AGP Executive Report

Independence Day Spotlight: Congress held a special bipartisan session at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on July 2, 250 years after the Continental Congress declared independence—featuring New Jersey lawmakers including Sen. Andy Kim and Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Robert Menendez Jr., and Donald Norcross. Medicaid & Voting Rights Fight: Nevada AG Aaron Ford announced a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s Medicaid work requirements for medically frail people, while Ford also co-led multistate opposition to a USPS rule aimed at restricting mail voting and creating a centralized voter list. Health & Consumer Protection: New Jersey became the second state to ban surveillance pricing via the Fair Price Protection Act, set to take effect in a year. NJ Community & Culture: Youth Consultation Service’s infant and preschool mental health psychology internship program won a full 10-year APA accreditation renewal through 2035. Public Safety & Local Events: Bergen County released details for its July 4 Star-Spangled Spectacular at Overpeck County Park, including a full entertainment lineup and fireworks. Sports: Gotham FC signed NWSL star Sam Kerr, eligible to debut July 15.

State Energy Policy: New Jersey lawmakers unanimously passed the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act, clearing the way for balcony-style plug-in solar for renters and apartment dwellers, with systems able to connect through a standard outlet and (if signed) no utility approval required. Budget & Schools: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the record $60.7B budget, including $8M for a new school mental-health pilot (SPARK) and $40M for NJ4S student support services. Health Care Fight: A dispute is heating up over Obamacare enrollment drops—Trump’s team blames an anti-fraud crackdown while critics point to expiring subsidies and rising premiums. Public Safety & Health Care Innovation: NJ State Police Southstar helicopter crews can now deliver blood in the field, and officials say it helped save a crash victim before he reached the hospital. Local Business: Stop & Shop completed a 6-month South Orange renovation, adding 800+ products and upgrading key departments. Sports (NJ angle): The Devils made a splash in NHL free agency with an offer sheet for Utah’s Barrett Hayton, while World Cup crowds keep rolling through the Meadowlands area.

State Budget: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s $60.7B FY2027 budget, calling it fiscally responsible while critics say last-minute add-ons undercut promised transparency. Data Centers: Lawmakers advanced three data center regulation bills to the governor, as the state also moves to curb AI-driven tax breaks and reroute money toward power relief. Energy Relief: A new law expands access to plug-in solar for renters and apartment dwellers, aiming to cut utility bills with easy-to-install systems. Mental Health in Congress: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to Washington after a depression hospitalization and introduced a federal mental health parity enforcement bill. Courts/Privacy: A judge cleared Seton Hall president Monsignor Joseph Reilly after a law firm review of his handling of a 2012 sex abuse allegation. Sports (NJ ties): The Devils tendered an offer sheet to Utah’s Barrett Hayton, and NHL free agency reshuffled the goalie market, including Sergei Bobrovsky signing with Toronto. Local Life: Officials cracked down on a North Side apartment complex over bedbugs, elevator failures, and fire safety issues.

World Cup at MetLife: Kylian Mbappé powered France to a 3-0 win over Sweden, scoring twice and setting a knockout-round scoring mark as Les Bleus set up a Round of 16 matchup with Paraguay. Local Education: Paterson’s public school enrollment fell about 19.5% since 2016-17, while charter schools in the city surged—though advocates warn against assuming the charters caused the district drop. NJ Politics: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to Congress after a months-long absence, saying he was treated for depression, setting up a tougher reelection fight. NJ Budget: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the $60.7B FY2027 budget, emphasizing affordability and housing programs. Immigration & Courts: The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s push to limit citizenship for children of people in the U.S. temporarily. Business & Tech: A New Jersey-based firm launched white-label Generative Engine Optimization services for marketing agencies nationwide.

