AGP Executive Report

Data Privacy & Health: National law firm Edelson Lechtzin LLP says it’s investigating the Lone Star Community Health Center/Aesto Health breach that exposed 250,130 Texas patients’ personal and protected health information, and a separate Baylor Genetics incident in Houston where an unauthorized party accessed parts of the network and potentially compromised sensitive patient and employee data. Energy & Industry Workforce: Vicinity Energy’s steam-and-electric system in Philadelphia keeps hundreds of buildings running, and its union workforce is pushing for better pay and safer facilities as experienced operators retire and the Navy-veteran hiring pipeline shrinks. AI & Elections: AI-focused super PAC spending is surging into state and federal races, with big tech money (notably Meta and Google) aiming to shape the next Congress and state AI rules. Manufacturing & Business Events: The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance is lining up a manufacturing policy roundtable and an “AI for business” training session for local companies. Food Safety: Walmart-linked soup kit recalls continue, including Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits recalled over possible listeria contamination, with Pennsylvania among affected states. Local Agriculture: The Washington County Agricultural Fair kicks off this week, spotlighting livestock, exhibits, and regional food and craft vendors.

Hydrogen & Heavy Industry: Aternium selected Dover for its first commercial heavy water and electrolytic hydrogen production facility at Garrison Oak Technical Park, targeting a mid–Q4 2026 close and bringing at least $226M in capital investment plus dozens of direct jobs and hundreds of construction roles. Food Safety: Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture flagged multiple issues at a Halifax-area pool food facility after moldy cooked chicken and expired/incorrectly handled items were found, while another Harrisburg-area deli passed with no violations. AI Workforce & Training: Delaware County Community College highlighted low-cost AI certificate programs and pathways into tech careers, pointing to internships and Microsoft-focused certification readiness. Local Governance vs. Industry: Archbald Borough faces a court challenge over whether council members should recuse themselves from a massive data center campus review, raising bias and fairness concerns. Consumer Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, due to possible listeria contamination. Energy Policy: A Senate hearing in Northeast Pennsylvania weighed strategies to prevent future electric bill spikes, with lawmakers arguing for more reliable baseload generation amid rising demand and plant retirements. Community & Agriculture: The Washington County Agricultural Fair kicked off this week, running through Aug. 22 with livestock, exhibits, auctions, and fairground transport via the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, after testing flagged possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Energy & Water Risk: Upper Makefield residents near a Sunoco jet-fuel pipeline leak say they’re still not confident wells will be safe long term and are pushing for a permanent public water system. Environmental Cleanup Funding: Northeast Pennsylvania groups highlighted the lack of AML revitalization projects despite hundreds of abandoned mine land sites across Luzerne, Lackawanna, and surrounding counties. Workforce & Training: Pennsylvania College of Technology earned ACCE accreditation for its HVAC technology and HVAC engineering technology programs. Industrial Logistics Spotlight: UPS driver Miguel Corral won a national truck-driving grand championship at NTDC 2026, underscoring Pennsylvania’s role in trucking talent. Public Health: CDC reports 101 new measles cases nationwide; Pennsylvania logged 61 as schools start. Local Business: Kilgore EDC named Randy Seitz as executive director after a search. Recreation & Access: PFBC and DCNR celebrated a new accessible Susquehanna River boat launch in Bradford County.

