AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: Storms and flash-flood risk are back for the Philadelphia region Thursday, with damaging winds, hail, and an isolated tornado possible. Measles Fight in Harrisburg: Pennsylvania’s first measles deaths in decades sparked a public clash between Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as officials defend the state’s reporting and vaccination guidance. Electric Bills: A new study says Pennsylvania saw the third-largest electricity price jump in the nation from 2021 to 2025, driven by gas prices and the cost of building new power plants. Local Power Debate: Derry Township supervisors held a first public hearing on the Weimer Solar Farm, where most of the nearly 50 attendees opposed the proposal and pushed for changes to the ordinance. Philadelphia Public Safety: Investigators say the gun used in the killing of off-duty Philadelphia officer Alhassane Barry is being tested, with no charges filed yet. City Hall Mask Suspect: Zymire Hughes, accused of terrorizing people near Philadelphia City Hall in a “Chucky”-style mask, appeared in Las Vegas court as extradition moves forward. Sports & Culture: Ayra Starr will headline the NFL London halftime show Oct. 11; Kyle Lowry’s No. 7 will be retired by the Raptors Jan. 10 vs. the 76ers; and Jersey College’s York campus holds its first graduation Sept. 9.

Public Safety: Philadelphia’s “Chucky”-mask suspect, Zymire Hughes, was arrested in Las Vegas after a multi-agency hunt tied to alleged terroristic threats near City Hall. Health Alert: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles-related deaths in Lancaster County—both unvaccinated—amid a fast-growing outbreak and rising national cases. Weather: A flood watch is in effect for the Philadelphia region Thursday into late night, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk possible. Local Crime & Community: Police secured a vacant West Oak Lane home after neighbors reported months of theft, drug activity, and disturbances. Local Business/Health Inspections: Victory Brewing’s Philly taproom was ordered to close temporarily after a health inspection found mice and roaches. Civic & Community Support: Clearfield police and partners are planning the 3rd annual “Shop with a Cop” event and are seeking donations. Sports: Kyle Schwarber hit his MLB-leading 40th homer as the Phillies shut out the Mariners 6-0. Politics: A Franklin & Marshall poll shows Gov. Josh Shapiro widening his lead over Stacy Garrity while Trump’s approval slips among Pennsylvania voters.

Mail-In Voting Fight: Pennsylvania and 22 other Democratic-led states sued to block the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out President Trump’s mail-voting executive order, arguing new USPS requirements could disrupt November election preparations. Affordable Housing: Pennsylvania will build a searchable database tracking subsidized apartments whose affordability rules expire, warning that thousands of units could lose protections in the next five years. Meta Settlement: Pennsylvania is set to receive about $516 million from a $17.1 billion multistate Meta deal aimed at strengthening child-safety safeguards on Instagram and Facebook. Philadelphia Public Safety: Police say a “Chucky-style” masked suspect accused of terrorizing people in Philadelphia was arrested in Las Vegas, with extradition pending. Local Business Expansion: Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace announced new stores planned for King of Prussia (Pa.) and Moorestown (N.J.) by late 2027. Health & Community: Pennsylvania reported two measles deaths tied to unvaccinated residents, prompting expanded response efforts. Eagles: Jeffrey Lurie will be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame on Oct. 26.

Public Health Crisis: Pennsylvania confirmed its first measles-related deaths in 35 years: two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents died as the outbreak grows nationwide, with the U.S. already reporting thousands of cases this year and renewed calls for MMR vaccination. Safety & Justice: A man accused of terrorizing Philadelphia residents while wearing a Chucky-style mask, Zymire Hughes, was arrested in Las Vegas and is expected to be extradited to Pennsylvania. Legal Fight Over Kids Online: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued Snapchat, alleging the app is addictive and misleads users about adult content, seeking court-ordered youth-safety changes. Local Transportation & Costs: Harrisburg residents are pushing for changes after a woman was killed crossing a busy crosswalk near Front and Vaughn streets, arguing the intersection design put pedestrians at risk. Sports (Philly): The Phillies lost to the Mariners 4-1 as Cal Raleigh hit a homer in his first at-bat and tied a Seattle record with homers in four straight at-bats.