NHL Moves: The Florida Panthers completed a major swap with the New Jersey Devils, acquiring goalie Jacob Markstrom in exchange for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves, a move that could reshape the Panthers’ goaltending picture. State Budget Fight: The NJGOP blasted Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Democrats for pushing through a $60.7B budget late Sunday, calling it the biggest in state history and accusing lawmakers of limiting public review. Mental Health in Congress: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to the House after nearly four months, saying he was hospitalized and diagnosed with depression. Medicaid Costs: New Jersey lawmakers approved fees on large employers with workers on Medicaid, aiming to raise about $145M annually. Sports Policy: The NJSIAA said its transgender sports policy won’t change after the Supreme Court ruling allowing states to restrict participation. Public Health: Clover Hill Dairy’s Listeria-linked cheese recall is tied to one death and multiple illnesses, with NJ consumers urged to check products.

Gateway Tunnel Fight: A federal judge permanently blocked the Trump administration from withholding $16B in Gateway tunnel funding, calling the move “flagrantly” illegal—setting up a major win for NJ/NY transit plans. State Budget Watch: Trenton lawmakers advanced the 2027 budget package, including a $120M state aid plan for Jersey City and ongoing negotiations tied to June 30 deadlines. Homelessness Funding: AG Letitia James and a coalition won a court fight against unlawful Trump HUD conditions that threatened billions in Continuum of Care housing funds. Gaming & Policy: NJ lawmakers advanced a bill to tax prediction market operators, aiming to “even up the territory” with sportsbooks. Local Economy & Culture: Camden’s Benjamin Cooper Inn soft-opened the American Revolution Museum of Southern New Jersey after $4.6M in grants. Business & Health: Reuters reports bipartisan lawmakers opened national security probes into Merck and AbbVie China drug trials, including sites tied to Xinjiang and military hospitals. Sports in NJ: France vs. Sweden kicks off at MetLife Stadium Tuesday as World Cup knockout action heats up across New Jersey.

Gateway Tunnel Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from freezing federal funds for New York and New Jersey’s $16 billion Hudson River commuter tunnel rehab, calling the unilateral cancellation unlawful. Medicaid Rollback Lawsuit: NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and 23 other states sued to stop new federal Medicaid work rules that could kick up to 300,000 residents off coverage, arguing “medically frail” people face needless hoops. Jersey City Bailout: New Jersey plans an unprecedented $120 million cash infusion for Jersey City to stabilize finances, though Mayor James Solomon warns tax hikes and service cuts may still be coming. No Surprises Act Mass Tort: Five major insurers asked the NJ Supreme Court to consolidate 160 pending cases over Independent Dispute Resolution payment decisions under the federal No Surprises Act. Radio Shake-Up: Townsquare Media will revamp New Jersey radio lineups July 13, including Dennis Malloy reuniting with Judi Franco on New Jersey 101.5. PFAS Update: Chemours reached a preliminary $450 million settlement with the EPA and West Virginia over PFAS releases, including alleged pollution tied to the Delaware River from NJ. World Cup in NJ: SoccerFest26 at the Camden Waterfront drew big crowds as New Jersey hosted more World Cup excitement.

World Cup Round of 32: Monday’s knockout slate already has marquee matchups, including Brazil vs. Japan in Houston, Germany vs. Paraguay in Foxborough, and Netherlands vs. Morocco in Monterrey—setting up a bracket where some teams get a smoother path than others. New Jersey Politics & Budget: NJ lawmakers advanced the $60.7B 2027 state budget after late-night committee votes, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s next step still pending. Jersey City Aid: Jersey City is set to receive $120M in state aid to help close its fiscal gap and pay down prior debts. Elections & Federal Power: Attorney General Matt Nessel and allies blocked federal efforts to control parts of election administration, arguing the White House can’t “federalize” local voting. Business/Tech in NJ: Ocean Power Technologies extended its Section 382 tax benefits plan through 2029, while Merck announced an agreement to expand access to its new HIV treatment through state ADAP programs. Local Culture: WWE RAW is coming to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall tonight with Roman Reigns returning.

