AGP Executive Report

Measles Surge: Pennsylvania has topped 1,000 confirmed measles cases, with 5 measles-associated deaths reported, as New York declares a statewide disaster emergency and health officials warn the outbreak is spreading—especially among unvaccinated people. Local Health & Safety: Aqua Pennsylvania is continuing its push to “get the lead out” by digging hundreds of test holes to find lead and galvanized service lines, with replacements covered at no cost to residents. Philadelphia Politics: City election officials are expanding neighborhood access through satellite voting offices ahead of key October deadlines for registration and mail ballots. Higher Ed & Community: Penn is forming a committee to select its next university president, while Penn students and volunteers keep excavating West Philadelphia’s Black Bottom neighborhood with community partners. Sports—Pro & College: The 76ers’ Ariel Hukporti is out for the season with a torn Achilles; the Flyers signed gritty winger Michael Bunting after early struggles; and Penn State released its 2026-27 men’s basketball TV schedule. Public Safety & Crime: A Butler man was indicted in a terrorism case, and Philadelphia police investigations continue into multiple incidents.

Measles Watch: New York declared a statewide measles emergency as cases surge, with Pennsylvania now topping 1,000 infections and reporting multiple measles-associated deaths; the emergency order expands who can give MMR shots and speed testing/reporting, but vaccination still requires consent. Penn State Leadership: Penn State named Menah Pratt as regional chancellor for Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, emphasizing AI-ready workforce training alongside the land-grant mission. Power for PJM: Google and Constellation struck a 20-year deal for 3.6 GW in the PJM area, including 890 MW of upgraded nuclear capacity in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Local Schools: Bellefonte Area teachers and staff remain on track for a strike after talks ended without a new contract, while Donegal’s teachers union voted on a tentative deal after 100 days of bargaining. Health & Community: A Medicaid plan hosted a Scranton baby shower for expectant mothers, focusing on prenatal education and improving birth outcomes. Sports: The Flyers signed forward Michael Bunting to a one-year $1.2M deal as they chase a slow start. Road Safety: A head-on crash on Chicora Road in Oakland Township sent two people to the hospital and closed Route 68.

Measles Surge in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has now topped 1,000 confirmed measles cases, with health officials warning the outbreak is the largest in decades and spreading beyond the usual hotspots, including a growing adult share of infections. Public Health Response: Schools in parts of Western Pennsylvania are reportedly drafting measles response plans, including isolation rules and vaccination guidance, as cases rise. Local Politics & Accountability: In Philadelphia, two prosecutors say they will quit unless District Attorney Larry Krasner retracts what they call “untrue” court filings, escalating a bitter dispute inside his office. Historic Preservation in Philly: SEPTA is proposing to lease Roxborough’s Shawmont Station for $1 a year, aiming to turn the long-closed 200-year-old depot into a train museum and community space. Education & AI: Thiel College won a $1.8 million federal grant to expand AI literacy for first-year students and build new AI-focused pathways across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. PennDOT Operations: PennDOT driver’s license and photo centers will close over Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, with services available online. Sports—Sixers Update: LeBron James and Joel Embiid sat out the 76ers’ preseason opener vs. the Knicks, while Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe led Philly to a 120-97 win; Ariel Hukporti suffered a serious noncontact injury early.

Skill Games Crackdown: Pennsylvania State Police says businesses still running “skill game” machines face criminal prosecution and seizure after the Oct. 13 deadline, and it’s launched a pa.gov/psp/skillgames resource page to help owners comply. Public Health Alerts: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states, including Pennsylvania, because bottles may contain undeclared Yellow 5/Yellow 6 dyes; separately, a frozen berry recall tied to E. coli expanded again, now including additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s lots in dozens of states. Eagles Offense Under Fire: Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni pointed to “poor execution” after Philadelphia’s 24-20 collapse to the Rams, with the offense going 0-for-12 on third downs and failing to score late from inside the 10. Local Safety: Police are investigating an attempted homicide after a shooting at a Stroudsburg-area hookah lounge left a victim injured; one suspect was arrested. Pennsylvania Sports Notes: The Bears named Tyson Bagent their Week 5 starter against the Packers while Caleb Williams remains out with a hamstring strain.

