AGP Executive Report

Pennsylvania Courts: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that “skill games” can be regulated under existing state law, ending a years-long fight and putting pressure on convenience stores and gaming operators statewide. State Policy: The Pennsylvania House passed a bill to upgrade EBT cards to chip-enabled technology, aiming to cut fraud and protect SNAP benefits as the measure heads to the Senate. Philadelphia Police: Three Philadelphia officers were shot while investigating gunfire; a suspect was killed, and a sergeant and two officers were reported recovering after the weekend attack. World Cup in Philly: Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 at Lincoln Financial Field, with the match drawing a big crowd and adding to the city’s World Cup buzz. Local Life During the Games: Residents near the FIFA Fan Festival on Lemon Hill complained about parking tickets and towing despite having the right permits, sparking frustration and confusion. Health & Safety: Pennsylvania officials approved a one-time settlement for about $1 million in security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private home, with the AG saying it won’t set a precedent.

Housing Watch: Harrisburg lawmakers are pushing bipartisan plans to tackle Pennsylvania’s housing crisis, but the real question is whether legislative fixes can actually move the needle on supply and affordability. Philadelphia Safety: Three Philadelphia police officers were shot in Wynnefield; officials say the suspect died and officers were expected to recover. World Cup in Philly: Côte d’Ivoire stunned Ecuador 1-0 at Lincoln Financial Field as Amad Diallo scored in stoppage time, giving Africa its first World Cup win of the tournament. Public Health: Nara Organics issued a nationwide recall of powdered baby formula sold at Target after infant botulism cases were reported in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington. EV Push: PennDOT announced $25 million for Western Pennsylvania community EV charging, covering 80% of project costs for local sites. Local Crime: A Pennsylvania man was arrested after threats against St Pius X Parish and its school, prompting police intervention before Mass. Sports: The Phillies’ Trea Turner slump and a tough weekend for Philadelphia baseball kept fans talking, while the Pirates placed rookie Wilber Dotel on the injured list with a lat strain.

World Cup in Philadelphia: Ivory Coast and Ecuador kicked off Group E at Lincoln Financial Field, with Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao setting the tone and both teams chasing an early edge in a group that also includes Curaçao. Local Crime: Philadelphia police say three officers were shot in Wynnefield while responding to a call; the suspect was killed and the officers are expected to be OK. Public Safety Weather: A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Western Pennsylvania, with forecasts calling for damaging winds and small hail. Health Alert: Nara Organics recalled its Target-sold organic baby formula after infant botulism cases in multiple states, urging parents to stop using the product immediately. Sports & Culture: Bruce Springsteen received the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at Tribeca, pairing the honor with a conversation with Bono.

World Cup Kickoff in Philly: Ivory Coast and Ecuador open Group E at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday (7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports/FS1), with both sides chasing a strong start and a possible path to the knockout round. Severe Weather Watch: Humidity returns Sunday with highs in the low 90s and scattered storms after 4 p.m.; damaging winds, hail, and a low-but-not-zero tornado risk could disrupt outdoor plans and World Cup watch parties. Philadelphia Police Shooting: Three officers were shot in Wynnefield late Saturday; the suspect was killed, and the officers were reported stable after treatment at Penn Presbyterian. Infant Formula Recall: Nara Organics recalled its Whole Milk Organic Powdered infant formula sold at Target nationwide after three infant botulism hospitalizations in California, Pennsylvania, and Washington; families are urged to stop using it immediately. Local Crime/Charges: York City police charged a North York Borough man after investigators found alleged fake-ID equipment and fraudulent check materials during a separate case search. City Hall/Politics: A federal judge ordered the President’s House exhibits be restored in time for July 4, keeping pressure on the ongoing legal fight tied to the site in Philadelphia.

