AGP Executive Report

Measles Fight in PA: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps driving national attention, with two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County and a growing political fight over whether the cases were truly caused by measles—while public health officials urge vaccination as cases rise. Local Conservation: The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited celebrated the restored State Game Lands 151 in Mercer County, turning an abandoned fish farm into a waterfowl habitat with benefits for wildlife, water quality, and hunting. Courts & Consumer Protection: A federal judge refused to dismiss Pennsylvania Attorney General kickback claims tied to a real estate settlement services provider, keeping the case moving. Public Health Beyond PA: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak is expanding into more states, with the CDC reporting thousands of illnesses nationwide. Sports & Tourism: The 2026 Little League World Series in Williamsport is credited with about $40 million for Pennsylvania’s economy, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. Business & Community: Pennsylvania American Water gave local officials tours of dam rehabilitation in Dunmore and stream restoration in Scranton, highlighting infrastructure work after a 2024 sediment release.

Mail-Voting Fight: A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked key parts of a new U.S. Postal Service policy aimed at restricting mail-in voting ahead of November, setting up a fresh legal scramble as states and federal agencies move in parallel. Measles in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania reported its first measles-related deaths in 35 years, tied to the ongoing Lancaster County outbreak, as officials and critics clash over what “measles-associated” means and how much detail the public should get. Local Health & Community: A Seven Valleys family is seeking costly treatment in Italy for a rare genetic disorder after their child’s condition spread throughout his body. Energy Costs & Data Centers: Local lawmakers and groups are pushing back on energy price pressures tied to big projects, arguing families in the Lehigh Valley are getting squeezed. Opioid Settlement Funds: Allegheny County approved another $1.7 million round of opioid settlement money for recovery and harm-reduction programs. Trade Watch: New U.S.-Canada tariffs could hit Pennsylvania exporters hard, with analysts warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Gaming Law: Supporters of skill games rallied in Clearfield, urging lawmakers to pass bills that would create a legal regulatory path after a state Supreme Court ruling.

Measles Fight in Lancaster County: Pennsylvania health officials confirmed two “measles-associated” deaths in Lancaster County, but the county coroner says one infant died from a ruptured spleen and that measles wasn’t the cause—fueling a public dispute with Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. School Vaccination Push: Philadelphia schools are running vaccination clinics as measles spreads nationwide, with officials warning many districts are below the herd-immunity threshold. Mail-In Voting Legal Battle: A coalition led by Democratic states, including Pennsylvania and Gov. Shapiro, refiled lawsuits to block new USPS mail-voting rules as midterms near. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Pennsylvania is set to receive up to about $516 million from Meta’s landmark settlement over Instagram/Facebook child-safety changes. Local Business & Jobs: Complete Payroll opened a new Erie office, and Northwest Bank announced plans to move its corporate headquarters to Dublin, Ohio, in 2029. Public Safety/Justice: A Slatington man was sentenced to 2–5 years for invasion of privacy and harassment tied to intimate images.

Measles Fight in Pennsylvania: U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pushed back on claims that two unvaccinated Pennsylvanians died from measles, questioning whether the deaths were actually tied to the virus as Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lancaster County officials dispute details. Public Health Update: Pennsylvania also reported its first measles-related deaths in 35 years, with health officials stressing the MMR vaccine’s effectiveness and urging people to check protection amid a fast-growing national outbreak. Data Centers vs. Voters: A Franklin & Marshall poll finds most Pennsylvania voters want tighter federal oversight of AI and oppose data centers in their communities, adding fuel to the midterm debate over power, water, and local impacts. Local Tech & Community: A new Schuylkill River Trail connector gives cyclists a continuous 70-mile route from Philly to Reading. Food Assistance: SUN Bucks summer EBT applications are due Aug. 31 for eligible families needing help covering groceries when school meals aren’t available. Local Governance Tech: Chambersburg says it uses Motorola automated license plate readers with strict policies, contrasting with controversy around other vendors.

