AGP Executive Report

Big Investment for Pa. Dairy: Chobani plans a $1.2 billion Lehigh Valley manufacturing and warehouse campus in Upper Macungie Township, expected to create 900 full-time jobs over five years and expand demand for Pennsylvania dairy farmers by processing more than 3 billion pounds of milk annually. Corporate Dealmaking: Keurig Dr Pepper will sell its Chobani stake and the Allentown facility/warehouse to Chobani for $925 million as it reshapes its portfolio. Energy & Small Business Pressure: A report says data-center power demand is driving energy bills higher, raising concerns for Pennsylvania small businesses. Regulatory Fight Over Data Centers: The Trump administration is moving to loosen federal public-participation requirements in certain air-permit reviews, a change critics warn could reduce community input. Consumer Watchdog: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon over alleged secret ad-price surcharges, seeking to recoup tens of billions from advertisers. Local Business Risk: Freedom Fuel, praised for cheap gas, faces a lawsuit alleging it sold about $4 million in gasoline that a supplier says was never paid for. Food Safety: Hodo Inc. recalled select chili crisp tofu in 29 states, including Pennsylvania, over possible ink migration. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to draw scrutiny after a Lancaster County newborn death was classified as measles-associated.

FTC vs. Amazon: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general, including Pennsylvania, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated ad prices for more than 1 million advertisers via an “invented auction participant” and undisclosed surcharges, with higher costs allegedly passed to consumers. Privacy & policing tech: Pennsylvania governor candidates are aligning on Flock camera limits—Stacy Garrity backs a statewide ban as “invasion of privacy,” while Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’d welcome bipartisan legislation. Energy policy debate: A nuclear expert argues nuclear plants can support a cheaper, cleaner, more reliable grid than renewables alone, while the broader discussion continues as Pennsylvania weighs its energy future. Local business risk: A lawsuit claims Freedom Fuel stations sold about $4 million in gas that a supplier says was never paid for, raising questions for operators and consumers. Workforce compliance: Pennsylvania L&I reminded employers and families about Child Labor Act rules as students return to school, citing past violations. Health & public trust: CDC measles updates reportedly excluded two Pennsylvania deaths, reflecting political tension around the outbreak. Community & economy: The 110th Kipona Festival returns along the Susquehanna River, highlighting Harrisburg’s tourism and local culture.

Health Care Costs & Malpractice: A new look at the malpractice market says physicians are getting sued less often, but payouts keep rising—because severity is climbing and “nuclear verdicts” reset settlement values, with AI in diagnosis flagged as a growing exposure. Data Center Pressure in Pennsylvania: The U.S. data-center boom is colliding with a supply squeeze—developers are adding capacity fast, yet available space for new leases is shrinking to about six months—fueling fights over electricity, land, approvals, and political support. Local Tax Fallout: Erie may face a major property tax jump in 2027 to close a multimillion-dollar budget gap, with consultants pointing to $3M–$6M in new revenue. Healthcare Access & Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield’s “downcoding” is pushing more clinicians toward dropping coverage, raising the risk of reduced access for patients. Transit & Accessibility: SEPTA broke ground on a $44M accessibility upgrade at 11th Street Station, adding elevators to make the L line stop fully ADA-compliant. Corporate/Tech Leadership: Apple’s CEO transition is set for Sept. 1, with John Ternus taking over as Tim Cook becomes executive chairman. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Josh Shapiro signaled openness to bipartisan legislation banning Flock-style license plate cameras, citing mass-surveillance concerns. Energy/Industry: A $450M Philadelphia-area facility is under construction to produce actinium-225 for cancer treatments, targeting operations in 2029.

Trade Tensions: The U.S.-Canada tariff fight is still escalating, with the U.S. hitting key Canadian sectors (steel, aluminum, lumber, autos) and Canada responding “dollar-for-dollar,” leaving no clear path to a deal. Energy Costs: Gas prices in Pennsylvania stayed in focus, including the lowest premium price reported in Somerset County at $4.86 (week ending Aug. 22) and multiple low-cost E85 and E15 spots tracked by GasBuddy. Data Centers & Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening environmental and transparency standards for new Pennsylvania data centers, including GRID-related requirements, proof of local approvals, and limits on NDAs. Consumer & Legal Watch: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday announced a new Snapchat lawsuit over alleged addictiveness and child-safety failures, following similar action against TikTok. Health Spending Signals: Medicaid billing spikes kept showing up in local data, including big jumps in ambulance/transport claims in Ambridge and sharp increases in vision services in West Mifflin. Food Safety: Lundberg Family Farms recalled 54,648 pounds of white jasmine rice over possible foreign material contamination, with distribution including Pennsylvania. Business/Workforce: Pennsylvania’s skilled-trades pipeline remains a theme as the state leans on apprenticeships and training to meet projected workforce needs.