Public Health Crisis: Pennsylvania confirmed two measles deaths in Lancaster County—both unvaccinated—marking the first measles fatalities in the state in 35 years and the first U.S. deaths from the virus in 2026 as cases climb to 393 across 28 counties, with the outbreak concentrated in southern Lancaster. School & Community Safety: With school starting and measles spreading, health officials are urging MMR vaccination, warning the disease can linger in the air and spread fast, even as many people have little recent experience with it. Sports Spotlight (LLWS): Phenix City’s Kinley Rasmus, a 12-year-old from Alabama, keeps going viral at the Little League World Series with dominant pitching and clutch hitting, including a comeback win that keeps her team alive. Local Watch: Manor Township residents are waiting to learn whether storm damage qualifies as a tornado after severe weather ripped roofs and toppled trees. Philadelphia Schools: Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. kicked off the 2026-27 year with visits to multiple schools, emphasizing academics, customer service, and family engagement.

Amtrak Expansion: Gov. Josh Shapiro says a second Amtrak service between Pittsburgh and New York City starts in November, with tickets expected in October. Energy & Business: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Pennsylvania businesses and unveiled a small-business support push tied to the SBIC-E initiative. Local Roads: PennDOT District 10 scheduled weekday Sawmill Road (Route 1013) closures for paving in Farmington Township from Sept. 8–28, with a weekend reopening plan. Utilities Transparency: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing a bill that would require clearer monthly utility breakdowns—what changed, why, and how much each cost component adds. Public Health: Maryland declared a measles outbreak in three counties as students head back to class, stressing low risk for vaccinated people. Sports (Philly): Cal Raleigh’s three-homer night snapped the Phillies’ nine-game win streak as Seattle beat Philadelphia 9-2. Tech & Law: Attorneys general, including Pennsylvania’s, urged OpenAI to preserve records and pause cybersecurity tests after an alleged breach involving an unreleased model.

Tornado Recovery: Columbia Borough is holding a Wednesday resource-center event for residents hit by last week’s EF-1 tornado, with Lancaster County, PEMA and borough officials on hand to connect people to aid and help sort out which damaged buildings can be saved. Workplace Safety: New federal data shows Pennsylvania construction fatal injuries jumped 60% in 2024, with falls to a lower level a major driver, as advocates push for stronger protections. Back-to-School Money: State Treasurer Stacy Garrity urges families to check Pennsylvania’s unclaimed property site, pointing to nearly $54 million tied to school-related names and a program that has already returned more than $1 billion. AI Data Center Fight: Northampton County residents packed a hearing over proposed data-center zoning rules, arguing about rural character, water, noise, health and property values as the board prepares to vote. Philadelphia Sports: The Phillies keep rolling with a ninth straight win and chase a playoff push while preparing for the Mariners, as Zack Wheeler takes the mound. Eagles Camp Update: The Eagles are back at Jefferson Health Training Complex after a preseason loss, with backup QB competition still unsettled and key receivers expected back in drills. Local Crime: Two kids were arrested after throwing rocks, sticks and logs off a Pennsylvania overpass, injuring two people.

IndyCar in the Capitol: President Trump closed the U.S. 250th birthday run with the Freedom 250 in Washington, drawing about 200,000 fans and racing past major landmarks including Pennsylvania Avenue, though the route drew criticism. Philadelphia Sports: Kyle Schwarber powered a wild Phillies comeback, blasting a two-run walk-off homer to beat the Cardinals 6-4 and extend Philadelphia’s win streak to nine. NFL-to-College Twist: The Browns waived Dae’Quan Wright, and if he clears waivers he’s set to join LSU for 2026—an unusual path back to college football that’s already sparked debate around Lane Kiffin’s timing. Public Safety & Transit: SEPTA rolled out Phase 1 of its bus network overhaul, adding new routes and cutting several lines, while Philadelphia also saw multiple shootings investigated over the weekend. State Police Update: Lt. Col. George Bivens welcomed 47 new troopers to the Pennsylvania State Police after academy graduation.

