AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity: FBI agents raided the Cleveland office of an Ohio voter-registration group, seizing documents and computers, as the organization alleges intimidation ahead of hotly contested races. Energy Costs: A new critique of Pennsylvania’s power system argues Gov. Josh Shapiro’s utility crackdown won’t fix shortages because PJM rules limit competition and new generation. Water Crisis: Documents obtained via Right-to-Know show years of problems behind a long-running boil-water advisory in Tidioute, including leaks, low pressure, and filtration issues. Healthcare Costs: A pharmacy owner testified on how pharmacy benefit manager rules and closures are leaving parts of rural Pennsylvania without nearby pharmacies. State Government: Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity acted lawfully in denying a $1 million payment for security upgrades at Gov. Shapiro’s home, the AG says. Higher Ed: Penn President J. Larry Jameson will step down next June, and the university announced a 5.8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2030. Business & Jobs: SBA honored a Lycoming County “blue-collar” small business for commercial boiler repair, highlighting rural job creation.

Pennsylvania Politics: Lancaster County Democrats are bracing for a leadership shakeup as factions rally ahead of the county committee’s reorganization meeting, with critics saying current chair Tom O’Brien and vice chair Stella Sexton are running things too top-down. Local Infrastructure: Lancaster City Council approved a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority loan for wastewater treatment upgrades, with partners splitting the remaining borrowing after bids came in lower than expected. Healthcare & Policy: Temple Health leaders discussed how H.R. 1 is reshaping hospital planning, focusing on financial counseling and stronger health record systems to help patients keep coverage. Public Health Research: A University of Pittsburgh/UPMC study reports that a single maternal RSV vaccine dose during pregnancy cut infant hospitalization risk by about 70%. Business & Growth: Temple Health-Chestnut Hill Hospital plans new high-definition 3D mammography machines, backed by state grant funding. Immigration/Border Funding: U.S. Rep. Meuser says Congress has moved to fully fund DHS enforcement after a long delay, aiming to restore “rule of law” at the border.

Budget Battles: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing new taxes tied to technology, including ending sales-tax breaks for data-center buildouts and extending the state’s gross receipts tax to digital ad sales, as the commonwealth faces a projected multi-billion-dollar revenue gap. Local Economy & Growth: A Cambria County solar project is moving forward after commissioners approved an interconnection reimbursement agreement, while Altoona zoning officials granted variances for the redevelopment of the former Juniata Silk Mill. World Cup in Philly: The FIFA World Cup arrives in Philadelphia with a major fan-festival push and big visitor expectations, as organizers roll out what to know and where to celebrate. Public Safety: A man is accused of kidnapping and robbing a woman at knifepoint while she was taking out trash, police say. Business & Jobs: Debenhams offloaded a U.S. warehouse in Elizabethtown, cutting future lease liability in a deal tied to its broader restructuring. Science & Defense Supply Chains: REalloys secured access to Appalachian rare-earth feedstock ahead of a Pentagon deadline to reduce Chinese-origin materials in defense supply chains.

Affordable Housing Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s PHARE funding keeps rolling—PHFA announced $93.4 million for 432 affordable housing and community projects statewide, preserving 1,662 units and supporting families facing homelessness. Education & Oversight: A Pennsylvania House Education Committee bill would require cyber charter students to be on camera during live virtual instruction, with supporters citing child-safety concerns and critics warning it should apply to traditional public schools too. Local Traffic Fix: Chambersburg is seeking a $1.69 million state grant to reconfigure the tight U.S. 11 gateway into downtown, aiming to ease truck turns and improve traffic flow. Election Administration: Lehigh County officials say a mail-in ballot error before the May primary didn’t stop eligible voters from casting ballots, after ballots were generated from an outdated voter list. Public Safety & Courts: Federal prosecutors charged two men in Philadelphia tied to the AudiA6 crypto laundering operation, alleging more than $389 million in illicit transactions since 2021. Economy & Cost Pressure: Inflation hit 4.2% in May, a three-year high, driven largely by higher energy prices. Community Life: Philadelphia bars are still waiting on approvals for World Cup late-night hours—only 17 are cleared for 4 a.m. so far, with more in review.

