AGP Executive Report

MLB All-Star Home Run Derby (Philadelphia): The Home Run Derby hits Citizens Bank Park Monday at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix, with an eight-man field featuring Phillies sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper plus Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Ben Rice, Willson Contreras, Munetaka Murakami and Jac Caglianone. The format is new again: 20 swings in round one (no clock), then 15 swings in the semis and finals, with advancement based on homer totals. State Government: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s $50.8B budget, boosting education and adding a pension bump, while leaving major policy fights like skill games regulation unresolved. Courts & Judges: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court order raises the mandatory retirement age for senior judges from 78 to 80. Public Safety: A heat advisory is in effect Tuesday for parts of central Pennsylvania, with heat index values around 96–103. Scams: CBS Philadelphia anchor Siafa Lewis shared how a phone scam tricked him into handing over a two-factor authentication code. Local Crime: Philadelphia saw multiple shootings over the weekend, including one that left a teen dead and others injured.

Pennsylvania Budget: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion state budget into law after lawmakers wrapped up weekend votes, aiming to ease affordability pressures without new taxes or dipping into the Rainy Day Fund. The deal includes cost-of-living adjustments for some retired teachers, police officers and firefighters, plus more school funding and new transparency rules tied to data centers, public housing projects and public transit. Philadelphia Storm Damage: Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a disaster emergency after microbursts tore through Philadelphia and parts of Montgomery County, knocking out power, downing trees and damaging homes and businesses. City crews are still responding to hundreds of downed wires and thousands of tree-related calls. MLB All-Star in Philly: Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez will start Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, with Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease set for the AL. Local Sports Spotlight: Zack Wheeler said he declined an All-Star invite after feeling “disrespected” by snubs, while the Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park featured top prospects including Leo De Vries’ fast start for the AL. MLB Draft News: The Marlins took Stanford slugger Rintaro Sasaki with the eighth pick, and the Phillies added Penn State’s Michael Anderson and other local-area college talent in the draft’s run-up to All-Star Week.

Severe Weather in Philly: Philadelphia declared a disaster emergency after microbursts with straight-line winds tore through the city Saturday, knocking down trees and power lines, flooding streets, and damaging Philadelphia Housing Authority buildings. Public Health Watch: Pennsylvania is seeing a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to a microscopic parasite, with health officials still unsure what food source caused it. MLB All-Star Drama: Phillies ace Zack Wheeler rejected a late All-Star invitation, saying he felt “disrespected” by the selection process. MLB Draft in Philadelphia: Day 1 of the 2026 MLB Draft wrapped at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with multiple picks tied to Pennsylvania-area teams and prospects, including Phillies selections in the first rounds. Local Crime: Pennsylvania State Police charged three people after a 5-year-old was found naked in a Swatara Township roadway. Business & Jobs: Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials plans a $20.3 million expansion in Reading, aiming to add 42 jobs in Berks County.

MLB Draft in Philadelphia: The 2026 amateur draft kicked off Saturday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with the Chicago White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky as the No. 1 pick. Local Sports Spotlight: The Phillies also made Day 1 moves, including selecting LSU reliever Deven Sheerin in the fourth round (No. 128). All-Star Week Updates: Several roster changes landed as the Midsummer Classic heads to Philadelphia, including Tristan Peters added to the AL and Justin Wrobleski joining the NL squad; meanwhile, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski was scratched from his Sunday start and will miss the All-Star Game due to arm fatigue. Statehouse Watch: Pennsylvania’s top leaders and Gov. Josh Shapiro reached a $50.8 billion state budget deal, with lawmakers expected to review bills before final passage. Public Safety: Pennsylvania AG Anne Lopez and other attorneys general urged the FCC to tighten rules against robocall scammers using legitimate phone numbers.

