AGP Executive Report

SNAP Security Upgrade: Pennsylvania will soon issue chip-enabled debit cards for SNAP (EBT) to curb theft tied to skimming in Philadelphia, adding a new layer of protection for recipients. Measles Fight at the Federal Level: The state is asking the CDC for emergency help for its measles outbreak but says it will withdraw the request unless the CDC recognizes four measles-associated deaths reported by Pennsylvania—fueling a high-stakes dispute with the Trump administration. Public Media Merger: PBS Western Reserve and Ideastream Public Media in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania are merging after losing $4 million in annual federal funds, with no planned layoffs and a plan to keep all staff. Chesapeake Bay Reversal: The Trump administration repealed an Obama-era executive order that coordinated Chesapeake Bay restoration, arguing it led to unclear requirements and “rain tax” stormwater fees. Consumer Protection Settlement: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills and AG Griffin announced a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance over alleged predatory auto lending, including cash and debt relief. Local Safety/Health: A Lake City vehicle vs. e-bike crash left two injured while police investigate; and Second Harvest highlighted its “Healthy Pantry Initiative” to help families choose and use healthier foods.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: The state health department confirmed additional measles-associated deaths, bringing fatalities to four as cases climb toward the highest levels in decades, renewing pressure on vaccination and school-year immunization plans. Public Safety Update: Pennsylvania State Police released Labor Day weekend crash stats: 790 crashes, 152 injury-related, and three deaths; troopers also made 450 DUI arrests and issued more than 25,000 citations. Local Government & Health: A Franklin County Jail staffing crisis continues after a failed union contract vote, with leadership moving new hires to a 12-hour schedule to boost recruitment. Education & Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro faces a deadline to either reject or opt into a federal private school voucher program, with critics warning it could tilt resources away from public schools. Community & Funding: State and local officials announced Local Share Account grants for Franklin County projects, including emergency preparedness and facility upgrades. Data Centers & Backlash: A new report finds local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide, reflecting growing community concerns about power, water, and strain on local services.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: The state Department of Health reports 731 confirmed measles cases across 38 counties, with 141 hospitalizations and 4 measles-associated deaths. Officials say 4 cases involve vaccinated people (under 1% of cases) and continue pop-up MMR clinics, urging Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated. Local Health Preparedness: Allegheny County health leaders say they’re planning for possible spread even though no local residents have tested positive yet, including lining up PPE, vaccine supplies, and pop-up clinic sites. Philadelphia Consumer Fight: Philadelphia is telling a federal judge that DraftKings’ attempt to block a city probe is premature, as the company faces a subpoena tied to how it identifies and monetizes gamblers. Data Center Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says local moratoriums on data center construction have jumped to 374 nationwide, driven by concerns about electricity, grid capacity, water use, and community impacts—an issue that’s increasingly showing up in local politics. Immigration Case in York: Advocates say a York pastor facing deportation to Haiti could be moved quickly, with legal challenges underway to stop it.

Measles Crisis: Pennsylvania confirmed a fourth measles death, including an 18-year-old in Mifflin County, as the outbreak climbs to about 693 cases across dozens of counties and the U.S. records its worst fatal stretch in decades. Election Security: With midterms nearing, Reuters reports state and local officials are bracing for possible federal interference, misinformation, cyber threats, and violence. War Powers Fight: The House voted to restrict further U.S. military action against Iran, with seven Republicans joining Democrats, while the CBO estimates the Iran conflict has cost about $38 billion. Data Center Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says local moratoriums on data center construction have surged to 374 as communities push back over power, grid capacity, and water impacts. Public Safety Tech: Harrisburg lawmakers are weighing limits or bans on automated license plate readers (“Flock” cameras), citing surveillance and data concerns. Local Justice: A judge refused to dismiss charges in an Erie heroin case after finding prosecutorial misconduct, setting up further proceedings.