Meta Settlement for Teen Safety: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says the state is set to receive $516 million (up to $729 million) from a landmark multistate deal with Meta over alleged harm to children on Facebook and Instagram, with sweeping changes like stronger age checks, limits on time, and nighttime blocks. Mail-in Voting Fight: Democratic-led states, including Pennsylvania, and voting rights groups renewed lawsuits to block a USPS rule that would reshape vote-by-mail procedures, after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a nationwide pause tied to Trump’s order. Measles Update: Pennsylvania reported two measles-related deaths, including an infant, as cases surge; officials say both victims were unvaccinated and highlight gaps in local MMR rates. Local Public Safety: In Upper Pottsgrove, a father says his son was shot after police responded to a possible burglary at the wrong home; police say the man was found at the rear of the house. Data Centers & Local Control: Residents in Throop appealed a data center zoning change, arguing it favors private interests over conservation land and community impacts. Wildlife Alert: Cheltenham police say a coyote they put down tested positive for rabies and urge residents to report erratic animals.

ICE Partnerships Under Scrutiny: Lancaster County prosecutors and local police keep working with ICE even after one department pulled back, and critics are demanding clear numbers on claimed public safety benefits. Measles Alert: Pennsylvania confirmed its first measles-related deaths in 35 years—both in Lancaster County—and reported hundreds of cases statewide, with officials urging MMR vaccination and pop-up clinics. Data Center Backlash: A new poll finds 6 in 10 Pennsylvania voters oppose data center development, while the EPA moves to reduce public input on air permits tied to these projects. Mail Voting Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania will challenge Trump administration mail-in voting restrictions after the Supreme Court lifted part of a block, leaving more uncertainty for voters. Youth Safety & Health: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sued Snapchat over alleged harm to kids, and PennDOT is inviting students to paint a snowplow mural for winter driving safety. Local Courts: A Centre County judge ordered a Penn State fraternity to regain access to its off-campus house after a move-in lockout tied to a lease dispute.

Public Health: Pennsylvania confirmed its first two measles deaths in 35 years, both tied to unvaccinated Lancaster County residents, as the outbreak continues to spread across the state and the U.S. reports its first measles deaths of 2026. Vaccines & Schools: Officials and doctors urged MMR vaccination amid falling kindergarten coverage and rising exemptions, while Pennsylvania’s health department pointed residents to new outbreak information. Legal Action: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued Snapchat, alleging the app uses addictive design and misleading marketing to keep teens engaged and maintain its “13-plus” rating. Elections Transparency: The Pa. Department of State launched a weekly online voter registration dashboard showing year-to-date net changes by party, county, and district. Safety on the Ground: Pennsylvania State Police rolled out a back-to-school initiative with more patrols around schools and bus routes, plus enforcement of the School Bus Stopping Law. Workforce & Education: The state awarded PA Smart grants to expand career and technical education, including funding for Farrell Area School District.

Philadelphia courts oversight: After six years of turmoil, Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal is set to appear before a judge over delays in transferring deeds after sheriff sales, with buyers waiting a year or more and the office allegedly earning millions in interest by holding auction proceeds instead of quickly using them. Pennsylvania politics: A new poll finds most likely Pennsylvania voters disapprove of Donald Trump and his policies, while Gov. Josh Shapiro holds a 16-point lead over Stacy Garrity and many Democrats say they’d back Shapiro for president. Transit: A second Amtrak “Pennsylvanian” train between Pittsburgh and New York City is scheduled to start this fall, with service beginning in mid-November. Public health: Measles vaccination rates for Pennsylvania kindergartners are declining as exemptions rise, with officials warning some schools are far below the level needed to stop outbreaks. Education & safety: Erie County districts are bringing cursive back under a 2026 state law, and a Luzerne County state senator is pushing tougher school bus safety rules. Local economy: Philadelphia’s bagel boom continues with multiple new openings and expansions, raising the question of how many shops the city can sustain. Health care access: Pennsylvania is seeing debate over GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, including Medicaid changes and questions about whether school districts will offer benefits.