MLB Draft in Philadelphia: The 2026 MLB Draft kicks off Saturday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with Rounds 1-4 airing on NBC/Peacock and later rounds on MLB Network and MLB.com. World Cup in the Keystone State: Argentina keeps rolling toward the final stages, taking on Switzerland in a quarterfinal Saturday in Kansas City after surviving tight knockout matches. Health and prevention: A simple LP(a) blood test could flag inherited heart-attack and stroke risk that often goes unnoticed because it isn’t part of standard cholesterol panels. Local public safety: Lancaster County’s new sheriff was sworn in to finish a predecessor’s term. Water reliability: Another boil-water advisory was issued for Rolling Valley Estates in Connoquenessing Township after pressure loss tied to distribution leaks. Sports on the home turf: Penn State and Pitt renew their men’s basketball rivalry at Philadelphia’s historic Palestra, marking the arena’s 100th anniversary. Food safety: Lebanon County restaurant inspections flagged issues ranging from labeling and cleanliness lapses to equipment and handwashing problems.

MLB All-Star Derby in Philly: Kyle Schwarber is officially in the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, joining Bryce Harper in an eight-man field that also includes Willson Contreras, Jac Caglianoone, Junior Caminero, Jordan Walker, Ben Rice and White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami. Sports Health Watch: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will miss next week’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia after a left-knee fluid-draining procedure for ongoing irritation. Local Weather: Western Pennsylvania remains under a Flood Watch through Friday night, with flash-flood warnings in parts of the region as heavy rain moves in. Public Health: Pennsylvania health officials are monitoring cyclosporiasis cases; the state is near normal levels so far this year, with 28 reported cases statewide. Civic/Politics: Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Dave McCormick launched a joint fundraising committee, fueling fresh speculation about party alignment. Elections & Voting: Gov. Ned Lamont and other governors, including Pennsylvania’s, urged the USPS to reject a proposed rule they say would restrict mail-in and absentee voting. Infrastructure: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission selected TRC Engineers to oversee a $300M Allegheny Mountain realignment project in Somerset County.

MLB All-Star Derby in Philly: Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and Cardinals rookie Jordan Walker are set for the Home Run Derby Monday night in Philadelphia, joining Willson Contreras, Jac Caglione, Junior Caminero and Ben Rice, with the rest of the field still to be named. Health & Safety: Pennsylvania is reporting more than 100 measles cases this year, with Lancaster leading and officials pushing MMR doses and provider briefings as vaccination rates slip. Local Business & Jobs: Harrisburg International Airport is planning a new 105,000-square-foot cargo facility to expand freight capacity. Sports & Community: UPMC Williamsport held a ribbon cutting for expanded cardiac rehab space, while Penn College’s Golf Classic raised $111,000 for student scholarships. Public Alerts: Orkin’s bed bug “hotspots” list ranks Pittsburgh among the top 10. Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania is set to receive $1.1 million from a multi-state Cash App settlement to boost online fraud education. Politics: Fetterman and McCormick launched a joint fundraising PAC, Common Ground PA.

MLB All-Star Week (Philadelphia): Umpire Alan Porter was named crew chief for Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park, with Chris Conroy, Chad Whitson, Ryan Additon, Adam Beck and Edwin Moscoso joining him. Home Run Derby (Philadelphia): St. Louis’ Jordan Walker is the latest confirmed participant for Monday’s Derby at Citizens Bank Park, joining Willson Contreras, Jac Caglianone, Junior Caminero and Ben Rice; Bryce Harper is also set to compete. Local Sports (Phillies): Interim manager Don Mattingly says he’s open to staying on beyond this season after steering the Phillies’ turnaround. Weather & Flooding (Philly region): Flood warnings and a rain record are in play after heavy downpours, with officials warning of continued flooding risk. Public Health (Measles): Chester County confirmed two new measles cases, pushing Pennsylvania’s total to 101 this year as the outbreak spreads beyond Lancaster. Politics (Pennsylvania): Sen. John Fetterman and Sen. Dave McCormick formed a rare bipartisan joint fundraising committee. Consumer/Scams (Robocalls): PA AG Dave Sunday joined 48 states urging the FCC to tighten rules against robocall scammers spoofing real numbers.