Data & Power Reliability: A study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warns the PJM grid could miss key reliability targets by 2030 if new data centers keep coming, with modeled outcomes far worse than the planning standard unless buildout slows. Local Costs & Winter Prep: Western Pennsylvania municipalities are bracing for higher road-salt prices after bids jumped sharply, leaving some towns weighing smaller orders while others try to stay fully stocked. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with state officials confirming additional measles-linked deaths and renewed calls for MMR vaccination and exposure precautions. Courts & Accountability: A federal judge referred Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner and a top deputy to federal prosecutors after testimony raised concerns about possible obstruction and perjury in a conviction-integrity case. Elections & Voting by Mail: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked Trump administration efforts to restrict mail-in voting procedures, keeping Pennsylvania’s existing vote-by-mail rules in place. Local Government & Tech Surveillance: A county board voted to end Arlington’s use of Flock Safety cameras, spotlighting the growing debate over automated surveillance. Community & Grants: More than $2 million in Local Share Account funding is headed to Lycoming and Union county projects, including public safety gear, road work, and equipment for training programs.

Data Centers & Local Politics: A Wells Fargo tracker says U.S. local data-center moratoriums have jumped to 374, with concerns centered on electricity costs, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts—an issue now tied to midterm campaigning. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices in Pennsylvania rose 20.1 cents a gallon over the past week, averaging $4.49 Monday, with diesel also climbing. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to worsen, with officials reporting a third death as case counts near 700. Local Government & Schools: Moniteau School District says 40 students are enrolled in charter or cyber charter schools, costing the district about $881,447 in cyber tuition last year, and lawmakers are debating caps. Community & Culture: Clearfield County’s 22nd Conservation Celebration drew 400+ people to Curwensville Lake for hands-on wildlife, fishing, and stream-table activities. Aviation: DuBois Regional Airport finished a major $2.9 million runway rehabilitation and is already planning the next round of improvements.

Electric Grid & Data Centers: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warned that data center demand could push the state’s PJM grid into a reliability risk nearly six times worse than the regional standard by 2030, with new data center load alone outpacing all of Pennsylvania’s current annual demand in 2029-30. Public Health—Measles: Pennsylvania reported 693 measles cases across 38 counties and confirmed two outbreak-linked deaths, while officials investigate a possible third after a 40-year-old unvaccinated Jefferson County woman died with symptoms and major health complications; health leaders say the outbreak is a warning about vaccine hesitancy. Immigration Courts: California and other Democratic-led states and cities sued to block a Trump DHS rule that would let immigration officials more easily deny green cards based on past use of public benefits like Medicaid and SNAP. Law Enforcement: Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against 12 people in a multi-million-dollar illegal high-potency THC trafficking ring. Community & Safety: A Franklin, Pa. 9/11 remembrance drew about 200 first responders, and a new Legionnaires’ cluster was flagged after tests at Yankee Stadium.

Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania confirmed its third measles-related death of 2026: a 40-year-old unvaccinated Jefferson County woman died from complications, as cases climbed to about 676 statewide with new clusters reported in Mercer and nearby Ohio’s Trumbull County. Public Health: State officials and doctors urged vaccinations beyond measles, pointing to flu, COVID-19, and RSV guidance as hospitals prepare for seasonal surges. School Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law requiring Pennsylvania elementary schools to offer daily recess (30 minutes for K-5; 15 for half-day K), while Philly-area districts cut back on laptops and screen time amid a growing tech backlash. Elections & Language Access: Berks County election officials plan to review whether precincts meet federal language-assistance requirements under the Voting Rights Act. Local Safety & Community: Austintown is moving ahead with a Safe Haven Baby Box at a 24-hour fire station. Transportation Costs: GasBuddy reports Pennsylvania gas prices rose about 20 cents in a week, averaging roughly $4.49 a gallon.