Public Safety: Philadelphia police say the “Chucky-style” mask suspect, Zymire Hughes, may have fled to the West Coast; an arrest warrant is out after he allegedly terrorized downtown pedestrians, including a jogger who was asked, “Are you ready to die?” Sports Medicine: Eagles RB Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken off by ambulance after a scary opening-kickoff injury in the preseason vs. the Patriots; the team says he has movement and a CT scan was negative. Local Community: Barbers Who Care and the West Philadelphia YMCA teamed up for free back-to-school haircuts, plus supplies and resources for families. Health Alert: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people and sent 4 to the hospital, with Pennsylvania among affected states. Pennsylvania Politics: Sen. John Fetterman backs Trump’s AI and data-center push, arguing local “doomsdaying” helps China. Weather: Sunday brings a chance of showers and thunderstorms, with high temps in the 70s and unsettled conditions returning later in the week. Baseball: The Phillies chase another series sweep as Cristopher Sanchez faces the Cardinals after a hot streak.

Data Center Fight: Sen. John Fetterman pushed back on “AI doomsdaying” after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed new restrictions on Pennsylvania data centers, arguing the debate is political pandering. Skill Games Deadline: With the Supreme Court’s June ruling taking effect Oct. 13, supporters and lawmakers are racing to regulate skill games before machines could be seized; a Beaver County raid is now being cited as the unusual start of the industry. Travel Update: PennDOT is upgrading real-time trip planning for the Little League World Series on 511PA.com/map/page/LLWS, adding live speeds, cameras, and alternate routes. Road Work: Drivers heading through Central Pennsylvania should expect sporadic 15-minute I-80 stoppages next week for blasting tied to the High-Speed Interchange project, plus a nine-day exit closure starting Sunday. Wildlife Planning: The PA Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are taking public input on a draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan through Sept. 19. Philly Schools: Kensington High School families got a look at temporary Northeast Philadelphia swing space at Austin Meehan Middle School after asbestos forced the move. Sports (Philly): Cavan Sullivan scored early, but the Union settled for a 1-1 draw at Austin FC; in preseason football, the Eagles’ Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken to a hospital after being injured on the opening kickoff.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration launched a new state website for Pennsylvanians to weigh in on data center proposals, tied to the GRID standards that aim to protect energy affordability, push community engagement, and require local approval before developers get state support. Local Crime & Courts: Pennsylvania State Police charged Royce Moser with homicide and related counts, and his mother, Rachel Moser, with helping cover up the killing of PennWest University student Karoline Heintz. Sports Discipline: MLS fined Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi after he slapped Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during a heated 2-2 draw; Ian Fray was also fined after another clash. Public Health: Health officials warned measles risk is rising as cases are reported across New York, with attention on possible exposures reaching Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Zoo: Makini, the last African lion at the Philadelphia Zoo, died after a long battle with advanced arthritis. Weather & Safety: Police in Cheltenham Township warned residents about an aggressive coyote sighting and urged people not to approach it.

MLS Discipline in Philly: Lionel Messi and Ian Fray were fined after separate head-and-neck contact incidents in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union, while MLS rescinded Cavan Sullivan’s red card and one-game suspension after an independent review. Local Safety Enforcement: PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police launched “Operation Yellow Jacket” to crack down on speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving in highway work zones. Tragic PennWest Case: A mother and son face charges in the stabbing death of PennWest University soccer player Karoline Heintz, whose body was found in a vehicle near campus. Aviation Probe in Carlisle: Federal investigators recovered data cards from a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a Cessna that collided at the Carlisle airport, as they review what led to the crash that killed the pilot and injured two troopers. Philadelphia Commuter Disruption: The Market Street Bridge closes to vehicles Monday for a 14-month rehabilitation, with PennDOT promising bike-lane upgrades. Sports Notes: The Phillies kept rolling with a 7-6 extra-inning win over the Cardinals, and the Eagles’ preseason matchup vs. the Patriots stays tightly guarded as starters’ plans remain unclear.