Eagles Injury Update: Saquon Barkley left Philadelphia’s 24-20 loss to the Rams with a hamstring injury, and the Birds’ offense struggled late after a fourth-quarter collapse. NFL Roundup: The Rams completed a comeback win, while New England beat Buffalo 29-26 and the Chiefs stayed perfect with a 30-27 win over the Raiders. Politics & Voting Integrity: President Donald Trump again attacked U.S. elections as “corrupt,” after a post that appeared to mix up Brazil and India—sparking fast corrections online. Local Aging Services: Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging says it has overhauled how it monitors protective services for older adults, aiming for more objective oversight across the state’s 52 area agencies. Pennsylvania Agriculture: Ground broke on a $94 million Penn Vet veterinary diagnostic lab at UPenn’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, part of broader investment in the state’s $132 billion ag industry. Weather: A strong cold front is set to bring Pennsylvania’s first widespread frost chance of the season, with lows near freezing in the north and frost possible elsewhere.

Eagles Injury Update: Saquon Barkley left the Eagles’ Week 4 game vs. the Rams in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s matchup, adding to an already crowded injury list that included DeVonta Smith, Zack Baun, Dallas Goedert, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson and Marcus Epps. NFL Week 4 Focus: With Philadelphia trying to rebound at Lincoln Financial Field, the Rams also entered with absences, while coverage and betting previews continue to frame the game as a key early-season test for both teams. Weather Watch: Pennsylvania is set for pleasant, sunny conditions much of this week after a chance of scattered showers this afternoon, with highs mostly in the 60s. Public Safety/Local Notes: Police reports were published as of Oct. 1, and a separate story highlighted a pileup that led to an engagement proposal for a Philadelphia-area couple.

Blue x White Sixers Scrimmage: LeBron James and the revamped 76ers drew a big crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena as Philadelphia held its Blue-White scrimmage, with James calling it a “great first step” toward the 2026-27 season. Education Politics: In the governor’s race, Pennsylvania’s education spending—nearly 40% of the $50.8 billion budget—remains a central issue, with candidates clashing over how to fund schools and what comes next. Public Health: The FDA recalled frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s over possible E. coli contamination, including products distributed in Pennsylvania. SNAP Pressure: A new federal change shifts more SNAP administration costs onto states, and Philadelphia-area legal advocates warn paperwork burdens could mean more benefit cutoffs. Skill Games Deadline: Pennsylvania’s AG is urging operators to remove skill games terminals by Oct. 14, while lawmakers push bills that would tax the machines and steer revenue to property tax relief. Eagles Injury Update: Philadelphia faces the Rams shorthanded, with DeVonta Smith and several key players ruled out or injured. Major Sports: In the NHL, the Flyers fell to the Hurricanes in overtime; in MLB playoffs, the Rays edged the Yankees 1-0 in ALDS Game 1 and the Dodgers beat the Braves 5-3 in NLDS Game 1. Local Crime Investigation: Police and the FBI are still reviewing more than a million digital files tied to Raymond Horsch, as the case linked to missing women continues to unfold.

Legal Advertising: A new op-ed argues Pennsylvania’s I-95 billboards are saturated with personal-injury and mass-tort ads that can push patients to stop or change medication without talking to doctors. Forest Protections: Comment deadline nears on a federal proposal to roll back protections for about 25,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest’s most remote “roadless” land. Education Policy: A Trump education official says the federal school-choice tax credit will pressure Democratic-led states to opt in. Road Work: PennDOT announced an Erie County maintenance schedule for the week of Oct. 5, including shoulder cutting, ditching, and crack sealing. Local Safety: New bodycam footage released from Luigi Mangione’s Pennsylvania arrest adds to the case coverage. Health & Travel: A medical jet carrying six people went missing on a flight from Bermuda to Boston, prompting a major search. Crime & Courts: An appeals court rejected a bid for a new trial for a Lancaster man convicted in a 2017 fatal shooting. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000.