Meta Settlement: Pennsylvania is set to benefit from a nearly $17 billion multistate deal with Meta over alleged harms to children on Instagram and Facebook, with required guardrails such as daily time limits and nighttime blocks; Health Care Spending: Medicaid bills are spiking in several Pennsylvania communities, including sharp jumps in vision services (Delmont up about 1,800% in 2024; New Kensington up 67.9%), plus rising surgery, ambulance/transport, pathology/lab, and prosthetic-related claims; AI Data Centers Backlash: Opposition to AI data centers is turning into a political issue ahead of November, as candidates cite higher household electricity costs and noise, while X says it has suspended accounts tied to a suspected China-linked influence effort aimed at stoking anti–data center sentiment; Local Business & Economy: Lancaster County bankruptcy filings were listed for Aug. 18-24, and the state’s restaurant inspection report flagged at least one Harrisburg-area mobile food facility for temperature control and maintenance problems; Public Safety: A Conshohocken truck driver was killed in an I-476 work-zone crash, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Housing Market Watch: Redfin reports new listings rose 6% year over year in late August while pending sales fell 3.1%, as supply keeps building and buyers slow. Sports Betting & Promotions: Polymarket expanded its $20 referral code “CUSE” to US Open and PGA Tour Championship markets, including users in New York and Pennsylvania. Skilled Trades Pipeline: Pennsylvania continues pushing apprenticeships and career pathways; coverage highlights growth in registered apprenticeships and efforts to bring more women into skilled trades. State Budget Relief: Gov. Josh Shapiro says the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has delivered more than $1.1 billion to seniors and people with disabilities since taking office. Data Center Backlash: X says it found hundreds of suspected Chinese accounts amplifying arguments against AI data centers, as opposition remains politically volatile in Pennsylvania and beyond. Consumer Fraud Signals: BBB Scam Tracker lists Oakmont among Pennsylvania cities with scam reports in July, with reported losses totaling $329 across two reports. Local Business/Infrastructure: ARS Towing expanded flatbed and machinery hauling in Greater Philadelphia, while Baldwin crews responded to a water main break flooding homes and roads.

Data Centers & Eminent Domain: Butler County Farm Bureau members discussed pending state legislation that would limit eminent domain for farmers, citing concerns that power-line and data-center projects could restrict drone use and carve up farmland preserved by conservation easements. Rail & Economic Development: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office says Amtrak will add a second daily Pittsburgh-to-New York passenger train via Harrisburg and Philadelphia starting mid-November, with ticket sales expected in October. Local Budgets & Stormwater Fees: Allentown officials warn a potential double-digit 2027 tax increase could be driven by capital projects and stormwater fees after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling in a similar case. Water & Infrastructure Deal: Pennsylvania American Water completed its $3.25 million acquisition of the Sutersville-Sewickley municipal wastewater system and plans about $700,000 in upgrades over five years. Privacy & Cross-Border Data: A data privacy advocate warns that tighter U.S. data-center rules could push companies to process sensitive information overseas. Tech Leadership: Apple’s CEO transition is set for Sept. 1, with John Ternus taking over from Tim Cook.

Health Care Consolidation: A new Center for Rural Pennsylvania report finds rural hospital mergers don’t reliably improve outcomes, with results varying by local strategy and community engagement. Food & Agriculture Policy: Trump says he’ll pursue legal steps to let farmers and ranchers process their own food, after moves that also loosened imported beef limits and roiled cattle markets. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Pennsylvania AG Dave Sunday warns of MyChart phishing scams offering fake rewards to steal patient data. Immigration & Courts: A Kennett Square woman says her husband has been held in ICE detention for nearly two months and is seeking legal relief. Nonprofit Finance: KidsPeace will close its Georgia residential treatment program by end of 2026, citing sustained financial pressures from reimbursement gaps. Local Business & Alcohol: Drumore Township voters may decide in November whether to end brewery licenses, putting Pop’s Brewery & Restaurant in the crosshairs. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak continues to spark political fights over whether deaths were truly measles-related. Sports Betting & Retail: betPARX is partnering with Chickie’s & Pete’s to roll out exclusive app offers across 18 Philly-area locations. Corporate Legal Watch: Securities-fraud class actions continue to target GoDaddy, Aardvark Therapeutics, and Taboola, with lead-plaintiff deadlines set in coming weeks.

