AGP Executive Report

Clean & Green Fight in Bucks County: Farmers in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County say the state’s Clean and Green tax breaks don’t fit how small farms actually operate, arguing the program’s proof rules for under-10-acre parcels can be unfair for lower-value crops. Social Media & Youth Harm: A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million and impose new limits tied to claims that Facebook and Instagram contributed to a youth mental health crisis. Cybersecurity for NJ Water: Experts warn cyberattacks on water systems could go beyond outages, with New Jersey among states reporting incidents and officials urging stronger defenses. Medicaid Oversight: Federal audits flagged $1.5B in improper or unsupported school-based Medicaid claims across multiple states, including New Jersey, with questions about contractor involvement. NJ Politics & Voter Rolls: The Trump administration’s push for federal access to state voter records keeps getting rejected in court, extending a streak of losses. Local Community & Schools: Montclair hired a new communications director amid scrutiny over a major school district budget deficit. Cape May Ferry Update: Cape May–Lewes Ferry plans a new 75-car vessel, with construction expected to finish in 2029 and a $78.6M price tag.

ICE Detention Scrutiny: U.S. lawmakers renewed calls to shut down Newark’s Delaney Hall after another detainee death, with Sen. Cory Booker saying Republicans’ move to block closure shows “callous disregard for health,” while families and advocates cite repeated medical neglect and limited oversight. Election Integrity Fight: GOP lawmakers pressed NJ officials over a “serious software error” that allegedly registered thousands of noncitizens to vote and led to about 400 ballots, raising fresh questions about safeguards and compliance. Public Safety & Policy: A New Jersey Supreme Court ruling says employee underinsured motorist coverage doesn’t have to match a liability cap, while a separate dispute targets NJ school guidance on parental notification for students questioning or changing gender. Local Governance & Growth: Vineland’s AI data center plan faced a long hearing as developers argued for on-site power using fuel cells to reduce grid strain. Business & Community: Hitech Screen Changers has new owners, keeping the NJ extrusion legacy alive under veteran Mike Mitchell. Sports/Entertainment: LIV Golf’s New York stop is set for Trump National in Bedminster, and NJ arts groups are gearing up for new Jersey Shore productions and events.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: Hackers targeted water and wastewater utilities in at least a dozen states, including New Jersey, forcing some systems into manual operations; officials say there’s no known widespread public health impact so far. Local Politics & Housing/Industry: Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench proposes sweeping zoning changes that would add data-center standards, restrict energy and environmental impacts, and bar prisons and immigration detention facilities. ICE Detention Scrutiny: Families and advocates are pressing for action after additional deaths at Delaney Hall, as ACLU-NJ and others demand accountability and better visitation rules. Energy Bills Backlash: Atlantic City Electric disputes claims of another big rate hike, saying average impacts this summer are smaller and tied to usage and rate factors. NJ Community & Culture: Paterson’s Great Falls gets a tourism push with new access points and a planned Great Falls Center, while Union County’s 4-H Master Tree Steward program is taking fall applications. Business Watch: B&G Foods, based in New Jersey, says its CEO Casey Keller will step down Friday as the company reshapes its portfolio.

ICE Detention Deaths: A third immigrant has died at Newark’s Delaney Hall, with lawmakers and family members alleging medical neglect and delayed disclosure, as protests and calls for independent investigations continue. Local Courts & Records: A judge tossed Cherry Hill schools’ lawsuit aimed at stopping a journalist from filing public-records requests, clearing the way for continued OPRA scrutiny. Data Center Fight: Monroe Township asked a court to dismiss a $300 million challenge to its data center ban, arguing zoning limits aren’t protected speech. Public Safety & Health: Federal funding cuts to Philadelphia-area health research are drawing outrage from Rep. Brendan Boyle, who wants answers on why grants were canceled. Politics & Community: Gov. Mikie Sherrill backed Seth Moulton in Massachusetts’ Senate primary and also reignited the cheesesteak debate by praising Camden’s Donkey’s Place. Business & Retail: Burlington Stores announced a new DuBois, Pa. location opening Aug. 14, part of its broader expansion. Environment: Rutgers research says coastal erosion-storm conditions hitting Sandy Hook are happening about twice as often as in 1979.