Digital Economy & Taxes: The Pennsylvania House passed a digital advertising tax (HB 1678) aimed at tech giants like Google, Meta, Amazon and TikTok, updating the state’s gross receipts tax; it cleared 139-63 and now heads to the Senate. Local Business Growth: Onvo opened a new travel plaza in Richmond Township with diesel/auto fuel, food, beer and wine, and a full-service Burger King—an I-99 corridor boost for Tioga County. School Security: Southern Tioga School District moved toward complying with Act 55 by pursuing a formal partnership with the Tioga County Sheriff’s Department, using deputies as school security guards and later transitioning to school resource officers. Healthcare & Research: CHOP researchers reported an immune-system pattern in critically ill children tied to harder recovery and higher mortality risk, offering a potential path toward better risk identification. Public Safety: Honda recalled 880,000+ vehicles over rear suspension issues that could lead to loss of control. Community & Culture: York County is set for Pride, faith and culture events this weekend, including York County Pride at the Expo Center.

Inflation Watch: Consumer prices jumped to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, with energy costs tied to the Iran war pushing fuel and transportation higher. Student Aid Fraud: The U.S. House passed a bill to fight “ghost” FAFSA applicants by requiring the Education Department to build an identity fraud detection system. Pennsylvania Tax Fight: Pa. House lawmakers approved a digital ad tax on tech giants by extending the state gross receipts tax to online ads, with revenue aimed at rebates for seniors facing property tax bills. Transportation & Safety: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles over a rear suspension part that can corrode and fail, raising crash risk. Local Justice: Dispatch audio details a chaotic hunt after a Penn State senior was fatally shot in Philadelphia while chasing cellphone thieves. Health & Policy: A study links prenatal sleep expectations to postpartum insomnia, and a separate report says Pennsylvania’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts could hit hundreds of thousands as federal work rules roll out. Aviation: Qatar Airways will resume daily Doha-to-Philadelphia flights in August, bringing Qsuite and Starlink.

School Finance Watch: Titusville’s school board approved a 2026-27 budget of about $48.16 million after cutting a projected deficit to roughly $77,892, helped by an unexpected Title I federal education funding increase. Local Government & Public Safety: Bellwood-Antis cleared its 2026-27 balanced budget with a 2.99% tax hike, while Centre County approved a third solar phase for its correctional facility to offset electricity use. Health Coverage Shock: Pennie reported 160,000 people dropped ACA plans for 2026 after premium hikes tied to expiring federal subsidies. Legal & Accountability: Pennsylvania law clinic filings support pausing removal of a slavery exhibit at Independence National Historical Park, arguing discriminatory intent. Business & Growth: Aprio acquired Philadelphia-area accounting firm Isdaner & Co., adding to a broader wave of consolidation in the industry. Energy Policy: A House panel advanced a utilities rate-return bill aimed at lowering electric bills by limiting returns for companies.

Energy & Data Centers: Lancaster state Rep. Nikki Rivera says two proposed hyperscale data centers in her district could drive big electricity-bill hikes, citing research on how much power these facilities can consume and warning ratepayers not to get stuck with the bill. Local Budgets: East Penn School District approved its 2026-27 final budget with a 3.9% property tax increase, while officials warn of a structural imbalance driven by costs like salaries, health care, transportation, and charter tuition. Gambling & Kids: Pennsylvania lawmakers and advocates are pushing back on online gambling aimed at younger users, pointing to rising teen participation and the financial strain gambling losses can add to families. Health Care Access: UnitedHealthcare has days to reach a deal with a Pennsylvania hospital system or tens of thousands of patients could lose in-network coverage, raising concerns for continuity of care. Workplace Safety: MITER Brands says two of its window and door manufacturing sites earned OSHA Voluntary Protection Program certification, with VPP Star recognition at the highest level. Community & Research: The Appendix Cancer Walk marks its 20th anniversary, raising nearly $2.5 million and funding 49 research grants for rare appendix cancers. Business & Banking: Tompkins Community Bank is seeking approval to rename itself Tompkins Bank & Trust, while keeping products and local teams the same.