Data & Privacy Fight: A coalition of 22 states is suing to block a federal push for 17 million truckers’ CDL records, arguing the DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is unlawfully seizing sensitive driver data—an issue with big implications for trucking compliance and privacy. Labor & Energy: Philadelphia-area steam workers at Vicinity Energy are poised for a potential strike after voting to authorize job action over pay and safety concerns tied to the city’s aging underground steam infrastructure. Healthcare Construction: St. Luke’s unveiled a $252M Heart Hospital at its Anderson Campus, a major expansion expected to open in October and add hundreds of jobs. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit Walmart shoppers again, with tomato bisque soup kits pulled over possible Listeria contamination, adding to a busy week of food and pet product recall headlines. Manufacturing/Tech Education: Niche Electronics and Franklin County Career and Technology Center ran a STEM camp focused on electronics, programming, and hands-on manufacturing concepts for local students. Energy Infrastructure & Siting: A new debate over data center noise is intensifying in Pennsylvania as residents and schools question low-frequency impacts from large proposed projects. Policy/Industry: Congress is debating a nationwide ban on many hemp products, putting Lancaster County hemp retailers and farmers on alert for what changes could mean for THC-infused sales. Invasive Species: Spotted lanternflies are now “here to stay” in Kentucky, with researchers warning the pest will likely worsen—another reminder for Pennsylvania’s agriculture and landscaping sectors. Steel Decarbonization: A new study highlights direct reduced iron as a lower-emission steel pathway, pointing to major emissions cuts versus blast furnaces. Local Business/Community: Hancock County commissioners hired outside counsel tied to opioid-funding negotiations, while Central PA Skills is set to host its annual Pat Houser golf tournament supporting disability and behavioral health programs.

Data Center Siting Clash: Upper Merion supervisors unanimously denied five preliminary data center land development proposals totaling about 4.6 million sq. ft. near King of Prussia, saying the plans were “not sufficient,” as the developer faced a contentious hearing. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits (14 oz) were recalled in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, after Listeria concerns; FDA says no confirmed illnesses yet. Pet Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled frozen raw dog food (Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe) in 11 states including Pennsylvania after Salmonella was found; three illnesses reported. Public Health Outbreak: FDA and CDC began onsite inspection and sampling at Taylor Farms’ Mexico facility in the ongoing cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce; cases reported across 17 states including Pennsylvania. Workforce & Community: Pennsylvania L&I highlighted Scranton students with disabilities in its MY Work paid program, with participants doing park projects like murals and repairs. Logistics & Manufacturing: Volvo Group turned a supplier logistics bottleneck into a production flow win, underscoring how cab and component timing affects truck output. Defense Industrial Base: Trump’s memo pushes the Navy to revert future carriers to steam catapults, a shift that could reshape defense procurement and costs. Rail Investment: U.S. DOT/FR A announced $5.3B for rail projects, including grade crossing upgrades and Amtrak fleet and locomotive overhauls, with a $40M grade separation project in Fairfield, Ohio.

Manufacturing Layoffs: Grede will close its Mill Street plant in Meadville on Oct. 10, putting about 170 jobs at risk, while Essendant plans to shut its Oaks distribution facility in Upper Providence Township, eliminating 150 roles. Food Safety: FDA-linked recalls expanded for salmonella concerns, including Oma’s Pride raw dog food sold in 11 states (including Pennsylvania) and a separate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now affecting 17 states. Local Business & Retail Growth: Huey Magoo’s awarded development rights for 60 new restaurants across multiple states, including Pennsylvania. Community Development: Downtown Sharon earned a Main Street designation aimed at boosting foot traffic and downtown investment. Workforce & Logistics: PennDOT held a Cumberland County hiring event for CDL operators, signaling continued demand for drivers. AI in Education: Lancaster County schools are rolling out AI policies and training as teachers shift how they design instruction and manage student use. Data Center Pushback: Upper Merion supervisors rejected five data center applications, reflecting growing local resistance over water, noise, and impacts. Court Watch: Luigi Mangione is set for a federal hearing where he’s expected to plead guilty in the UnitedHealthcare CEO stalking case.