PUC & Utilities: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a smaller UGI gas rate increase, limiting the hike to about $6.45 a month for typical customers over two years and barring another base-rate filing until 2029. Infrastructure & Travel: PennDOT will implement a traffic switch on the I-80 Lehigh River Bridge project, changing how drivers move through the work zone. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported a fifth measles-associated death as cases near 1,000, with most cases unvaccinated or unknown and officials urging vaccination. Healthcare Expansion: St. Luke’s opened a new St. Luke’s Heart Hospital at its Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township, a $252 million project aimed at expanding cardiovascular care. Safety & Community: Donations are being accepted for the 7th annual Give a Gobbler event in Lehighton to support Feed Our Veterans. Criminal Justice: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday announced the conviction of a Philadelphia man who led a human trafficking ring, and state regulators revoked Resources for Human Development’s license after medical neglect tied to a Philadelphia resident’s death. Local Neighborhoods: Philadelphia City Council formally recognized Black Bottom again, restoring the neighborhood name after decades of erasure.

Public Health Crisis: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with the state reporting 977 cases as of Friday and a fifth measles-associated death tied to an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident; the CDC says only two measles-related deaths are confirmed nationwide this year, while Pennsylvania remains the epicenter. Criminal Justice: Newly unsealed bodycam footage shows Luigi Mangione’s arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including officers confronting him after he initially used a fake ID. Local Sports & Philly Watch: The Phillies are expected to “gracefully” part ways with interim manager Don Mattingly after their playoff exit, with the team likely to decide next steps soon. Business & Jobs: St. Luke’s opened its new $252 million Heart Hospital on the Anderson campus, adding about 140 beds and hundreds of jobs for the Lehigh Valley. Franchise Growth: Chicken Salad Chick is expanding in Pennsylvania, while Batteries Plus says it signed 19 new franchise agreements in Q3 and opened 13 locations across multiple states including Pennsylvania.

PUC Grid Safeguards: Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission advanced consumer-protection rules for when electricity gets tight, including new procedures for curbing large loads like data centers before other customers. Turnpike Toll Crackdown: The PA Turnpike and State Police launched a second statewide push targeting drivers with suspended registrations tied to unpaid tolls, with citations and possible impoundments. Breast Cancer Awareness: October coverage highlights Pennsylvania breast-cancer impact and the value of early screening, noting mammograms can reduce deaths. Philadelphia Sports: The Braves ended the Phillies’ season with a 6-2 Wild Card Game 3 win, setting up an NLDS vs. the Dodgers. Cashless Trend: A Pew poll finds more Americans are going card-only for purchases, even as many still keep some cash on hand. LeBron in Philly: Sixers camp notes focus on Nick Nurse’s offensive plan, with LeBron expected to run point-forward and spark fast breaks.

UGI Rate Relief: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement that cuts UGI’s requested gas rate hike by nearly 35%, spreading the impact into two phases and limiting another base-rate filing until Jan. 15, 2029. Public Safety: A woman in Philadelphia shot and killed a man she said broke into her apartment, according to police. Local Government & Data Centers: Union Township in Lawrence County is weighing a proposed “mini data center” near Route 422, while Lowhill Township advanced a draft ordinance updating data-center zoning rules. Community & Health: Pennsylvania confirmed a fifth measles-related death as cases continue to surge statewide. Education & Accountability: A Senate hearing drew on CAMERA’s findings about antisemitism concerns in Philadelphia schools, focusing on curriculum and standards. Sports: The Phillies kept their season alive with Alec Bohm’s extra-inning go-ahead homer in the Wild Card.

