AGP Executive Report

Local Public Safety: Villanova University issued a temporary lockdown after a stabbing tied to a crash on I-476 in Lower Merion Township, with state police reporting the suspect was later captured. 9/11 Remembrance: Bristol and Southington are set for memorial services marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, with ceremonies also planned across the region. Healthcare & Costs: A federal FDA docket opened Sept. 4 on speeding botanical drug development, while a separate push from advocates targets how hospitals use the 340B program. Labor & Community: Labor Day events drew big crowds, including union celebrations in Pittsburgh and Scranton, plus a Westmoreland County fundraiser honoring union labor. Pennsylvania Economy: Canada’s looming counter-tariffs could hit swing-state industries including Pennsylvania as deadlines approach. Sports & Culture: Powerball is launching a football-themed game in Pennsylvania, and local festivals like Scranton’s La Festa Italiana wrapped its 50th run.

Public Safety: A York County restaurant inspection roundup flagged multiple food-safety issues, including sanitation and handwashing problems, with some fixes required. Local Crime & Courts: Police say a crash and stabbing on I-476 led to a pursuit that ended in Rosemont, with two men taken into custody and a brief Villanova lockdown. Health Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to drive debate over reporting and vaccination; recent coverage highlights new cases and the political fight over how deaths are counted. Community & Culture: A 25th-anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony is set for Clearfield County, with local clergy and first responders joining a retired state trooper as guest speaker. Sports: Penn State opens Week 2 with Temple at Lincoln Financial Field, and ticket prices are already climbing. Pennsylvania Economy: Chobani is moving ahead with major investment plans tied to its Pennsylvania footprint, while other business coverage tracks utilities and growth moves.

Labor Day Gas Watch: Pennsylvania drivers are heading into the holiday with gas prices near record levels, with regular unleaded around $4.30 a gallon statewide and up about 92 cents from last year. Local Energy Concerns: Residents in Old Forge and nearby towns heard about the proposed Old Forge Pumped Storage Project, a hydroelectric plan that would build two reservoirs and a power facility across parts of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Elections & Voting Access: Attorney General Aaron Ford helped secure a court order blocking USPS rules that would have added new requirements for vote-by-mail systems, with Pennsylvania and other states backing the challenge. Public Health: Measles remains a flashpoint in Pennsylvania politics after RFK Jr. acknowledged an Amish infant death was caused by measles, as the outbreak count continues to climb. Community & Culture: Hundreds gathered at Kirby Park for NEPA-Que, a free Labor Day celebration of organized labor and community. Sports & Entertainment: AEW wrestler and Every Time I Die guitarist Andy “The Butcher” Williams died at 48 after collapsing during a match in Millvale, and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew It, I Knew You” hit No. 1 on country radio.

Measles Fight in Lancaster: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged measles caused an infant death in Pennsylvania, pointing to a county coroner’s account—while the CDC’s national tally and the broader “measles-associated” dispute remain politically charged as cases climb. Statehouse in Philly: Pennsylvania House members will hold a rare session in Philadelphia for the first time in 39 years, marking anniversaries tied to the Declaration of Independence and the state constitution. Housing & the Governor Race: A new poll finds cost-of-living and affordability driving Pennsylvania voters as Shapiro and Garrity sharpen their economic pitches ahead of the 2026 election. Data Center Backlash: A wave of national attention continues around AI data centers, with communities and voters pushing back as campaigns and ads try to sway public opinion. Local Public Health Watch: Sullivan County is monitoring measles spread from neighboring Pennsylvania and urging residents to check immunity and get vaccinated if unsure. Food Safety Inspections: Dauphin County restaurant inspections flagged issues ranging from improper food storage to pest concerns, with some sites passing after follow-ups. Tech for Youth Sports: Norristown’s Shoot 360 gym opened, using shot-tracking tech to coach basketball players. Fall Travel: Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is set to reopen for prime leaf season, with trail access and weather-based closures possible.