Iran Nuclear Standoff: President Trump says there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, calling it effectively “entombed” and stressing U.S. monitoring—despite conflicting U.S. and IAEA assessments about what was actually destroyed. Pennsylvania Health & Insurance: The American Hospital Association filed an amicus brief in federal court backing relief for hospitals challenging Aetna’s “level of severity” reimbursement policy, arguing mid-contract changes raise burdens and disrupt coverage transparency. Steel Investment in the Mon Valley: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick highlighted the federal “golden share” tied to U.S. Steel, while Nippon Steel is set to invest up to $2.5 billion in Pennsylvania facilities over three years. Labor & Local Policy Fight: A challenge to Allegheny County’s proposed paid leave rule is framed as a jobs threat by opponents, as the debate over union-backed mandates spreads. Weather Watch: South-Central Pennsylvania braces for rising heat and humidity later this week, with a chance of record temperatures. Local Governance & Community: Harrisburg announced a free Juneteenth Meets Carnival series, blending cultural celebration with community events. Data & Crime: Eight men were indicted for allegedly impersonating shipping companies to steal nearly $5 million in goods across Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

PennDOT Traffic Planning: PennDOT launched a new site, 511pa.com/PhillyEvents, to track real-time traffic, incidents, speeds and construction for major Philly summer events, including World Cup matches and the July 4 America 250 celebration. Health Insurance Crunch: Main Line Health warned that its contract dispute with UnitedHealthcare could push 32,000 patients out-of-network later this month. Courts & Consumer Rights: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court left in place a legal “fog” over stricter rules for online arbitration agreements after it vacated a Superior Court decision in Chilutti v. Uber. Cybersecurity Watch: A Pennsylvania community bank disclosed a “shadow AI” incident after an employee fed customer data into an unapproved AI tool, triggering multiple disclosure duties. Public Safety & Drugs: Regulators and experts are warning about concentrated 7-OH, a kratom-derived opioid threat, with reports of serious harm including ventilation cases in Pennsylvania. Elections & Politics: A new wave of scrutiny is hitting election integrity claims, with Trump focusing on California’s vote-counting and alleging fraud investigations. Local Crime & Fraud: A Philly grandmother says $600 in EBT benefits were stolen in a skimming scheme, part of thousands of Pennsylvania cases reported this year.

State Tax Relief Fight: A stalled Pennsylvania House bill would create a Tax-Exempt Property Municipal Assistance Fund, sending state money to municipalities where tax-exempt properties drain local real estate tax revenue, with Venango and Clarion counties among those that could see millions. Health Care Leadership: Penn Medicine Doylestown Health named Craig Gronczewski as its new CEO, continuing the Penn Med network expansion after the 2025 acquisition. Public Safety & Courts: Federal FOIA releases tied to the July 2024 Trump rally shooting in Butler add new questions, alleging email contact between Butler County officials and accused shooter Thomas Crooks before the attack. Maternal Health: A western Pennsylvania study reports maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy cuts infant hospitalization risk by about two-thirds for babies 90 days and younger. Local Community Support: State College police are seeking confidential interviews from victims and survivors of intimate partner violence to improve how law enforcement and service providers respond. Sports Spotlight: Nelly Korda won the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera, rolling in the winning putt on 18th. Business & Workforce: A commercial boiler company near Muncy won a U.S. SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year award.