World Cup Ticket Shock: Fans are comparing opener vs. final pricing, with MetLife’s July 19 final starting around $2,030 and climbing past $10,000 for top seats, while the June 11 opener at Estadio Azteca has been far cheaper—yet still spiking fast as demand shifts. Newark Corruption Case: A Newark code official, Sonia Rogers, pleaded guilty to conspiracy after admitting she demanded an $800 bribe to let a shuttered store stay open pending inspections. DOJ Antitrust Leadership Gap: The Antitrust Division is again without a permanent chief as Google and Apple appeals hang in the balance, raising stakes for major Big Tech remedies. Local Sports & Culture: England fans are already planning long trips after wins in New Jersey, while funk legend George Clinton is bringing the Mothership back to New Orleans for Essence Fest’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Health & Power for NJ Communities: A Caltech expert warns data centers’ backup generators can run more often than people think, adding pollution and health costs. Statehouse Budget Drama: New Jersey lawmakers are still haggling over the FY2027 budget, with StayNJ and Medicaid funding among the biggest sticking points.

World Cup Knockout Set in New Jersey: England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama as Jude Bellingham scored and assisted, while France’s Mbappé keeps dominating headlines and Round of 32 matchups are now locked in, including France vs. Sweden at MetLife and USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi’s. Local Sports Economy: New Jersey’s World Cup crowds are already reshaping business, with one MetLife-area restaurant citing about 60% less business during games—plus plenty of fans packing bars and transit. PFAS Fallout in NJ: Regulators secured a $450M Chemours settlement tied to “forever chemicals” in New Jersey, North Carolina and West Virginia, with major funding for pollution cuts and drinking-water controls. NHL Draft Grades: The 2026 NHL draft is complete, and ESPN’s post-draft grading highlights clear winners and teams that left value on the board, with Sharks earning top marks in one roundup. Independence Day Build-Up: As America marks its 250th, local celebrations and readings of the Declaration of Independence are ramping up across the region.

AI Data Centers, Taxes: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to cut back $250M in AI/data-center tax credits and redirect money toward energy storage and household power relief, as communities push back on the strain from big facilities. World Cup in NJ: England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama at MetLife/New York New Jersey Stadium, but coach Thomas Tuchel faces lineup questions with Reece James injured and Declan Rice rested ahead of the knockout run. Local Transit Tension: New Jersey Transit says it may lose millions on World Cup service after cheaper New York shuttles drew crowds, highlighting friction between the two sides of “New York New Jersey.” Food Safety: Reser’s recalled 5-pound tubs of “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” after mislabeling it as pasta salad when it may contain chicken salad with undeclared egg and milk allergens, including sales in NJ. NHL Draft: The 2026 NHL draft is complete, with 224 prospects landing new teams and major trade fallout reshaping rosters.

NHL Draft & Devils shakeup: The NHL offseason is in full swing, and New Jersey’s fingerprints are all over it: the Devils traded 2022 No. 2 pick Simon Nemec to Calgary for future first-round picks, while other big moves across the league reshuffled the board. World Cup in NJ: England closes Group L play against Panama at MetLife, with fans and travel costs driving a “cut spending” mood—some skipping tickets entirely as prices soar. Sports business in NJ: Nike says its new Aero-FIT World Cup jersey fabric is 240% more breathable, built for moisture management in hot, humid conditions. Local culture & community: Jersey Shore restaurant growth is shifting toward the mainland, with major openings drawing year-round crowds. Health care debate: A guest column asks how healthy the U.S. health care system really is, pointing to rising complexity and medication burdens. Cybersecurity warning: A report details an alleged Russian effort to infiltrate major U.S. law firms via in-person access.