Philadelphia & Bucks County Sports: Jac Caglianone will join the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, continuing a long Royals presence in the event. World Cup Discipline: France’s Michael Olise had his yellow card appeal rejected by FIFA, putting him at risk of suspension if he’s booked again. Local Public Safety: A mother and two children escaped a fast-moving early morning fire in Williamsport after flames engulfed a garage and spread to their home; no injuries were reported. Consumer & Tech Policy: Pennsylvania Attorney General William Tong joined other states urging the FCC to tighten rules against robocallers buying legitimate phone numbers. Healthcare Research: A new study links higher breast MRI “background enhancement” in BRCA1/2 carriers with higher future breast cancer risk. Government Transparency: The Pennsylvania House passed a bill to clarify exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s 24-hour meeting-agenda rule. Emergency Services (Butler County): Commissioners approved software licensing to help ease dispatcher training strain and improve candidate testing. Arts & Community: Slippery Rock Area High School received a $20,000 grant to build special-education career pathways for students.

Child Safety & Courts: A 22-year-old man from Dingmans Ferry, Pa., Joseph Erkert, was charged after an international probe tied him to online sexual abuse of an 11-year-old in Ottawa and alleged abuse of a second U.S. teen. Animal Welfare Accountability: Pennsylvania’s AG says the wealthy Montgomery County SPCA violated nonprofit law, euthanized animals unnecessarily, and mismanaged shelter assets—leading to board and management changes plus fines. Higher Ed Costs: Temple University approved a $1.3 billion budget with an average 3.4% tuition hike and plans for about 40 layoffs as it tries to close a projected deficit. Philadelphia Neighborhood Response: FBI-linked action in Northeast Philly led to two adults’ arrest and removal of two children after authorities found “deplorable” living conditions and dozens of cats in unsanitary housing. Local Culture & Sports: The Schmitter cheesesteak returns to Citizens Bank Park for MLB All-Star Week, and the Phillies’ interim manager Don Mattingly says he’d like the job full time. Weather & Health Watch: Pennsylvania leaders are flagging rising tick-borne illness concerns as summer heat continues.

NBA & Philly Sports: Jayson Tatum said it’s “weird” after the Celtics traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that’s already reshaped the East. MLB: Zack Wheeler backed up his All-Star case with 14 strikeouts as the Phillies beat the Reds 4-1, with Kyle Schwarber launching his 31st homer. Health Alert: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to produce is spreading across multiple states, and Pennsylvania is among those reporting clusters—health officials warn to seek targeted stool testing if diarrhea lasts more than a week. Public Safety: Philadelphia police are investigating after a food delivery driver was shot and killed in the southwest part of the city. Weather & Power: Crews are still restoring electricity after July 4 storms, with thousands still without power in parts of Pennsylvania. Local Economy: PennDOT and the Department of Education announced a grant program to expand highway-career training for students, with up to $12 million available.

MLB All-Star Derby in Philly: Yankees slugger Ben Rice will compete in the Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, aiming to be the first Yankees winner since Aaron Judge (2017). All-Star roster shakeup: Pitchers Paul Skenes, Jacob Misiorowski and Max Meyer were ruled out and replaced by Riley O’Brien, Phillies’ Jesus Luzardo and Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft. Local youth sports honors: Butler County athletes swept into Pennsylvania all-state teams, including Knoch’s Emersyn Jones (softball) and Butler’s Andrew Slaugenhoup (boys volleyball). Philadelphia child welfare: Police removed two children from “unsafe and uninhabitable” conditions in Northeast Philadelphia; the FBI is leading the active investigation. Haitian families face uncertainty: After the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end TPS for Haitians, Philadelphia congregations say families are living in fear about work and legal status. Health alert: Cyclospora is driving “explosive” diarrhea outbreaks across more than a dozen states, including Pennsylvania, with officials warning cases may be undercounted. Religion & contraception fight: Little Sisters of the Poor argued again in federal court over contraception mandate exemptions, as Pennsylvania and New Jersey continue challenging the federal exemptions. Local government: Reading City Council advanced a zoning plan to steer data centers into heavy manufacturing areas via conditional use review. Food safety: Aldi recalled Fusia Kimchi & Tofu Kimbap in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, due to undeclared fish.

