AGP Executive Report

Erie Tragedy: Nine people, including a pregnant woman and two young children, were killed in a mass shooting at an Erie home; police say the gunman died by suicide. AI and Energy: Amazon’s planned 36-building data center campus at the former Homer City coal plant would run on a new 4.5-gigawatt natural-gas plant. Across Pennsylvania, residents are pushing back against data center projects over concerns about power costs, pollution and local impacts. Public Health: Pennsylvania has recorded more than 1,000 measles cases and five deaths, making it the nation’s hardest-hit state in the current outbreak. Politics: President Trump again urged Sen. John Fetterman to join the GOP; Fetterman has repeatedly rejected a party switch. The Shapiro-Garrity debate highlighted disputes over affordability, health care, education and data centers. Investment: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in its Montgomery County operations, with over 300 jobs expected.

Erie Tragedy: Nine people, including two children and an eight-months-pregnant woman, were killed in a Friday shooting at a home; the gunman also died. Police say there is no ongoing threat. Election Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries rallied in Bucks County for Bob Harvie, as a new Cook Political Report rating put his race against Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick at “lean Republican.” Skill Games: The state Supreme Court rejected a request to delay enforcement, clearing the way for authorities to start seizing unlicensed machines Wednesday. Businesses say losing the revenue could force price increases. Data Center Boom: AWS filed plans for a 36-building Indiana County campus, projecting 1,500 to 2,000 jobs; the project would rely mainly on a proposed natural-gas plant. Business Investment: GSK plans to spend more than $800 million expanding its Montgomery County operations, creating over 300 jobs. Rail Service: Amtrak adds a second daily Pittsburgh–New York round trip Nov. 18, making same-day travel between the cities possible.

Biopharma Investment: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million to expand its Montgomery County operations, creating over 300 jobs and retaining about 4,500. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. 2026 Elections: Pennsylvania’s Nov. 3 governor’s race pits Democrat Josh Shapiro against Republican Stacy Garrity and Libertarian Ken Krawchuk. Candidates are debating affordability, taxes and skill games; in the 8th House District, incumbent Aaron Bernstine and challenger Rick Telesz also cite affordability and data centers as key concerns. Skill Games: The state Supreme Court rejected a request to delay the Oct. 14 enforcement deadline. Some Lancaster businesses are already removing machines, which owners say helped cover rising costs. Rural Emergency Services: First responders at a Western Pennsylvania town hall warned that small ambulance services risk closing, threatening access to care; lawmakers heard calls for funding and workforce support. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,136 cases and five associated deaths this year, including 415 cases in Lancaster County.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed Josh Shapiro for reelection as Shapiro and Republican Stacy Garrity clash over taxes, spending and skill games. Business & Jobs: GSK plans to invest more than $800 million in its Montgomery County biopharma site, adding 300 jobs and retaining about 4,500 statewide. Skill Games: Pennsylvania State Police say enforcement against the machines starts Oct. 14, after the state Supreme Court denied a request to extend the deadline. Public Health: The state’s measles outbreak has topped 4,000 cases, with Pennsylvania reporting five deaths; a Chester County high school closed after a confirmed case. Energy & Development: A proposed $120.3 million community agreement for Swatara Township data centers drew resident complaints over public input, amid wider concerns about electricity costs. Transportation: A second Amtrak Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin service Nov. 18.

Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity clashed over affordability, data centers and healthcare in their sole debate; Barack Obama has since endorsed Shapiro’s reelection bid. Skill Games: Pennsylvania lawmakers are seeking a delay as the Oct. 13 deadline nears, leaving businesses and community groups uncertain after a court ruling curtailed the machines. Power and Jobs: A new state law aims to grow drone research, training and commercial use, while data-center electricity demand is intensifying debate over grid capacity and consumer costs. Healthcare Finances: Main Line Health says a $134 million increase in malpractice reserves turned a projected $75 million operating profit into a $33 million loss. Public Health: Pennsylvania reports 1,078 measles cases and five associated deaths, underscoring the scale of the state’s largest outbreak in decades. Pittsburgh Labor: Duquesne Light workers entered a second week on strike over safety, wages and benefits.

Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity sparred in their first debate over data centers, elections and health care, but analysts said neither landed a decisive blow. Data Center Disputes: A developer seeking approval for a Washington County campus paid for township supervisors’ flights and lunch to tour a facility near Chicago, drawing scrutiny; in Lackawanna County, Archbald residents urged officials to reject a separate project. Skill Games: Lawmakers and industry groups are pressing Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court to delay enforcement as the Oct. 13 safe harbor deadline nears; state police say seizures could begin Oct. 14. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 1,000 cases, the state’s largest in decades. Jobs and Business: The Shapiro administration announced a $21.7 million Allegheny County manufacturing investment expected to create 78 jobs, while Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Anna Paulson met Wellsboro-area business owners to hear about economic pressures and the importance of tourism.

Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity clashed in their only debate over data centers, the measles outbreak and voter ID. Garrity called for a pause on new data-center projects; Shapiro defended rules giving communities a say. Voters can register by Oct. 19 and request mail ballots by Oct. 27. Data Center Pushback: Residents are pressing for a moratorium as concerns grow over power demand and local control. A Google-Constellation nuclear expansion deal points to the scale of electricity needed to fuel the industry. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 1,000 cases and caused five deaths, becoming a flashpoint in the governor’s debate. EMS Funding: A Senate committee unanimously advanced a bill requiring Medicaid reimbursement when EMS crews treat patients without taking them to a hospital. Agriculture: The 2027 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme, “Leading a Legacy,” was announced at a Berks County sheep farm, honoring generations of farm families. Business: Hatfield-based Penn Beer bought its warehouse and adjacent land for $48.5 million, moving from long-term tenant to owner.

Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro leads Republican Stacy Garrity 59% to 34% among likely voters in a Quinnipiac poll, ahead of their only debate before the Nov. 3 election. Election Readiness: Pennsylvania’s voter-registration deadline is Oct. 19. In Lancaster County, Republican election commissioners declined residents’ request to sign a fair-elections pledge, saying they would follow the law. Energy and Data Centers: Google’s deal to buy power from Constellation nuclear plants highlights the strain AI data centers could put on the PJM grid. Pennsylvanians are pressing Shapiro and lawmakers for a data-center moratorium as debate grows over electricity costs and who controls the grid. Business and Jobs: Bell & Evans plans a $152 million Lebanon County expansion expected to create 382 jobs. Meanwhile, a Pennsylvania business owner says diesel’s steep price increase is driving up operating costs. Older Pennsylvanians: About 1.66 million residents are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, many facing changes to coverage and benefits as major insurers cut plans.

Governor’s Race: Josh Shapiro and Republican challenger Stacy Garrity meet Wednesday night in their only scheduled debate before Pennsylvania’s Nov. 3 election. Data centers are expected to feature as both candidates call for greater scrutiny. Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania has reported 1,004 cases this year, including five deaths and nearly 200 hospitalizations. About two-thirds of cases are among adults, an unusually high share. Energy and Data Centers: Google and Constellation’s long-term nuclear power deal is set to add 890 megawatts across 11 reactors serving the regional grid. At the same time, Pennsylvanians are pressing lawmakers for a data-center moratorium amid concerns over power demand and local impacts. Skill Games: State police say they’ll begin seizing unregistered machines and filing criminal charges Oct. 14, as supporters urge lawmakers to pass rules before the deadline. Jobs and Tourism: A report says tourism brought more than $87 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and supported over 521,000 jobs in 2025; Bell & Evans has also announced a $152 million Lebanon County expansion expected to create 382 jobs.

Markets & Energy: U.S. equity futures rose for a fourth straight day as oil slid and bonds cooled off, while Constellation Energy jumped on a new Google nuclear power deal. Nuclear Power Deal: Constellation and Google announced an agreement to add 890 MW of nuclear capacity to the PJM grid, with major construction jobs and investment tied to sites across Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Local Government: Wilkes-Barre asked Harrisburg to let towns freeze senior property taxes, arguing the state constitution blocks the city from doing it on its own. Public Health: New York declared a measles emergency as Pennsylvania’s outbreak tops 1,000 cases, pushing officials to expand who can administer vaccines. Pennsylvania Policy: The state Senate advanced a bill to phase out PFAS firefighting foam, sending it to the House. Transportation: Amtrak is adding a second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York, starting Nov. 18 with stops including Johnstown. Economy & Jobs: Reading highlighted growth at the Capitol, including its CRIZ tax program, while workforce leaders opened a new Pennsylvania CareerLink center in West Philadelphia. Community: AAA urged drivers to watch for deer during peak season, and Luzerne/Wyoming’s CEO Thanksgiving project will provide meals for about 9,000 families.

Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 1,000 cases, reaching 1,004 statewide with Lancaster County driving more than a third and multiple hospitalizations reported, as officials and federal leaders spar over measles-related deaths. State Law & Consumer Safety: The Pennsylvania House unanimously approved a bill to regulate kratom sales, setting a 21+ age limit, requiring child-resistant packaging and warning labels, and banning synthetic/adulterated products. Elections & Voting Access: In Mercer County, longtime voters started submitting mail ballots early, while Pennsylvania voting advocates also warn about potential disruptions as the Nov. 3 election nears. Economy & Energy: Google and Constellation Energy announced a $4.3 billion, 20-year nuclear power deal adding 890 megawatts across Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey—aimed at powering AI data centers without raising customer costs. Local Government & Services: Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center is expanding emergency help in Scranton with a new mobile food pantry vehicle funded by a $320,000 state grant. Politics & Policy: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promoted “Trump Accounts” in Harrisburg, pitching child savings accounts as a supplement to Social Security.

