AGP Executive Report

Privacy & Surveillance: New Jersey’s growing network of roadside cameras includes automated license plate readers like Flock Safety, raising fresh questions about whether everyday drivers are being tracked without a crime. Election Integrity Fight: Rep. Mikie Sherrill says she refused NJ’s voter-roll request and accuses Trump of using federal agencies to push baseless voter-fraud claims. Hate-Crime Push: South Asian American lawmakers, led by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, held a national roundtable calling for stronger action against rising hate and violence. Local Enforcement: Passaic County moved against retailers accused of selling tobacco and THC products illegally to minors. Health & Safety Recalls: Halloween chocolatey eyeballs sold across 13 states were recalled over undeclared milk allergen. Housing/Development: Jersey City’s Journal Square is getting Park Tower, a $390M construction financing deal for mixed-income apartments and retail. Sports Betting Courts: NJ asked the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh states’ power to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi.

Prediction-Market Showdown: New Jersey asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether prediction-market sports contracts can bypass state gambling rules, after conflicting federal appeals rulings—setting up a major national test for Kalshi-style platforms. Amazon Ad-Fraud Lawsuit: AG Raoul joined the FTC and 22 states in suing Amazon over alleged secret ad surcharges that inflated prices for advertisers for years. Local Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety says it’s cutting default license-plate reader retention to seven days and adding new search controls, while NJ law enforcement generally must keep most data for three years. Energy & Solar Policy: Gov. Sherrill signed a law expanding access to balcony plug-in solar, aiming to reduce red tape and help more homeowners participate. Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorms threaten from the Great Lakes to NJ, with damaging winds and possible tornadoes; outages are already reported. Sports & Community: MLS NEXT Pro is coming to Middlesex County in 2027, and Roselle Park will dedicate John Wagner Stadium at Herm Shaw Field. Scam Tracker: Secaucus logged two BBB scam reports in July, tying it for 57th among NJ cities.

Balcony Solar Breakthrough: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, letting qualifying plug-in solar units up to 1,200 watts be used without utility approval or extra metering rules, and limiting landlords/HOAs and towns from broadly banning them. Public Health: A Rutgers-led study finds preeclampsia—especially with severe features—raises the risk of chronic kidney disease in the year after childbirth compared with gestational hypertension. Education Tech: Montclair State University opened a new virtual reality facility with a 26-seat classroom and free-roam pod for immersive, hands-on learning. Sports (NJ): The New Jersey Devils acquired forward Luke Evangelista from the Nashville Predators for conditional 2028 first- and second-round draft picks. Food Safety: A New Jersey candy maker recalled Halloween “Chocolatey Eyeballs” sold at TJ Maxx and Marshalls after milk wasn’t properly declared on packaging. Crime & Courts: A Rutgers computer science professor faces allegations tied to a crypto “pump and dump” scheme, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.

Big Tech Crackdown: The FTC and 22 state attorneys general sued Amazon, alleging it secretly rigged its ad auctions to inflate prices for more than 1 million advertisers, with costs potentially passed to consumers. Health Policy: A Rutgers-led international study identified 36 risk genes tied to OCD and chronic tic disorders, expanding targets for future treatments. Medicare Watch: Medicare’s GLP-1 “Bridge” pilot may lower costs, but some New Jersey patients are being denied due to eligibility rules. Reproductive Rights: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law expanding New Jersey’s Shield Law protections for reproductive healthcare, including gender-affirming care, drawing fresh debate over what it does and doesn’t restrict. Local Courts & Schools: A lawsuit challenges a Chathams school policy that parents say hides gender transitions and requires staff to use students’ preferred pronouns. Public Safety: Stafford police charged a man after they say one kick left his dog dead. Food Alerts: FDA recalls mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in NJ over possible salmonella contamination, and Halloween “Chocolatey Eyeballs” were recalled in 13 states including NJ due to undeclared milk.