Ballot Fight in PA-7: A Commonwealth Court judge ordered Green Party candidate Andrew Tupone removed from the Nov. 3 ballot, saying he wasn’t properly endorsed and misused the party name to qualify; the 7th District covers Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and part of Monroe. Measles Update: Pennsylvania’s outbreak continues to drive national controversy as state health officials report hundreds of cases and deaths tied to measles, while federal tallies remain disputed. Local Government Change: Luzerne County’s new Act 29 requires property buyers (not owner-occupied) to submit contact info to the county Assessment Office, with possible fines for false or outdated details. Lehigh Valley Jobs: U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick highlighted Chobani’s $1.2B investment for a new Upper Macungie Township dairy facility, promising 900 jobs and major demand for Pennsylvania milk. NEPA Quality of Life: The Institute’s Indicators report spotlights how arts and culture shape regional well-being and tourism spending. 9/11 Remembrance: Hundreds climbed 110 stairs at M&T Bank Stadium to honor first responders and victims on the 25th anniversary. Road Disruption: Hazmat issues shut down parts of I-83 in York County again after a Friday chemical leak.

Measles in Lancaster County: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps worsening, with the Lancaster County coroner confirming a 6-week-old Amish infant died of measles in August, as the state reports hundreds of cases statewide and pushes for MMR vaccination. Public health transparency: State Rep. Dave Zimmerman is urging Pennsylvania to share more communicable-disease data with counties that lack their own health departments, arguing Lancaster needs location-level updates to respond faster. Election politics: Stacy Garrity, running for governor against Gov. Josh Shapiro, is criss-crossing the state on affordability and economic growth, while Shapiro continues to face criticism over policy reversals. Data centers and local rules: A new report highlights a slowing job market in Pennsylvania and warns data centers bring major construction jobs but also heavy demands on power, water, and infrastructure; meanwhile, Shapiro’s approach to data-center permitting is under fire. Local government: Clearfield Borough moved to expedite stormwater repairs on Reighard Street after flooding damage, aiming to meet state and federal deadlines. Community & culture: “Come From Away” is coming to Brookville with local talent for a Sept. 10-12 run, marking 9/11 through the story of stranded passengers and community hospitality.

Measles in Pennsylvania: Lancaster County coroner confirmed a 6-week-old Amish infant died of measles, adding to a growing outbreak that has state officials and the CDC in a public fight over how “measles-associated” deaths are counted. Election security: DOJ charged illegal voters in Pennsylvania and two other states, including a Harrisburg-area arrest video tied to alleged noncitizen voting. Data privacy and courts: A major court filing system breach exposed sensitive personal data, including Social Security and driver’s license numbers, with Pennsylvania among affected jurisdictions. Gun violence and public safety: A Philly mom is pushing “Aiden’s Law” for safety cameras on high-risk stretches of I-95 after her son was killed in a highway shooting. Local governance and transparency: Right-to-Know requests found non-disclosure agreements signed by some Pennsylvania municipalities hosting “fast track” data center projects, raising concerns about public access. Environment: Shell agreed to pay $15M over air pollution violations at its Beaver County plant.

Data Centers & Local Control: Pennsylvania politicians are putting data-center backlash front and center, with Gov. Josh Shapiro signing an executive order requiring developers to get local approval before DEP reviews permits—aimed at slowing projects that don’t meet binding energy, environmental, and transparency standards. Elections & Politics: A write-in candidate is challenging state Rep. Marci Mustello in Pennsylvania’s 11th House District with backing from the Butler County Democratic Committee, while battleground Republicans weigh whether to skip next week’s GOP midterm convention. Education & Health: Pennsylvania students can now submit their first financial aid requests through an AI-assisted MyAidAwards program, and NIH has terminated two Pitt Alzheimer’s studies, cutting about $7 million and halting the work. Public Safety & Courts: A Maryland man faces Franklin County charges tied to alleged sexual assault of a juvenile, after a call to Maryland police triggered the investigation. Food & Schools: Lancaster Watchdog reports that while state law protects food-insecure students, districts often still eat the cost of unpaid lunch balances. Local Notes: The Pennsylvania Turnpike warns of a monthlong single-lane closure on Route 51 south in Jefferson Hills.

