AGP Executive Report

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania reports 1,078 cases across 41 counties, 207 hospitalizations and five deaths. Health officials say 74 cases were added in the latest update, including some reported late. Skill Games: Lawmakers left Harrisburg without a deal, as the Oct. 13 deadline for enforcement against machines outside licensed venues approaches. Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity are set to debate in Harrisburg tonight; eligible residents have until Oct. 19 to register to vote. PFAS Restrictions: The Senate passed a bill 48-1 to ban most firefighting foam containing PFAS, with limited exceptions. It now goes to the House. Road Safety: One person died in a four-vehicle crash on Route 322 in Clarion County after drivers encountered backed-up traffic near a construction zone.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has now topped 1,000 measles cases (1,004 as of Monday), with an unusually high share among adults, about 20% hospitalized, and five measles-associated deaths—prompting renewed warnings as the outbreak spreads. State Politics & Elections: Democrats are doubling down on election protection in Pennsylvania amid threats from the Trump administration, while voters are being urged to use drop boxes instead of mailboxes. Gaming Law in Harrisburg: The Pa. Senate approved bills to raise profit limits for small games of chance, setting up the next phase of the state’s skill-games fight. Local Government & Schools: Mars Area completed financing for elementary school renovations after approving a new round of bond funding. Energy & Data Centers: Google and Constellation announced a major nuclear-backed power deal aimed at supplying electricity for data centers on the PJM grid, including upgrades tied to Pennsylvania. Public Health Beyond Measles: New York declared a disaster emergency over measles as cases rise, underscoring the regional spillover risk.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps climbing, topping 1,000 cases and drawing national alarm as New York declares a disaster emergency and doctors warn the worst may be ahead. Capitol & Data Centers: Protesters packed the state Capitol urging a moratorium and “guardrails” on data centers, arguing they’ll drive up costs and strain local control. PFAS Firefighting Foam: The Pennsylvania Senate advanced a bill to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, with restrictions starting to roll in during 2027. Skill Games Deadline: With the Oct. 13 enforcement deadline looming, supporters rallied at the Capitol to push lawmakers to regulate skill games instead of shutting them down. Workforce & Local Growth: Reading leaders highlighted crime and investment gains at Harrisburg, while a new Pennsylvania CareerLink–West Philadelphia Center opened to bring job services closer to residents. Public Health & Safety: Students in Hollidaysburg helped stop a drifting school bus after the driver suffered a medical emergency.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania has now topped 1,000 measles cases this year, with health officials reporting five measles-associated deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations, as the outbreak spreads beyond earlier hotspots and keeps pressure on local clinics and vaccination drives. Neighboring Response: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency over measles, expanding who can give MMR shots and who can order testing as cases rise in rural counties. Election Tech & Misinformation: With Election Day less than a month away, voters are increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT to research down-ballot candidates and issues—raising new questions about how people verify what they’re being told. Energy & Power Deals: Google is nearing a major long-term power agreement with Constellation Energy, tapping nuclear supply to feed data-center demand across the PJM region. Food Safety: PepsiCo is recalling more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states, including Pennsylvania, after undeclared artificial yellow dyes were found on labels. Local Voting Access: Northampton County says ballot-on-demand is available in most of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, letting voters apply, fill out, and return ballots in one visit.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania topped 1,000 confirmed measles cases, with 198 hospitalizations and five measles-associated deaths, as health officials push MMR shots and expand vaccine access while neighboring New York declares a disaster emergency. Medicaid Access: Philadelphia warned that Medicaid coverage changes can trip people up through missed mail, outdated addresses, or paperwork delays, and launched “One Philly Medicaid Access” to help residents respond and stay covered. Energy & Grid Policy: The Pennsylvania House advanced a bill requiring electric utilities to add large-scale battery storage for peak-demand reliability, while a separate Senate measure would ban PFAS firefighting foam with limited exceptions. Hemp Regulation: A new GOP senator is stepping in with comprehensive hemp legislation aimed at restricting sales to minors and tightening safety testing. Kratom Crackdown: The House unanimously passed a bill to regulate kratom products, targeting the most dangerous forms and limiting child access. Local Business & Health: Penn State broke ground on a $65M animal diagnostic lab expansion, and Pennsylvania lawmakers also heard updates on nursing home sale questions. Public Safety: Police seized 70+ illegal slot machines in a New Jersey gambling bust tied to dozens of businesses, and Pennsylvania State Police continued enforcement as skill-game deadlines near.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania has hospitalized 195 measles patients—about 1 in 5 cases—as the outbreak nears 1,000 infections, with adults driving much of the hospitalization burden and Chester County emerging as a major hotspot. Medicaid Access: Philadelphia launched a “One Philly Medicaid Access” push to keep tens of thousands from losing coverage as new Medicaid eligibility rules take effect, with city officials warning people could “fall through the cracks.” Data Center Fight: A Pocono-area developer is offering Hazle Township households $10,000 each if an AI data center campus moves forward, but residents say the money doesn’t offset concerns over noise, light, property values, and heavy energy and water demands. Local Politics & Voting by Mail: Allegheny County has started mailing ballots for the Nov. 3 election, and Pennsylvania voters are getting reminders on how to request, fill out, and return mail ballots. Public Health & Recalls: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in multiple states because labels didn’t list certain yellow food dyes. Sports & Community: Butler football’s move away from WPIAL play is paying off, and a new “Muni Run Club” is turning public transit routes into a local running phenomenon.