Food Safety & Recalls: Lidl recalled Vitasia Chinese Style Wok Spice Mix in 12 states including Pennsylvania after potential salmonella contamination, with no illnesses reported so far; Henkel also recalled Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse sold in PA and other states due to a packaging defect that could cause pressurized cans to leak or explode. Public Health: CDC-linked cyclosporiasis continues to rise nationwide, and Pennsylvania is now listed among affected states with reported statewide cases in the 20s to 30s. Water Quality: A PennEnvironment report found potentially unsafe E. coli levels in about 55% of Pennsylvania waterways sampled over two years, with Greene and Fayette-area streams among those testing positive. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Energy Department canceled three Biden-era multistate transmission line projects after local pushback, while Pennsylvania officials continue to debate how data-center growth should be powered and governed. Local Economy & Industry: St. Luke’s is preparing to open a $252M heart hospital in Bethlehem this fall, expanding cardiovascular capacity. Agriculture & Community: Washington County Agricultural Fair kicks off Saturday with major livestock, exhibits, and an estimated $23M economic impact last year. Data Centers & Local Control: Lancaster County and Sen. James Malone urged Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass a data-center moratorium option for municipalities amid growing public opposition.

Rural Health Watch: PHC4 says Pennsylvania’s rural hospitals improved margins and net patient revenue in fiscal 2025, but warns looming federal funding cuts could erase gains. Data Center Pushback: Richmond Township residents grilled supervisors about data centers and zoning changes after online chatter; officials said they haven’t been approached, but the ordinance update would control where facilities could land. Energy & Grid Pressure: A PJM reform queue is seeing natural gas dominate new capacity studies as AI/data-center demand strains power and water planning. Workforce & Manufacturing Pipeline: Pennsylvania College of Technology’s advanced manufacturing program is feeding local employers with industry credentials and preapprenticeship pathways. Food Safety: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged issues at multiple sites, including sanitation and maintenance fixes. Local Business/Industry: Radian named Mike Weinbach CEO and added him to its board as the specialty insurer continues post-acquisition momentum. Healthcare/EMS Staffing Reality: A paramedic describes the overnight shift’s mix of alcohol/drug calls and high-stakes emergencies. Agriculture Innovation: Omega Logging won a $65,800 Agriculture Innovation Grant to turn leftover hardwood into safer, more efficient output.

Data Centers & Local Governance: Potter County commissioners shared details from a visit to an Amazon data center in Berwick, including cooling-water use and staffing plans, while other Pennsylvania communities keep debating how to handle the boom. Regulatory Pressure: Manheim Township moved to a stopgap zoning amendment for data center development, steering applications through conditional use rather than a moratorium. Industrial Expansion: Bosch Rexroth held a grand opening for an expanded industrial hydraulics warehouse in Bethlehem, aiming to streamline production and logistics. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is rehabilitating 1942-era flood-mitigation machinery at Loyalhanna Dam in Saltsburg. Ag Tech & Education: Mercer County is expanding agricultural and aquaponics education with state and private funding, and Senator Dan Laughlin announced Erie County Ag Innovation grants. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination. Public Health & Safety: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse was recalled in 12 states over explosion risk. Legal/Compliance: A Pennsylvania appeals court ruled a wheelchair isn’t a “vehicle” for DUI test consent, and federal prosecutors charged 11 in a decade-long sham marriage scheme tied to green cards.

Consumer Protection & Tech: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sued TikTok, alleging the app misrepresented its age rating and exposed children to mature content while using addictive design features; TikTok says it will fight the claims. Food & Drug Regulation: The FDA proposed making “GRAS” ingredient notifications mandatory, ending a decades-old voluntary system that lets companies self-affirm safety without telling the agency. Biotech & Pharma Governance: Madrigal Pharmaceuticals added John C. Reed to its board as it advances its MASH pipeline; Century Therapeutics reported Q2 results and progress toward iPSC-derived diabetes therapies. Logistics & Growth: Logistics Plus (Erie) landed on the Inc. 5000 list again, highlighting continued momentum in transportation and supply-chain services. Public Health: CDC surveillance shows drug-resistant Candida auris in 27 states, with Pennsylvania among the higher-reporting states. Pennsylvania Industry Watch: State lawmakers heard that Pennsylvania is poised to lead in quantum computing, backed by a university “ecosystem” aimed at attracting federal and industry dollars. Local Business & Jobs: JBS will keep its Souderton meat plant open with a reduced workforce, shifting toward value-added processed products. Transit Planning: Butler Transit Authority hired a firm to map route restructuring and rider outreach, with no immediate schedule changes.

