AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Construction: AHN and Highmark plan a new ~150,000-square-foot, all-private-room hospital in Cecil Township at Southpointe II, aiming to start construction in early 2027 and open in 2029, replacing the current AHN Canonsburg Hospital. Rare Earths Supply Chain: REalloys signed a non-binding LOI with Patriot Exploration & Mining to secure up to 30% of Patriot’s rare earth production, supporting a domestic feedstock push for defense-grade magnet metals. Capital Markets: Keel Infrastructure priced upsized $400M convertible senior notes due 2032 (with an option for up to $58M more), backed by Bitfarms. Energy & Grid Pressure: Federal officials are weighing reforms—and even a possible breakup—of PJM Interconnection as data centers strain the grid and drive higher electricity bills across 13 states. Online Gambling Oversight: Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced bipartisan bills to tighten online betting protections, including limits on deposit frequency, restrictions on credit-card funding, and stronger self-exclusion and prevention funding. Food Safety: FDA recalled De Dios’s Fruit Pops in NJ, NY, PA and CT due to undeclared allergens, warning of severe reaction risk. Infrastructure/Local Ops: PennDOT set a Goshen Road bridge closure near Clearfield starting June 8, with detours through late August. Public Safety: About 150 people were evacuated after a vehicle fire shut the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel on the PA Turnpike late Thursday.

Electric Rates: The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a PPL Electric distribution settlement that raises bills again—about $7 a month on average starting July 1, with residential increases cut to roughly 4.9% versus the original proposal. Data Centers & Local Control: A Pennsylvania-based data center plan hit resistance as planners voted down a Clear Brook campus, reflecting growing scrutiny over impacts and planning capacity. AI, Power, and Politics: GOP lawmakers accused China of bankrolling U.S. data center protests, while broader coverage flags how AI demand is reshaping power markets and grid reliability. Manufacturing Outlook: A new survey finds Pennsylvania manufacturers plan to boost 2027 marketing budgets and hire more staff. Broadband Expansion: Omni Fiber acquired Citizens Fiber, expanding Western Pennsylvania’s fiber footprint with symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps. Energy Costs & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Pennsylvania regular gas averaging $4.55 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $4.22 in Monroe County and $3.99 in Montgomery County. Agriculture & Tourism: The Shapiro administration launched the 2026 Scooped Ice Cream Trail with 59 PA Preferred creameries, spotlighting dairy production and farm tourism.

Life Sciences & Manufacturing: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $10M Kurt J. Lesker Co. expansion tied to atomic layering disposition R&D in State College and expanded headquarters work in Jefferson Hills, creating 39 new jobs and retaining 299. Aviation & Infrastructure: Williamsport Regional Airport will receive $593,832 in state funds to rehabilitate a maintenance hangar, part of broader airport upgrades. Healthcare & Aging Services: CMS data put Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at Greenville among Mercer County’s largest facilities, while River View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center ranked No. 2 in Luzerne County; both updates highlight staffing/bed capacity and CMS ratings. Business Recognition: ENCON Equipment’s Jordan Mitchell was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 East Central finalist. Local Governance (Data Centers): Mercer County planning officials advanced recommended zoning rules for data centers, with a public hearing set for June 18. Public Safety Scam Alert: Pennsylvania State Police warned of a Bitcoin “bail” scam using fake law-enforcement calls and “gag order” tactics. Food Safety: FDA is investigating new Listeria and Cyclospora outbreaks, plus additional Salmonella cases linked to moringa products.

Digital Ad Tax Advance: Pennsylvania House Finance Committee moved a bill to extend the state’s 5% gross receipts tax to digital advertising services, with supporters citing $300M–$600M in annual revenue and critics warning costs could hit small businesses and consumers. Turnpike Modernization: Pennsylvania Turnpike open-road tolling is pushing west, with gantries under construction between Breezewood and Willow Hill and a plan to finish statewide by 2027. Life Sciences Expansion: Gov. Shapiro joined SCHOTT Pharma USA for a $60M Lebanon County expansion, aimed at tripling U.S. capacity and supporting 200+ retained jobs. PIDA Loans for Growth: DCED announced $7.4M in new PIDA loans across Allegheny, Bucks, Lancaster and Susquehanna counties, targeting $36.2M in economic impact and 37 new jobs. Data Center Backlash: A California city voted to permanently ban datacenters, adding pressure to the growing debate over power use and local impacts. Infrastructure Cleanup Grant: Hooversville won a $22,890 ISRP grant to remediate a former gas station site for a new municipal office and police station. Workforce Pipeline: Pitt-Bradford reported its first full engineering technology cohort with 100% employment and an average starting salary of $88,376.