Meta Settlement Fallout for PA: Pennsylvania is set to receive at least $516 million from a landmark multistate settlement over teen safety changes tied to Instagram and Facebook, with states pushing new child-safety requirements. Data Centers & Power Costs: A growing backlash over data centers is spilling into local zoning fights and voter concerns, with residents focused on electricity bills, water use, air quality, and reliability. Trade War Pressure: The U.S.-Canada trade dispute is intensifying, and Pennsylvania businesses are bracing for higher costs as tariffs ripple through supply chains. Hybrid Work Signal: A new study ranks Pittsburgh among the top U.S. cities for hybrid work, citing coworking access and flexible-work availability. Corporate/Legal Watch: A securities class action deadline is approaching for Flotek Industries investors, while Pennsylvania’s attorney general actions and other big legal moves continue to shape the business climate. Local Business Loss: Lehigh Valley manufacturer ATAS International mourns the death of co-founder Nel Bus, a longtime regional employer. Food Safety: Pennsylvania restaurant inspections flagged issues ranging from improper storage and sanitizer problems to blocked handwashing access.

Meta Settlement: Pennsylvania is set to receive up to about $516 million from Meta’s landmark $18 billion teen-safety settlement, with funds aimed at child mental health programs, after-school and summer activities, and digital literacy support. Data Centers & Local Zoning: Delaware County townships are tightening rules for data center projects, with proposals focused on land use, power, water and cooling, noise, traffic, and setbacks. Transportation Funding: Tioga County won $700,762 in state funding to replace the deteriorating Queen Street Bridge over Kelsey Creek in Wellsboro, using PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. Food & Health: The FDA says cyclospora cases tied to recalled iceberg lettuce have now been confirmed in 20 states, including Pennsylvania, with illnesses rising to 11,458 and two deaths reported in Michigan. Public Health Politics: Pennsylvania’s first two measles-associated deaths in 35 years sparked a sharp dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over how the deaths were reported and what they mean for vaccine policy. Agriculture Trade: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau leaders reiterated opposition to a Trump plan allowing large ground-beef imports for 90 days with no out-of-quota tariff.

Data Centers & Politics: A Franklin & Marshall poll finds Pennsylvanians are wary of AI and data centers, with 84% backing tighter federal AI regulation and 79% opposing new data centers in their communities. Meta Settlement: Pennsylvania is set to receive at least $516M as part of a landmark $17B+ multistate settlement over child-safety harms on Instagram and Facebook, with required platform changes. Legal & Courts: A U.S. military judge set June 5, 2028 for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed’s Sept. 11 trial, nearly 27 years after the attacks. Local Business Expansion: Power Home Remodeling opened a Cleveland, Ohio territory office, continuing its rapid growth footprint. Healthcare Leadership: Mental Health Cooperative named Andrea Westerfield as CEO effective Sept. 8. Community & Economy: Clarion County finalized a bond for its courthouse project, and local volunteer fire departments across Pennsylvania received State Farm safety grants.

Meta Settlement for Teen Safety: Pennsylvania will receive at least $516 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1B multistate settlement over alleged teen social media addiction, with required changes including stricter age verification, two-hour daily limits for users under 18, overnight restrictions, and limits on push notifications during school hours. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan has joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging a new USPS rule aimed at reshaping vote-by-mail procedures, arguing it unlawfully interferes with how states run elections. Data Centers as a Political Flashpoint: A new national look at 2026 politics finds data centers are driving cross-party backlash and campaign messaging, with Pennsylvania and other states facing growing pressure over power demand and local impacts. Energy & Agriculture: USDA steps in to support Lake Erie’s Concord grape industry after a major processor exit, highlighting how processor pullbacks can quickly ripple through Pennsylvania’s farm economy. Local Business & Growth: Sonlight Services expands septic response capacity into Dauphin and Schuylkill counties, adding faster service and 24/7 emergency pumping. Community & Tourism: The Corks and Kegs Festival returns for its 10th year at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, expected to draw 15,000–20,000 visitors. Public Safety: A military judge set a June 2028 trial date for alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and co-defendants.