Gun Policy Debate: A Saturday shooting in Idaho put suppressors back in the spotlight after an armed citizen used a suppressed handgun, reigniting arguments over why anti-Second Amendment groups target the devices. Local Jobs: Citibank filed WARN notices for 59 Hudson County layoffs set for Oct. 31, following earlier New Jersey cuts this year. Healthcare & End-of-Life: New York’s Medical Aid in Dying law takes effect, allowing eligible terminally ill adults to request lethal medication with required safeguards. Public Safety & Scams: NJ agencies warned residents about new scam waves, including fake utility visits and bogus jury duty calls. Community & Culture: Union County’s Aug. 8 event at Meisel Field celebrates the nation’s 250th with a vintage baseball exhibition and family activities. Business & Energy: Aternium selected Dover for its first U.S. heavy water and high-purity hydrogen facility, aiming to boost domestic supply chains. Health Alert: The CDC is preparing to expand a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce, with more states expected. Tech/AI: CoreWeave, based in Livingston, is set to report earnings Aug. 11 as Wall Street watches AI infrastructure demand and profitability.

Amazon Under Fire in NJ: Attorney General Jennifer Davenport filed the state’s fourth lawsuit against Amazon, accusing its Delivery Service Partners network of “anticompetitive” practices that mean lower pay, worse conditions, and surveillance-style pressure on drivers. Immigration Custody Scrutiny: The family of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a man who died in ICE custody at Newark’s Delaney Hall, alleges medical negligence and is demanding an independent investigation, as ICE says he received care after a medical emergency. NJ Courts on Child Abuse Law: The New Jersey Supreme Court limited part of the Child Sexual Abuse Act’s 2021 retroactivity, ruling the expanded liability applies only prospectively. Land Use Rule Clarified: The New Jersey Supreme Court said local zoning boards must prioritize whether a variance would substantially impair zoning plans before weighing public benefits. Tariff Fight: New Jersey joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging Trump’s new tariffs as an illegal tax increase. World Cup Money Woes: US host cities, including New Jersey/New York, are reportedly still seeking promised FIFA “legacy” payments. Sports (Local Interest): The Yankees promoted top prospect George Lombard Jr. and added Heliot Ramos, reshaping the roster after a loss to the Cardinals.

Amazon Antitrust: New Jersey sued Amazon in federal court in Newark, accusing the company of abusing its market power over independent delivery drivers through its Delivery Service Partner program—alleging low pay, poor conditions, and retaliation tied to union efforts. Tariff Fight: A coalition of 25 states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over new tariffs on dozens of countries, calling them an unlawful pretext to replace taxes the Supreme Court struck down. ICE Detention Scrutiny: Protesters gathered outside Newark’s Delaney Hall after another detainee death, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill renewing calls to close the facility. State Privacy Push: Sen. Ron Wyden warned some businesses are “selectively ignoring” universal opt-outs by relying on inaccurate geolocation data, urging enforcement by state attorneys general. Hemp Policy: NJ’s AG Griffin led a letter with 34 AGs urging Congress to preserve 2025 federal hemp reforms and block a return of intoxicating hemp products. Local Business & Community: Spirit Halloween opened its flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, and a New Brunswick law firm announced a 1,000-backpack school supply giveaway. Sports: The Yankees plan to call up top prospect George Lombard Jr. after optioning Anthony Volpe to Triple-A.

Immigration & Public Safety: A 41-year-old Salvadoran man, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died after a medical emergency at ICE’s Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, the second death there in less than a year, as Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka renewed calls for answers and scrutiny of the privately run facility. Trade & Cost of Living: Twenty-five states, including New Jersey, sued the Trump administration over new Section 301 tariffs on dozens of countries, arguing the move is a pretext to recreate duties the Supreme Court struck down in February. Elections & Data Access: House committees demanded records from New Jersey’s top elections official over the “software errors” that allegedly put about 6,600 noncitizens on voter rolls, as lawmakers press for explanations and compliance. Housing & Veterans: Gov. Sherrill announced a statewide, fully funded system to end veteran homelessness, saying more veterans are being housed each month than are entering homelessness. Consumer & Food Safety: The FDA warned seven food importers, including firms operating in New Jersey, for failing to build required supplier verification programs. Tech & Youth Mental Health: TikTok agreed to settle three teen lawsuits alleging addictive design harms, while similar cases against Meta, YouTube and Snapchat continue.