Consumer Protection/Tech: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday sued TikTok in Allegheny County, arguing the app misrepresents its 13+ age rating and uses addictive design features that expose kids to adult content, with TikTok pushing back that it relies on “misleading and inaccurate claims.” Energy & Environment: EPA began building a $39M thermal treatment system to clean TCE-contaminated groundwater at the Valmont TCE Superfund site in Luzerne County, after earlier chemical treatments failed. Industry/Infrastructure: Erie Port Authority won a U.S. DOT “Pacesetter” award for efficient international shipping through the Great Lakes. Local Development: Millcreek Township is holding a Sept. 2 open house to gather public input on the proposed Presque Isle Gateway District. Workforce/Business: Kelly’s Seafood in Northeast Philadelphia will close at month’s end after four generations, citing a family health issue and long-term demand pressure. Safety/Industry: A federal safety board issued final recommendations after a 2025 U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works blast killed two workers, urging written procedures for flushing gas valves and safer cleaning practices.

Energy & Grid Policy: A new push to manage electricity affordability is spotlighting how Pennsylvania and other PJM states’ renewable portfolio standards can raise bills, with lawmakers facing pressure to change rate-setting rules. Retail & Food Industry: Kroger’s planned purchase of Giant Eagle is raising questions about competition and pricing across Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Defense & Shipbuilding: South Korean firm Hanwha’s $1B-plus offer for Austal USA could reshape U.S. naval supply-chain capacity, with Pennsylvania’s shipbuilding ecosystem watching closely. Cannabis Expansion: Vireo Growth reported major Q2 progress, including new Pennsylvania entry via PhytoNatural licenses and additional acquisitions. Manufacturing & Industrial Services: Enviri posted Q2 results and outlined contract exits tied to legacy risks, signaling continued restructuring in environmental and rail services. Local Business & Growth: Alpha Fit Club tapped PLAE as an exclusive performance partner as it scales to nearly 30 studios by year-end, including two Pennsylvania locations. Ag & Outdoor Economy: Pennsylvania’s Ag Progress Days kicked off, while PA Wilds honored partners boosting nature tourism and rural recreation. Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania AG backs a hemp product ban, but industry argues it would shut down legitimate businesses. Infrastructure: PennDOT is seeking feedback on Route 518 upgrades in Mercer County and plans major bridge repairs on Philadelphia’s University Avenue.

Critical Minerals Financing: The U.S. Export-Import Bank is set to lend $58M to three critical-mineral projects, including $25M for Westwater’s Alabama graphite mine and processing—aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains. Energy & Costs: AAA reports Pennsylvania regular gas averages $4.191/gal, down 6 cents week over week, with seasonal demand easing helping prices slide. Labor & Health Care: Mount Nittany Medical Center says it spent about $6.4M on temporary staffing during a five-day strike, while the union argues that figure dwarfs what wage increases would have cost. Air Quality Enforcement: Sherwin-Williams faces a $124,700 civil penalty after DEP found Air Pollution Control Act violations at its Rochester, Beaver County plant, tied to missing pollution-control equipment. Workplace Safety for Minors: L&I is reminding haunted attraction operators to submit approved safety plans before applying for permits for performers under 18. Education Oversight: Philadelphia City Council is pushing a performance audit of the School District of Philadelphia’s management and operations. Campus Policy: Haverford College reached a settlement over allegations of inadequate protection against antisemitic harassment, including new training and an antisemitism committee. Data Center Pressure: Counties and townships continue debating data center proposals, with more public pushback and local zoning scrutiny.