Police & Courts: A Reading-area chase involving a stolen car ended with suspects missing after the vehicle crashed into woods; authorities say the occupants may be armed, and the investigation is ongoing. Justice System: Jury selection is complete for the Monday trial of Pennsylvania parole agent Kevin Seelinger, charged in the 2025 shooting death of Marchello Woodard; prosecutors seek first-degree murder. Broadband: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced $448M in BEAD grants to expand high-speed internet across 50 Pennsylvania counties, building on a reported drop in unserved households. Public Health: Pennsylvania health officials reported a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000, with warnings to get vaccinated. Health Care Costs: Independence Blue Cross agreed to pay $22.5M over alleged Medicare Advantage overpayments tied to unsupported diagnosis codes. Elections & Policy: A legislative roundup highlighted major state action on affordable high-speed internet access ahead of the 2026 midterms. Community & Safety: Erie County Community College’s welding program is highlighted as local employers face a looming shortage of skilled welders.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania health officials say the outbreak is poised to spread beyond its current epicenter, with the state reporting a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000 and Lancaster County leading the tally. Election Law Fight: Courts are becoming a major front in the 2026 midterm battle, as parties and voting-rights groups litigate disputes over voter rolls, mail ballots, citizenship checks, and election administration ahead of Nov. 3. SNAP Pressure: New federal rules shift more SNAP administration costs onto states starting Oct. 1, raising concerns that paperwork burdens will keep cutting people off in Pennsylvania. Data Center Backlash: In Hazle Township, residents are pushing back against a proposed $165 million data center plan tied to $10,000 incentives, with questions swirling about who the project is really for. Consumer Safety: Consumer Reports dropped e-scooter recommendations over safety concerns, and frozen berries sold in Pennsylvania are under FDA recall for possible E. coli contamination. Local Transit: Amtrak says ticket sales are coming for a second daily Pittsburgh-to-New York trip on the Pennsylvanian route, starting mid-November.

Midterm Politics in Bucks County: Gov. Josh Shapiro rallied Democrats in Bucks, calling the county “power” in races that could shape control in Harrisburg and Washington, including the competitive 1st Congressional District contest. School Safety & Mental Health: New statewide survey data says youth mental health is improving and students report feeling safer in Pennsylvania schools, tied to state investments in mental health and security. Election Deadlines: Pennsylvania voters face key October cutoffs for registration and mail ballots, with the state deadline listed as Oct. 19. Public Safety: Abington police are investigating offensive anti-Black and antisemitic graffiti found at a playground in Glenside. Health Policy Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the Education Department from publishing identifying foreign donor and contract names tied to major universities, setting up a legal showdown. Community & Aging: A report highlights how disability and age affect transportation accessibility in parts of NEPA, underscoring built-environment gaps. Measles Update: Pennsylvania continues reporting measles cases near the 1,000 mark and a fifth measles-associated death.

State Politics & Elections: With a month to go before Pennsylvania’s Nov. 3 midterms, House Republicans are privately worrying they can’t hold their majority, while Democrats look for a wave that could reshape the last two years of President Trump’s term. Voting Reform: A bill to end Pennsylvania’s closed primary system passed the state House, moving toward a Senate vote and giving unaffiliated voters a path to participate. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000, with officials urging vaccinations amid a widening outbreak. Food Safety: USDA recalled more than 4,500 pounds of imported ready-to-eat chicken stew shipped to Pennsylvania after a missed reinspection. Local Government & Community: Elk County’s Hometown Heroes initiative is expanding to honor veterans and first responders, and Pennsylvania’s archery deer season opens statewide today with new Sunday-hunting rules. Workforce Development: Shapiro announced $500,000 for Philadelphia Youth Basketball’s $50 million “The Generator” workforce facility.

Skill Games Deadline: Pennsylvania’s 120-day safe harbor for skill games is nearly up, with State Police saying unlicensed machines could be seized and operators face prosecution starting Oct. 14 as lawmakers race to act. Broadband Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority announced more than $448 million in BEAD funding to expand high-speed internet and close the digital divide, including rural areas like Centre County. Measles Surge: The state reported another measles case in Union County, bringing Pennsylvania’s total to 977 cases across 39 counties, as health officials urge vaccination amid a widening outbreak. Education & Safety: A statewide youth survey presented to PCCD found mental health and school-safety indicators improving, with depression and suicide-risk measures declining among students. Local Roads: Hermitage received a $1.1 million state grant for road revitalization, with resurfacing planned for key industrial corridors. Politics: A Harrisburg dispute over alleged slurs by a GOP lawmaker against a Democratic colleague is escalating with calls for resignation from caucus leaders.