Severe Weather & Safety: A tornado was confirmed to have touched down in eastern York County, damaging Eastern York High School and nearby townhomes, as officials assess strength and path. Philadelphia Crime: Police say Zymire Hughes, accused of terrorizing people around City Hall in a Chucky-style mask, has ties to California and Las Vegas and is being hunted with U.S. Marshals. Public Health: Allegheny County reported Pittsburgh’s first measles case after a person visited UPMC Children’s Hospital Emergency Department; health officials urge MMR vaccination. Local Courts: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit over the death of an 11-year-old boy with asthma, ruling Philadelphia didn’t create the danger. Economy: Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in July, the lowest in nearly two years. Housing & Costs: Home sales in Pennsylvania dropped about 10% in July, and residents are still feeling rising costs. Sports & Community: Little League World Series games were postponed due to rain and moved to Friday; in Philadelphia, the Union and Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw with Lionel Messi scoring.

Center City Terror Case: Philadelphia police identified Zymire Hughes, 22, as the masked “Chucky”-style suspect who allegedly chased and threatened at least six people, including a jogger near Center City; an active warrant is in place and authorities say he may have ties to Nevada and California. Midair Crash in Carlisle: NTSB investigators shared new details on the deadly Carlisle Airport collision that killed a Penn State Health doctor and injured two Pennsylvania State Police troopers, confirming communication between aircraft and describing the helicopter’s hover taxi training maneuver. Second-Degree Murder Sentencing: Pennsylvania lawmakers face a major fix after the state Supreme Court ruled mandatory life-without-parole for second-degree murder is unconstitutional without judging the defendant’s role; more than 1,100 people are serving such sentences. Data Breach Watch: Edelson Lechtzin LLP says it’s investigating potential privacy claims tied to the Apple American Group cybersecurity incident, with notices dated Aug. 18. Local Grants & Community: State Farm awarded a $10,000 safety grant to a volunteer fire company in Tamaqua, and the Salvation Army in Allentown received a $250,000 state investment ahead of its backpack giveaway. Weather & Safety: After severe storms and flooding risk, Friday is forecast to be calmer in the Philadelphia region, while officials urged drivers and walkers to follow pedestrian safety rules as the school year nears.

MLB Move: Former All-Star left-hander Nestor Cortes agreed to a one-year deal with the Phillies, worth $1.5 million in the majors and $250,000 in the minors, with the team optioning him to Class A Clearwater and designating Brian Keller for assignment. Philadelphia Safety: Police identified Zymire Hughes, 22, as the “Chucky-style” mask suspect accused of threatening and chasing people near City Hall, and say an arrest warrant is active. Medical Recall: B. Braun Medical in Bethlehem issued a voluntary recall of Excel Lactated Ringers Injection after tiny particulate matter (including cotton and wood fibers and polystyrene) was found in a national lot. Aviation Tragedy: A small plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided near Carlisle Regional Airport; the pilot died and two troopers were injured as the FAA and NTSB investigate. Public Health: The jalapeño-linked Salmonella Javiana outbreak rose to 431 illnesses across 32 states, with Pennsylvania now included among the affected areas. Local Sports: Eagles WR Makai Lemon returned to practice after a hamstring absence. Democratic Politics: Denver joined Boston and Philadelphia as finalists for the 2028 Democratic National Convention.

Aviation Tragedy at Carlisle Airport: A small plane collided midair with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter near Carlisle, killing the pilot and injuring two troopers; investigators say the Cessna veered hard at the last moment and struck the helicopter from the rear. MLS Spotlight in Chester: Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father’s death, but Inter Miami had to settle for a 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park, a match that ended with players sent off. Sports & Local Pride: The Phillies kept rolling with a 4-1 win over Miami, while UFC 330 in Philadelphia drew a packed crowd and featured title retentions. Public Safety Over Labor Day: PennDOT and state police kicked off a crackdown on impaired driving ahead of Labor Day, urging drivers to plan a safe ride home. Local Economy & Gambling Rules: Veteran clubs and businesses rallied to keep “skill games” legal as a Supreme Court ruling threatens their future. Data Center Backlash: Pennsylvania continues tightening rules on data center development amid growing local moratoriums and community concerns.