AGP Executive Report

Survivors’ Rights: Pennsylvania Senate Republicans have stalled a proposed two-year window for child sex abuse survivors to file otherwise time-barred lawsuits, leaving advocates waiting as the session winds down. Greater Philly Calendar: An event planner is adding a Downingtown pickleball tournament, a Chester County bar crawl, a surf contest and a holiday party to its lineup. Food & Heritage: A new feature explores Mennonite food, while rural Pennsylvania nuns are building a stone monastery by hand. Arts & Local History: The Barnes Foundation’s “Noguchi to Asawa” exhibition runs through Jan. 10, and Steamtown National Historic Site is marking its 40th anniversary. Schools: Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for public schools, set to take effect in the 2027–28 school year.

Faith & Craft: Cloistered nuns in Fairfield are building a 48-acre monastery by hand, with completion planned for 2041. Arts & Design: The Barnes Foundation’s “Noguchi to Asawa” exhibit runs through Jan. 10, while the Yocum Institute will showcase four local artists. Schools & Well-being: Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell school cellphone ban is set for 2027-28; Blackbird Health’s new Bethel Park location expands coordinated mental-health care for children and teens. Local Heritage: A couple’s research is uncovering the region’s Revolutionary War connections, and Steamtown National Historic Site is marking its 40th anniversary. Food & Getaways: A Philadelphia bartender aims to shake up cocktail-making, and a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pennsylvania home is offering overnight stays under specific rules.

Public Health: Pennsylvania health officials are warning doctors about congenital measles as the outbreak spreads across 44 counties; 66 pregnant women have been infected. Arts & History: The Barnes Foundation’s “Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America” features 84 works by six Japanese American artists, including George Nakashima’s first major furniture piece after his wartime incarceration and resettlement in New Hope. Local Business: Emmaus couple Steve Kemper and Scarlett Allunis have opened Onward Coffee’s first permanent café in South Whitehall after nearly two years serving the region from a trailer. Philadelphia Film: “HOOPERS,” a sports drama rooted in the city’s basketball culture, gives emerging actress Sanai Laws a big-screen role. Schools: Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban is set to take effect in the 2027–28 school year.

Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has reached 1,338 cases, with 255 hospitalizations and five deaths reported by the state as of Oct. 23. Community Support: Catholic Charities of Philadelphia blessed a new Folcroft warehouse to supply its food program, which serves 1.8 million people annually across the five-county region. Arts & Heritage: Historian Tony Brooks will discuss Wilkes-Barre’s 1793 Zebulon Butler House and the Butler family at a free Oct. 31 presentation in Tunkhannock. Outdoors & Education: Penn State DuBois wildlife students joined statewide forest walks, teaching participants about tree identification and conservation. Local Events: Mount Carmel Community Church in Orrtanna hosts a free fall festival Oct. 24, and Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg marks the Festival of the Reformation on Oct. 25.

Schools & Health: Pennsylvania lawmakers sent a bell-to-bell cellphone ban to Gov. Josh Shapiro, while the state’s measles outbreak reached 1,338 cases across 44 counties, with 78 new cases in a week. A new law also requires food-allergy training in child care. On Stage: Scranton’s Actors Circle brings Larissa FastHorse’s satire The Thanksgiving Play to Providence Playhouse Nov. 13–22, turning a school pageant into a comic look at representation and cultural appropriation. Community Life: Wyoming County’s Indraloka sanctuary hosts its ThanksLiving celebration Nov. 7, with rescued turkeys, live music and a plant-based feast. New laws also let community groups sell raffle tickets online through 2027 and keep a larger share of proceeds. Pennsylvania History: A profile of Easton-born biochemist Florence B. Seibert spotlights her work that helped make tuberculosis testing more reliable.

Public Health: Pennsylvania has reported 1,317 measles cases and five deaths this year, according to state figures through Oct. 21. Children and teens are among the hardest-hit groups as health officials work to contain the outbreak. Schools & Families: Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to sign a statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban, taking effect before the 2027–28 school year. Medical, learning-plan and translation needs are among the exceptions. Family Fun: Chambersburg’s Roll ‘R Way keeps a local skating tradition alive with rink games, an arcade and a snack bar. The family-owned center traces its roots to 1969 and reopened in 2020. Halloween: Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square hosts trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating Sunday, Oct. 25, with more than 20 downtown businesses and organizations taking part. Arts & Culture: Easton’s second annual festival celebrating Latino heritage brings the community together, while Pennsylvania publisher Sunbury Press has launched a new imprint for New England and Adirondacks writers.