Measles Update: Pennsylvania confirmed its fifth measles-associated death of 2026, tied to an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident, as cases climb to 943 across 39 counties with 176 hospitalizations. Election 2026: Gov. Josh Shapiro is set to campaign in Bucks County this weekend, backing Democrats in key state and congressional races, including Planned Parenthood PA PAC-endorsed candidates. Local Land Fight: Upper Darby organizers are racing to raise $8 million to buy the Mozino Tract and preserve it as open space after a developer abandoned a mixed-use plan. Skill Games Crackdown: Pennsylvania State Police reminded businesses that skill game machines must be removed by Oct. 13 after the Supreme Court ruled they function as slot machines. Healthcare Access: A new report highlights the fight to save rural hospitals and protect access to care, including in rural Pennsylvania communities. Sports & Community: Farrell’s Jack Marin will be inducted into the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Measles Crisis in Pennsylvania: The state confirmed a fifth measles-associated death, with Lancaster County again hit hard, as cases climb toward 1,000 and health officials push MMR vaccination. Health Care Policy in Harrisburg: The Pa. House advanced AI rules for health care, urging federal deference to state authority, as lawmakers weigh how new tech should be used in patient decisions. SNAP Funding Shift: Starting Oct. 1, SNAP income limits and maximum benefits rise, but the program’s funding model is also changing, shifting more administrative costs onto states. Data Center Fight: Lawmakers debated how data center costs and electricity charges should be handled, with bills moving through panels amid local backlash and compensation questions. Local Jobs Report: Pa. Labor & Industry released August unemployment data, showing slight improvements around the Philadelphia region. Gun Law Seminars: State Rep. Joe Hamm will host two concealed-carry and firearm-law seminars in Lycoming County. Food Safety Inspections: Chester County restaurant inspections flagged handwashing retraining needs and other compliance issues. Agriculture Grant: A Brookville meat processor received state funding to expand processing capacity and improve food and worker safety.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-associated death, tied to an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident, as the statewide total climbed to 943 cases with 176 hospitalizations—one of the nation’s worst outbreaks in decades. Public Health Response: Health officials say they’re pushing MMR vaccinations through clinics and outreach, while disputes continue over how deaths are counted. Data Center Fight: In Archbald, opponents and Essential Energy sparred at a conditional-use hearing over whether a proposed data-center power plant can meet public health and safety requirements. State Tech Modernization: NASCIO honored 11 state technology projects, highlighting how states are using AI and digital tools to improve services and security. Food Security: Sioux Honey and Weis Markets donated 4,860 pounds of clover honey to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as National Honey Month and Hunger Action Month wrapped up. Health Insurance Accountability: Independence Blue Cross agreed to pay $22.5 million to settle a Medicare Advantage false claims suit. Courts & Justice: Lancaster’s Superior Court denied a life-sentence inmate’s bid for a new trial in a 2017 murder case.

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania’s outbreak keeps climbing past 900 cases, with health officials urging residents to stay vigilant as exposures spread via travel and public settings. Immigration & Health Care: New reporting says ICE enforcement around Pennsylvania healthcare facilities is raising fears for immigrants trying to get care, while federal policy shifts could also put more legally present people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage. West Bank Accountability: The U.S. Senate blocked efforts to require reports on deaths of Americans and alleged abuse in the occupied West Bank, underscoring ongoing party splits. Local Courts: A judge heard arguments in a lawsuit over Whitehall-Coplay ending bus service for older charter students, with another hearing set. Skill Games Crackdown: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruling is pushing venues toward removing skill machines, and locals are rallying for regulation instead of shutdowns. Red Cross Blood Drive: The American Red Cross is working to boost donations after summer slowdowns, including a drive in Reading. Community & Environment: Shapiro’s “Recovery in Nature” initiative is expanding in Pennsylvania state parks, and Easton is set to build a greener parking area with gardens and stormwater upgrades.

Measles Crisis: Pennsylvania paused a major Department of Health disease-control regulation overhaul after a flood of public comments—over 10,000—amid the state’s worst measles outbreak in decades, now surpassing 900 cases. Gaming Crackdown: Attorney General Dave Sunday warned skill-game operators to remove illegal machines before an October compliance deadline, or face criminal prosecution and seizures after a June Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. Local Economy/Jobs: The Shapiro administration highlighted construction progress on DrinkPAK’s $195 million East Coast manufacturing expansion in Philadelphia’s Bellwether District, backed by a $2 million state investment and expected to create at least 174 jobs. Public Safety: State Police are investigating a Sadsbury Township crash that sent a 29-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child to the hospital after an SUV hit a house following a stop-sign failure. Cybersecurity: A hacking group called ShinyHunters says it stole sensitive data from the FBI, while Pennsylvania residents also face ongoing fallout from pharmacy and other data-breach investigations. Sports/Community: A packed fall slate of Philadelphia-area arts and entertainment events is being promoted through a new Philly Arts Event Finder.