Measles Crisis in Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed a fifth measles-related death in Lancaster County as the outbreak climbs to 943 cases across 39 counties, with 176 hospitalizations and 5 confirmed measles-associated deaths. SNAP Relief for Families: Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services raised SNAP income limits and maximum benefits after an annual inflation adjustment, starting today, with the minimum benefit increasing from $24 to $25. Philadelphia Sports—Phillies Stay Alive: Bryce Harper redeemed a seventh-inning miscue with a tying homer, and Alec Bohm hit the winning shot as the Phillies beat the Braves 4-3 in 10 innings to force a winner-take-all Game 3. PennDOT Road Work Feedback: PennDOT is taking public input via an online survey as it reports major road and bridge progress and rolls out additional “Rapid Deployment Projects.” Public Safety in Philly: Police say an 83-year-old woman was wounded by stray gunfire in North Philadelphia and is in stable condition. Health Care & Data: A class-action law firm is investigating claims after a reported Saber Healthcare data breach exposed patient information.

Data Center Fight in Forward Township: A coalition is forming against a proposed million-square-foot data center on Prospect Road, with a rescheduled Oct. 1 planning commission meeting drawing heavy attention from residents worried about impacts on their farms and community. Election Access in Lehigh County: The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners approved funding for five more ballot drop boxes, despite concerns about training, implementation, and election security, while the elections board still controls whether they’re deployed. Local Government Confidence: Catasauqua Borough Council passed a vote of confidence in all borough staff, praising professionalism and continuity of services. Pennsylvania Courts: The state Supreme Court will decide whether a ruling ending mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder applies retroactively. Environment & Enforcement: DEP issued a notice of breach over an unremoved coal ash pile at the Scrubgrass plant in Kennerdell, tied to a settlement and a plan that has also sparked data-center controversy. Public Safety: A woman was killed in a Center City Philadelphia crash at 19th and Lombard, with police investigating the cause. Sports (Philly): The Phillies face elimination in Game 2 of their wild-card series against the Braves, with Atlanta leading 1-0.

Philadelphia 76ers & LeBron James: LeBron’s arrival has already changed the vibe at Sixers camp, with the team leaning into the “LeBron Effect” as he splits time between Philadelphia and New York. NBA Officiating: The league told referees to crack down on offensive “push-offs,” using a new framework to guide calls. Wild-Card Baseball (Philly): The Braves beat the Phillies 5-3 in Game 1 of the NL wild-card series, with Austin Riley’s three-run homer off Jhoan Duran turning the game in Atlanta’s favor. Public Safety (Philadelphia): Police are preparing a deeper search of a “house of horrors” tied to Raymond Horsch, linked to at least seven missing or dead women. Consumer Protection (Montgomery County): The county sued MoneyLion and Dave over claims they disguise high-interest loans as short-term cash advances. Health (Blood supply): The Red Cross says Pennsylvania is in a blood crisis and urges donors to step up as demand stays constant. Local Culture: The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia closed after nearly 200 years, and the community is reacting to the loss.

EB-5 & Philly Growth: USCIS approved Form I-956F for CanAm’s Bellwether Innovation Campus EB-5 project, clearing the way for a $110.4M TerraPower Isotopes life-sciences facility in Philadelphia. Health Care: Penn Medicine and IBA launched a joint venture, Noventra Oncology Alliance, to help hospitals plan and run proton therapy and advanced radiation oncology programs. State Enforcement: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday warned skill game operators to prepare for statewide enforcement starting Oct. 14, after the state Supreme Court ruled many devices are slot machines. Tech & Reliability: Comcast rolled out fiber sensing technology that uses vibrations in fiber lines to detect and pinpoint nearby activity, aiming to prevent damage and speed repairs. Local Harrisburg Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis announced $22.7M in new Commonwealth funding as part of a broader plan to revitalize downtown Harrisburg, including safer streets and a new hotel. Philly Tourism: Center City hotels reported record summer performance, with $335.6M in revenue from May through August and big gains tied to major events. Sports Spotlight: LeBron James’ Sixers celebration is underway in Philadelphia ahead of his first home game, with fans and murals already driving buzz. Public Safety: Exeter Township adopted new guidelines for ceremonial bonfires after a homecoming incident led to injuries and the district ending bonfires for future events. Measles Watch: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to climb, with reports of the worst resurgence in decades and new cases across multiple counties.