World Cup (NJ): Ousmane Dembélé lit up Foxborough with an early hat trick as France beat Norway 4-1, finishing group play with nine points and setting up a last-32 matchup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey next Tuesday. Elections & courts (NJ/US): A federal judge tossed out a Trump administration lawsuit targeting “sanctuary” policies in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken, saying the case overlooks New Jersey’s statewide sanctuary law. Immigration detention (US): The UN human rights chief called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. ICE custody, citing 19 deaths this year and urging accountability. Consumer safety (NJ): A New Jersey man is suing Grubhub and Jersey Mike’s after he says he found dentures embedded in a delivered sandwich. Local governance (Collingswood): Collingswood is considering lifting its long-standing “dry town” alcohol ban, with residents likely to vote if commissioners move forward. Health & science (NJ): Rutgers-trained scientist John Krasting was named New Jersey state climatologist, taking over from David Robinson as the office continues turning climate data into public guidance. Business/finance (NJ): Wells Fargo says it’s closing or moving some branches in New Jersey based on customer demand.

Penn Station Fight: The Trump administration’s takeover push for the long-delayed Penn Station redesign is hitting friction with the MTA, which says federal partners are playing “blah-blah” games and warns cooperation may be needed to keep the promised ground-breaking timeline. NJ Budget Deadline: New Jersey leaders say they’ve reached a $60.7B budget deal ahead of the June 30 deadline, but lawmakers are still negotiating details behind closed doors, meaning residents may not see the full bill until right before votes. PFAS Fallout: The EPA and DOJ announced a landmark $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals” released into the Cape Fear River in North Carolina and the Delaware River in New Jersey, with major money earmarked for corrective measures and drinking-water alternatives. Supreme Court Guns Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s limits on carrying guns on private property open to the public, a decision expected to ripple into gun rules in states including New Jersey. Sports Betting Harm: A new study finds gambling-disorder diagnoses jumped more than 60% in states that legalized sports betting, with the biggest increases among young men. Civic Tech for NJ: Two NJ groups partnered with Civilio to launch an AI-assisted platform that turns public meetings statewide into searchable, plain-language summaries and alerts.

Housing & Local Governance: Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced new steps to speed NJ homebuilding, including a second round of NJ HOMES municipal support and nearly $35M raised via the Affordable Housing Tax Credit auction. Courts & Public Safety: NJ’s top court ordered more detailed facial-recognition discovery in a Jersey City murder case, and the state appellate court upheld a comptroller subpoena to a private charter-school vendor. Legal Fight Over Sanctuary Policies: A federal judge tossed most of a Trump administration suit targeting sanctuary policies in four NJ cities, saying the core issues trace back to a statewide directive. Second Amendment Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s rule requiring gun permit holders to get a property owner’s express permission to carry onto private property open to the public. Health & Science: HSS researchers identified immune cells driving abnormal joint tissue growth in rheumatoid arthritis, pointing to new treatment angles. Community & Culture: NJ Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was announced, headlined by SZA, Christine Todd Whitman, and Lawrence Taylor. Business & Innovation: Enzene unveiled its BIO 2026 Nex partnership program to help biosimilar manufacturing launch faster and with less upfront capital.

World Cup in NJ: Germany vs. Ecuador is set for 4 p.m. Thursday at MetLife Stadium, with FOX and Fubo carrying the match as the tournament’s group stage tightens. Local Sports & Community: SoccerFest26 kicks off on the Camden waterfront June 15–27 with giant-screen watch parties, live music, food vendors, youth soccer and family activities. PFAS Accountability: The Trump administration reached a multi-state deal with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” requiring about $450 million in penalties and cleanup plans that include New Jersey. Legal Fight Over Immigration: A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s challenge to sanctuary policies in Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Paterson, leaving local rules in place for now. State Policy: A Senate committee advanced a bill to cut Next New Jersey data center tax credits by $250 million and redirect money toward energy-related goals. Health & Safety: A Cape May County psychiatrist pleaded guilty to 17 felony counts for issuing invalid prescriptions for controlled substances, including Adderall, Vyvanse and Xanax.