State Budget Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 proposal would shift about $4.7B from Pennsylvania’s rainy-day fund to help balance a $53.3B plan, drawing pushback from GOP lawmakers who warn it risks a credit downgrade and future tax hikes. Public Health Funding: A proposed cut to the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System would slash funding from about $125M to $25M, raising alarms that the U.S. could lose an early-warning tool as a new COVID “cicada” variant spreads. Cybersecurity in Education: The Canvas ransomware/Canvas-linked “Canvas” incident is being framed as a wake-up call for enterprise risk tied to third-party systems and extortion tactics. Workforce & Training: Mercer County Career Center received an $85K equipment grant to upgrade hands-on training tied to local employer needs, including manufacturing and health care. Local Housing Enforcement: Bucks County DA Joe Khan says more victims have surfaced in a lawsuit targeting a Dublin landlord accused of unsafe, deceptive conditions, including long-running heat failures. Energy & Grid: Lawmakers are weighing utility battery storage to strengthen Pennsylvania’s electric grid as electricity costs and reliability concerns grow.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Gov. Shapiro announced a $10M Kurt J. Lesker Company expansion in Pennsylvania, with $340K in state support tied to new R&D for atomic layering disposition (ALD) and 39 new jobs. Industrial Services: Manitowoc expanded its North America Rapid Response Shop in Pennsylvania to speed factory-backed repairs for large cranes, including same-day lacing orders. Energy & Costs: Gas prices fell in Harrisburg, with AAA citing a 12-cent weekly drop to about $4.32/gal; statewide averages remain high amid global market volatility. Data Centers Policy: A bipartisan push is growing to slow hyperscale data center development; Sen. Katie Muth filed a bill for a three-year moratorium, while Rep. Dean and Evans pressed FERC for grid reliability and consumer cost answers. Environment & Legal Risk: Sherwin-Williams faces a lawsuit over alleged noxious odors from a Pennsylvania coatings plant, while Lehigh Valley HVAC company Curtis Total Service agreed to a $300K settlement after claims of deceptive sales practices. Agriculture & Transport: FMCSA granted a fertilizer hauling Hours-of-Service waiver allowing up to 16 hours driving in 24 hours across 34 states during peak supply pressure. Infrastructure & Logistics: Voyager Technologies agreed to acquire Astrobotic for about $300M, positioning Astrobotic’s Pennsylvania base as a lunar operations hub. Hospitality: Pennsylvania joined other states approving extended bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup, with Philadelphia closing later during the tournament.

Data Center Governance: Mount Carmel Twp. residents are pushing back on AI data center proposals after confusion over new Pennsylvania rules, with advocates stressing local zoning authority still matters even as state standards shift the political pressure. Local Planning & Power/Water: Wilkes-Barre-area Republican nominee Stacy Garrity held a data center roundtable focused on zoning, noise, and downstream impacts like energy and water, while Shalersville residents questioned a Bitdeer/Geis open house amid protests. Regulatory Process in Action: In Clear Brook, a Frederick County planning hearing is set for a proposed Virginia Technology Park data center campus, with questions centered on noise and utilities. Agriculture Meets Solar/CAFO: A Muncy attorney urged township supervisors to weigh case law as they consider conditional use for a combined chicken egg operation and a solar array. Energy Costs: Penelec customers face higher electricity supply rates starting June 1, with an estimated 6% monthly bill impact. Construction & Infrastructure: A streambank stabilization project in Lawrence Township wrapped up under USDA NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection after Tropical Storm Debby. Timber & Building Materials: Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson and Andrea Salinas introduced a Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act to boost U.S.-sourced mass timber in federal contracting. Healthcare Tech: Mach7 Technologies will highlight enterprise imaging and digital pathology capabilities at SIIM26 in Pittsburgh. Workforce & Housing: Pennsylvania lawmakers concluded hearings on homeownership access and workforce housing barriers, citing permitting delays, infrastructure costs, labor shortages, and zoning limits.

Electricity & Data Centers: Pennsylvania’s PUC warned customers that June 1 generation prices will adjust as summer demand ramps up, while Gov. Shapiro rolled out new GRID standards aimed at data center accountability. Energy Costs: PECO customers are set for higher bills starting June 1, adding pressure to already-tight household budgets. Manufacturing & Jobs: Reading Trucks highlighted its Pennsylvania-built work truck body production process, and the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition launched a free advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program with on-site interviews. Construction & Infrastructure: A feature revisited how Pennsylvania rebuilt a collapsed I-95 segment in record speed after a gas truck explosion, using innovative materials and a nonstop schedule. Food & Agriculture: Penn researchers are turning food scraps into building materials, and Senator Fetterman marked National Mushroom Day, spotlighting Pennsylvania’s year-round mushroom industry. Consumer Safety: De Dios’s ice pops were recalled nationwide due to undeclared allergens. Business Expansion: MI Windows and Doors launched its Carbonite Collection, and Top Notch Roofing Solutions expanded into siding, windows, and doors across Westmoreland County. Labor Watch: American Axle workers in Michigan struck a major GM supplier, underscoring ongoing auto-parts contract fights.

