AGP Executive Report

Election staffing & civic learning: Votebeat reports Pennsylvania high schoolers are serving as real poll workers—some even vote after their shift—helping counties cover staffing gaps while building trust in the process. Sunshine Law dispute: Lansford Borough Council is facing questions about whether a closed-door executive session violated Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Law when council discussed personnel and a grant-funded planning program. School funding: Norristown Area School District approved a $235.3M 2026-27 budget with a 1.5% tax increase, adding 52 staffing positions and more after-school programming. Electric rates & data centers: PPL won PUC approval for a new rate class for large load data centers, tied to long-term commitments, with residential distribution rates rising and a low-income support charge included. Schools & phones: The PA House passed a bill requiring statewide school cellphone-use policies, while Pittsburgh already has a bell-to-bell style ban. Public health: A Pitt/UPMC study in JAMA Network Open finds maternal RSV vaccination cuts RSV hospitalizations in young infants by nearly 70%. Health care leadership: Penn Medicine extended CEO Kevin Mahoney’s contract through June 2031.

Penn State First Amendment fight: Spotlight PA and other outlets sued Penn State trustees in federal court over a “gag policy” in the board’s bylaws that they say blocks trustees from speaking critically without pre-approval. Local Government & Infrastructure: Lamar Township supervisors weighed repairs versus replacement for aging park pavilions after roof work exposed structural problems, and discussed upgrades to pickleball facilities. Public Health: The FDA urged shoppers to check freezers after recalling De Dioses Fruit Pops due to possible undeclared allergens, including milk and tree nuts, sold in PA and neighboring states. Energy & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M to support coal-fired plants and exports, using a Cold War-era defense law—an effort aimed at grid reliability and thousands of jobs. Healthcare Oversight: CMS data showed one Franklin County nursing home received a 1-star rating while a Lehigh County facility earned a 3-star score, with details on fines and penalties. Community & Education: Sugar Valley Rural Charter School held its 26th commencement with 34 seniors graduating in Loganton.

AI in health care: A Trump-linked push is moving to bring AI “doctors” into U.S. medicine, with officials arguing it can help with chronic disease and rural shortages—though fully autonomous practice still isn’t allowed. Data centers and power strain: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing how to rein in data-center-driven rate hikes as the AI boom pressures the grid, while police in Philadelphia are reportedly surveilling online critics of AI facilities. War powers showdown: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to end Iran war involvement, with four Republicans—including Pa. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick—joining Democrats; Trump blasted the defectors. State politics and schools: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s reelection ad spotlights universal free school breakfast for 1.7 million kids. Local governance & community: Tioga County doubled ATV-accessible trails; Berks County commissioners backed grants for a bridge rehab and a figure skating event. Public safety & justice: Police say a man charged in a cemetery remains case may have also broken into a Greenwood Cemetery mausoleum. Quality-of-life: Shapiro’s administration launched the 2026 Scooped Ice Cream Trail with 59 PA Preferred creameries.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to force President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the Iran conflict or seek congressional approval, with four Republicans—including Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick—joining Democrats in a rare bipartisan rebuke. Local Infrastructure & Flood Control: Williamsport officials signed an agreement with South Williamsport to keep levee repairs moving toward FEMA certification, building on federal earmarks. State College Growth: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $340K investment tied to State College, part of broader economic development momentum. Life Sciences Jobs: Shapiro also backed SCHOTT Pharma’s Lebanon County expansion, highlighting Pennsylvania’s push to grow advanced manufacturing. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data spotlighted multiple Pennsylvania facilities’ Q1 2026 rankings and ratings, including Carbon County’s Mahoning Operating (3/5) and Venango County’s Oakwood Heights Village (2/5). Sports & Community: The Steelers locked in Nick Herbig with a new five-year deal, while Williamsport Regional Airport received $593,832 for hangar rehabilitation.