Data Centers & Permitting: The EPA is moving to cut back public input on air-permit applications for major projects, including data centers—raising concerns residents won’t even learn about proposals before construction starts. Public Health: Pennsylvania health officials reported two measles-related deaths, with Lancaster County at the center of the outbreak and new local data showing declining kindergarten vaccination rates in pockets. Trade & Costs: Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods starting Sept. 8, escalating a U.S.-Canada trade fight that could add uncertainty and pressure to Pennsylvania businesses tied to cross-border supply chains. Youth Sports Betting: A House committee chair called Little League World Series betting “deeply troubling,” signaling potential action after reports of offshore sportsbook demand for youth games. Corporate/Investor News: Radnor-based Mineralys Therapeutics will participate in Wells Fargo’s 21st Annual Healthcare Conference in Boston. Local Business & Community: A. Duie Pyle earned a Quest for Quality Award for the 37th straight year, while Central Susquehanna Opportunities is expanding food access with a mini mobile pantry in Watsontown.

Data Centers vs. Voters: Pennsylvania’s data-center fight is heating up politically, with Gov. Josh Shapiro and Treasurer Stacy Garrity trading accusations of flip-flops as residents push back on noise, water use, and energy demands. Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy ordered PJM and Constellation to keep 760 MW at the Eddystone plant available longer, citing load growth that includes data centers and looming generator retirements. Consumer Protection: Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued Snapchat, alleging addictive design and misleading age-rating claims that harm children. Public Health: Pennsylvania reported the first 2026 measles deaths in the U.S.—two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County—amid a record national outbreak. Cost of Living: A SmartAsset report estimates Pennsylvanians need about $97,011 for a comfortable single-adult life and $247,936 for a family of four. Local Business & Fraud: Police charged a Florida man in an EBT skimming scheme in Bristol, targeting vulnerable shoppers. Community Support: The state expanded a free legal line for grandparents raising grandchildren, staffed by attorneys statewide.

Banking Deal: Valley National Bancorp will acquire Providence Financial Corporation in a definitive merger, expanding Valley’s retail and small-business footprint in the Chicagoland market. Medical Devices: Synchrocare says it’s opening Pennsylvania franchise territories to expand distribution of advanced medical devices to hospitals and clinics. Healthcare & Biotech: Annovis will host a corporate update webinar Sept. 2 as it advances Phase 3 work for buntanetap in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s programs. Securities Litigation: Kessler Topaz announced a securities-fraud class action filing against Simply Good Foods (SMPL), with an Oct. 13 lead-plaintiff deadline. Public Finance/Tax: The Ohio Supreme Court rejected Dollar Bank’s bid for refunds, upholding the state’s financial institution tax as constitutional. Local Business & Economy: Pennsylvania American Water says customers received PFAS settlement credits averaging about $37 per account, while it continues PFAS treatment investment. Transportation: PennDOT and Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a second daily Amtrak “Pennsylvanian” train between Pittsburgh and New York starting mid-November. Energy/Politics: Coverage highlights how data-center backlash is reshaping Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race and policy approach.

Data Center Backlash: A new Gallup poll finds 7 in 10 Americans oppose building data centers, adding fuel to election-year fights over power, water use, and local impacts. Pennsylvania Policy: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is moving to rein in data center development, while national figures and industry groups push competing narratives about jobs and costs. Energy & Tech Capital: In South Abington Township, the U.S. Department of Energy and SBA signed an agreement creating the Small Business Investment Company-Energy Initiative, aiming to route private capital to energy- and tech-focused small businesses. School Meals Push: USDA and HHS launched “Harvest to Hallways,” with up to $70M for school kitchen infrastructure and more Farm to School grants to expand local procurement. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest E15 in Cumberland County at $3.59 (week ending Aug. 15), with a statewide E15 average of $3.80. Public Safety: PennDOT and State Police urged impaired-driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day after 8,658 alcohol/drug-related crashes last year. Business Moves: GolfCave opened its first Pennsylvania location in Dresher, expanding an indoor golf franchise footprint.