Local Job Market: PA CareerLink Lycoming County opened a new downtown location in Williamsport, part of a statewide push to spotlight job-seeker and employer resources. Public Safety & Weather: Erie declared a state of emergency after severe storms brought down trees and power lines, while a severe thunderstorm watch covered dozens of counties into midnight. Legal System: Jerry Sandusky asked a judge to cancel next week’s hearing tied to an accuser’s recantation and move his appeal to federal court. Health Policy: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak fight continues as CDC reporting of “measles-associated deaths” remains disputed, with state and federal officials trading blame over what should be counted. Economy & Business: Burlington Stores announced it will move its corporate headquarters to Philadelphia, backed by state and city incentives and expected to create thousands of jobs. Community & Culture: NHPR and the Harris Center launched “Wild at Home,” a new kids’ outdoor series, and Park Forest plans a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony marking 25 years. Sports: Penn State field hockey starts another busy home stretch, and the National High School Football Hall of Fame is considering Pittsburgh for a new home.

Penn State Cocaine Case: A former Penn State fraternity member testified that cocaine purchases and sales in the alleged campus drug ring grew from about 100 grams to 1-kilogram loads, with drugs allegedly brought in from Philadelphia, New York and Long Island before being weighed, packaged and sold to students. Measles Update: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak surged by 119 cases in a week to 540 total, with 91 hospitalizations and two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents reported dead from measles-associated causes; health officials also flagged a possible exposure at the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s New Stanton Service Plaza. Medicaid Work Rules: Pennsylvania began mailing notices to more than 700,000 Medicaid expansion enrollees about upcoming federal work requirements, directing people to update information and check for exemptions. Public Health Oversight: The state is weighing broader authority for the Department of Health to modernize disease reporting and intervention rules after the outbreak’s rapid growth. Election Mail Voting Fight: The U.S. Postal Service is building a ballot screening system tied to court challenges over Trump’s efforts to restrict mail voting. Local Governance: Pittsburgh Regional Transit is pushing a major bus/rail network redesign, even as budget pressures could force service cuts. Energy & Climate: Pennsylvania’s measles surge and Medicaid changes are unfolding alongside new clean-energy moves, including a regional solar partnership aimed at stabilizing power supply.

Gubernatorial Showdown: Gov. Josh Shapiro and GOP state Treasurer Stacy Garrity agreed to a televised debate Oct. 7 in Harrisburg, moderated by ABC27’s Dennis Owens. Measles Fight: Pennsylvania reported measles-related deaths and a fast-rising outbreak, with new questions swirling over how deaths are counted and what’s been disclosed; Armstrong County logged its first 2026 case. Data Privacy vs. Surveillance: Shapiro said he has “real concerns” about Flock automated license plate reader cameras and is working with lawmakers on privacy protections. Local Justice: Montgomery County DA sued to keep a Buckingham vape shop closed, alleging illegal sales of THC, tobacco, and kratom to minors. Public Safety: A Philadelphia man, Jabir Parker, was arrested in connection with an attempted burglary at Saquon Barkley’s home and other thefts. Penn State Case: A judge granted bail to alleged Penn State fraternity cocaine ringleader Agostino Abbatiello, setting $250,000 secured bail with conditions. Community & Growth: Williamsport airport celebrated new Contour Airlines nonstop service to Charlotte starting Oct. 19.

Data Centers, Local Power, and Politics: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s executive order tightening Pennsylvania data-center permitting is part of a wider national backlash, with other governors using moratoriums and new review rules as communities worry about power, costs, and local control. Supreme Court Reform Talk: Democrats are again floating a plan to expand the court to 13 justices, a move that would likely trigger major partisan fights in Congress and beyond. Mail Voting Lawsuit: PA Attorney General Nick Brown co-led a multi-state lawsuit challenging USPS rules tied to mail-in voting, arguing states—not the president or USPS—run elections. Measles Dispute in Pennsylvania: The state’s measles outbreak reporting remains tangled in controversy over “measles-associated” deaths and how federal and state agencies tally them, fueling debate over transparency and vaccine evidence. Cybersecurity for Utilities: Utility leaders warned Pennsylvania lawmakers about rising cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, stressing the need for constant upgrades and coordination. Food Safety Inspections: Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture posted recent restaurant inspection results, including multiple “pass” reports and a few noted corrections. Local Events: York County’s Labor Day weekend guide highlights community festivals and family activities.