Immigration Preparedness in Philly: Philadelphia City Council leaders are urging World Cup watch party hosts and business owners to attend ICE rights trainings this week, warning that thousands of visiting fans could mean more enforcement activity and “it’s already too late” if organizers wait. Local Budget Fight: Council President Kenyatta Johnson moved to put Mayor Cherelle Parker’s proposed hotel and short-term rental tax hikes on hold, a key funding lever for homelessness prevention now facing political headwinds in Harrisburg. World Cup Logistics: The city also released security, transport, and accessibility guidance for FIFA events, as officials plan for large crowds. Infrastructure Watch: Lancaster City Council advanced $15 million in extra interim financing for a major water pipeline overhaul after bids pushed costs above earlier estimates. Life Sciences Growth: Gov. Josh Shapiro joined ribbon-cutting for SCHOTT Pharma’s Lebanon expansion, touting capacity gains and job retention. Energy Costs & AI: A new report explains how AI-driven power demand is pushing PJM capacity auction prices onto electricity bills, with costs landing on ratepayers and profits flowing to generators. Health Research: Multiple studies presented at ASCO are fueling interest in whether GLP-1 drugs could lower certain cancer risks, including breast cancer. Business & Courts: Uniontown Mall owners were ordered to make safety repairs after a court ruling cited blocked exits and vermin issues. Pennsylvania Economy: Bankruptcy filings in the state rose nearly 10% over the past year, reflecting mounting household financial pressure.

Paid Parental Leave Fight in Allegheny County: Pittsburgh-area residents packed a public hearing on a proposal for 18 weeks of paid parental leave, with parents calling it essential and small businesses warning it could be unaffordable; the comment period runs through June 16. Child Death Reviews Gap: Pennsylvania counties are failing to review the deaths of every child under 21 as required by a 2008 law, with advocates citing missing state support and volunteer time; Shapiro is seeking $2.5 million to fix it. School Cellphone Ban Advances: The Pennsylvania House approved a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in schools, sending the measure forward as lawmakers weigh how to enforce it. Opioid Crisis Update: A new class of ultra-potent synthetic opioids, “orphines,” is driving fresh overdose deaths, and experts say identifying or removing them could be difficult. Local Business & Community: Garver Memorial YMCA in Roaring Spring unveiled upgrades funded by the Nason Foundation, and a North Philadelphia gym is running a Pride Month fundraiser for LGBTQ+ youth. Sports Business: Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig agreed to a new four-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh.

Elder-Scam Crackdown: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday and Sen. Chris Gebhard are pushing to modernize elder protection laws so banks can intervene when they suspect online fraud, especially as AI makes scams and spoofed calls harder to spot. Consumer Protection in HVAC: The state settled with a Lehigh Valley HVAC company after allegations of high-pressure sales, misleading contracts, and threats to seniors trying to cancel—$300,000 plus required business changes. Public Health Research: New Penn-led findings link GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (like Ozempic/Wegovy) to about a 30% lower breast cancer risk, though researchers stress it’s observational and needs clinical trials. Infrastructure Funding: The Shapiro administration announced $7.49M in Community Development Block Grant money for water, sewage, and public facility upgrades across seven Pennsylvania counties. Local Growth & Housing Planning: Allegheny, Butler, and Indiana counties are updating long-range comprehensive plans, with public input shaping development, transportation, and housing priorities. Healthcare Labor: A new union contract for 240 Wilkes-Barre General Hospital nurses was overwhelmingly ratified after the prior deal expired, following Tenor Health’s takeover.

State Budget Deadline: Lawmakers return to Harrisburg as the June end-of-month budget deadline nears, with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.2 billion plan drawing GOP criticism over spending and Rainy Day Fund use. Public Safety & Tech: Pennsylvania residents are seeing higher electricity costs from Penelec’s June 1 price-to-compare change, while separate coverage highlights how license plate readers are being used to boost local policing and Amber Alert response. Gaming Rules Clash: A gap in Pennsylvania law is putting fire companies and county treasurers at odds over online raffles, with treasurers warning licenses could be revoked unless lawmakers update the rules. School Policy: The Pennsylvania House advanced a cellphone ban during the school day, sending the measure toward the Senate. Local Politics: A Montgomery County Democratic primary is set to flip State Rep. Mary Jo Daley’s seat to Megan Griffin-Shelley after a narrow win. Courts & Accountability: A closed-door national security briefing brought FBI and intelligence officials to Pennsylvania lawmakers and business leaders. Health Care Prep: Penn Medicine is gearing up for FIFA World Cup medical coverage in Philadelphia with staffing plans for stadium and fan-fest sites.