Elections & Voting Rights: State Sen. Michael Testa Jr. is pushing lawmakers to return from recess to pass New Jersey’s voter ID bill (S-68) after Gov. Mikie Sherrill publicly endorsed the idea, following reports that the MVC improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote and around 400 cast ballots. Environment & Consumer Life: New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law took effect Aug. 1, requiring diners to request single-use items like utensils and condiment packets instead of getting them automatically—sparking online backlash. Politics & Public Safety: Testa also called for “common-sense safeguards” at the polls, while the broader debate over election rules continues to heat up. Business & Atlantic City: Ilitch Gaming completed its acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, expanding its ownership and investment plans. Health & Pharma: Attorney General William Tong announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition. Sports & Community: New Jersey’s Major League Pickleball team capped its regular season with a win in Orlando, bringing more attention to the state’s growing pickleball scene.

Middle East Diplomacy: President Donald Trump says U.S.-Iran talks will begin Monday, but he won’t set a deadline for a deal—after earlier threats to escalate and then back off, as the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile and Iran signals progress with Oman. Shoreline Summer Eats: A Jersey Shore guide highlights Point Pleasant’s Point Lobster Company as a must-do stop before summer slips away, with a waterfront lobster roll pitch aimed at NJ diners. Packaging Shift: Paper-based “bubble wrap” is making its way into hardware stores, promising similar protection but with a recycling-friendly end goal instead of landfill microplastics. Local Labor: Montclair’s Township Council approved a five-year police contract with retroactive raises dating to January 2025, plus stipends and a new paid Juneteenth holiday. Health Tech Breach: New Jersey-based CareCloud disclosed a breach affecting about 345,000 people, involving medical and financial data stored on AWS. Arts & Community: Bergen County Players earned 15 Perry Award nominations, including eight for “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and Ocean County Library hosts a virtual Lucy Foley event in Toms River.

Wayne Affordable Housing Breakthrough: Semeraro & Fahrney won site plan approval for Wayne’s first redevelopment project—an 113-unit affordable housing community—clearing a major step in the township’s long-term housing plan. ACLU vs. ICE in NJ: The ACLU and affiliates filed 54 administrative claims across 17 states, including New Jersey, alleging ICE misconduct such as excessive force and unlawful detentions; one NJ claim accuses agents of assaulting a nurse at Delaney Hall. MetLife Stadium Pop Culture: BTS returned to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford for a full Arirang World Tour stop, delivering a high-energy, visually heavy show that drew major local buzz. Atlantic County Landfill Fire: Crews responded to a trash fire at the ACUA Atlantic County Landfill in Egg Harbor Township, with officials asking residents to stay clear as smoke reports came in. FIFA World Cup Aftershocks: Commentary and coverage continued to swirl around FIFA’s leadership and plans, with global soccer groups pushing back against Infantino-era moves. Local Politics & Housing/Community: A separate Wayne housing win and broader community-focused items kept the spotlight on NJ’s development and civic priorities.

Voter Roll Fight in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly added to New Jersey’s voter rolls, with nearly 400 voting between June 2023 and June 2024, and her administration is steering some of those people toward taxpayer-funded legal help—while Sherrill blames the IDEMIA software vendor and the MVC’s slow fix. Federal Court Pushback: In a separate case, a judge dismissed the DOJ’s effort to force Illinois to hand over sensitive voter-roll data, saying the federal government can’t compel states to release it. ICE Accountability Drive: An ACLU push is tied to 54 tort claims against federal agents, including allegations of abuse at an ICE detention center in New Jersey. Public Safety Weather: Northern NJ faces another flash flood watch after back-to-back storms left roads and drainage systems struggling. Local Culture & Sports: The Little League Softball World Series opened in Greenville, and the Mets marked the 1986 World Series reunion at Citi Field. Entertainment: Vincent Pastore, “Big Pussy” from The Sopranos, died at 80.

