AGP Executive Report

Banking Crime: Two more men pleaded guilty in an $11M stolen-check bank fraud scheme, including pandemic-era Employee Retention Credit refunds, with deposits across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Elections & Power: House Republicans are privately bracing for losing the majority as Trump’s approval slips, while Pennsylvania’s open-primary bill cleared the state House and a kratom regulation measure advanced. Cost of Living: The Dollar Energy Fund opened utility hardship applications for 2026-27, as demand for help keeps rising. Energy Regulation: The PUC approved a smaller UGI gas-rate increase, limiting another base-rate filing until 2029. Public Health & Safety: Pennsylvania revoked Resources for Human Development’s license after medical neglect tied to a Philadelphia resident’s February death. Education & Food Access: $7.3M in fresh-fruit-and-vegetable grants went to 249 schools statewide through the federal FFVP. Local Economy: A new state tourism report says the industry topped $87.2B impact and supported 521,000 jobs in 2025.

Data Centers vs. Communities: Amazon’s AI chief Matt Garman warns that local moratoriums could leave the U.S. “behind” on AI as power and water demands surge, with protests growing over electricity costs and environmental impacts. Healthcare Access: A new report finds insurers are rejecting most oral blood cancer drug claims and that prior authorization and high out-of-pocket costs are blocking patients from getting treatment. Pennsylvania Politics: A bill to open Pennsylvania primaries to unaffiliated voters has passed the state House, a potential shift in how swing voters could influence party nominations. Broadband Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced $448 million in BEAD grants for high-speed internet expansion across 50 counties. Election Pressure: An AP-NORC poll finds Americans increasingly blame Trump for high prices and cost of living ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Vaping Law: Pennsylvania’s new vape registry law takes effect Oct. 19, making most unlisted products illegal to sell.

Pennsylvania Politics: Calls for state Rep. Aaron Bernstine to resign are growing after PennLive reported he used racist and homophobic slurs toward Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and falsely claimed Kenyatta had AIDS; Bernstine denies it. Election 2026: Gov. Josh Shapiro is set to campaign in Bucks County as Democrats push key races, including state Senate and the 1st Congressional District contest between Bob Harvie and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak remains a major concern, with a fifth measles-associated death reported as the outbreak continues to spread. Local Land Use: Upper Darby residents and environmentalists are racing to raise $8 million to buy the 15-acre Mozino Tract and preserve it as open space after a developer backed away from a mixed-use plan. Health Care Costs: A Penn-led study finds insurers rejected most first submissions for oral blood cancer drugs, delaying access for patients. Business & Energy: Exelon’s dividend yield is rising, but investors are watching a December regulatory decision that could shape what happens next.

Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak is worsening, with the state reporting 119 new cases in a week and five measles-related deaths, as vaccine skepticism and confusion over guidance are blamed for lagging protection. Legal & Courts: A former Philadelphia woman who voted twice in the 2024 election was sentenced to three years of probation, underscoring how election rules are enforced. State Politics: The Pennsylvania GOP caucus criticized Rep. Aaron Bernstine after reports he used a homophobic slur about Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Public Media: WHYY has completed its acquisition of Penn State’s WPSU stations, keeping the WPSU name while expanding service across central and northern Pennsylvania. Housing & Cost of Living: Mortgage rates climbed to 7.28%, making homebuying tougher for Philadelphians and beyond. Education & Community: St. Vincent College named nine 2026 Alumni of Distinction to be honored during Homecoming weekend. Data Centers & Power: CoreWeave CEO Brian Venturo says GPU demand will keep driving the AI boom through 2027 despite power and regulatory hurdles. SNAP: New SNAP rules take effect Oct. 1, including expanded work requirements and reporting changes that could reduce benefits for some Pennsylvanians. Higher Ed: Penn State rose to No. 101 worldwide in the 2027 Times Higher Education rankings.