World Cup in Philly: Ecuador fans turned the Philadelphia Art Museum steps into a “Rocky Steps” moment ahead of Sunday’s Group E opener vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field, as ticket prices stay record-high and heat/storms loom. Public Safety & Health: City and health officials are preparing for World Cup crowds while warning about infectious-disease risks and the nearby Kensington drug market’s “tranq” crisis. Immigration Fallout: Ghana says Canada’s visa denial for midfielder Thomas Partey is “unfair,” while a separate case in Pennsylvania has a Haitian asylum seeker’s death ruled a homicide after release from ICE custody. Local Fire & Weather: Fire crews battled a 3-alarm blaze that tore through downtown Columbia, and the Philadelphia region faces another round of hot, humid weather with possible severe storms Sunday. Sports (Pennsylvania ties): Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart shrugged off “no means no” chants as Game 6 approaches, and Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski delivered a dominant one-hit shutout vs. the Phillies. Business/Jobs: JBS announced a Franconia Township plant closure by Aug. 14, affecting about 1,700 workers.

Brewers vs. Phillies: Jacob Misiorowski dominated Philadelphia with a complete-game one-hitter, striking out 15 in a 6-0 win, a performance that has Brewers fans buzzing and Phillies hitters reeling. World Cup in Philly: Philadelphia is gearing up for the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill with long-running public-safety and medical planning as heat and crowds roll in, while the city’s World Cup stadium readiness and transit guidance keep getting updated for fans. Health watch (measles): Pennsylvania’s measles situation is worsening, with rising cases in Lancaster County and health officials warning about exposure risks as vaccination gaps fuel spread. Housing for seniors: A state grant will fund five one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors in Milton, part of the PHARE program push to preserve affordability. Local business & jobs: Harley-Davidson says it’s bringing some motorcycle production back to its York, Pennsylvania, facility, aiming for 100,000+ bikes in 2027. Delivery race: Walmart is expanding drone delivery via Wing, with Philadelphia included in the next phase—raising the stakes in the fast-delivery war.

Property Relief: Pennsylvania extended the Property Tax/Rent Rebate application deadline to Dec. 31, raising the max standard rebate to $1,000 and expanding eligibility for seniors, widows/widowers, and people with disabilities. Tech Taxes & Budget: Lawmakers are floating new ways to raise revenue from Big Tech, including ending a sales tax break for data center-related purchases or extending a gross receipts tax to digital ad sales. Philadelphia Pride Accountability: Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel admitted mistakes during Pride policing in the Gayborhood, including improper barricade use, and said an investigation is underway. Local Water Upgrade: Pennsylvania American Water is expanding public water service to the Gobbler’s Knob area near Punxsutawney with a $2.8 million project expected to finish by late summer. Data Center Fight: Franklin County approved SALDO amendments setting rules for data center development, while Clinton Township’s proposal is roiled by transparency and conflict-of-interest questions. School Planning: Chambersburg Area School District is moving toward major long-term changes, including new middle and intermediate schools and grade reorganization. Health Alert: Pennsylvania health officials warned of possible measles exposure at the Lancaster County Courthouse. Sports: The Phillies placed Adolis García on the 60-day IL with a torn right lat, and NASCAR heads to Pocono after Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan.

Philadelphia Pride Tensions: At City Council, LGBTQ+ activist Mark Segal warned police “should not be running around with Tasers” after clashes in the Gayborhood, demanding accountability. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch runs until 10 p.m. across much of Pennsylvania, with warnings already up in parts of the Susquehanna Valley and South-Central counties. Harrisburg Gambling Push: Reps. Tarik Khan and Jamie Flick unveiled a bipartisan package to treat problem gambling as a public health issue and tighten consumer protections in online betting. Cross-Border Trade: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an Ontario-Pennsylvania MOU to expand energy trade and cooperation on critical minerals and manufacturing. City Budget: Mayor Cherelle Parker signed Philadelphia’s $7.1 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027 after weeks of negotiations with Council. Sports—Phillies Add Depth: The White Sox traded veteran outfielder Derek Hill to the Phillies, sending $250,000 in bonus pool money and prospects in return. Public Safety: Pennsylvania State Police created a Political Violence Threat Unit to investigate threats against elected officials. Crime—North Philly: A man was arrested in the alleged brick attack that killed Keisha Furlow.