Schools: Pennsylvania has passed a bell-to-bell cellphone ban for public and private schools, starting in 2027-28, with exceptions for medical and learning needs. A separate literacy push will require elementary schools to use structured reading instruction as officials respond to weak test results. Public Health: The state’s measles outbreak has topped 1,300 cases, with adults making up about two-thirds; health officials report severe illness and six deaths. Arts & Culture: David and Rhonda Cohen are giving $10.5 million to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, including support for underrepresented composers and the orchestra’s work as a cultural ambassador. Food & Farming: Freeze damage has devastated Pennsylvania fruit crops, with estimated losses of 70% to 100% for several varieties and $150 million to $200 million in losses across the specialty-crop industry. Local Traditions: Zoto’s Diner, a Bethlehem Pike fixture for nearly 53 years, is closing Sunday as its owners retire. Lancaster’s “Potato Man” Halloween handout has also inspired trick-or-treaters beyond Pennsylvania. Things to Do: Philadelphia’s Halloween lineup includes zoo festivities, neighborhood trick-or-treating and family-friendly spooky attractions.

Schools: Pennsylvania’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban has cleared the legislature and is headed to Gov. Josh Shapiro; districts will set policies before it takes effect in 2027-28, with exceptions for medical and learning needs. Community Health: As measles spreads, vaccination teams are bringing clinics to churches, schools and homes—including Mennonite communities. State health workers have given more than 10,000 MMR shots this year. Arts & Gardens: Longwood Gardens’ Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum is one plant shaped into a floral dome over roughly 18 months—a striking showcase of patience and horticultural craft. Young Talent: Clarion County dancer Anistyn Gallagher, 12, placed in the top 10 at a national competition after winning Junior Miss Dance of Pennsylvania. Local Culture: Oil City’s historic National Transit Building hosted an Azerbaijani carpet-book presentation and an exhibition by artist Irina Eldarova during the Drake Forum. Pennsylvania History: Pastor and historian Robert Guy’s new book revisits the people and partnerships that shaped the state’s early history.

Schools & Screens: Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban for public schools, which Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’ll sign. It is set to take effect in 2027–28, with exceptions for medical and learning needs. Early Learning: Pennsylvania educators and lawmakers warn proposed federal changes could weaken Head Start, which serves about 30,000 children in the state. Family Life: Allegheny County approved a countywide 12-week paid parental leave policy, a major win for nurses and family advocates. Pennsylvania Traditions: An Orthodox Jewish scholar who has visited Lancaster County’s Amish communities more than 100 times is now researching Amish women and considers some of them extended family. Arts & Culture: The Centre Film Festival unveiled its eighth annual lineup, with local collaborations planned.

Arts & Nightlife: Philadelphia’s World Stage, formerly World Cafe Live, plans to close on Halloween, underscoring the pressures facing independent music venues. Food & Drink: West Chester’s Turks Head Wines has added a restaurant to its tasting room, bringing a California-inspired wine experience to the borough. Campus Culture: IUP’s free International Unity Day on Oct. 23 will feature food and performances representing 36 countries and territories. Education: A University of Pittsburgh at Bradford study finds low pay, scarce resources and isolation are driving rural teacher departures; researchers recommend helping new educators feel welcomed into their communities. Families: Allegheny County Council approved 12 weeks of paid parental leave, a policy pushed by nurses and working parents. Fall Outings: Longwood Gardens’ Chrysanthemum Festival continues through Nov. 15, with its giant mum and illuminated fountain performances on weekends.

Family Policy: Allegheny County Council approved 12 weeks of paid parental leave for many local workers, a move supporters hope will inspire action statewide. Arts & Culture: The Centre Film Festival returns Nov. 2–8 in State College and Philipsburg, with Pennsylvania-made films, Puerto Rican features, Indigenous stories and international selections. Schools: Philadelphia’s district has nearly 2,500 fewer students than last year, a five-year high for its annual enrollment drop; the reasons remain unclear. Community Life: Erie’s Eastside YMCA reopened its renovated small indoor pool, where children learn to swim and families gather. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles tally stands at 1,286 cases across 42 counties, with five deaths reported; health officials urge residents to check vaccination status. Race & Community: The Bucks County NAACP has asked a Bristol homeowner to reconsider Halloween decorations it says evoke the history of lynching.