Energy & Water Safety: A Marietta, Ohio city council president argues Ohio’s fracking-waste injection near public drinking-water aquifers is a “dumping ground” risk, noting Pennsylvania sends much of its wastewater to Ohio for disposal. Construction & Utilities: Essential Utilities and its Aqua/Peoples units mark 811 Day, urging every dig to call 811 first after data shows many underground hits stem from missed notification. Digital Infrastructure: Keel Infrastructure says construction is on track across priority digital-infrastructure sites, with permitting nearing completion and tenants negotiating, while it highlights strong liquidity for development. AI Data Centers Backlash: A Pennsylvania Data Center Resistance Facebook group has surged past 41,000 members as opposition grows to new AI data-center proposals. Public Health & Environment: Pittsburgh’s wildfire-smoke episode has cleared, but local industrial pollution and asthma risk remain a concern as smoke episodes become more frequent. Skilled Trades & Education: NEST and Saint Joseph’s University commit $200,000 to build “The Hawk’s NEST,” using AI/analytics to support facilities management and skilled-trades intelligence. Food Safety: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections list multiple “pass” results, with at least one Hanover Pizza Hut correction tied to hot-water capacity and cleanliness. Agriculture & Outdoors: The PA Wilds honors 2026 Champions for boosting rural recreation and nature tourism across the 13-county region. Business & Labor: A Builders Association update says construction activity in the Mahoning/Shenango valleys remains strong, with union man-hours running about 15% ahead of last year.

Energy & Jobs: A coalition of Washington County energy and labor leaders launched a multi-county effort to plug abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells, aiming to use more than $19M in newly allocated 2026 state budget funding to address the state’s estimated 300,000 uncapped wells. Food Safety: The FDA detailed Taylor Farms’ cyclospora-linked lettuce recall, covering 236,192 cases of iceberg/romaine (plus some mixed with carrots and red cabbage) distributed across 27 states, with Walmart’s Marketside and major restaurant chains including Subway and Taco Bell named in the update. Public Safety: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned residents about rising sheriff-impersonator scam calls demanding bail or bond payments via gift cards, crypto, or Bitcoin ATMs. Education & Workforce: A Japan-focused report says generative AI will shift learning away from memorization toward creativity, communication, and issue-spotting—skills that map to future workforce needs. Local Economy & Industry: Sharon’s renovation push is highlighted through JCL Development’s work turning older buildings into office and living space, including a new JCL Energy power-distribution operation. Transportation & Risk: Reports on e-scooter and e-bike hazards underscore growing injury concerns for riders and drivers as regulations lag behind adoption.

Energy & Industry Policy: A new federal “Data Center Bill of Rights” would borrow ideas from Philly-area suburbs and Western Pa. fracking country, aiming to slow data center growth and give communities more local control as Pennsylvania prepares for a data-center boom. Nuclear Power: TerraPower’s “Natrium” small-scale nuclear plant in Wyoming is framed as a potential model for faster nuclear buildout that could power data centers and manufacturing—an energy story with clear implications for regional industry planning. Food Supply Chain: Restaurants are still dealing with lettuce fallout after a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce; Taco Bell removed lettuce from a supplier but foot traffic fell, and Pennsylvania is named among affected states. Agriculture & Workforce: Penn State’s Ag Progress Days returns Aug. 11-13 with hundreds of exhibits and demos, spotlighting technology for agriculture and invasive species work. Outdoor Recreation Funding: Pennsylvania’s DCNR opened a new round of motorized recreation grants for ATV, snowmobile, and motorized trails, with a Sept. 30 deadline. Regulation & Liability: A Supreme Court ruling limits pesticide injury lawsuits against manufacturers when EPA hasn’t required a warning label, raising stakes for rural residents and farmers. Business Support: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans for small businesses and nonprofits hit by July 4 storms across multiple Pennsylvania counties. Telecom Disruption: Verizon acknowledged a widespread voice-service outage affecting customers in several states, including Pennsylvania.