Local Environmental Fight: Save Carbon County urged Palmerton borough not to extend the Northface Project permit, arguing the developer is far behind required fill pace and should “start making this project come to an end.” Public Safety & Gaming Law: Centre County’s treasurer warned volunteer fire companies that online raffles may put gaming licenses at risk, pointing to a Pennsylvania law gap that hasn’t kept up with virtual fundraising. Energy Costs: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says generation prices for PUC-regulated utilities will adjust June 1, with summer air-conditioning demand likely driving higher bills. State Politics & Elections: A Texas Senate primary win spotlighted Ken Paxton’s voting-rights record, including legal challenges tied to Pennsylvania and other states. Pennsylvania Innovation: Penn researchers are turning food scraps into building materials, aiming to cut landfill waste and reduce reliance on concrete and epoxy. Business & Community: A Harrisburg Mexican restaurant, El Sol, abruptly closed after nearly two decades, citing the tough economics facing small businesses.

Data Center Policy: Sen. Tracy Pennycuick unveiled a legislative package aimed at tightening Pennsylvania’s rules for large data centers, including requiring them to bring their own power, using reclaimed water or paying mitigation fees, banning government NDAs, and limiting foreign-owned operators. Gaming & Senior Services: County aging offices are urging lawmakers to tax Pennsylvania skill games after a report says the machines are draining about $170 million from the state lottery fund, threatening Meals-on-Wheels and other in-home care. Health & Research: Penn Medicine is partnering with K Health to deploy AI clinical agents across its system, starting with virtual urgent care and expanding into primary care and specialties. Cancer & Aging: Fox Chase researchers report melanoma spread may be more likely in middle age than in old age, pointing to immune changes. Campus Speech: University of Pennsylvania students are still pushing back on draft open expression guidelines after the feedback period closed. Local Public Safety: Lehighton police charged a man after a bar fight led to a gun discharge; no one was hit.

Data Center Policy Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro rolled out the full Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards, aiming to speed permitting while setting guardrails for data center developers and tying state support to real local value and impact mitigation. Political Pushback: Republican nominee Stacy Garrity hit back, calling Shapiro’s stance “hypocrisy” after he previously praised major AI infrastructure plans. Public Safety: Police arrested a teen in a Carlisle-area shooting investigation, and separate reports said repairs are underway after a water main break outside a local police station. Fraud Case: The FBI renewed its hunt for Vanessa O’Rourke, accused of faking terminal brain cancer to raise more than $10,000, allegedly using donations for luxury trips to Australia. Health & Tech Literacy: New Penn-led research says online info about AI in cancer care is often low quality and misses key risks, leaving patients vulnerable to misinformation. Environment Watch: Invasive species warnings continue, with golden mussels and spotted lanternflies among the threats expected to spread further this summer.

Housing & Veterans: VA says Pennsylvania saw 1,681 VA home purchase loans in Q1 FY2026, totaling $559.6 million—down from 1,804 loans and $620.2 million in Q4 FY2025. Public Safety: A weeks-long burglary investigation in Washington County ended with an 18-year-old and two juveniles charged. Local Tragedy: Central Berks Police Officer Kristen Yeager died after a patrol crash while responding to an emergency assist request; Pennsylvania State Police are investigating. Health & Community: More than 1,000 people joined the 12th annual Philadelphia Lung Force Walk at the zoo, with survivors and families highlighting the impact of lung cancer research and support. Politics & Schools: Seneca Valley weighs another tax increase as residents question whether rising costs and debt are being managed responsibly. Economy & Jobs: Pennsylvania’s data-center debate keeps growing, with renewed focus on construction and skilled-trades opportunities. Sports & Business: Old Navy is closing its Logan Valley Mall store in Altoona.