Lancaster Legacy: Jim Warner, who died at 68, helped make the county’s waste and recycling system an international model and expanded parks, trails and hazardous-waste drop-off services. Arts & Heritage: Philadelphia unveiled 11 installations honoring Hispanic and Latino changemakers, while a new feature spotlights women artists reimagining Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. Public Health: Pennsylvania began enforcing its vape registry law Oct. 19. Retailers can face fines of up to $500 per unlisted product, with tougher penalties for repeat violations. Student Support: IUP received a $2 million federal grant to help student-parents with child care costs, support and referrals through 2030. Early Childhood: A Penn State study links a preschool program that taught social-emotional skills to better well-being nearly two decades later, including less loneliness and fewer depressive symptoms. Community Safety: In Lancaster County, an Amish woman fought off an alleged kidnapping attempt with a running weed trimmer; the suspect fled.

Schools & Inclusion: Conestoga Valley and Elanco school boards approved policies barring transgender students from competing on teams aligned with their gender identity, a contentious change for local students and families. Philadelphia Culture: Visit Philadelphia launched Las Huellas, a bilingual audio trail with 11 installations spotlighting Hispanic and Latino changemakers at landmarks and community destinations; it runs through Nov. 19. Community Investment: The Shapiro administration announced more than $71.5 million for 443 statewide projects aimed at revitalizing communities and improving quality of life. Pennsylvania Heritage: A new profile revisits Black farmer Basil Biggs’ life and legacy in Gettysburg, while artists are reimagining Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. Historic Fallsington Day and Walnutport Canal Days also offered chances to celebrate local history and community traditions. Language & Culture: Pennsylvania marked National Uzbek Language Day, adding another spotlight on the state’s diverse cultural communities.

Public Health: Measles is spreading in Chester County as five Pennsylvania schools report kindergarten vaccination rates below 95%; state officials say the outbreak has caused five deaths. Campus Safety: Penn is expanding sexual-violence education and Title IX capacity after a Cornell fraternity assault lawsuit prompted universities to review their policies. Community Traditions: Wyomissing’s Jewish Food and Cultural Festival returns Nov. 1 with deli favorites, music, sanctuary tours and activities about Jewish traditions. Arts & Culture: A new album featuring an Ephrata oboist, partly recorded at Abbey Road, is set for a local release show; Pennsylvania also marked National Uzbek Language Day. Local Arts: The Community Arts Center and Neumann University have opened new art exhibitions.

Arts & Culture: WPSU’s latest Poetry Moment features “Hurricane Season” by Selinsgrove-based poet Monica Prince. The Ritz Theater is also teaming with NEPA Youth Shelter on a talent show, while Neumann University and the Community Arts Center open new exhibitions. Public Health: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has reached 1,222 cases; federal officials are sending a disease specialist and nearly $4 million in support. Shoppers should also check for recalled raw cheddar and Lidl gelato sold in Pennsylvania over E. coli and listeria risks. Women & Prisons: A new report warns the state’s aging prisons leave women and older people especially vulnerable to illness and death during extreme weather. Youth & Civic Life: Pennsylvania is investing more than $60 million in gun-violence prevention and youth support. Gov. Josh Shapiro launched a Wilkes-Barre canvassing push ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, as arts organizers schedule statewide listening sessions.

Arts & Exhibitions: The Community Arts Center and Neumann University have opened new art shows, and arts groups are scheduling listening sessions across Pennsylvania. Bethlehem’s lively arts scene is also drawing attention as a reason retirees are moving there. Outdoors & Community: Philadelphia’s birding boom is bringing young residents together to explore nature, while the PA Wilds Makers Market is set for Nov. 7. Pennsylvania Traditions: Western Pennsylvanians are making the case for homemade Halloween costumes, and a new conference will celebrate Pennsylvania German culture as America’s 250th anniversary approaches. On Stage & Screen: LaPorscha Rodgers is starring in The Legend of Georgia McBride on a Pennsylvania stage, and Philadelphia Film Festival picks offer more fall arts outings.