NJ “Skip the Stuff” Law: Starting Aug. 1, New Jersey restaurants must give single-use plastic utensils, napkins, and condiment packets only if customers request them—so diners at chains like Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden will have to opt in. FIFA Fallout: Pressure kept rising on Gianni Infantino’s World Cup private-investor plan as UEFA said it lost confidence and vowed a full review after the scheme was abandoned. Local Health & Safety: State data shows 9 NJ counties exceed the 15-minute recommended EMS response time, with Warren County worst at 22 minutes. Culture & Community: William Paterson University marks 25 years of Latin American and Latinx Studies with expanded fall course offerings. Food Scene: Razza in Jersey City was named the No. 3 pizzeria in the U.S. by 50 Top Pizza USA 2026. Sports/Entertainment: Justin Bieber’s World Cup halftime performance helped fuel a major comeback, with multiple tracks rebounding on Billboard charts. Climate/Health Watch: A tick surge tied to warmer winters and land-use changes is driving more bites and higher ER visits nationwide.

World Cup Fallout: FIFA is scrapping its plan to sell stakes in the 2026 World Cup to private investors after backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and Infantino’s own inner circle, including a senior adviser resignation tied to the “bad deal for football” criticism. NJ Immigration & Voting: DHS is pressing states, including New Jersey, to help identify and remove alleged noncitizens from voter rolls, while NJ officials dispute the premise and keep pushing back. Health Care: DOJ announced the first healthcare-sector declination under its new corporate enforcement policy, while NJ courts also rejected mass tort status for debt buyer lawsuits. Consumer Safety: The FDA upgraded a cold brew recall in New Jersey to Class II over potential botulism risk. Local News: A Jersey City fire displaced families and injured firefighters; and River Horse Brewing in Ewing says its tasting room and events will close after Thanksgiving as production moves out of state.

Noncitizen Voting Fight: New Jersey’s voter-roll controversy keeps escalating as Gov. Mikie Sherrill faces fresh scrutiny over a Motor Vehicle Commission software error that registered about 6,600 noncitizens after they answered “no” to being U.S. citizens, with roughly 400 ballots cast before the issue was caught. Privacy & Tech: State Sen. Michael Testa Jr. is pushing legislation to add privacy safeguards for Flock and other automated license plate readers while keeping them available for law enforcement. Local Housing vs Data Centers: Montvale residents and advocates are urging the mayor to drop a hyperscale data center from an affordable housing settlement, warning it could raise utility costs and add environmental burdens. Arts & Culture: Netflix is developing a new reality series, “The Leftovers,” produced by Jersey Shore’s SallyAnn Salsano, filmed across New Jersey. Roadside Crackdown: Dunellen police used an officer disguised as a shrub to issue 74 distracted-driving citations in six hours. Business & Growth: Hovione’s expanded East Windsor pharma facility is set for a ribbon-cutting this fall, with plans to boost U.S. spray-drying capacity and cut its carbon footprint.

NJ Courts & Injuries: The New Jersey Supreme Court backed Walmart in a snowy parking-lot slip-and-fall suit, saying the case didn’t meet the high bar for unusual circumstances. Legal Fees: A federal judge cut about $1.5M from attorneys’ fees sought after a $20M Hayward Holdings settlement, finding the request lacked enough support. World Cup Fight Hits NJ: European soccer leaders agreed to boycott FIFA events over Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes to private equity, with CONCACAF also rejecting the proposal. Ballot & Voter Rolls: A federal judge blocked DOJ efforts to get New Jersey’s unredacted voter registration records, keeping sensitive personal data withheld while the broader dispute continues. Public Safety: A federal indictment alleges some NJ eye-surgery patients were given duplicative or unnecessary tests, tied to alleged kickbacks. Community & Culture: NECANN returns to Atlantic City for Sept. 18-19, spotlighting cannabis brands and business education. Economy Mood: A Rutgers-Eagleton/SSRS poll finds most NJ residents share national gloom about the economy, while feeling better about their own finances and jobs.