Iran Nuclear Tensions: Trump told NBC’s “Meet the Press” there’s “no reason” to retrieve Iran’s enriched uranium, saying it’s effectively “entombed” and that the U.S. is monitoring it—despite competing intelligence and IAEA assessments. Pennsylvania Storm Aftermath: Severe thunderstorms left thousands without power across the Susquehanna Valley, with crews dealing with downed trees and damage in areas including Lancaster. Public Safety in Central PA: State police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Cumberland County, while Upper Allen Township reported increased police presence tied to an active incident near Juniper Drive and Hickory Lane. Health Watch: A Penn Medicine study reports about a 30% lower breast cancer risk for women using GLP-1 drugs, and the CDC expanded a Salmonella warning tied to moringa products to 119 cases across 36 states. Business & Energy: NextEra Energy’s first-quarter results drew analyst attention as valuation questions linger, and a growing backlash is forming over AI data centers pushing up electricity bills in Pennsylvania. Healthcare Deal: WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, investing $800 million for upgrades across five Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals. Community & Culture: Pride attitudes are shifting, and a new Goodwill in South Jersey is drawing Gen Z shoppers for cheaper finds.

Pennsylvania Politics: Republicans on Capitol Hill are showing cracks in their support for President Trump, with GOP lawmakers increasingly willing to defy him as major fights loom, including over the Iran war. War Powers & Iran: The U.S. House passed a war powers resolution aimed at forcing Trump to step back from military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it, with four Pennsylvania Republicans joining Democrats. Local Governance: Luzerne County is set to vote on a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance, but residents are pressing for clarity on how the human relations commission will be staffed and run. Public Safety: Severe storms battered Western Pennsylvania, leaving thousands without power and prompting ongoing alerts for damage and lightning-related fire concerns. Community & Health: Pennsylvania communities are pushing back against water system privatization, after a major court fight in Chester highlighted how residents fear rate hikes. Sports Betting Crime: A sports betting influencer pleaded guilty in federal court in Pennsylvania tied to basketball gambling and bribery schemes. Human Interest: A Downtown State College Farmers Market is celebrating 50 years, reflecting how local food networks keep growing.

Maine Senate turmoil hits Pennsylvania: Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean says GOP-leaning controversy-plagued candidate Graham Platner “disqualified himself” from the Maine Senate race, as Democrats split on whether he should step aside. Medicaid spending watch: Philadelphia Medicaid providers billed about $14.27M for surgery-category services in 2024, up nearly 5% from 2023, while Butler’s vision claims rose to $151,441 and Chadds Ford’s alcohol/drug treatment claims climbed to $756,762. Public safety and enforcement: Pennsylvania constables are gearing up to help ICE with warrants and missing-child searches after Congress passed a $70B funding bill. Health prep for crowds: Philadelphia is using a mobile lab near Lincoln Financial Field plus wastewater monitoring to speed detection of illnesses like measles ahead of the World Cup. Local funding: State grants via the Local Share Account are sending hundreds of thousands to public safety and community projects across Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Job scam warning: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday urges students and job seekers to watch for fake online hiring schemes.

Data Center Backlash in PA: Residents packed a Columbia Borough Council meeting and helped stop a land sale that could have brought a data center to the Susquehanna River community, with organizers warning about energy, water, noise, and higher local costs. Mental Health Courts Spotlight: Pennsylvania Courts highlighted that in 2024, 72% of discharged participants graduated from mental health court programs, with a 112% employment increase among graduates. Child Death Reviews Falling Short: A state review found many Pennsylvania counties still aren’t reviewing every child death as required since 2020, citing limited state support and volunteer time. PPL Rate Changes: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a PPL rate increase and a new rate class structure for large load users, including data centers—setting up higher bills for customers. Coal Power Push: The Trump administration announced $700M for coal power infrastructure, including projects tied to the Defense Production Act, as it again attacks renewable energy. Nursing Home Ratings: CMS data showed Holy Family Manor earned a five-star rating in Northampton County, while Lehigh Valley Hospital TSU received an overall CMS rating of 2.

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.