Public Health Crisis: Pennsylvania has topped 1,000 measles cases this year, with 1,004 reported and five deaths—health officials warn the real number may be higher as some exposures go unreported. Local Government & Water Safety: Jim Thorpe Borough is moving toward a probe-based lead service line detection system that can identify pipe material from inside homes, avoiding disruptive sidewalk digging. Election & Health Access: Philadelphia is rolling out “One Philly Medicaid Access” to help residents keep coverage as Medicaid eligibility rules tighten, focusing on preventing coverage loss from missed notices and paperwork issues. Tech & Regulation: OpenAI says it will label AI-generated text in the EU with invisible watermarking under the EU AI Act. Energy & Infrastructure: DuBois Regional Airport selected Contour Airlines for Essential Air Service starting Feb. 1, 2027, adding nonstop routes to Atlanta and Chicago. State Policy: Pa. House passed a bill to regulate kratom sales and ban synthetic compounds derived from it. Business & Community: DCNR named the Pine Creek Rail Trail Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year.

Data Centers & Local Control: Swatara Township residents will get a face-to-face chance to grill Corscale Data Centers about two proposed $10.5B AI data center complexes, after concerns over noise, water use, and grid strain. Energy & Nuclear Funding: Vistra shares jumped after reports the Trump administration may offer about $4B in loan funding, including Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania, as nuclear becomes a key piece of AI power planning. Public Health: Pennsylvania is among states seeing measles risk rise, with new reporting highlighting how MMR vaccination rates vary widely between schools and can leave communities exposed. Health Care Policy: UPMC’s DOJ deal to pause gender-affirming care for minors drew sharp reaction, with critics calling it a major blow to patient access and privacy. Business & Finance: Fragasso Financial Advisors rebranded as Fragasso Wealth Advisors, emphasizing its independent, employee-owned structure. Local Community: Handel’s Ice Cream opened in Havertown, while a Pennsylvania animal shelter moved a step closer to a new home after receiving a $450,000 state Local Share Account grant.

Broadband Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced $448M in BEAD grants to expand high-speed internet across 50 Pennsylvania counties, aiming to connect the remaining 133,000 households still lacking access. Election & Cost of Living: The Trump administration says it will send $90 Medicare premium rebate payments to more than 20 million seniors, a fresh pre-midterm financial promise. AI Power Struggle: Trump named DNI Jay Clayton as an “AI czar,” putting a longtime Wall Street regulator at the center of a new federal AI push. Data Center Backlash: A growing wave of local opposition is colliding with the tech buildout, with residents and officials raising concerns about power, water, and control. Gambling Rules Under Scrutiny: A Pennsylvania man who self-excluded from major sportsbooks later lost heavily on Kalshi, highlighting how prediction markets can fall under different protections than state-regulated gambling. Public Health: Pennsylvania measles concerns continue as officials brace for spread, while a multistate Labcorp debt-collector data breach settlement underscores ongoing privacy enforcement.

Route 3 Fatal Crash: A Havertown pickup driver suffered a medical emergency, triggering a 14-vehicle crash that killed one person and shut down part of West Chester Pike near Eagle Road. Retail Theft Hunt: Springettsbury Township police are asking for help identifying a man wanted in a Lowe’s theft on East Market Street, with a broader pattern of retail thefts reported along the corridor. Data Center Fight in the Poconos: Residents in Hazle Township are pushing back against a proposed “Project Hazelnut” data center, including a reported $10,000-per-household incentive and questions about whether Amazon is involved. Public Health Watch: Pennsylvania health officials say measles could spread beyond current hotspots, with the state reporting a fifth measles-associated death as cases climb. SNAP Pressure on Families: Pennsylvania is set to absorb more SNAP administrative costs, adding paperwork burdens that advocates say are already cutting people off. Transit Boost: Amtrak plans to add a second daily Pittsburgh-to-NYC round trip on the Pennsylvanian route starting mid-November. Skill Games Deadline: Pennsylvania’s AG is warning operators to remove skill games terminals by Oct. 14 after a Supreme Court ruling, or face seizure.

Midterm Politics in PA: Gov. Josh Shapiro campaigned in Bucks County urging Democrats to use “a lot of power” to flip key state Senate and U.S. House races, including the competitive 1st Congressional District contest. Education Policy Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked the U.S. Education Department from publishing names of foreign donors and university contract counterparties tied to major research institutions, setting up a legal showdown over transparency rules. Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued an Idaho man and business over alleged sales of fraudulent spotted lanternfly permits and training. Health & Public Safety: A multistate recall expanded for frozen organic berries after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people; shoppers are urged to check freezers. Local Business & Community: A new pavilion was dedicated at the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead in Berks County, marking a milestone in preserving the colonial-era site. Workforce & Economy: Magnet Applications expanded in DuBois, buying a 40,000-square-foot facility to grow Pennsylvania magnet manufacturing.