PennDOT Roadwork: Jacksonville Road will close June 1 for drainage work tied to the High-Speed Interchange project between I-80 and I-99, with a five-day schedule and detours for drivers. Local Government & Public Safety: Lock Haven City Council is weighing how to use a roughly $3 million budget for major city hall renovations, after earlier police-building plans stalled. State Outdoors: The Northcentral Regional ATV Trail reopened May 22 for the 2026 season, bringing nearly 1,000 miles of connected riding across four counties. Economy & Tourism: Clinton County Economic Partnership handed out $80,000 in 2026 tourism grants at “Toast to Tourism Timeout,” backing local businesses and groups. Food & Agriculture: The PA Beef Council launched the PA Beef Trail with 73 stops statewide for Beef Month, linking restaurants and ag tourism. Healthcare Access: UPMC says emergency and inpatient care remains available 24/7 across its northwest PA network after a local hospital service change. Community Life: Central Pennsylvania community theaters keep drawing crowds by offering shared, in-person experiences that streaming can’t replace.

SEPTA Leadership: SEPTA’s new general manager, Scott Sauer, is a homegrown Philly transit lifer tasked with keeping the system steady while the World Cup and Philly’s Semiquincentennial celebrations ramp up. Housing & Community Development: Montgomery County released its first Housing Blueprint, aiming to fix and preserve homes, expand rentals, help more people buy, upgrade public spaces, and cut homelessness with data-driven steps. Brownfield Cleanup: The Shapiro administration approved $750,000 to remediate a former Carlisle manufacturing site for future mixed-use development. Local Infrastructure: Newtown Creek’s long-planned pedestrian bridge is moving into the bidding phase, with contractors submitting bids for a safer crossing for cyclists and pedestrians. Education Finance: Parkland School District approved a $261.7M 2026-27 budget with a 5.2% spending increase and a 3.5% millage hike. Health Coverage: New data shows more Americans are dropping Obamacare coverage for nonpayment, with affordability driving steep declines in states including Kentucky and Maryland.

Pennsylvania Politics: Democrats backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro won key House primaries Tuesday, setting up fights in the state’s swing districts as the party targets a House majority. Elections & Local Governance: Berks County reported 23.22% turnout in the May 19 primary, with the board also referring election-related complaints to the district attorney. Economy & Cost of Living: A key inflation gauge jumped to 3.8% in April, the highest in three years, squeezing household finances and complicating rate-cut hopes. State Budget & Schools: Philipsburg-Osceola School District adopted a proposed 2026-27 budget of $39.3 million, with a final vote set for June 16. Healthcare & Public Finance: Lehigh County commissioners backed up to $480 million in hospital revenue bonds tied to St. Luke’s projects, while Berks County received nearly $28,000 in returned unclaimed property. Business & Labor: Teamsters at Bazooka in Moosic authorized a strike after contract talks stalled. Infrastructure: Shapiro and Philadelphia officials announced a $30 million plan to ease traffic around the sports complex, including a new I-76 West ramp. Higher Ed Accountability: Former Penn President Liz Magill earned about $4.46 million in 2024, according to tax filings reviewed by student reporters.

Data Center Fight in NEPA: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled finalized Pennsylvania data center standards, visiting Archbald where residents say proposed campuses would reshape daily life and strain power and water needs. Local Housing Push: Montgomery County released its first affordable housing blueprint, setting “real, aggressive goals” and pointing to transit access, a land bank, and new pathways to homeownership. School Closures in Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh school board voted to close nine schools and shut 12 other facilities as it tries to cut costs and reconfigure buildings amid enrollment and budget pressures. Penn State Free-Speech Lawsuit: Spotlight PA and other outlets sued Penn State trustee leaders in federal court, alleging a “gag policy” violates the First Amendment by restricting trustees’ public criticism. Consumer Protection in the Lehigh Valley: The Pa. AG reached a settlement with an HVAC firm, ordering $300,000 after claims of deceptive, high-pressure sales tactics. Business & Retail: Macy’s is closing more stores, including a mall location in Frazer Township, as retailers face squeezed consumer budgets.