AGP Executive Report

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.

Child Death Reviews: Spotlight PA reports about half of Pennsylvania’s child deaths since 2020 haven’t been reviewed under a 2008 state law, with advocates citing missing state support and volunteer time; Gov. Josh Shapiro is seeking $2.5 million to fix it. Public Safety Drills: Warren County will hold a multi-agency active intruder exercise at Eisenhower campus Monday, June 8, with simulated gunfire and sirens—school will be closed. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlights wide gaps in care quality across Pennsylvania nursing homes, including one facility rated 5 stars (Holy Family Manor) and several at 1–2 stars, with some reporting fines/penalties. Wildlife & Environment: DEP and the Pennsylvania Game Commission banded four peregrine falcon nestlings at the Rachel Carson State Office; Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center also reopened after stormwater and accessibility upgrades. Sports & Schools: PSAC adds women’s wrestling as its 24th championship sport starting 2026-27; Forest Hills esports won a Valorant state title as a No. 7 seed. Local Community: Youngsville High School plans an Alumni Lunch July 14 at the firehall, plus library summer reading kicks off June 8.

School Phone Crackdown: Pennsylvania’s distracted-driving “Paul Miller’s Law” is now fully enforceable, so police can start ticketing handheld phone use while driving, with a $50 fine. Energy Costs: The PUC approved PPL Electric rate hikes for July 1, with typical bills rising about $6–$7 a month, while data centers face full upgrade costs. Healthcare Affordability: The PA House Finance Committee advanced a bill creating a tax credit for small businesses that help pay employees’ health insurance premiums. Local History & Tourism: Historic Pithole City added 50 new interpretive signs for the 2026 season, with expanded visitor access. Public Health Watch: Tick season is ramping up, and Pennsylvania officials and experts warn Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses may be especially active. Sports & Community: Berlin Brothersvalley’s Coral Prosser earned an ESPN SportsCenter NEXT Top 100 ranking, and Pride celebrations continue to grow across the Delaware Valley. Business/Markets: Valve says its Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR are coming this summer, but pricing remains unclear.

Coal Push in Washington: President Donald Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up the struggling U.S. coal industry, citing a Cold War-era national defense law to support coal plants and exports, with thousands of jobs promised. Pennsylvania Driving Law: Starting today, Pennsylvania can issue tickets under Paul Miller’s Law for hand-held phone use while driving, including at lights and in traffic. Penn State Free-Speech Fight: Spotlight PA and other outlets sued Penn State trustees in federal court over a claimed “gag policy” limiting what trustees can say to the public and press. Local Business & Jobs: Crown Equipment honored top retail sales and service locations, including Crown Lift Trucks-Pittsburgh. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data highlighted mixed results across several Pennsylvania for-profit nursing homes, with some earning low overall ratings and fines. Sports: The Steelers signed TE Darnell Washington to a five-year extension.

Cemetery Crime: Police say Jonathan Gerlach, already charged in a cemetery case near Philadelphia, may have broken into the Greenwood Cemetery mausoleum in Lancaster Township. Child Safety/Drugs: A couple was arrested after cocaine was allegedly found in a 1-year-old’s lunch box at a York County daycare; investigators also seized suspected drugs, cash, and packaging materials. Politics: Sen. John Fetterman pressed Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to release alleged messages tied to a Kik account, escalating a campaign controversy. Local Culture & Tourism: The Shapiro administration launched the 2026 Scooped Ice Cream Trail with 59 PA Preferred creameries, and the Endless Mountain Music Festival marked its 21st season with America250-themed programming. Tech & Public Safety: Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving to curb “nudification” apps, while a Philadelphia police bulletin says AI data center critics are drawing surveillance amid fears of future attacks. Roads & Travel: PennDOT and state police urged safer summer driving as major events bring more visitors to Pennsylvania.