Economy & Politics: A new AP-NORC poll shows only 17% of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the cost of living, with 65% blaming his policies for stubborn high prices—an early warning sign for Republicans heading into midterms. Housing & Development: A Pittsburgh case study in Hazelwood asks whether major neighborhood investment can avoid displacement, as a stalled housing project sits near the Hazelwood Green redevelopment. Local Law Enforcement: Montgomery County prosecutors charged 46 businesses for allegedly selling illegal THC gummies and other products, including items topped with more than 1,000 mg of THC. Energy & Industry: CleanChoice Energy closed about $166M in financing for two Pennsylvania solar projects expected to go online in 2027, while Pantheon Electric says it hit 33% recycled copper supply at its Leetsdale base. Business & Jobs: Assurance Financial opened a new Greensburg, Pa., mortgage branch with a veteran team. Tech & Research: Delaware Valley planners are collecting new travel survey data to update the region’s transportation plans for the next decade.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court: The court agreed to clarify whether a ruling that struck down automatic life-without-parole for some 2nd-degree murder cases applies retroactively, a decision that could affect inmates’ sentencing reviews after lawmakers stalled. Public Health: Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000 statewide, with the outbreak centered in Lancaster County and tied to low vaccination rates. Local Justice: Montgomery County prosecutors charged nearly 50 businesses with selling illegal THC products, warning stores to remove devices or face enforcement. Education & Law: Pennsylvania’s AG warned businesses to remove “skill game” machines ahead of an Oct. 14 deadline after the state Supreme Court ruled they’re slot machines. Economy & Costs: Farmers and other industries are bracing for harvest strain as diesel prices hit record highs, squeezing profit margins. Culture: Philadelphia opened an exhibition at Taller Puertorriqueño tracing architect Antonio Fiol-Silva’s work, blending design and community history.

Affordability Pressure: A new campaign says 7 in 10 Pennsylvanians are being squeezed by rising costs, with pop-up “Pennsylvania Feels the Squeeze” lemonade stands in Langhorne, Harrisburg, Scranton and Bethlehem pushing back on Republican lawmakers’ records on gas, groceries, health care and child care. Local Budgets: In Steubenville, the finance director is urging a conservative approach as department heads flag major coming costs, including a potential $1 million fire truck and requests for demolitions and planning. Community Events: Wellsburg’s 47th Applefest returns this weekend, drawing crowds for vendors, entertainment and apple-focused traditions. Higher Ed & Philanthropy: Carnegie Mellon University announced a historic $3 billion gift from Citadel founder Ken Griffin, including major funding for computer science and a new CMU Miami campus. Housing Repair via Reparations: A Philadelphia Quaker congregation launched $10,000 homebuyer grants for Black families, framing the program as reparations. Energy Assistance Cost Fight: A report highlights a dispute over who should pay for utility low-income assistance as costs rise, arguing residential customers are carrying the burden alone. Health Care Policy: UPMC will end pediatric gender-affirming care after a DOJ agreement, sparking concern among advocates. Measles Watch: The CDC’s measles death count still lags Pennsylvania’s tally, as the outbreak continues to be closely tracked. Data Center Backlash: Coverage points to growing public resistance to data centers, with polls showing Americans turning more negative about the facilities.

West Bank Oversight: US Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic push to force the State Department to report to Congress on rising violence in the occupied West Bank, including deaths of American citizens—Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman voted against the measure. Pennsylvania Gaming: State Rep. Russ Diamond urged former Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey to resign from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board amid an investigation into alleged no-bid contract handling and other financial activity. Measles Response: Pennsylvania health officials paused a major disease-control strategy overhaul after a flood of public comments, as the state’s measles outbreak continues to grow. Skill Games Crackdown: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned businesses to remove illegal “skill game” machines by Oct. 14 or face criminal prosecution and seizures. Local Economy/Jobs: The Shapiro administration highlighted construction progress on DrinkPAK’s $195 million Philadelphia expansion, aiming to create at least 174 jobs. Cyber & Privacy: Class-action law firms opened investigations tied to reported data breaches involving Bee, Bergvall & Co. and United Underwriters.