State Budget & Taxes: The Pennsylvania House voted to fund a property tax cut for seniors, using a levy aimed at big tech to help pay for it. Public Health: The Shapiro administration highlighted the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and said its Overdose Prevention Program is expanding rural access to free naloxone, with more than 16,000 overdose reversals statewide since Shapiro took office. Local Government & Immigration Detention: Clearfield County residents packed a meeting to oppose the Moshannon Valley Processing Center and a new policy limiting public comment to county residents and taxpayers. Philadelphia Pride Oversight: A Philadelphia councilmember plans a resolution to authorize hearings into police response during Pride festivities after reports of an excessive law enforcement presence. Sports (Philly): Phillies right fielder Adolis García left a win over the Blue Jays with a pulled muscle in his right shoulder. Community & Health Programs: Penn State Extension will offer “Dining with Diabetes” starting June 25 in State College, with classes and follow-up support for people managing Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

World Cup in Philadelphia: SEPTA says it’s ready for the crush, projecting 55,000–57,000 subway trips for matches at Lincoln Financial Field and running extra service to NRG Station, while the Coast Guard ramps up Delaware River patrols for the tournament. Philly sports affordability: A new report highlights how fans are being priced out as America 250 brings major events and big crowds. MLW returns to 2300 Arena: Champion Killer Kross is set for shows at the historic South Philadelphia venue, calling it a “special place” after his first Philly wrestling run there. Eagles minicamp notes: Day 1 updates include standout rookie Riq Woolen’s early impact and early signals about the team’s offensive and defensive wrinkles. Inflation: Consumer prices rose 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, with core inflation at 2.9%, dimming hopes for near-term rate cuts. Public safety: Police released surveillance images in the fatal shooting of Penn State student Billy Schmidt in South Philadelphia. Health alert: A boil order was issued in parts of Pennsylvania due to water line work.

Philadelphia & LGBTQ+ Workplace: BAYADA Home Health Care earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index 2026, winning the Equality 100 Award for LGBTQ+ inclusion for the third straight year. NFL Concussion Fund Scrutiny: A new audit says multiple law firms and doctors helped push improper Parkinson’s diagnoses to claim more than $87 million from the NFL concussion settlement fund, setting up more legal fights over how claims were handled. MLB Trade Deadline Prep (PA angle): With the Aug. 3 deadline coming, coverage breaks down what each of the 30 teams needs to do next; locally, the Phillies’ roster churn continues as Taijuan Walker’s latest stop ends after a short stint. Local Community & Public Safety: Philadelphia’s Market East gets a $1 million public safety investment, while the DOJ opens an investigation into Philadelphia police gun-permit revocation practices. Health & Education: Lawmakers and districts are scrambling to set AI guardrails for schools as usage grows, and Pennsylvania’s teacher spotlight continues with finalists for Teacher of the Year. Arts & Culture: Jack White announces his seventh solo album, “Frozen Charlotte,” and Philly’s music calendar highlights major shows this week.

Public Safety in Philly: Philadelphia opened a $1 million joint public safety hub on Market East, bringing police, SEPTA police, Jefferson security and others together to coordinate responses ahead of a packed summer. College Sports Fight: A new antitrust lawsuit targets the NCAA over a $20.5 million cap on college athlete revenue-sharing, arguing it violates NIL laws in states including Pennsylvania. Local Streets Upgrade: Old City’s Market Street got a $16 million makeover with wider sidewalks, new pedestrian space, bike lanes, trees, and safer crossings for America 250 visitors. Gun Permits Scrutiny: The Justice Department launched an investigation into whether Philadelphia police improperly revoke gun permits. Health & Safety: A Dauphin County woman faces charges after allegedly attacking hospital security at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center. Violent Crime: A Philadelphia jury convicted Keith Gibson of multiple murders tied to a six-month killing spree. State Politics: The Pennsylvania House advanced a digital ad tax plan to fund senior property tax rebates, sending it to the GOP-controlled Senate.