Manufacturing & Materials: Randcastle Extrusion Systems’ CEO Keith Luker says a redesigned patent-pending “Molecular Homogenizer” mixing screw can improve virgin polymer properties, with the mixer moved to the metering section to broaden use across extrusion scenarios. Circular Economy: Republic Services is pushing beyond MRF sorting by adding secondary sorting to better recover value from rigid plastics, aiming to bridge the gap between what MRFs collect and what recyclers can profitably remanufacture. Energy & Grid: Gov. Shapiro’s new GRID standards for data center accountability keep the spotlight on how Pennsylvania will manage power demand, permitting, and costs as AI-driven buildouts accelerate. Policy & Gaming: Pennsylvania lawmakers are waiting on the state Supreme Court to clarify skill games legality before they try again to regulate and tax the machines. Food Safety: De Dioses Fruit Pops are recalled in NJ, NY, PA, and CT due to undeclared allergens that could trigger serious reactions. Local Infrastructure: Hollidaysburg Veterans Home water line work stalls over easement language, delaying a planned 12-inch line replacement. Community & Industry Support: The Kinzua Area Discovery Center launches its “Founding 50 Bedrock” donor drive to fund exhibit design and initial construction, targeting STEAM learning for rural youth.

Data Center Policy Clash: Gov. Josh Shapiro rolled out Pennsylvania’s full “Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development” (GRID) standards, aiming to speed permitting and tie state support to clearer accountability on energy, water, and local impacts. Local Control Pushback: Sen. Jarrett Coleman and Rep. Jamie Walsh introduced bills to repeal the state’s data center sales tax exemption and let municipalities impose moratoriums on new applications. Political Fallout: Stacy Garrity attacked Shapiro’s stance as “hypocrisy,” arguing he flipped from cheering major AI infrastructure to responding to community protests. Transportation/Infrastructure: A bridge inspection is scheduled for the I-81 off-ramp to Route 581 at Exit 59 in Hampden Township, with lane restrictions expected. Public Health Expansion: ChristianaCare plans a new Aston neighborhood hospital with 24/7 emergency care and inpatient services, pending state inspection. Environment: USGS warns invasive species like golden mussels and spotted lanternflies are spreading and already reshaping ecosystems, including threats to water infrastructure and agriculture.

Data Center Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro rolled out Pennsylvania’s GRID standards for data center development, tying state support to energy affordability, transparency/community engagement, workforce and economic development, and environmental protection. Infrastructure & Permitting: PennDOT reminded property owners that a Highway Occupancy Permit is required before building or altering driveways connecting to state highways, with online permitting available. Power & Grid Reliability: The state is also moving on large-load rules via a PUC model interconnection tariff for big customers, as utilities and regulators brace for demand growth. Road Work: PennDOT scheduled concrete rehab on I-80 westbound in Jefferson/Clearfield with single-lane restrictions starting June 15 through Oct. 20. Manufacturing Growth: Fontana Candle Co. announced an 8x Lancaster expansion this fall, targeting 24,000 candles per day. Agriculture & Food: Pennsylvania launched a Beef Trail with 73 stops statewide to drive restaurant and farm spending. Public Safety: A Central Berks officer, Kristen Yeager, died in a crash while responding to an emergency assist; flags were ordered at half-staff.

Data Centers & Local Planning: Warren County officials say they’re drafting a data center ordinance after residents raised alarms about water use and infrastructure strain, with public hearings expected before rules are finalized; in Mifflin County, a guidance document for potential data centers is circulating as Granville Township residents pack meetings over water and power impacts. Water & Public Health: A DEP deadline for a trailer park’s water permit application has passed with no filing, leaving residents under long-running boil/do-not-consume orders. Gaming Policy: Pennsylvania lawmakers are holding off on regulating and taxing skill games until the state Supreme Court rules on legality, even as the industry and transit/education funding plans keep pressure on. Workforce & Industry: PA CareerLink Clinton County will host a Spring Career Fair June 3 with employers across manufacturing, healthcare, trades, construction, and logistics. Food & Agriculture: Penn State volunteers packed nearly 2,000 “Beefing Up Backpacks” for kids facing weekend food insecurity, adding protein-focused beef sticks. Retail & Construction: Warren Mall is seeing roof work tied to new tenants, including a possible fitness center.

Data Centers & Power: Upper Merion residents packed a hearing to oppose an eight-data-center cluster, arguing the scale and process bypassed newer township rules, while developers pitched jobs and tax revenue. Local Energy/Workforce: MCCC is hosting a business roundtable on June 10 focused on PJM-driven energy cost pressures and how Pennsylvania companies can tap WEDnetPA training grants, with an AI tools segment for decision-making. Agriculture: Spring weather swings are hitting Pennsylvania fruit growers hard, with late freezes damaging apple, pear, and vineyard crops and likely pushing later-season prices higher. Industrial Cleanup & Reuse: The Shapiro administration approved a $750,000 remediation grant for the former Frog, Switch & Manufacturing site in Carlisle Borough, clearing a brownfield for future mixed-use development. Food Safety: Wawa Beverage issued a voluntary recall of four drinks in Pennsylvania after an undeclared milk allergen triggered an FDA Class I warning. Water Quality: Corry’s drinking water received a “D” grade from a third-party EPA-violation tracker, though local officials say recent consumer confidence reports were rated well.

Mining & Industrial Services: Metso opened an expanded service center and new training center in Mesa, Arizona, boosting space 60% and adding OEM-level repair plus hands-on training for mining customers (about €17M investment, 100 jobs). Energy & Land Use: An intermunicipal committee near Buckhorn in central Pennsylvania is weighing a solar lease option while also approving exploratory drilling tied to potential strip mining. Labor & Manufacturing: Teamsters Local 229 authorized a strike at Bazooka Inc. in Moosic after months of contract talks, citing wages and affordable health care; the plant is the only U.S. Ring Pop maker. Transportation & Commerce: Gov. Shapiro and Mayor Parker announced a ~$30M plan to cut congestion around Philadelphia’s sports complex, including a new I-76 West ramp and upgraded signals. Utilities: Pennsylvania’s PUC warned of June 1 electric generation price increases, with higher summer bills expected. Food Safety: FDA recalled De Dios Ice Pops in multiple states, citing undeclared allergens and dyes. Housing & Growth: Inch & Co. will break ground June 9 on a 240-unit Mount Vernon apartment project. Mining Cleanup Policy: U.S. Reps. Deluzio and Summer Lee introduced legislation targeting “zombie mines” and pushing stronger reclamation and bonding rules.

Data Centers & Local Land-Use Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled finalized Pennsylvania data center development standards (GRID), aiming to tighten energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, workforce and environmental protections—while residents in Archbald and Upper Macungie Township keep pushing back against massive proposed campuses. Housing & Affordability: Montgomery County released its first-ever affordable housing blueprint with “real, aggressive goals,” including transit-adjacent development, a land bank, and programs tied to opioid recovery; separately, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker backed a bipartisan federal housing package to expand affordable stock and homeownership. Energy & Environment: The Pennsylvania Turnpike highlighted stormwater runoff controls and watershed restoration work as it manages environmental permits. Consumer & Business Compliance: A Lehigh Valley HVAC firm agreed to pay Pennsylvania $300,000 to settle allegations of deceptive, high-pressure sales tactics. Food Safety: A salmonella beverage recall expanded to 25 states, including Pennsylvania. Industry Oversight: The FTC launched a formal investigation into fertilizer pricing and market concentration after farmers complained about input costs and limited competition. Retail & Jobs: Macy’s plans more store closures after closing 66 locations in 2025, even as the holiday season held up better than expected.

Energy & Rates: Pennsylvania’s power debate is back in focus as residents question why bills rise even with the state’s energy output, with the PUC warning of June 1 electric price resets and higher summer costs. Data Centers & Land Use: Gov. Josh Shapiro met Archbald residents pushing back on cumulative data center impacts, while the state rolls out new “GRID” style standards aimed at responsible development and accountability. Agriculture Disaster Relief: USDA and Sec. Brooke Rollins signed a disaster declaration for 17 Pennsylvania counties after the late April freeze, unlocking emergency loans for fruit growers; Lycoming-area producers are among those eligible. Workforce & Manufacturing: Saint-Gobain’s SEFPRO in Falconer will end a product line, eliminating 79 jobs; ELLWOOD awarded a $20,000 industrial maintenance scholarship to an Eisenhower student pursuing electrical technology. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Muncy Borough approved repairs for the Carpenter Street Bridge, and Aerium’s innovation summit highlights drone training and emergency response careers. Health & Research: UPenn researchers report a way to block a Parkinson’s spread-related protein, pointing to potential early-stage treatment options.