Election & Media Oversight: Public Citizen is urging the FCC and broadcasters to stop airing Trump campaign commercials paid for with taxpayer dollars, arguing they may violate federal law and the Hatch Act. State & Local Development: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Harrisburg leaders unveiled a $64 million downtown revitalization plan aimed at new streetscapes, storefront upgrades, and expanded arts, recreation, and riverfront activity. Jobs & Corporate Restructuring: More than 100 Pennsylvania employees are facing layoffs after a company acquisition, with WARN Act notices tied to a cost-cutting reorganization that increasingly leans on AI-driven decisions. Tech, Research & Health: Penn researchers are using uterus-transplant data to show the procedure is reaching replicable outcomes, while a new report finds many schools still rely on manual admissions workflows and struggle with staffing and fraud. AI & Infrastructure: CISA launched a free 2026 election security plan for key jurisdictions, and Pennsylvania municipalities are seeing early deployments of AI “safe city” vehicle enforcement tools.

Data Centers & Power Strain: A coalition of AI firms, private equity and unions is pushing states—including Pennsylvania—for data center standards in 2027, aiming to head off local moratoriums and permitting fights. Local Government & Housing/Infrastructure: Shapiro’s administration broke ground on affordable housing tied to downtown Pittsburgh revitalization, while Harrisburg leaders unveiled a plan to spur over $64M in new investments. Fraud & Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin’s Fraud and Consumer Protection Summit drew 800+ registrants, with sessions on Medicaid fraud, AI deepfakes, identity theft and robocalls. Public Safety & Recovery: Washington County is hosting a flood recovery resource event with help on insurance, repair scams and state/county aid. Education & Student Support: Philadelphia is expanding “Handle With Care,” a program that alerts schools when police encounter students after traumatic events at home. Sports & Rights: The NFL asked DHS to remove a Brian Dawkins video from an X post, citing rights and lack of consent. Health & Science: NIH awarded $2.5M to study how PFAS, PBDEs and heavy metals affect fertility and pregnancy. Crime Update: Cumberland County charged a man with murder after remains of a woman missing since 2019 were found in Pennsylvania.

Real Estate & Local Economy: AllPittsburghHomes.com released its 2026 CAPI rankings, topping Greater Pittsburgh with the Tarasa Hurley Team at River Point Realty, citing audited sales volume and verified Google reviews. Housing & Development: A former office building at 2100 Arch St. in Philadelphia’s Logan Square is being converted into 116 apartments, with construction finally underway after financing delays. Immigration Enforcement: A Chester County man detained by ICE a week after his wedding was unexpectedly released after months in an ICE facility. Elections & Voting Access: Pennsylvania mail-ballot rules remain unchanged after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked tighter USPS requirements, keeping focus on ongoing legal fights over envelope dates. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to worsen, with officials targeting re-education and on-site vaccination efforts in Amish communities. Energy & Grid: The U.S. DOE announced $1.9B in grants to boost transmission capacity and reduce congestion as electricity demand surges. Higher Ed & Student Engagement: Gettysburg College was commended for using NSSE survey results to drive campus improvements, including engagement-focused strategic planning.

Public Health: Pennsylvania is among the hardest hit as the measles outbreak accelerates, with officials pushing door-to-door re-education and on-site MMR shots in Amish communities while the CDC reports the worst domestic spread since 1991. Energy & Utilities: The state Public Utility Commission warns data center growth could drive more frequent outages in the Philadelphia region, urging PJM to act as demand rises. Local Governance: Newport Township residents packed a meeting to question newly permitted data centers and gas generation plans, saying they want more say in decisions that affect daily life. Transportation: PennDOT announced road work across multiple counties through Oct. 2, with lane restrictions and daytime/nighttime closures. Crime & Courts: A Wyoming County murder retrial for Phillip Walters is set to enter its second week. State Programs: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis marked the 50th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program, touting $19.5M in new state investment. Politics: Sen. John Fetterman told Major Garrett Democrats could win Senate control, while keeping his options open after midterms.

