AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Philadelphia police warn of a surge in ATM and card scams using skimmers and “cash trap doors,” with victims sometimes discovering their food benefits were drained after a normal-looking swipe. Traffic Enforcement: New automated speed cameras along Route 13 in West and North Philadelphia enter a 60-day warning period Monday, with ticketing later this fall for drivers speeding more than 11 mph over the limit. Health & Politics: The CDC is questioning Pennsylvania’s handling of two measles-related deaths, escalating a public fight with Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Local Crime: State police say a homicide investigation is underway in Westmoreland County after troopers found an unresponsive woman dead; a suspect was taken into custody. Pennsylvania Economy/Healthcare: Key federal Medicaid changes are set for next year, and the governor’s role could shape how work rules and eligibility checks affect hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. Sports (Philly): The Phillies swept the Angels 5-2 as Zack Wheeler snapped a winless stretch and Edmundo Sosa hit a go-ahead homer. Community & Culture: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returned after a 10-year hiatus, drawing thousands to the streets for racing, crowds, and local pride.

Cycling Classic Returns: Chiara Consonni won the revived Philadelphia Cycling Classic women’s race, sprinting after a crash disrupted the final stretch, as the event brings back a decade-long tradition to the city. Local Sports: The Phillies kept rolling in Anaheim, beating the Angels 4-2 in 10 innings after Cristopher Sánchez and Jesus Luzardo hit major milestones, while Zack Wheeler looks to rebound Sunday. Public Safety: A 16-year-old was hospitalized after a shooting on San Antonio’s East Side, and in Trenton, a block party mass shooting left 2 dead and 9 injured. Traffic Enforcement: Philadelphia begins a 60-day warning period for new automated speed cameras along Route 13, with fines starting later. Housing Costs: Mortgage rates are climbing again, pushing monthly payments higher for typical Philadelphia-area buyers. Community & Culture: The Cecil B. Moore Library will move forward with a limited renovation plan, and “Abundant” screened in Philadelphia to spotlight nondirected living kidney donation. Health Politics: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to fuel clashes between Gov. Josh Shapiro and RFK Jr.

Rail Expansion: Gov. Josh Shapiro says the Pennsylvanian train will add a second daily New York-to-Pittsburgh run via Harrisburg, starting in mid-November. Public Safety: Philadelphia saw multiple shootings and a stabbing overnight, including a North Philadelphia incident where neighbors reported hearing an argument and gunshots before two men were hit. Measles Fight: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak keeps growing, with the state reporting hundreds of cases and renewed political sparring over how “measles-associated” deaths are described. Sports (Philly): The Phillies beat the Angels 4-2 with a big 10th inning from Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, while the Union topped the Red Bulls 3-1 as Cavan Sullivan made MLS history. Local Tragedy: Pennsylvania State Police report four family members died in a Susquehanna County crash after a car went down an embankment. Environment/Permits: Schuylkill County officials urged DEP to reject landfill permit changes they say could increase risks from polluted leachate.

Measles Clash in Harrisburg: Pennsylvania’s Health Department says confirmed measles cases have climbed to 460 across 31 counties, while a Lancaster County commissioner accused Gov. Josh Shapiro of “deceptive” framing after the coroner said a baby death was not measles-related—fueling a public fight with RFK Jr. Local Schools: Fayette County public schools posted an 88.1% four-year graduation rate for 2024-25, up from 87.7% the year before. Philadelphia Sports: Phillies pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa delivered a two-out, ninth-inning grand slam to beat the Angels 5-3, and the team’s 1980 World Series pitcher Larry Christenson died at 72. Roads & Transit: SEPTA is replacing service in the Center City trolley tunnel with buses through Monday morning. Safety & Weather: A crash and fire shut the Squirrel Hill Tunnel for hours before reopening, and Pennsylvania drivers are still getting tripped up on when it’s legal to pass a stopped school bus. Community & Culture: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns with an amateur time trial Saturday and pro races Sunday.

Public Health: Measles is surging across central Pennsylvania, with the statewide total now at 460 cases across 31 counties and 83 hospitalizations, as Centre County hits 15 and Penn State urges students and families to double-check MMR protection. Local Sports: The Phillies rallied for a 5-3 win over the Angels on Edmundo Sosa’s pinch-hit grand slam in the ninth, while Eagles fans packed Lincoln Financial Field for the preseason finale that ended 30-13 Bengals. Community & Safety: Penn State and Geisinger are warning about measles’ long-term risks as political fights intensify, and a South Allegheny High School football game ended early after a shot was fired—no injuries reported. Philadelphia Crime: Police are investigating an officer’s alleged failure to help a man moments before a deadly hit-and-run, and a new Center City armed robbery involved an AR-15-style rifle. Sports Loss: Phillies World Series pitcher Larry Christenson died at 72 during a fishing trip in Washington state. Weekend Watch: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after a 10-year hiatus, with road closures and tourism boosts expected.

Measles Fight in Lancaster County: Pennsylvania reported two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County, but the coroner says one infant died from a ruptured spleen—not measles—sparking a public dispute involving Gov. Josh Shapiro and federal health officials. Public Safety & Crime: Philadelphia police are investigating an early-morning pharmacy break-in on Holland Avenue, and an update is expected on a fatal Rising Sun Avenue hit-and-run. Sports (Eagles): The Eagles host the Bengals in the preseason finale at Lincoln Financial Field, with roster-bubble players getting one last shot. Local Business & Community: The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns after a 10-year hiatus, bringing major weekend traffic impacts and events. Health & Consumer Alerts: AG Dave Sunday warned MyChart users about a phishing scam. Courts: Former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky is set for a court appearance next month. Other Pennsylvania Notes: A Lebanon County school ranked in the state’s top 100, and Pennsylvania’s cruise terminal officially opened in Philadelphia.

Cruise Boom for Philly: Philadelphia cut the ribbon on its first permanent cruise terminal in 15 years, with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel pulling in Thursday; officials say the project could add thousands of jobs and $300M in economic output. Severe Weather: Heavy storms and flash flooding hit the Philly region and South Jersey, with airport delays and a flood watch in effect as strong winds and downed trees/power lines were reported. Measles Fight Turns Political: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. accused Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office of “fabricated” measles-related deaths, while Pennsylvania officials and Lancaster County’s coroner dispute what caused the deaths. Data Centers vs. Bills: As Pennsylvania debates AI data-center growth, residents are worried about rising electricity costs, with one study citing big price increases over five years. Human Trafficking Training: The state Attorney General’s office held “Human Trafficking 101” sessions in the region, urging people to spot vulnerabilities exploited by traffickers. Local Safety & Courts: A Montgomery County teacher was arrested on child pornography charges, and former Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky faces a new court hearing tied to a recantation by an accuser.

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.