AGP Executive Report

AI & Chips Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro blasted the Trump administration for allowing advanced U.S.-made chips to reach China, arguing it gives Beijing an edge ahead of Xi talks. Data Centers & Power: A new report on Pennsylvania residents’ reactions to data center growth points to rising local opposition as AI infrastructure debates intensify. Manufacturing Workforce: Lehigh Valley’s Manufacturers Resource Center says new big employers are arriving, but the real bottleneck is skilled labor—building a pipeline is now the priority. Retail Growth: West Chester’s Righteous Felon Craft Jerky is partnering with Downtime to boost product trials and repeat purchases as it expands nationwide, including into Target. Defense Sustainment: The Pentagon awarded $64M to preserve V-22 Osprey engineering data and software support as production winds down, with work tied to Pennsylvania. Healthcare Manufacturing: Made Scientific acquired an 85,000 sq. ft. cell therapy facility in Pennsylvania to support clinical and commercial supply starting in 2027. Energy Infrastructure: Presque Isle’s beach nourishment project secured $3M and construction is already underway to protect Erie Harbor commerce. Agriculture Outlook: US apple production is forecast to drop 7% in 2026/27, with Mid-Atlantic weather pressures weighing on output. Transportation Disruption: A Verizon fiber cut by construction workers triggered FAA-related air traffic chaos, including 165 flight diversions tied to the Philadelphia area.

Energy & Environment Policy: The EPA repealed Biden-era greenhouse gas standards for coal- and gas-fired power plants, setting up fresh legal fights over the agency’s authority and what comes next for climate rules. Data Centers & Grid Reliability: Lawmakers and regulators kept pressing over who pays for data-center power demand and how to protect reliability as PJM grid concerns grow. AI Governance in Pennsylvania: Gov. Josh Shapiro and other officials pushed for stronger federal AI guardrails, while Congress debated whether data centers should shoulder more of their own energy costs. Aviation Disruption: Construction workers accidentally cut a telecom cable tied to air traffic control, triggering ground stops and delays across major Northeast airports including Philadelphia and Pennsylvania-area flights. Food & Retail Supply Chain: Wegmans announced a refrigerated distribution build in Rochester and plans to consolidate distribution, including moving general merchandise distribution to its Pottsville, Pa. site. Manufacturing & Investment: U.S. Steel broke ground on a $475M quench and tempering facility at Fairfield Tubular Operations, adding to Pennsylvania’s industrial expansion momentum. Renewables Growth: Renewable Properties acquired a 71.8 MWdc PJM solar portfolio in Pennsylvania, expanding its wholesale-market footprint. Local Flooding Risk: Businesses and residents near Chartiers Creek in Canton Township raised alarms about debris worsening repeat flooding after storms. Consumer/Legal Watch: A federal judge dismissed a Hershey “faceless Reese’s pumpkins” lawsuit on standing grounds, while other courts continued to shape business and consumer liability.

Organic Policy Push: Members of the Organic Trade Association went to Capitol Hill to press for more domestic organic production and processing, stronger organic-label enforcement, and steadier federal research support as the sector targets $100B+ in sales. Data Center Cost Fight: The House advanced a bill requiring states to consider making data centers cover the extra power and grid upgrade costs they drive, while Pennsylvania debates how to handle soaring utility bills and who pays. Energy & Grid Pressure in Pa.: Madison Energy launched a 1GW distributed energy resource community initiative aimed at meeting AI-driven power demand, and Pennsylvania utility assistance is still stuck in low participation rates as regulators resist automatic enrollment. Housing Build in Harrisburg: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Harrisburg is moving ahead with four new homes on long-vacant land, using grants to keep prices near $180,000 for low- and moderate-income buyers. Fiber Expansion: GoNetspeed connected South River, NJ customers and is building out East Brunswick with a $13.6M investment for up to 6 gigabits. Food & Farming Pressure: A Lancaster County beef-farm story highlights how plant closures and higher shipping costs are squeezing eastern cattle producers, even as beef import talk adds uncertainty. Pennsylvania Compliance Watch: State Police reminded businesses about the Oct. 13 deadline tied to “skill game” machines after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling.

EV Charging Buildout: PennDOT says it will direct $32M in federal NEVI funds to add public EV chargers across eastern Pennsylvania, with applications due March 12, 2027—part of more than $100M total in community charging plus earlier corridor investments. Data Center Power Pressure: A new report flags how Pennsylvania’s growing data center demand could strain electricity and drive up household bills, with one estimate putting the needed power on par with millions of homes. Local Energy Costs: Another piece breaks down why natural gas bills can jump even when gas use is modest, pointing to delivery and pass-through charges that may rise as utilities expand infrastructure for data centers. AI Oversight Debate: Sen. Dave McCormick weighs in on AI regulation and risks, while Gov. Josh Shapiro continues pushing for stricter federal guardrails as the AI race with China heats up. Manufacturing & STEM Talent: An 8th grader from Mechanicsburg is a national finalist for a GERD drug delivery STEM project, highlighting Pennsylvania’s pipeline of student innovation. Agriculture Upside: Chobani’s Lehigh Valley plans are framed as a potential win for Pennsylvania farmers as the region looks to reverse long declines. Community & Public Safety: In Philadelphia’s Rhawnhurst, residents heard updates on retail theft and local public safety priorities, alongside new state crime-investigation and towing enforcement efforts.