Pennsylvania Politics: Sen. John Fetterman says it’s “entirely possible” Democrats could take back the U.S. Senate this midterm, while also signaling he’ll revisit his political future after Election Day. Health & Courts: A Berks County jury ordered a Reading gastroenterologist and his practice to pay $4.35 million after a missed bleeding ulcer led to the 2021 death of a patient. Local Health Access: Delaware County launched a new doula directory and training effort, aiming to expand maternity support as prenatal options shrink in the Philadelphia suburbs. Public Safety: Oxford police officers are resigning ahead of the borough joining a regional department in 2027, citing uncertainty about jobs and transparency. Elections & Leadership: A new poll finds Pennsylvania voters are split on whether Gov. Josh Shapiro should run for president in 2028. Tech & Crime: A federal case details the Rydox cybercrime marketplace, which sold stolen identities and tools and operated for years. Medicaid Watch: Pennsylvania is preparing for Medicaid changes coming in 2027, with more frequent eligibility checks raising concerns for people with disabilities.

Storm Recovery: A nor’easter slammed the Northeast, knocking out power for tens of thousands and flooding streets from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, with crews working to restore service as rain and wind continue. Diesel Shock for Farmers: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau warns record diesel prices near $6.61 a gallon are squeezing farm budgets and forcing hard choices for family operations. PennDOT Roadwork Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro and PennDOT announced $250 million in Rapid Deployment Projects across 79 projects in 44 counties, aiming to speed repairs and reduce future deterioration. Measles Watch in PA: Health officials report the outbreak is still spreading, with new cases logged and questions raised about how deaths are counted as the situation evolves. Local Education & Scholarships: Luzerne County Community College and Wilkes-Barre Area schools celebrated a new Angeline & Conrad Kotlowski scholarship endowment to help students in the College Ready Program. Sports & Weather: The Phillies’ opener vs. the Rays was delayed by rain as the region’s storm impacts major league schedules. Business Closures: Starbucks plans to close hundreds of stores, including locations in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Higher Education & Accountability: Gettysburg College earned praise in its Middle States reaccreditation for using NSSE and other student engagement results to drive real changes, with multiple campus groups turning survey findings into new goals. Local Government: Slatington Borough Council approved budget work, a tax collector appointment, and sidewalk change orders, while residents raised concerns about overgrown vegetation and visibility/parking at key intersections. Data Centers & Community Impact: Palmerton Borough residents pressed for “due diligence” as a proposed data center in nearby Lower Towamensing Township heads toward a curative amendment hearing; Save Carbon County plans a volunteer meeting Oct. 1. Business & Jobs: Tandem Foods is expanding in Allegheny County with a $42 million project expected to add 83 jobs, supported by a DCED grant. Public Safety/Health: A Pennsylvania measles editorial warns Lancaster County’s outbreak is harming tourism and urges families to protect infants ahead of flu season. Crime: Police say a Pittsburgh pediatrician, Dr. Idris Evans, was fatally stabbed and his wife critically injured in their bed; suspect Elijah Hemingway faces homicide and burglary charges.

Sports & Community: Phillies icon Bill Giles, who helped reshape the franchise and created the Phillie Phanatic, died at 92. Local Economy: Clearview Mall’s new owners say they’re using a fresh marketing push to attract retailers and fill vacant space. Public Safety: Body-cam footage details Florida arrests tied to a suspect accused in a Pittsburgh doctor’s death. Politics & Voting: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer rallied Democrats at a Philly diner as midterms near, while Pennsylvania election and voter-security debates keep heating up. Business & Energy: BP reportedly walked away from a potential $4.5B Devon Energy shale deal amid activist pressure. Health & Science: A small study links daily tomato paste to better attention and processing speed, and new research advances how scientists decode ancient viral fossils in the human genome. Higher Ed: Gettysburg College was praised for using student engagement survey results to drive improvements. Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania’s Banking and Securities Department plans October outreach for seniors on fraud and scams.