Chobani Investment: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a historic $1.2 billion Chobani dairy manufacturing project in Pennsylvania, expected to create 900 jobs in the Lehigh Valley and use billions of pounds of in-state milk annually. Data Centers & Politics: Trump doubled down on backing data centers for AI, even as more Republicans distance themselves amid local concerns over power costs, water use, and community impacts. AI Infrastructure in PA: TECfusions launched a live AI data center in New Kensington, citing compliance with Pennsylvania’s responsible infrastructure rules and plans to scale toward multi-gigawatt capacity. Measles Fight in PA: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak hit nearly 500 cases across dozens of counties, while a dispute over “measles-associated” deaths continues to pit state officials against federal health authorities. Local Water Safety: State Rep. Aaron Bernstine urged DEP enforcement over recurring water problems at a Butler County mobile home park, where residents say they’ve faced unsafe water and repeated boil advisories. Housing Planning Grant: Williamsport received a $100,000 state grant for a housing needs assessment and action plan. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data put Harrisburg among the higher-report cities in Pennsylvania for July, underscoring ongoing fraud losses.

State Politics: The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association is endorsing Gov. Josh Shapiro for re-election, praising his support for recruiting, retaining and equipping troopers. Holiday Travel & Safety: The PA Turnpike is bracing for nearly 3 million vehicles over Labor Day, with extra state police patrols and enforcement. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Pennsylvania average gas prices rose 4.4 cents to about $4.20/g, still flat versus a month ago but up year over year. Federal Crackdown on Trucking Schools: The Trump administration says it’s shutting down more than 100 trucking schools nationwide, including in Pennsylvania, tied to alleged fraud and improper CDL testing. Local Community: Bilger’s Rocks Kids Day drew record attendance, with games, tours and a Curwensville ambulance visit. Public Safety/Justice: An 18-year-old accused of killing his girlfriend is back in court for a preliminary hearing in Washington County. Business & Consumer Watch: A lawsuit alleges a Philadelphia-area gas chain’s supplier didn’t get paid for millions in fuel deliveries. Gaming Law: Pennsylvania “skill game” kiosks face an uncertain future after a state Supreme Court ruling could make them illegal starting Oct. 13. Energy & Data Centers: A Reuters report says data-center power requests may be inflated or duplicative, pushing states including Pennsylvania to tighten rules.

Amazon Ad Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general sued Amazon, alleging it secretly inflated ad prices for more than 1 million advertisers by manipulating its ad “auctions,” with higher costs passed to consumers. White House Construction: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for continued work on the White House ballroom after ruling challengers lacked the legal standing to stop it. Measles Fight in PA: Pennsylvania reported 497 confirmed measles cases across 34 counties, with 87 hospitalizations and two measles-associated deaths, as the CDC excluded two PA deaths from its national tally amid a political dispute. Data Center Backlash: Sen. John Fetterman backed Trump’s “Let Data Reign” stance on data centers, blaming China for misinformation fueling opposition in Pennsylvania. Health Tech Scam: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday warned of phishing targeting MyChart patient portal users. Local Public Safety: State Police Erie are investigating the alleged illegal shooting of a young bald eagle in Westmoreland County. Harrisburg Weekend Plans: Harrisburg’s 110th Kipona Labor Day festival returns along the Susquehanna River with music, dance, and family activities.

Medicaid Shake-Up: Pennsylvania is bracing for stricter federal Medicaid rules starting in January, with coverage checks and new work requirements for many adults; state officials estimate 310,000 people could lose benefits, while a nonprofit health system is expanding volunteer support to help patients meet the new 80-hour monthly community engagement requirement. Data Center Backlash: Data centers are driving a rare bipartisan political fight, with Gov. Josh Shapiro saying he’d welcome a statewide ban on Flock/ALPR-style surveillance tech and lawmakers pushing limits on automated license plate readers; in Lancaster County’s 36th Senate District, candidates are also attacking data-center policy as voters scramble to weigh local costs and energy impacts. Public Health Fight Over Measles: The CDC posted a delayed measles update showing 2,903 cases, but Pennsylvania’s two measles-associated deaths were not counted in the federal total as the agency reviews whether measles caused or contributed. Local Government & Taxes: A state court ordered property reassessments in Allegheny County, potentially changing millage rates after properties were found assessed at about half value. Health & Safety Watch: Tick-borne anaplasmosis is rising as ticks spread and infections can overlap with Lyme, sometimes going undiagnosed. Emergency Response: Three people remain unaccounted for after a tugboat and private vessel collided on the Monongahela River, with divers searching the wreckage.