Telehealth Fight: The 3rd Circuit upheld New Jersey’s rule requiring out-of-state doctors to get a NJ medical license before consulting patients via telemedicine, saying the policy fits long-standing medical regulation. Big Tech & Kids: Meta reached a massive $16.68B settlement with a coalition of states over claims Instagram/Facebook used addictive design for teens, with changes including limits during school hours and tighter protections for under-13 users. Amazon Ad Pricing: New Jersey joined the FTC and 22 states in a lawsuit alleging Amazon secretly inflated ad prices through undisclosed surcharges, potentially costing advertisers tens of billions. Public Health: Families in Camden County held the 11th annual Remembrance and Hope Memorial Vigil for loved ones lost to overdose. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in NJ were warned about recalled mangoes (possible Salmonella) and other recent FDA/USDA recalls. Local Government: Montclair launched an opioid response street team to connect people to care before and after overdoses. Business/Jobs: Rutgers-New Brunswick named new deans across schools, signaling leadership changes for the university.

Data Centers Under Fire: A major planned AI data center in Vineland, DataOne, is accused of violating federal law after a Floodlight investigation found dozens of unpermitted gas generators running near schools, reigniting noise and pollution concerns. Consumer & Public Safety: Federal officials shut down 110 truck driving schools and target more for removal in a CDL fraud crackdown, while a new wave of August food recalls highlights Salmonella/E. coli risks. Local Land Preservation: Denville Township completed a $13.4 million deal to preserve about 50 acres, turning part of a historic campus into public parkland and protected open space. NJ Policy & Business: New Jersey permanently legalizes cocktails to-go, extending a Covid-era rule for restaurants statewide. Courts & Gambling: A federal appeals ruling backs Nevada’s ability to regulate Kalshi sports prediction contracts, setting up a wider legal fight that could affect New Jersey too. Sports & Culture: The New Jersey 5 won the Major League Pickleball season title, and bergenPAC brings Andrew Dice Clay to perform Sept. 26.

Data Centers vs. Town Hall: Holmdel Township approved a ban on data centers, but a Bell Works/Bell Labs-area bid could still move forward because its application was filed before the rules took effect. Residents cite water use, power demand, and neighborhood impacts. Public Safety: A drunk boater in Toms River was charged with homicide after a crash killed a 26-year-old passenger—one of multiple deadly Jersey Shore boating incidents this summer. Health Watch: FDA issued warning letters to three food importers in Texas and New Jersey over missing Foreign Supplier Verification Program documents. Election Integrity: A dispute over New Jersey’s voter safeguards centers on thousands of noncitizens registered after driver’s license/ID interactions, with officials pointing to a software issue and critics demanding answers. Medicaid Numbers: New Jersey communities show sharp Medicaid billing shifts in 2024, including Roselle ($792,410), Toms River surgery claims ($175,311), and Jamesburg evaluation/management ($4,301). Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker lists Jersey City and Newark among the state’s top scam-report cities for July 2026.

Violence in Trenton: Two people were killed and nine wounded in a mass shooting at an unpermitted block party on Locust Street just after midnight, with investigators still searching for a motive and no arrests reported. AI in the courts: A New Jersey law firm is urging “responsible and ethical” AI use, stressing attorney oversight and client confidentiality as more firms adopt AI drafting and research tools. Medicaid billing spikes locally: New data shows sharp increases in Medicaid claims in several NJ communities, including big jumps in dental services in Englewood Cliffs and evaluation/management spending in Tuckerton. Immigration policy fight: A federal appeals court again rejected Trump’s mandatory detention approach, dealing another blow to the administration’s plan to detain many immigrants without bond hearings. NJ politics heats up: Republicans say Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s response to noncitizen voter-roll questions dodged key answers, escalating the dispute. Weather watch: A heat dome is cooking the South while setting up storm and flooding risks for the Northeast heading into fall.

