the tight U.S. 11 gateway into downtown, aiming to ease truck turns by rerouting northbound traffic to Derbyshire Street. Elections: Lehigh County election officials say a mail-in ballot error tied to an outdated voter list didn’t stop eligible voters from casting ballots; they say fail-safes and quick fixes kept valid ballots counted. Education & Safety: A Pennsylvania House Education Committee bill would require cyber charter students to be on camera during live virtual instruction, while cyber leaders argue the same protections should apply to traditional public schools. State Policy & Privacy: Lawmakers are pushing a bill that would require a visible recording light on smart glasses sold and used in Pennsylvania. Energy & Cost of Living: A new report and commentary focus on rising electricity bills and how Pennsylvania’s grid and utility rules may be driving costs. Community & Culture: A U.S. Navy jazz ensemble is set for free concerts in Pittsburgh and the Rochester area. Sports & Community Life: The 2026 World Cup kicks off this week, with Philadelphia listed among U.S. host cities.

Local Governance: Pennsylvania House passed a digital advertising tax (HB 1678) 139-63, aiming to update the state’s gross receipts tax to cover sales of digital ads by big tech firms like Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok and Microsoft. State Capitol & Veterans: DMVA hosted a Guard and Veterans Day event at the Capitol, highlighting Pennsylvania’s National Guard and roughly 650,000 veterans. Public Health: A Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study found a shared immune system pattern in critically ill children with multiple organ dysfunction, linked to harder recovery and higher mortality risk. Environment & Outdoors: Pymatuning State Park promoted year-round activities, while a ruffed grouse habitat education program runs Saturday in the Allegheny National Forest. Transportation & Safety: Honda recalled 880,000 vehicles over rear suspension subframe issues that could lead to loss of control. Community & Culture: Lock Haven’s 40th annual Sentimental Journey Fly-In continues through Sunday, celebrating Piper Aircraft’s legacy. Sports: Hollidaysburg Legion beat St. Michael 13-9 in local baseball.

Public Safety & Justice: Pennsylvania’s new handheld phone driving crackdown is now in force, with Paul Miller’s Law making phone use a primary offense and fines set at $50 plus court costs. Health & Consumer Protection: The Pennsylvania SPCA removed 78 cats and kittens from a Lancaster Township home after officers found severe conditions; criminal charges could follow. Local Economy & Community: Lancaster County approved farmland preservation deals for 128 acres across Martic and Mount Joy townships, adding to the county’s protected farmland base. Civic Life: Pittsburgh’s America 250 Independence Day celebration on July 4 will feature free downtown/North Shore concerts, including Plain White T’s headlining. Public Health Watch: A national measles surge is pushing cases past 2,000 this year, with Pennsylvania among states seeing upticks. Policy & Services: A Pennsylvania county is facing scrutiny over a jail pay-for-incarcerated-people approach, as debate grows over whether it helps or harms.

Court Fight Over History: A University of Pennsylvania Carey Law clinic filed a brief urging a federal court to block the removal of a slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park, arguing the move was potentially discriminatory and “arbitrary and capricious.” School Policy: Pennsylvania is moving ahead with a statewide cell phone ban in schools, with Gov. Josh Shapiro signaling he’ll sign the legislation and districts preparing for fall changes. Immigration Enforcement: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis says the administration will halt plans for proposed ICE detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties. Health Coverage Shock: Pennie reports about 160,000 people dropped ACA plans for 2026 after premium hikes tied to expiring federal subsidies. Local Government Energy: Centre County approved a third solar array for the correctional facility, aiming to offset county electricity use and reduce future costs. Public Safety & Courts: A Warren man was charged after allegedly exposing himself outside a church and resisting arrest. Weather Alert: South-central Pennsylvania faces heat and humidity with a higher chance of strong storms Wednesday through Friday.

Immigration & Local Control: Pennsylvania Democratic state senators unveiled an “ICE out” legislative push, aiming to limit ICE access to sensitive places like schools and polling locations and to restrict local law enforcement from partnering with federal immigration enforcement. Public Safety & Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed six tornadoes across southwestern Pennsylvania over the weekend, with thousands still without power as cleanup continues. Gambling & Youth Risk: A new report highlights how online gambling is reaching younger kids, with Pennsylvania’s online gambling market cited as among the biggest in the region. Healthcare & Research: The Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation marked 20 years of its Appendix Cancer Walk series, saying it has raised nearly $2.5 million and funded 49 research grants. Business & Jobs: Shapiro administration officials highlighted AlphaLab Health in Pittsburgh as part of the push to fund Pennsylvania’s innovation economy. Consumer Watch: Pennsylvania gas prices fell to about $4.32 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. Local Economy & Events: Harrisburg announced “Juneteenth Meets Carnival,” a free cultural event series.

U.S. Steel Deal Oversight: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the federal “golden share” tied to the U.S. Steel transaction gives Washington a veto over major decisions, with only “a little bit” of impact so far as the government weighs “mission” alongside profit. Local Culture: Harrisburg is launching a free “Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together” series with a Friday pre-party and Saturday main event at the MLK Jr. City Government Center, featuring Sister Nancy and other global acts. Gas Prices Hit First Responders: Central Pennsylvania emergency crews say higher fuel costs are forcing budget cuts, with diesel jumps straining fire and ambulance operations. Education & Jobs: Penn’s Graduate School of Education completed layoffs tied to a “comprehensive redesign” of its staffing model. Sports (PA): Neal Shipley, a West Penn golfer, qualified for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills; and the Dodgers open a series at PNC Park tonight against the Pirates with Paul Skenes on the mound. Weather: Heat and humidity are set to return later this week, with a chance of record temperatures.