Data Centers Backlash: Voters’ worries about energy bills, noise, and environmental impacts are driving a cross-party pushback on AI data centers, with national figures and campaigns increasingly using local concerns as election-year talking points. Elections & Voting Access: Pennsylvania’s Department of State launched a new weekly voter registration dashboard tracking year-to-date changes by party, county, and district. Public Safety: Pennsylvania State Police arrested two juveniles after rocks and debris were thrown onto the US-30 Bypass in Chester County, damaging 17 vehicles and injuring two people. Health: Pennsylvania American Water announced additional PFAS settlement credits, bringing total bill credits to $36.89 per account so far. Local Government: Wilkes-Barre installed new emergency warning lights at the Hollenback Fire Station to reduce near misses for responders and motorists. Community & Culture: The American Red Cross and Hello Kitty® are teaming up for September blood drives across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Data Centers: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is tightening the rules for data center permits, with new GRID standards and added development and permitting requirements that give local governments more leverage over power growth and project approvals. Public Safety & Health: PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police are launching Labor Day impaired-driving enforcement through Sept. 7, urging drivers to use designated drivers or ride-shares. State Police Staffing: Acting PSP Commissioner Lt. Col. George Bivens welcomed 47 new troopers after the 176th cadet class graduation in Manheim. Food Safety: York County restaurant inspections flagged issues including pink, mold-like residue in an ice chute, alongside other sanitation and temperature-control findings. Local Economy & Community: Food banks across Pennsylvania say demand is rising as SNAP cuts and economic strain bite, even as local organizations work to keep shelves stocked. Sports & Culture: Philadelphia is rolling out a digital hall pass and student tracking system districtwide, while local sports fans can vote in the Erie Times-News Seaway Window and AHN Sports Medicine ballot for District 10’s top returning female athlete.

Pennsylvania Agriculture & Disaster Relief: The USDA expanded its disaster designation for Pa. fruit farms hit by the late-April spring freeze, adding 58 counties so growers can access low-interest recovery loans and faster claims. Child Safety Oversight: A new report says Pennsylvania still lacks a consistent system for handling child abuse detection, with some counties using medical input while others rely mainly on caseworkers. Air Quality Enforcement: Pennsylvania DEP ordered Sherwin-Williams to address air-pollution violations after western Pa. residents reported strong chemical odors, including a consent order with civil penalties and required fixes. Data Center Backlash: The fight over AI data centers keeps heating up, with Pennsylvania tightening rules and residents in at least one township raising alarms about noise, traffic, and power impacts. Election Claims Under Scrutiny: A Trump administration-linked Census Bureau analysis claims 24,000 noncitizens voted in 2020, but experts question the study’s methods and note it wouldn’t change the outcome. Public Health Recalls: Fromm recalled wet dog food over possible metal contamination, and related recalls are prompting pet owners to check lot codes. Sports & Community: Kyle Kirkwood won the Freedom 250 IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., a major U.S. 250th celebration that brought huge crowds and patriotic pageantry.

Data Center Backlash: A new wave of political pushback is hitting AI data centers, with critics pointing to higher electricity bills, heavy water use, and secrecy around development deals; in Texas, approvals were paused after grid and water strain concerns, and the fight is now showing up in ads and midterm strategy. Local Governance & Tech Policy: Pennsylvania’s debate is also turning into rules on automated license plate readers, where a company says it will cut default location-record retention from 30 days to 7 while lawmakers consider tighter oversight and penalties. Public Safety: State police are investigating a Freemansburg Borough homicide after a woman was taken into custody; one victim died and another man remains hospitalized. Sports & Community: IndyCar’s Freedom 250 takes over Washington, D.C., with a street course that includes Pennsylvania Avenue, while PennDOT is urging drivers to use updated 511PA real-time routing for the Little League World Series. Wildlife & Outdoors: The Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are taking public input on the draft 2025–2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan through Sept. 19. Arts: The Rehoboth Art League opened its 12th Regional Juried Biennial Exhibition featuring 111 works from about 70 artists.