Meta Settlement Talks: Six days before a federal trial over online child safety, Meta’s top lawyer, C.J. Mahoney, met with attorneys general in Nashville to broker a massive deal—up to $19B—plus new teen-safety rules, with payments tied to states joining and other social media companies settling. Election Mail Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked a new USPS mail-voting rule that would have forced states into federal approval and a new portal, saying compliance before November was “practically impossible.” Public Health Alert: North Carolina warned people who visited a mobile petting zoo in the state—where baby goats tested positive for rabies—to contact local health departments for possible prevention. Local Community: Jersey City held a candlelight vigil for victims missing after Nepal flash flooding and landslides, with local leaders attending and residents praying for answers. Consumer Safety: Two companies recalled 0.9% sodium chloride IV bags after particulate contamination concerns, including zinc oxide and possible fiberglass. Business/Legal: A lawsuit claims a Freedom Fuel gas network sold nearly $4M in unpaid-for gasoline, tied to a New Jersey-linked company. School Rights Lawsuit: Moms for Liberty sued a Chathams school district alleging “secret gender transitions” policies violate parents’ rights.

To-Go Cocktails Go Permanent in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a new law letting New Jersey bars and restaurants keep selling mixed cocktails in sealed containers for off-premises consumption, ending the temporary COVID-era rules. Gas Prices Watch: AAA puts New Jersey regular gas at about $4.05 a gallon, slightly under the national average, as oil markets react to tanker attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. Immigration Courtroom Win: A federal appeals court again rejected the Trump administration’s mandatory detention plan, including a Third Circuit ruling that said immigrants must have access to bond hearings. ICE Crackdown Data: New reporting says ICE arrests hit record levels this summer, with New Jersey among states seeing big jumps. Local Fraud Tracker: BBB Scam Tracker lists 132 NJ cities tied for 120th in July scam reports, with Blairstown among them. Air Travel for NJ: United plans a new nonstop Newark-to-Azores route starting June 9, 2027. Community & Culture: South Jersey Jazz Society announced Jazz@ThePoint in Somers Point for Oct. 15–17, themed “Red, White & Louis.”

Retail & Community: Target is rolling out its Beauty Studio experience to 24 New Jersey stores next month, with an “immersive” setup and 1,600 products across 90 brands. Politics & Voting: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker blasted Trump’s deportation push as “stupid” and “shameful,” while Republican challenger Justin Murphy backed Trump’s effort to tighten mail-in voting, citing chain-of-custody concerns and voter-roll errors. Public Safety & Crime: A New Jersey man was arrested in Queens after authorities say they found 580 pounds of cocaine worth about $10 million in a storage-unit operation tied to an interstate trafficking network. Local Government & Corruption: Prospect Park councilman Anand U. Shah pleaded guilty to racketeering and money laundering tied to an illegal gambling operation connected to the Lucchese crime family. State Law & Economy: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill making cocktails to-go permanent in New Jersey. Health & Research: Rutgers announced the 2026 Rutgers Innovation Awards winners, including an AI drone concept for disaster rescue and first-aid delivery. Sports Betting Legal Fight: A federal appeals court ruled Nevada can regulate Kalshi’s sports prediction contracts, setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown that also affects New Jersey’s ongoing prediction-market battles. Business & Infrastructure: PSE&G highlighted major electric and gas upgrades ahead of hurricane season, including new substations and faster restoration efforts.

Data Center Accountability: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law requiring data centers over 100MW to report energy and water use to the Board of Public Utilities, with semiannual filings covering power consumption, cooling vs. IT loads, peak daily water use, water sources, and backup power. Public Health & Safety: Baxter issued a voluntary nationwide recall of two lots of 0.9% sodium chloride injection after potential fiberglass contamination was detected, raising concerns for patients receiving IV fluids and dialysis priming. Social Media & Kids: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a landmark child-safety settlement with 47 states and DC, with promised changes to Instagram and Facebook aimed at reducing teen harms. Local Crime Alert: Prospect Park police warned residents after a Facebook Marketplace robbery, urging people to use station parking lots and Safe Trade Exchange Zones. Community Events: Sussex County’s Board of Agriculture will hold its annual Chicken BBQ fundraiser Sept. 19 at the fairgrounds, supporting scholarships and 4-H programs. Business/Jobs: Kean University alumna Julienne Cherry credits her Kean MPA for her work as CEO of the United Way of Greater Union County, running a one-stop shop for basic needs and job help.