Ag & Food Manufacturing: Chobani is set to invest $1.2B and create 900 jobs at a shuttered beverage facility in Upper Macungie Township, a move framed as a major win for Pennsylvania dairy farmers as the plant is expected to process over 3 billion pounds of state milk annually. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has reached four deaths, with two additional fatalities reported in Jefferson and Mifflin counties; officials note the victims were unvaccinated. Energy & Utilities: A new solar energy system at Allegheny Valley School District is backed by a $300K state grant, while broader grid pressure from data center growth continues to drive debate over reliability and electricity costs. Policy & Cost of Living: Gov. Josh Shapiro says the Trump administration’s SNAP overhaul would force Pennsylvania to pay more—first for administration costs starting Oct. 1, then potentially for part of benefits—threatening assistance for people in need. Local Business & Construction: A restored historic hotel in Berks County has reopened with a new casual dining concept, highlighting ongoing renovation activity in Pennsylvania’s hospitality sector. Workforce & Safety: A Pennsylvania welder was killed instantly in a Staten Island barge explosion, underscoring ongoing industrial workplace risks. Environment & Land Use: Luzerne County mine restoration efforts are underway even as pollution concerns persist, and community pushback against data centers remains a recurring local flashpoint.

AI & Policy: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is framing AI as a state-level risk that still needs federal guardrails, while Donald Trump pushes an “AI czar” and an “AI force” and even tries to rename “artificial intelligence,” as Democrats race to respond to AI safety concerns. Data Centers & Power Costs: Community pushback over data centers keeps growing, with local leaders and utilities warning that demand could strain electricity reliability and drive higher costs. Energy Transition: PECO is promoting EV adoption during National Drive Electric Month with rebates and an EVsmart toolkit, and Allegheny Valley School District is getting a $300K state grant for a solar system to cut grid reliance. Construction/Industry Projects: Curwensville’s proposed whitewater park design advances with state grant support, while Pittsburgh is restarting and expanding its deer management program in more parks. Food & Agriculture: PFMA awarded 21 students its 2026 Thomas R. and Laura Ridge Scholarships, and Chester County mushroom growers are battling spotted pests with new insecticide-treated netting after older controls were phased out. Health & Consumer Safety: Pennsylvania doctors urge flu/COVID/RSV shots amid a measles surge, and parents report diaper rash complaints tied to Millie Moon products. Legal/Markets: Securities fraud class actions were filed involving Hims & Hers and AST SpaceMobile, with lead-plaintiff deadlines in November.

AI & Policy: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other Democratic contenders are pushing for stronger AI guardrails as concerns grow about “rogue” systems, while federal action lags. Energy & Grid Reliability: A new warning says data center demand could strain Pennsylvania’s power reliability, with regulators urging guardrails as load growth accelerates. Workforce & Economy: Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in August, the lowest in more than two years, signaling continued labor-market resilience. Food Safety: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections show ongoing compliance issues, including handwashing access, glove use, and certified food manager requirements. Public Health: As measles cases rise, some parents are vaccinating early and adjusting routines to reduce exposure, including in the Lancaster area. Local Industry & Recreation: Treasure Lake’s property owners group won a $1M DCNR grant to build the Cayman Landing ATV trailhead, supporting legal off-road recreation and tourism. Transportation Costs: Diesel prices are hitting record highs, a pressure point for trucking and agriculture that can feed into higher consumer costs.

AI & Public Safety: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order pushing faster AI oversight, including independent audits and possible “kill switch” shutdowns for advanced systems. Pennsylvania Higher Ed & Real Estate: Penn State trustees voted to sell the Shenango and Wilkes-Barre campuses, with redevelopment plans aimed at workforce training and local economic development. Healthcare Policy: DOJ secured agreements with NYU Langone and UPMC to end pediatric transgender treatments, with penalties tied to the investigations. Data Centers & Power Costs: A new push in Washington centers on making data center operators pay for electricity, as Pennsylvania and other states worry about reliability and ratepayer bills. Workforce & Construction Training: Luzerne County Community College launched a skilled trades academy and apprenticeship readiness program, linking high schools and industry training standards. Local Development: Scranton celebrated the ribbon-cutting of Fidelity Bank’s restored Scranton Electric Building, backed by state redevelopment funding. Energy/Industry Watch: Virginia moved to tighten data center permitting and transparency, including clean energy requirements and limits on non-disclosure agreements. Outdoor Tourism: Trails at Jakes Rocks in Warren County marked its 10th annual Trail Fest, highlighting regional recreation growth. Legal/Business: Two men were arrested after allegedly parachuting from a Carnegie Mellon construction site in Pittsburgh, facing felony trespass and conspiracy charges.

AI Regulation Push: Gov. Josh Shapiro used the AI Horizons Summit in Pittsburgh to argue for federal guardrails, criticizing Trump and Congress for treating AI safety concerns as a “hoax” while citing cases where chatbots gave harmful advice. Grid Reliability & Data Centers: A Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-commissioned report warns PJM could face rolling blackouts in a worst-case future if data center growth stays unrestrained, with reliability falling short multiple times per decade. Local Data Center Governance: North Coventry unveiled a draft data center zoning ordinance, while environmentalists and residents elsewhere keep pressing for moratoriums and stronger local controls. Power Equipment Manufacturing: Hyosung Heavy Industries is expanding U.S. production of high-voltage circuit breakers in Pennsylvania via a joint venture with Quanta, aiming to meet AI/data-center-driven transmission demand. Healthcare & Biotech: Axe Compute completed its transition by selling Helomics, a Pittsburgh AI cancer diagnostics lab, to DataMEDS AI. Public Health: Pennsylvania said it will withdraw CDC outbreak aid unless the agency publicly counts the state’s four measles deaths. Food & Retail: Weis Markets opened a new Gas N’ Go Fuel Center in Lusby, adding convenience and pump savings tied to its rewards program.

Consumer Finance & AG Enforcement: Pennsylvania AG David Sunday joined a multistate $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring cash/debt relief plus stronger consumer protections against risky loan practices and dealer “packing” of unwanted GAP/VSC add-ons. AI Policy & Industry Oversight: Gov. Josh Shapiro told an AI summit in Pittsburgh the U.S. needs strict federal guardrails—independent third-party oversight, more transparency, and safety-first rules—while criticizing Washington for downplaying risks and undercutting U.S. leadership. Energy Affordability & Grid Stress (Regional): A report on Maryland electricity costs highlights how data center demand and power-supply constraints can push bills up and raise reliability fears—an issue Pennsylvania regulators are watching as well. Food & Agriculture Markets: Weekly protein coverage points to rising egg prices and shifting dairy supply dynamics, while pork producers track how a federal ultra-processed food definition could reshape demand. Food Safety & Invasive Species: FDA recall updates continue to flag bacterial contamination risks in hand soaps, and the spotted lanternfly was detected in Canada for the first time, raising new concerns for Pennsylvania’s grape and horticulture sectors. Retail Tech in PA: United Refining’s Kwik Fill is partnering with Par Technology to build a new loyalty program platform. Transportation & Supply Chain: Rep. Chris Deluzio added pressure on regulators to scrutinize the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger for impacts on rail jobs and safety.

Energy & Grid Affordability: Maryland’s electricity bills jumped 50.9% over five years, with Gov. Wes Moore blaming utility “double dipping” and data center demand on the PJM grid, while critics argue state decarbonization rules are forcing more power imports and raising blackout risk by summer 2027. Oil & Gas Regulation: Allegheny County’s Board of Health voted to move forward on closing a fracking air-quality “loophole,” pushing operators toward permits and monitoring for the first time. AI + Power Demand: Pennsylvania’s debate over data centers keeps heating up, with regulators warning rapid growth could strain electric reliability and raise consumer costs. Food Safety Recall: FDA classified a Class II recall of six hand soaps sold in 15 states, including Pennsylvania, due to possible bacterial contamination. Mining & Supply Chains: Almonty is accelerating tungsten supply by using mine tailings in Spain and signing new equipment-linked offtake arrangements to support faster production. Local Business: A new 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru is nearing opening in Austintown, expected early fall.

Data Center Power Crunch: Pennsylvania regulators released a report warning that if data center load keeps growing, the shared PJM grid could fall short of reliability targets and trigger rolling blackouts more than 13 days per year in a worst-case scenario. Grid Modernization: Duquesne Light and the U.S. Department of Energy rolled out “GRIP,” aiming to give utilities near real-time visibility into grid problems to speed repairs and improve stability. PUC Rate Pressure: The PUC also moved to address how utility profits, data centers, and affordability intersect as demand rises. Housing Reality Check: Allegheny County officials told lawmakers housing can’t be solved by new construction alone, citing major losses of low-rent units and a projected statewide shortfall. Consumer & Health Alerts: Pennsylvania confirmed four measles-associated deaths and 693 cases statewide, while the FDA issued a Class II recall for hand soaps sold in 15 states, including Pennsylvania, due to possible bacterial contamination. Local Infrastructure: PennDOT is inviting public review of Mercer County road projects slated for the 2027 construction season.

Property Tax Fight: Chambersburg hired special counsel to explore suing Franklin County to force the first county-wide property reassessment since 1961, arguing outdated values strain emergency services. Agriculture Safety: A 3-year-old was killed after being run over by a forklift at a farm in East Lampeter Township, as investigators look into how the accident happened. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported its fourth measles-related death this year, tied to an outbreak with 693 confirmed cases across 38 counties, with most cases among unvaccinated people. Energy Costs: Gas prices in Pennsylvania kept climbing alongside national trends tied to the Iran-related oil shock, with diesel also hitting record highs and raising transport costs. Defense Manufacturing: BAE Systems won an $818M Army modification to keep building the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle at its York, Pa. plant through May 2030. Food Safety: Pennsylvania’s latest restaurant inspection roundup flagged issues at multiple Reading-area food sites, including temperature control and sanitation lapses. Data & Privacy: State lawmakers are pushing to restrict or ban automated license plate readers in Pennsylvania, citing surveillance and data-storage concerns.

Power Grid & Data Centers: Pennsylvania’s utility regulator is warning that data center demand could outstrip power generation as soon as next year, with reliability risks worsening by 2030 if new “firm, always-on” generation doesn’t keep up. Local Zoning Backlash: West Mahanoy Township is moving to pause data center and solar proposals for six months, citing ordinance gaps and the need for protections. Federal Grid Rules: A new push in Washington is shaping how data centers connect to the grid and who pays for transmission upgrades, with regulators weighing cost shifting and service rules. Affordability Politics: A bipartisan House bill would require large data centers to cover incremental electricity infrastructure costs instead of passing them to ratepayers. Energy Policy Shift: The EPA is repealing greenhouse gas limits for fossil power plants, a move framed as major deregulation that could affect energy prices and future generation mix. Logistics/Ports: Wilmington’s Port of Wilmington container terminal expansion is breaking ground, aiming to boost capacity and supply-chain throughput. Public Health & Food Safety: A boil water advisory hit rural Ferguson Township, and measles cases continue rising nationally, including a Pennsylvania death.

Data Centers & Grid Reliability: Pennsylvania regulators and analysts are warning that the state’s data center surge could strain electricity reliability and drive higher costs, with one scenario projecting outages affecting millions across the PJM region if supply can’t keep up. Local Politics & Permitting: Opposition to data center buildouts is spreading fast, with local moratoriums multiplying nationwide—an issue now tied directly to midterm politics and community concerns over power, water, and neighborhood impacts. Industrial Construction & Logistics: Delaware broke ground on a $669M container port project near the Pennsylvania border, pitching cleaner electric equipment and job creation as it expands regional shipping capacity. Manufacturing & Food Supply: To-Jo Mushrooms in Avondale, PA earned EarthKosher certification for its facility, while a separate alfalfa seed recall tied to potential E. coli and salmonella contamination is reaching buyers including Pennsylvania. Workforce & Innovation: PennDOT launched its Innovations Challenge for high schoolers to tackle bridge-strike problems, and Mitsubishi Electric unveiled a compact MECH-iC air-cooled chiller platform aimed at next-gen AI data center cooling. Business Growth & Community: A Pennsylvania Hispanic business support push unveiled new grants, entrepreneur English training, and roundtables for Hispanic-owned firms during Hispanic Heritage Month. Healthcare & Tech Deals: Axe Compute completed its Helomics sale to DataMEDS as it finishes shifting toward neocloud GPU-as-a-service.

Data Centers & Grid Reliability: Pennsylvania’s PUC flagged growing electricity reliability risk as data center demand accelerates, citing an independent Synapse Energy Economics analysis showing PJM may miss reliability standards from 2027-2030 and that by 2030 the risk could be nearly six times the planning benchmark. Local Governance & Backlash: A Wells Fargo tracker says local data-center moratoriums have surged nationwide to 374 ahead of midterms, with communities citing power costs, grid capacity, water use, and neighborhood impacts. Healthcare Coverage: Guardant Health said its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible patients. Energy & Costs: AAA reported Western Pennsylvania gas prices jumped week over week, with regular averaging $4.537 per gallon. Agriculture: Linvilla Orchards said a late spring freeze wiped out about 90% of its apple crop, forcing smaller pick-your-own bags and sourcing fruit from other farms. Legal/Compliance: A Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld a child pornography conviction, ruling a vigilante video used to obtain a search warrant didn’t violate the state wiretap and recording law. Public Service: Gov. Shapiro announced a coalition settlement that blocks future efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps without warning, protecting Pennsylvania programs for FY 2026.