PennDOT Philly Travel Help: PennDOT launched a new site, 511pa.com/PhillyEvents, with real-time traffic maps and “My Route” planning for major summer events, including World Cup matches, the FIFA Fan Festival, the July 4 America 250 celebration, and an MLB All-Star page coming soon. 9/11 Care Delays: A report says federal staffing cuts have slowed processing for 9/11 survivors, delaying medical screening and treatment while a backlog builds. Opioid Warning: Regulators and experts are flagging concentrated 7-OH, a kratom-derived drug, as an emerging threat tied to serious reactions and deaths, including reported ventilation cases in Pennsylvania. Cybersecurity Disclosure: A Pennsylvania community bank says an employee fed customer data into an unapproved “shadow AI” tool, triggering SEC, regulator, and customer-notice obligations. Legal Watch: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court left a legal “fog” over stricter online arbitration rules after a procedural reversal, keeping businesses on alert. Western PA Storm Aftermath: The National Weather Service confirmed tornado damage in Washington and Westmoreland counties after Saturday storms. Local Business/Community: Sheetz brought back Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce after fan pressure, and a Bucks County event, Brews & Bites, returns June 27 at Pennsbury Manor.

Pennsylvania Politics & Courts: Newly released federal records tied to the July 2024 Trump rally shooting in Butler show heavily redacted FBI documents from a FOIA fight, reigniting questions about what communications happened before the attack. Higher Ed & Health Care: Penn Medicine Doylestown Health has a new CEO, Craig Gronczewski, as Penn Med continues expanding its Bucks County network; meanwhile Penn GSE is reshaping leadership by creating an associate dean role focused on community and climate after eliminating a DEI position. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data show York North Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (2-star) and Marywood Heights (3-star) in Lackawanna County, with Marywood Heights reporting a fine/penalty in Q1 2026. Community & Safety: State College Police is seeking confidential interview participants to improve responses for victims of intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking. Sports (Local): Lock Haven’s Emily Murphy and Marissa Rumsey coached Team Pennsylvania girls at the Duals on Desmond showcase; in baseball, the Altoona Curve shut out New Hampshire 4-0 with a one-hit pitching performance. Health & Lifestyle: A mental health column highlights rising rates of mental illness among U.S. adults and urges people to seek help.

Severe Storm Aftermath: Western Pennsylvania is still digging out after damaging winds and heavy rain knocked out power and downed trees and lines, with West Penn Power reporting more than 36,000 outages Sunday (peaking near 72,000) and some communities warning restoration could take days. Local Safety & Police Activity: State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cumberland County, and Upper Allen Township reported an increased police presence tied to an active incident near Juniper Drive and Hickory Lane. Tragedy in Mercer County: A house fire in Sharon left three people dead—38-year-old Sarah Jacobson and two children—while a fourth victim remains stable; the cause is still under investigation. Entertainment & Weather: Morgan Wallen canceled his second Pittsburgh show after consulting local officials about severe weather, while fans debate whether the timing was too early. Economy Watch: VA reported 1,681 home purchase loans in Pennsylvania in Q1 FY2026 totaling $559.6 million. Energy Prices: Carbon County saw the week’s lowest midgrade gas at $4.49 per gallon (week ending May 30).

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch and multiple warnings hit the Philadelphia region, with damaging wind gusts (up to ~60 mph), large hail, heavy downpours, and isolated tornado risk; thousands lost power and flights faced ground stops at major airports including Philadelphia and Newark. Public Safety & Health: Pennsylvania’s new truancy transfer restriction is making it harder for students who need school the most to switch into better settings. Elections & Politics: Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity made a stop in Warren, pitching transparency and anti-waste themes. Courts & Crime: A sports betting influencer, Marves Fairley, pleaded guilty in two basketball gambling cases, including admitting he paid a player to affect performance; prosecutors are seeking 8–10 years. Nursing Homes: CMS reports highlight mixed results across Pennsylvania facilities, including a 4-star Lecom at Village Square (Erie) and a 5-star Wesley Enhanced Living–Doylestown (Bucks), alongside lower ratings at some others. Community & Culture: State College’s Downtown Farmers Market marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating decades of local food and small-farm support. Sports & Entertainment: Morgan Wallen canceled a Pittsburgh show due to severe weather.

Maine Senate drama hits home: Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean says Democratic candidate Graham Platner “disqualified himself,” as he refuses to step aside and Democrats split over whether to keep backing him. Medicaid crackdown: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday says the state leads the nation in Medicaid fraud convictions, pointing to aggressive investigations and prosecutions. Severe weather watch: Western Pa. braces for damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding risk Saturday, with storms expected to move through the Pittsburgh area in the evening. Local business & community: Hilton’s Electronic Security in Carlisle marks 45 years in business; Spring Township welcomes The Peach Cobbler Factory for its first PA location. Health & public safety: New data show Harrisburg Medicaid dental payments jumped to $367,062 in 2024, while Emmaus reported $282,880 for dental services. Sports & schools: Montoursville beats Wyoming Area in PIAA Class 4A baseball; Pennsylvania lawmakers advance a cellphone ban during school hours.