Data Centers Accountability: Gov. Sherrill signed a new law requiring data centers to report water and energy use to state regulators every six months, aiming to stop developers from operating “in the shadows” and to give New Jerseyans a clearer picture of local impacts. Election Integrity Fight: The RNC escalated its dispute with New Jersey election officials over voter-roll records tied to noncitizens, issuing notices demanding documents by Sept. 15 or facing legal action. Cybersecurity & Water Safety: CISA warned that more than 100 U.S. water systems were targeted in July, with attacks aimed at internet-exposed control devices—New Jersey was among the states hit. Storm Cleanup in South Jersey: A Thursday storm battered Mullica Hill, knocking down trees and power lines and triggering flooding and outages. Local Infrastructure: Phillipsburg’s Black Bridge repairs are progressing after a long summer closure, with state officials working to keep work moving. Pop Culture & Community: Seton Hall launched a Peace Corps Prep program, and Happy Day Farm in Manalapan is turning its Dolly Parton corn maze into a tribute opening Sept. 19.

Jersey City Budget Crunch: Jersey City lawmakers approved an $886.4M budget and a 15% property tax hike, with residents facing about a $51-a-month increase as the city tries to close a $255M deficit. Meta Teen Safety Fallout: Meta agreed to pay up to $17B (and as much as $18B in some reports) to states over claims it made Facebook and Instagram addictive for kids, including default daily limits and overnight curfews plus stronger parental controls. Freedom Fuel Scrutiny: Six South Jersey “Freedom Fuel” stations promoted by the White House racked up nearly $430,000 in DEP fines tied to underground tank and delivery violations dating back to 2023. Reproductive Healthcare Lawsuit: Washington and other states sued to block new Title X funding conditions that would force providers to drop nondiscrimination protections and discourage contraception. Big Tech, Big Money: The U.S. Justice Department opened a review into an H-1B recruiting ad after allegations of national-origin discrimination. Sports Betting Update: BetMGM rolled out football-season upgrades aimed at faster live betting and a revamped rewards hub.

Rutgers Probe: A Rutgers University dean, Joshua Kohut, was arrested and charged with invasion of privacy after prosecutors alleged he used a cellphone to secretly record “upskirt” videos, with devices reportedly found during a search of his home. Big Tech Accountability: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion to 29 states, including New Jersey, and to tighten Facebook/Instagram teen rules—two-hour daily limits and overnight blocks—after claims the platforms were built to be addictive and harmed children. NJ Politics & Families: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker stopped in Trenton to push generational change in Senate Democratic leadership, tying the trip to maternal-mortality work and local community visits. Elections Fight: Democratic-led states, including New Jersey, renewed lawsuits challenging USPS mail-voting rules after a Supreme Court procedural win for the Trump administration. Local Impact: A study cited by Gov. Hochul says the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated $3.5 billion across New York and New Jersey, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue. Environment Watch: A flood watch is in effect for parts of the region, warning of flash flooding risk from heavy rain.

Meta Settlement: Meta agreed to pay up to $16.68B and overhaul Facebook and Instagram after states alleged the platforms were engineered to addict children, misled families about safety, and mishandled kids’ personal data; the deal also includes nationwide teen safeguards like daily time limits and overnight blocks. New Jersey Impact: In the multistate case, New Jersey is set to receive at least $525M (with higher totals possible), with reforms aimed at reducing harmful teen use. Child-Safety Reforms: The settlement is framed as the biggest Big Tech payout outside tobacco-era deals, with money earmarked for youth mental health and related programs, while Meta denies wrongdoing. Local Growth Watch: Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace announced plans to expand into Moorestown, NJ (plus King of Prussia, PA) with a late-2027 opening. Community & Environment: A letter to the editor highlights opposition to new housing development in Little Egg Harbor/Tuckerton over flooding, infrastructure, and ecosystem concerns. Public Safety: A masked suspect tied to a Philadelphia harassment spree was arrested in Las Vegas and faces extradition to Pennsylvania.