Local Politics: Gov. Josh Shapiro urged Berks County Democrats in Reading to turn anger at the Trump administration into votes, citing rising costs and health and food assistance losses for thousands of residents. Child Safety & Online Exploitation: Sen. Rosemary Brown’s resolution marks Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week, calling attention to risks like sextortion, grooming, and AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Public Safety: Pennsylvania State Police say a Freemansburg domestic shooting left one woman dead and another man critically injured; the alleged shooter is in custody and a homicide investigation is underway. Courts & Drugs: A man accused as a key dealer in an alleged Penn State fraternity cocaine ring waived arraignment and plans to plead not guilty, with prosecutors describing a “highly-profitable” operation. Education: A new report highlights teacher exits in Pennsylvania, with 2022-23 showing a sharp jump in departures and staffing strain for districts. Health: Federal health officials are investigating a multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak that has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including at least one case in Pennsylvania.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a new executive order tightening Pennsylvania’s data-center rules, requiring local approval and removing projects from fast-track permitting, while developers must commit to power, hiring, transparency, and water standards. Immigration Oversight Fight: A report says ICE is increasingly working to dodge local oversight of detention, including shifting contracts and using federal ownership to limit legal exposure. ICE Records Clash: Lancaster Watchdog reports Susquehanna Regional Police won’t share ICE records, as ICE guidance to local agencies on public-records requests is questioned. School Year Starts: Lancaster County districts kicked off the new school year, with an editorial urging schools to address AI use and keep students connected. Food Safety Alert: The FDA is investigating a multi-state E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, with 55 sickened and four hospitalized. Local Arts & Community: A new public art installation debuted at the Lancaster Amtrak station, featuring work from local artists. Pennsylvania Crime: Two people face charges in the stabbing death of PennWest California soccer player Karoline Heintz—her boyfriend is accused of the killing and his mother of helping dispose of her body.

Storm Recovery in Lancaster County: Lancaster County commissioners issued a disaster declaration after a destructive storm left homes uninhabitable in Columbia; the county says the move unlocks state and federal help, with a public loss-mitigation meeting set for Aug. 26 at the Columbia Fire Department. Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania reported 89 new measles cases in a week, pushing the state to the nation’s third-highest total for 2026; officials say none of the patients were fully vaccinated and point to exposures tied to a Millersville University soccer camp and a Lancaster Whole Foods. Food Safety Alert: CDC and FDA linked a multistate outbreak of E. coli and salmonella to alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands; 55 illnesses in 15 states are reported, including cases in Pennsylvania. Local Crime Case: Authorities charged a Pennsylvania Western University soccer player’s boyfriend and his mother in the stabbing death of Karoline Heintz, alleging the mother helped clean and dispose of evidence. Data Center Politics: Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a website for residents to report concerns about data center projects, aiming to stop “bad-faith developers” ahead of further local and state scrutiny. FBI Headquarters Update: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to move the FBI to a Washington, D.C. building, reviving Maryland’s Greenbelt bid.

IndyCar on the National Mall: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix is set to roar through Washington, D.C., this weekend with speeds up to about 180 mph and an expected 200,000-plus crowd on the National Mall, as Trump is expected to attend and major new sponsors like Boeing, Starlink and Delta back the race. Local Housing: Butler County commissioners approved $400,000 in Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency grants for the Butler County Housing and Redevelopment Authority—$250,000 for acquisition and rehabilitation and $150,000 for eviction prevention. Public Health: Centre County reported a West Nile Virus-positive mosquito sample in Ferguson Township, urging residents to dump standing water and reduce yard clutter. Health Care Access: WellSpan Health and Johns Hopkins renewed their oncology partnership, expanding subspecialty support and clinical trial access across central Pennsylvania. Education Support: York County schools will receive $121,000 for period products under a $3 million statewide initiative. Crime & Courts: Police reports listed multiple DUI and drug-related charges in Butler, including a fentanyl case tied to a traffic stop. Arts: Lancaster County’s Hispanic history found a national home—an old handwritten “sermon” drywall piece from a Drumore home was accessioned into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino.