AGP Executive Report

RACP Funding Boost: Butler County is set to receive $4.5 million for four projects through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, part of a broader $445 million push for 356 statewide economic development efforts. Prediction Markets Watch: Pennsylvania lawmakers are moving toward a prediction-markets framework via House Bill 2711, aiming to regulate platforms with conduct standards and consumer protections while also drawing a line around sportsbook market-making roles. Data Center Politics: In a swing House race, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is hitting AI data centers in a TV ad against Rep. Rob Bresnahan, arguing secrecy, tax breaks, and rising electric bills are driving community backlash. Snack M&A Appetite: Family-owned food companies are increasingly buying U.S. snack brands, highlighted by Hanover’s Utz deal to go private with Germany’s Intersnack, as investors chase value amid shifting tastes and weight-loss drug pressure. Food Safety (Local): Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture restaurant inspections flagged issues at Gettysburg-area spots (including temperature control and sanitation problems), while some Centre County locations recorded no violations. Agriculture Support: USDA’s specialty crop assistance program is nearing its Aug. 7 application deadline, with payments based on 2025 planted acres and a quick turnaround after signing.

Workforce & Training: Penn State will lead a $20M NSF AI research grant, building an AI-enabled “programmable cloud laboratory” for thin-film materials used in semiconductors. Education Funding: DCED expanded the application window for Pennsylvania’s $125M school infrastructure push, including $100M for the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program (applications due Aug. 7). Healthcare Labor: Mount Nittany Medical Center workers began a five-day strike over pay increases, with union leaders pushing for broader wage gains across departments. Manufacturing & Business Moves: Carpenter Technology’s new CEO, Tony Thene, steps in after Philadelphia-based CEO Brian Malloy died suddenly; the company makes specialty alloys with plants in Berks County. Agriculture: USDA crop progress shows heat stress hurting corn and soy quality ratings, with Pennsylvania among leading states by condition percentages. Energy & Infrastructure: Bagged silage is highlighted as a cost-effective way to improve dairy cow health and productivity, with a Pennsylvania consultant citing nutrient and intake benefits. Local Industry Watch: A Ransom Township data center plan appears to be stalling after a developer said there are “no plans” for the site. Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak remains a concern, with former FDA leadership saying it’s not fully under control as cases tied to lettuce-linked sources spread.

Data Centers & Power Demand: NextEra is positioning itself as the AI power supplier, citing regulator approval to restart a nuclear plant for Google and reporting surging data-center interconnection requests, while Pennsylvania’s energy debate keeps circling back to whether policy choices protect affordability and reliability as demand spikes. Grid Reform Watch: A FERC push on PJM governance is framed as the start of real reform, with rising costs and capacity pressure hanging over the region’s power market. Energy Policy Fight: State Rep. Mike Armanini backs bills to expand natural gas and cut energy regulations, arguing Pennsylvania should lean on local resources for lower costs and dependable generation. Construction & Equipment: Volvo CE president Melker Jernberg defends early electric construction equipment, calling slower adoption an “insurance premium” for an eventual S-curve market. Food Safety: Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture posted restaurant inspection results, including a York County case failing for handwashing and hair restraint issues. Agriculture & Processing Capacity: New Jersey livestock farmers face long waits for slaughter due to limited in-state processing, with plans for a Warren County center still moving slowly. Manufactured Housing Costs: A Pennsylvania couple in a 55-plus community faces a 50.4% lot rent jump, fueling pressure for a cap on lot rent increases. Local Business/Industry Notes: Keel Infrastructure scheduled its Q2 2026 results for Aug. 10, highlighting its data-center and energy infrastructure pipeline in Pennsylvania. Civic & Community: Lancaster City Council and Hempfield School District set agendas touching on Pennvest transmission work and local grants.

Food Safety Shock: The FDA and CDC expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, now reaching nine states including Pennsylvania, with 1,947 reported illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations; Taylor Farms temporarily shut its Central Mexico processing facility tied to the recall. Local Health Guidance: Penn State Extension and the College of Agricultural Sciences shared practical steps for avoiding Cyclospora and what symptoms to watch for, noting it’s not usually spread person-to-person. Agriculture Threat Watch: North Carolina officials urged residents to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly, a pest that threatens grapes and wine industries and is tied to Pennsylvania’s earlier introduction. Energy Costs: Gas prices are rising again amid Middle East conflict-driven oil volatility, with drivers in Pennsylvania feeling the squeeze as prices near or exceed $4 in parts of the region. Infrastructure Update: PennDOT is seeking public input on I-79 bridge rehabilitation in Erie, with work expected to start in 2027 and last at least three years. Data Center Governance: Upper Mount Bethel Township approved updated data center rules, adding performance standards to reduce noise and vibrations while a validity challenge is pending.

Data Centers & Local Rules: Upper Mount Bethel Township approved updated performance standards for data centers, aiming to cut noise/vibration and tighten setbacks, while a validity challenge is already in play. Food Safety & Supply Chains: The FDA/CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce to nine states, including Pennsylvania, with nearly 2,000 reported illnesses and dozens hospitalized; Taylor Farms says it pulled and broadened recalls. Agriculture Innovation: Penn State’s Ag Progress Days (Aug. 11-13) will spotlight ag innovation, including a new FIRA Robotics Village. Transportation Planning: Centre County’s draft Passenger Rail Access Study is out for public comment, weighing bus/shuttle options versus costlier rail alternatives. Workforce & Training: Allied Services’ Work Services Program is placing more than 500 people with disabilities into vocational training and jobs across Northeast Pennsylvania. Infrastructure Updates: PennDOT scheduled around-the-clock Route 910 closures in Richland Township for base repairs as part of a larger paving project.

Data Centers & Local Zoning: Upper Mount Bethel Township approved updates to its data center rules, tightening performance standards to cut noise and vibrations and raising setback guidelines, while a validity challenge is already in play involving Slate Belt Holdings/Talen Energy. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened a Cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico to nine states, including Pennsylvania, with 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations; separate recalls also flagged Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (pull-tab spoilage risk) and other food safety issues. Agriculture & Supply Chains: USDA will lift the yearlong ban on Mexican cattle imports in phases to ease pressure on the U.S. beef supply, though price relief may lag as cattle rebuild and reach slaughter weight. Infrastructure: PennDOT is seeking public feedback on a 2027–2029+ plan to rehabilitate I-79 bridges over CSX and Norfolk Southern in Erie, including deck, bearing, and paving work. Energy Transition: Pennsylvania’s solar and wind push gained momentum as utility costs rise, while regulators and communities continue to debate power, water, and permitting impacts tied to new energy projects. Workforce & Politics: Pennsylvania labor groups endorsed Kathryn DiVittorio for State House District 4, backing her on skilled-trades workforce development. Small Business: SBA named 10 semifinalists for its $1M Patriot Pitch Competition, including D. Gillette Industrial Services in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Data Centers & Permitting: EPA is moving to weaken public participation for “minor source” air permits tied to data centers and other industry projects, a change critics say hands states less say while AI demand keeps surging. State Tax Policy: Pennsylvania lawmakers are weighing HB 2198 to repeal the sales and use tax exemption for data center equipment, but opponents argue it would unfairly raise costs and undercut responsible growth. Energy & Power Grid: The broader data-center buildout debate is also colliding with electricity demand and ratepayer concerns, with regulators and advocates pushing for tighter rules. Food Safety: FDA/CDC widened the Cyclospora investigation tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, now reaching nine states including Pennsylvania, with hospitalizations reported but no deaths. Construction & Infrastructure: Work is set to start in early August on a replacement access bridge to the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary after a propane truck collapse in 2025. Manufacturing & Labor: Pattern bargaining began for about 23,000 US Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs workers ahead of September 1 contract expirations. Agriculture Tech: Penn State highlights anaerobic digesters as a way for Pennsylvania farms to turn manure into fertilizer and biogas.

Convenience Retail Leadership: Nittany MinitMart SVP Nicole Masullo earned a national “Top Women in Convenience” award, spotlighting her role in store growth and operational upgrades across Central Pennsylvania. Local Traffic & Construction: PennDOT installed new stop signs at the Summit Lawn exit ramp in Salisbury Township to address sight-distance concerns, with ramp construction expected later in August. Aviation Electrification: Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 made an electric-aircraft milestone stop in Erie, as the airport plans charging infrastructure for electric aircraft by year-end. Food Safety: The FDA and CDC widened the cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell, adding more states including Pennsylvania; officials also note earlier test confusion tied to a false positive. Public Health Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage, with Pennsylvania among affected states. Retail Expansion Watch: Towamencin Township reviewed details for a proposed Sprouts supermarket signage/use request, a potential anchor for the long-stalled Towamencin Village shopping center. Energy & Policy Pressure: National coverage highlights growing backlash to data centers and potential permitting changes that could reduce public notice—an issue now showing up in Pennsylvania planning debates. Local Business Growth: Quality Biomedical acquired M&M Medical Equipment Repair, expanding respiratory equipment service coverage and adding OEM authorizations in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

Grid & Power Market: FERC warned PJM’s power market players to agree on governance and process reforms by end of September or face agency action, as lawmakers and advocates push for faster, clearer decisions tied to reliability and affordability—especially with data-center demand driving scrutiny. Data Centers & State Policy: Pennsylvania’s Shapiro administration’s GRID standards for data centers were reportedly drafted with input from Amazon and data-center stakeholders before going public, while PPL signed the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge to argue large users should fund needed infrastructure without harming existing customers. Manufacturing & Defense Push: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon backed a Pennsylvania defense-and-innovation push, announcing financing for Rhoads Industries’ submarine work and training at the Navy Yard. Food & Farming: A “food freedom” push is gaining traction for direct, local food sales outside industrial supply chains, aiming to boost farm income and transparency. Public Safety & Environment: Abington Township is paying the USDA for Canada goose “harassment” (lasers, pyrotechnics, boats) to reduce park hazards and droppings. Health & Consumer Impact: An FDA advisory panel recommended four peptides for compounding, while a new study links GLP-1 use to a small increase in hair-loss risk.

War Powers in Focus: The U.S. House voted 214-208 to direct President Trump to halt U.S. military action against Iran without Congress, with four Pennsylvania Republicans joining Democrats; the Senate then blocked a similar measure 49-47, keeping airstrikes going. Pennsylvania Justice: The 3rd Circuit rejected a Pennsylvania man’s double-jeopardy bid after facing the same murder trial three times, while Pa. AG Dave Sunday urged lawmakers to reject a proposed second-degree murder sentencing framework as too lenient. Data Centers vs. Communities: The Shapiro administration says ICE will not use two rural Pennsylvania warehouses as detention centers after DHS withdrew an appeal; separately, the White House “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aims to keep AI data-center upgrade costs off utility bills, as public pushback grows. Penn State & AI Research: NSF awarded Penn State $20M to lead an AI-enabled programmable cloud lab network for automated science and engineering. Energy Manufacturing: EnerSys refined plans for a DOE-supported lithium cell facility focused on aerospace, defense, and specialized industrial supply chains. Business & Growth: Pittsburgh-based Higher Images marked 25 years helping businesses grow via marketing and tech, and earned another Best Places to Work nomination.

Workforce & highways: PennDOT and the state Education Department launched a new grant program to build career pathways for students entering the heavy highway trades, with up to $12M in federal funding and awards up to $500,000 per applicant. Low-carbon fuel in PA: Woodland BIO and Shipley Energy partnered to distribute gasoline made from Pennsylvania wood waste, targeting up to 100% of output from a planned Tioga County facility under a five-year off-take plan. Regional development grants: Shapiro’s administration announced $52.6M in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program awards across Northeast Pennsylvania, including $2.4M for Northern Tioga to upgrade athletic facilities. Data center pressure in the spotlight: Pennsylvania is weighing a potential pause as dozens of AI data center proposals raise power, water, and tax concerns, while lawmakers debate local control and tax impacts. Food & safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 180,000+ cans of Organic Lentil Soup - Light in Sodium due to a pull-tab defect that could increase spoilage risk. Public health: New studies link GLP-1 weight-loss/diabetes drugs to a slightly higher risk of hair loss, though overall cases remain uncommon. Security for industry: A federal advisory says Iranian-affiliated hackers expanded an industrial control attack beyond Rockwell to Siemens and Schneider systems, including falsified readings that can disable safety alarms. Local industry & real estate: A Meadowlands-area industrial building in Carlstadt, NJ sold for $9.1M, reflecting demand in the logistics-heavy corridor.

Redevelopment Funding: DuBois Central Catholic won a $1 million state grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to build a new multi-purpose community center for education, health, and wellness. Affordability & Policy Debate: Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rep. Tom Suozzi joined a Cato Institute discussion on why housing, groceries, gas, and healthcare feel unaffordable, pointing to interest rates, supply-demand pressures, and debt dynamics. Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) due to a can defect that could raise spoilage risk, with Pennsylvania among affected states. Local Agriculture & Consumer Trust: As a cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads, some Pennsylvania-area farmers’ markets say shoppers are leaning toward locally grown produce they can trace to specific growers. Corporate Deals: Utz Brands agreed to be taken private by Germany’s Intersnack in a $2.9 billion deal, while Private Jet Center named Chip Schultz CEO and Firepoint Energy changed its OTC ticker to FPTE amid a proposed reverse merger. Energy Infrastructure Tension: A Luzerne County family says PPL Electric Utilities’ eminent domain filings for a major transmission line and towers put them in the crosshairs of the region’s data center boom. Workforce & Growth: PPR Capital Management launched a $100 million build-to-rent fund targeting high-demand, supply-constrained markets.

Data Center Rules Catch Up: Lancaster city adopted new data center zoning rules after earlier approvals let projects move forward without hearings, now requiring hearings plus noise, setbacks, and decommissioning plans—an urgent warning for other Pennsylvania municipalities. AI Power Fight: Across rural America, AI data center expansion is triggering eminent domain disputes over whether utilities can condemn land for lines built mainly to serve a small number of private campuses. Energy & Grid Costs: A coalition is pushing renewables to rein in rising utility rates in Pennsylvania, while regulators and advocates keep debating how PJM transmission costs should hit ratepayers. Life Sciences Funding: Gov. Shapiro highlighted $125M for Innovate in PA 2.0 and broader budget-backed life sciences investments, including a clinical trial network and startup capital. Workforce & Education: Penn State trustees approved the $11.1B 2027-28 budget with tuition hikes and spending cuts as enrollment and payroll pressures mount. Food Safety & Local Business: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged issues like missing certified food employees and a hanging fly strip over beverage prep; meanwhile, cyclospora-related produce worker concerns and fair-food vendor coverage kept food supply chain and local commerce in the spotlight. Water Infrastructure: State grants and low-interest loans backed water and wastewater upgrades in Quincy Township and Shippensburg Borough. Ag & Regenerative Farming: Highland Farm in Westmoreland County expanded agroforestry with tree plantings for silvopasture and buffers, supported by regional conservation partners.

Defense & Manufacturing: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Sen. David McCormick spotlight Pennsylvania’s role in a new defense-and-innovation push, including JPMorgan’s $24M package to finance Rhoads Industries’ submarine facility and Navy Yard training. Innovation Funding: Gov. Josh Shapiro touts 2026-27 budget investments, including $125M for Innovate in PA 2.0 to back startups and expand life-sciences clinical trials. Data Centers & Energy Costs: A bipartisan federal bill would push states to require data centers to cover the full cost of electricity infrastructure; meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s politics keep heating up around AI campus moratoriums. Hospitality Training: AAHOA backs Pennsylvania’s new mandatory human-trafficking awareness training for lodging workers. Food Safety: FDA guidance on the Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall remains in flux after a false-positive test claim, but the outbreak-linked products are still the focus. Solar for Schools: Pennsylvania approved $1.6M for solar panel installs at five schools under the Solar for Schools Grant Program. Retail Refresh: Red Lobster rolls out a major “new-stalgia” refresh, with a Lancaster, Pa. location among early upgrades. Local Logistics/Infrastructure: PennDOT reschedules a Liberty Street traffic pattern change in Franklin due to courthouse-side construction. Cyber/Finance: A Pennsylvania credit union sues TruStage over a cybersecurity incident that allegedly disrupted member access. Antitrust/Generic Drugs: AG Dave Ford announces a $29.6M multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation and reduced competition.

Renewables & Finance: Exus Renewables North America closed about $356m in construction financing for two Pennsylvania wind projects—Cambria Wind Farm (61.6MW, Adams Township) and Highland North Wind Farm (75MW)—with operations targeted for autumn 2026. Food Safety: The Taylor Farms cyclospora recall story keeps shifting: FDA says a prior positive lettuce test was a false positive, while the recall remains in effect and consumers are urged to follow guidance. Local Economy & Tourism: The Lake Erie Grape Belt is seeing demand pressure after canceled juice contracts, but growers and tourism leaders say the region’s wineries and jobs base remain a key economic engine. Manufacturing & Jobs: The National Association of Manufacturers says a recent GOP tax law helped protect jobs and wages nationwide, using state-by-state examples. Grid & Data Centers: PJM hit a new peak load and is using emergency measures more often, raising questions about whether backup power for data centers is becoming the new normal. Policy & Infrastructure: Pennsylvania lawmakers and agencies continue rolling out updates on water infrastructure funding and local construction/traffic shifts, including PennDOT work in Franklin.

Food Safety Update: FDA walked back an earlier cyclospora alert tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, calling it a false positive while the company’s 27-state recall stays in effect as testing continues. Consumer & Retail: Giant Eagle joined other grocers cutting prices on thousands of items this summer as food affordability pressure mounts. Aviation & Logistics: Beta Technologies completed its first eVTOL CTOL flights under the FAA’s eIPP, showing multistate air-mobility logistics capability with Pennsylvania DOT and regional partners. Infrastructure & Construction: PennDOT roadwork will close I-76 West near 30th Street and shift lanes on Market Street ahead of major Market Street bridge rehab. Weather & Risk: Westmoreland County saw two EF-0 tornadoes and flooding damage, with another severe-storm alert day expected. Housing Market: Starter-home affordability is improving in some places, but inventory and pricing still squeeze first-time buyers. Legal/Business: DraftKings challenged Philadelphia’s consumer-protection ordinance after a city subpoena tied to gambling analytics. Data Centers: East Cocalico Township advanced a draft ordinance to regulate data center construction with performance standards.