GLP-1 and cancer link: New ASCO 2026 data says people taking GLP-1 drugs show lower rates of 13 obesity-related cancers and better survival for some already diagnosed tumors, with University of Pennsylvania and MD Anderson analyses pointing to reduced breast cancer risk and improved post-surgery outcomes. Summer driving safety: PennDOT, State Police, and the Turnpike are urging drivers to put phones down, drive sober, and slow down as major events bring millions to Pennsylvania, with hand-held device use now illegal. Local construction: Work has started on three homes at the former Garfield Elementary School site in Altoona’s Fifth Ward, funded through ARPA and a Neighborhood Assistance Plan. Nursing home rankings (CMS Q1 2026): Multiple Pennsylvania facilities were highlighted as county’s No. 2 by size, including Mahoning Operating (Carbon), Communities at Indian Haven (Indiana), Tremont Health & Rehabilitation (Schuylkill), Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation (Cumberland), and ELK Haven (Elk). Transportation & infrastructure: Williamsport Regional Airport is set to receive $593,832 for a maintenance hangar rehab, and the city is advancing levee repairs with a new agreement with South Williamsport. Business spotlight: ENCON Equipment co-owner Jordan Mitchell is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 East Central finalist.

West Point Pipeline: Karns City valedictorian Mason Bell is headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, one of the few (possibly first) from his district. Local Public Safety: A volunteer firefighter, Justin Tyler Sholly, was arrested and charged after investigators say he set three fires in Montgomery County and then responded to scenes with his fire company. Legal System Watch: A New York judge held Luigi Mangione’s hearing in his state murder case in secret, shutting out press and public, with the next in-person hearing set for June 16. Pennsylvania Health & Research: New research at ASCO is adding to growing interest in GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic/Wegovy) and possible links to lower cancer risk, including a University of Pennsylvania breast cancer analysis. Life Sciences Jobs: Gov. Shapiro cut the ribbon on SCHOTT Pharma USA’s expanded Lebanon County facility, touting capacity growth and more than 200 jobs supported. Energy Costs: A new report says AI-driven power demand is pushing PJM capacity auction prices higher, with costs spreading to millions of electricity bills. Privacy Fight: A privacy watchdog urged lawmakers to reject a GOP-backed federal data privacy bill, calling it worse than having no federal law.

Philly Budget Fight: Pennsylvania legislative leaders signaled they likely won’t approve Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed hotel tax and short-term rental tax hikes, jeopardizing key parts of her budget plan. Retirement Savings Clash: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 24-state coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would steer retirement funds toward riskier assets like crypto and private credit. Paid Leave Debate: Allegheny County heard public comments on a proposal for 18 weeks of paid parental leave, with parents praising it and some business owners warning about costs. Child Death Reviews: Spotlight PA reports many Pennsylvania counties still aren’t reviewing every child death as required by a 2008 law, with advocates citing missing state support and volunteer time. Healthcare Access: ChristianaCare opened ChristianaCare Hospital, Aston, a neighborhood hospital with 24/7 emergency care and inpatient services. Opioid Warning: Experts warn about “orphines,” a new class of deadly synthetic opioids reportedly far more potent than fentanyl. Sports & Community: The Knicks head to the NBA Finals with strong New Jersey ties, while local school and community updates included a Garver Memorial YMCA fitness upgrade and a Central volleyball season ending in a PIAA loss.

Breast Cancer Research: A new study from the University of Pennsylvania reports women taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy had about a 30% to 35% lower risk of developing breast cancer, though researchers stress it’s observational and needs stronger clinical trials. Elder Protection: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday and Sen. Chris Gebhard are pushing to modernize elder scam laws, backing a bill that would let banks intervene when they suspect an older customer is being targeted—especially as AI makes spoofing easier. State Funding: The Shapiro administration announced $7.49 million in Community Development Block Grant money for water, sewage, and public facility upgrades across seven counties. Local Business & Zoning: Elizabethtown’s zoning board will hear a postponed request to broaden business types at a former candy factory, with neighbors raising parking concerns. Public Safety Oddity: In Bethel Park, police deputized a loose chicken as “Lt. McQuail” after it blocked traffic—then reassigned it to a “foster flock.” Tech & Media: McClatchy’s newspaper chain is leaning harder on AI content as it struggles financially, sparking internal pushback from reporters.