World Cup Fallout in Philly: Kylian Mbappé blasted a Paraguayan senator for racist remarks after France beat Paraguay in the Round of 16, with France set to face Morocco next. NBA in Motion: Celtics’ Brad Stevens defended the Jaylen Brown trade to Philadelphia as a salary-cap and “optionality” move, while LeBron James talk keeps swirling around the 76ers. MLB All-Star Build-Up: Crews painted the MLB All-Star logo at Citizens Bank Park as Philly gears up for the July 10-14 festivities, including the HBCU Swingman Classic. Local Sports Shock: The Royals crushed the Phillies 15-1 in Kansas City, handing Cristopher Sánchez a rough outing. Public Safety: Pennsylvania State Police announced funeral arrangements for fallen Trooper Michael Pahira Jr., with traffic impacts expected. Water Alerts: A boil water advisory was issued for parts of Norristown and Plymouth Township due to a loss of pressure, affecting about 1,069 customers.

Sports & Local Politics: The 76ers made the Jaylen Brown trade official, acquiring Brown from the Celtics in a deal that also brings in Anfernee Simons and Dean Wade, while Celtics leaders held a news conference to address fan backlash. Philadelphia Public Safety: A lawsuit says three Philadelphia police officers developed terminal brain cancer after years working at the Frankford Arsenal, where families allege carcinogens weren’t properly cleared. Criminal Justice: A former Bucknell strength coach, Mark Kulbis, was charged in the 2024 death of a player, including felony aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter. Weather & Recovery: Severe July 4 weekend storms hit Pennsylvania hard, with flooding and power outages affecting tens of thousands; officials urged residents to avoid flooded roads and stay weather-aware. Business & Courts: A contractor tied to a Philadelphia Marriott project was awarded $42.4 million in a lien-related case. Health & Community: Pennsylvania’s PCCD hosted regional listening sessions on gun violence prevention, focusing on what’s working and where more help is needed.

Severe Weather & Power: After a holiday weekend storm, more than 500,000 customers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic were still without electricity Monday, with Pennsylvania leading at 107,792 outages as flash-flood risk lingers into Monday. Flood Watch (Central PA): Lancaster County is under a flood watch through Monday evening as heavy rain and possible thunderstorms threaten additional flooding. Agriculture Workforce: U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the H-2A agricultural visa program, aiming to expand access, control costs, and modernize how farm labor is staffed. Education Policy: Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for K-12, pushing phones to be stored away during the full school day to cut distractions and conflicts. Business & Taxes: State House action on a 5% digital advertising gross receipts tax drew pushback from business groups, who warn it could raise costs for small businesses and nonprofits. North Philly Legacy: Former state Sen. Shirley Kitchen, a decades-long North Philadelphia advocate, died at 79. Sports (Flyers): Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, along with others, filed for NHL salary arbitration, setting up hearings later this month.

Extreme Heat & Storms: A brutal heat wave has killed more than 20 people across the eastern and central U.S., with New Jersey officials suspecting 19 heat-related deaths as temperatures soared into the Fourth of July weekend; in Pennsylvania, heat illness sent dozens to hospitals during a Big Boy locomotive event, while forecasters now warn the danger is shifting to heavy rain and flash flooding. Severe Weather in Pennsylvania: A tornado warning was issued for parts of the Harrisburg area as storms moved through Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties, with additional severe thunderstorm warnings covering much of south-central Pennsylvania. Public Safety: Slippery Rock Borough declared a disaster emergency after intense rainfall caused dangerous flash flooding. Local Crime: A Pennsylvania teen was arrested in North Wildwood after allegedly displaying a shotgun during an altercation, and police also moved to stop a social-media “takeover” attempt on the Boardwalk. Sports (Philly): The Royals snapped a four-game skid by beating the Phillies 5-2, while France edged Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia’s World Cup Round of 16 amid a rough, physical match. Pennsylvania Politics: Gov. Josh Shapiro said Democrats need a “battle over what we believe in” after socialist-backed wins in New York primaries.