Measles Alert: A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County died from measles complications, the state’s third measles-related death this year, as Pennsylvania’s outbreak climbs to about 676 cases and 124 hospitalizations across dozens of counties; officials say the woman was unvaccinated and had serious underlying respiratory conditions. Local Governance & Public Safety: A new op-ed argues Pennsylvania should do more to hold owners of blighted properties accountable, pointing to how abandoned homes can drag down neighborhoods, fuel health and crime risks, and frustrate residents when ownership is hard to track. AI Infrastructure Backlash: A Wells Fargo report says local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide to 374, with the buildout increasingly tied to election-year debates over electricity, grid capacity, and community impacts. 9/11 Remembrance: Communities across the region marked the 25th anniversary, including a Summerville ceremony honoring Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer and Welles Remy Crowther, and a Prince William County event remembering local victims. Media & Community: WTAJ plans a new “Daily News Wrap” program for Central Pennsylvania, aiming to dig deeper into local issues.

Data Centers & Local Politics: A Wells Fargo tracker says U.S. local moratoriums on data center construction jumped to 374, up from 92 in June, as communities push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts—setting up another midterm flashpoint. Health & Drugs: A Penn study using 400,000 Reddit posts flags underreported side effects tied to GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy, including reproductive changes and temperature-related symptoms, though it doesn’t prove the drugs caused them. Elections & Voting: Reporting explains how Trump’s push to restrict mail-in voting is facing legal fights, even as the practice remains used by about 29% of voters. Public Safety: A flood watch remains in effect through noon Sunday for parts of southeast Pennsylvania and nearby areas as heavy rain could trigger runoff flooding. Pennsylvania Courts: Spotlight PA reports the state Supreme Court is weighing whether defendants accused of supplying drugs in fatal overdoses should get new protections, amid criticism that prosecutions can target lower-level users. Arts & Culture: WCR Center for the Arts in Reading will stage “Trich,” a solo show about trichotillomania, Sept. 25-27.

Data Center Fight: A Wells Fargo report says local moratoriums on data center construction have surged to 374 nationwide, as residents push back over electricity costs, grid capacity, and water impacts—an issue now heating up ahead of midterms. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps climbing, with health leaders urging more vaccinations after hundreds of cases and rare infections among fully vaccinated residents. State Oversight: Pennsylvania Auditor General DeFoor released a performance audit of the medical marijuana program, finding weak internal controls and inconsistent oversight. Local Crime: Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a West Easton home shooting where a 52-year-old man was killed after a confrontation; investigators say there’s no threat to the public. Child Safety: A fugitive wanted in Virginia on child rape charges was arrested in Pennsylvania after years on the run, federal and local officials said. Community & Schools: Pew awarded $1.15M to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to expand greening in Philadelphia’s Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods, and Elevate 215 announced its 12th annual Philly K-12 School Fair. Weather Watch: A flood watch remains in effect for parts of southeast Pennsylvania and nearby areas as heavy rain could cause runoff flooding.

Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s confirmed measles count hit 676, with 108 new cases in the prior week, including dozens since the latest update—health leaders are pushing vaccinations as the outbreak spreads. Local Health & Schools: Lancaster County’s measles vaccination rate is among the lowest in the state, especially in parochial and private schools, leaving districts short of the 95% level public health experts say is needed for herd protection. Legal Win for Survivors: A Pennsylvania domestic violence coalition won a federal lawsuit blocking Trump administration grant conditions that would have forced nonprofits to change gender-identity and diversity-related programming. Community Arts: Pottstown is rolling out “Pianos for Pottstown,” placing two public street pianos downtown for residents to play through September. Local History Funding: The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission awarded nearly $4 million in cultural and historical support grants to 182 museums and county historical societies statewide. Infrastructure: Pennsylvania American Water accelerated a Scranton water main replacement after repeated breaks, with a $5 million project slated to start in Spring 2027. Data Centers & Politics: A Wells Fargo report says local data-center moratoriums have surged to 374 nationwide, as communities cite power, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts ahead of midterms.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania reported 676 measles cases statewide, with health leaders tracking another 100 confirmed cases in the past week. The outbreak includes four “breakthrough” infections in people who were vaccinated for their age, all in Centre, Jefferson, Lancaster and Lycoming counties, and none required hospitalization—still, officials stress vaccines remain the best protection. 9/11 Remembrance Across the Commonwealth: As the nation marked the 25th anniversary, Pennsylvanians and officials held ceremonies honoring victims and first responders, including observances tied to Flight 93 and local remembrance events. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Pennsylvania Attorney General investigators announced arrests of 10 people tied to a large-scale narcotics trafficking operation involving marijuana and THC-delta products, with alleged money laundering across multiple financial institutions. Data Breach Notices: Multiple firms announced investigations into recent breaches affecting consumers, including U.S. Bank and several companies, urging people to monitor accounts and protect against identity theft. Local Governance & Community Projects: A Student Co-op Recreational Park maintenance plan at IUP has stalled pending a vote on a new stewardship committee.

9/11 Remembrance: The nation marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with Patriot Day ceremonies, including flags ordered to fly at half-staff and multiple moments of silence during the Ground Zero program. Local 9/11 Connections in PA: In Butler County, the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company received a World Trade Center steel beam for a memorial, and the Butler Eagle revisited how the attacks upended local news that day; nearby, Flight 93’s response is still personal for former state troopers and memorial staff. Community Memorials & Health Legacy: Coverage highlighted how 9/11 fallout continues, with ongoing illness-related deaths and the Victim Compensation Fund’s long reach. PA Public Safety: Erie hospitals say security tightened after 9/11, with weapons detectors, ID checks, and stronger emergency coordination. Other PA-leaning items: Old Stone House in Brady Township transferred to Jennings Environmental Education Center for renovation and expanded local-history programming.

9/11 Commemoration: The U.S. Embassy marked the 25th anniversary with a ceremony honoring 2,977 lives lost and the service of armed forces and first responders, as Americans across the country continue to grapple with the day’s lasting impact. Public Safety & Policy: Pennsylvania State Police reported Labor Day weekend enforcement results, citing 790 crashes investigated statewide from Sept. 4-7 with three deaths, plus 450 DUI arrests and tens of thousands of citations. Drug Crisis: A Pittsburgh-area hospital says withdrawals tied to “gas station heroin” (kratom) are rising, with doctors warning the drug’s lack of regulation is driving more severe cases. Gaming Crackdown: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruling could ban skill game machines from most businesses starting Oct. 14, with State Police preparing seizures and possible charges. Health & Education: Gannon University earned a PA CARES suicide prevention designation, while Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to climb, including reports of infant deaths tied to the outbreak. Local Economy & Politics: A Harrisburg-area focus on Medicaid influence continues as Pennsylvania’s biggest Medicaid insurer expands political spending and lobbying.

Midterm Politics: President Trump kicked off the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas by attacking Democrats as extremists and promising a “Trump dividend” of $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans keep control of Congress—though the plan’s mechanics and legality remain unclear. Pennsylvania Politics: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a video message supporting the GOP’s “reject extremes and socialism” theme, while Sen. Dave McCormick touted Keystone State manufacturing and nuclear progress during day one. Health Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 600 cases, with 91 reported in the past week and 109 hospitalizations; state lawmakers are also pushing back on proposed Department of Health rules that would let health officials speak with students during outbreaks without parental consent. Local Governance & Civic Life: Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered in Philadelphia for a historic 250th anniversary session, and students sealed a 1976 time capsule that was recently opened. Public Safety: A Lancaster County mother faces charges after officials say she drunkenly put her 5-month-old in a hotel spa tub, leading to the child’s drowning. 9/11 Remembrance: Across the U.S. and in Pennsylvania, communities are marking the 25th anniversary with ceremonies and flags at half-staff.