Philadelphia Sustainability: A Philadelphia High School for Girls senior, Sobrielle Casimir, launched a student-run thrift store where classmates trade clothes to cut waste and keep fashion out of landfills. Public Safety & Justice: Advocates rallied in Harrisburg to force lawmakers to update Pennsylvania’s second-degree murder law after a state Supreme Court ruling that struck down mandatory life without parole; lawmakers have 46 days left. Local Tragedy: The body of a Philadelphia barber missing on the Delaware River was recovered, ending a search that began after he went into the water near a weekend gathering. Workforce & Training: Bradford White, based in Ambler, donated water-heating equipment and funding to PHCC training programs to strengthen skilled trades education. Sports: The Phillies head into Game 2 vs. the Blue Jays with a 1-0 series lead, while a Phillies reliever, Zach Pop, has elected free agency after a short stint. Harrisburg Watch: Lawmakers say they’re waiting on the state Supreme Court on skill games legality before moving again on regulation and taxes.

Pride Policing Scrutiny: Philadelphia Pride’s Sunday march and Gayborhood festival drew thousands, but organizers say police response felt overly aggressive, with videos showing heavy presence and confrontational moments that raised concerns among participants. Major Jobs Push: Urban Outfitters’ parent company says it will hire 1,000-plus workers across the Philly region, including 450 roles at the Navy Yard and 600 at a new Nuuly distribution site in Bucks County. Retail Shake-Up: Five Below has ended its above-$5 “Five Beyond” sections, spreading higher-priced items throughout stores as it reports strong sales and profit growth. Penn Station Plan: New renderings for an estimated $8 billion Penn Station transformation highlight a grand Eighth Avenue entrance and more public space, while funding details remain unsettled. Public Safety Tragedy: Police continue searching for the gunman who killed Penn State student Billy Schmidt in South Philadelphia after a cellphone dispute. Health Watch: A new study reports maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy can cut newborn hospitalizations by nearly 70%. Community History: A Levittown woman is working to preserve her family’s legacy as the first Black residents amid the unrest that followed their 1957 move.

NBA Front Office Shakeup (Philadelphia): The 76ers are promoting assistant GM Jameer Nelson to executive vice president of basketball operations under new president Mike Gansey, with sources saying GM Elton Brand won’t return as GM. World Cup Travel & Local Impact: A World Cup travel guide for Philadelphia highlights what fans should expect—tight hotel availability, pricier tickets, airport congestion, and temporary airspace restrictions around venues. Public Safety & Training: Pennsylvania State Police is partnering with Slippery Rock University to create a career pathway where academy training can count for college credits. Health Care Costs: A new report spotlights how cancer patients and families are turning to crowdfunding as medical bills pile up. Local Human Interest (CHOP): A former CHOP cancer patient is now working full time at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after an internship and research role. Sports (MLB): Phillies coverage notes strong recent offense and pitching storylines as the team pushes through a busy stretch. Community & Weather: Cleanup continues across western Pennsylvania counties after severe storms.

Philadelphia Pride: Thousands filled the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Philly Pride March and Festival, with a massive 1,000-foot Pride flag drawing crowds as the event expanded beyond the Gayborhood and Old City. Citizenship Dinner: Over shared meals, Philadelphians gathered to “break bread” and write a recipe for citizenship, part of a city-funded series aimed at uniting diverse neighborhoods. Public Safety: A 17-year-old was killed in a shooting in Allentown, and police are investigating; in Northeast Philadelphia’s Tacony area, a man was shot multiple times and died. Water Alert: Pennsylvania American Water issued a boil water advisory for about 1,500 Clairton customers after a power loss caused pressure problems at a booster pump station. Storm Damage: A Western Pennsylvania borough declared a disaster emergency after severe storms knocked out power and left major debris behind. Sports (Philly): The Phillies beat the White Sox 9-5 as Brandon Marsh homered for a third straight day; meanwhile, the 76ers promoted Jameer Nelson to executive VP of basketball operations.