AGP Executive Report

Retail & Local Economy: Toys “R” Us is back in a big way, opening 120 new standalone stores this holiday season and expanding from 40 to 160 locations nationwide, with some New Jersey-area content spaces at American Dream. Sports & College Policy: NJ Sen. Cory Booker and Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt clash over a sweeping college sports bill, with Booker calling the NCAA a monopoly and Schmitt arguing for rules to protect the game. Housing & Services: GOP nominee Joe Hathaway proposes a federal “High-Density Housing Relief” program to help towns pay for schools, police, fire/EMS, and infrastructure tied to state housing mandates. Media & Antitrust: California AG Rob Bonta and other states reached a settlement with Paramount to clear the path for its Warner Bros. Discovery merger, including film-release and editorial-board commitments. Health & Workforce: Hackensack Meridian CEO Robert C. Garrett will retire in 2027, and New Jersey Reentry Corporation graduated about 400 from its 2026 Summer Training Institute. Community & Food: ShopRite of Edgewater Commons opened in Edgewater after a remodel, bringing a full-service supermarket to the area.

Entertainment & Politics: Ed Sheeran changed his Philadelphia Loop Tour show by removing a B stage after Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” fallout, saying he feared objects could be thrown; he later apologized for “making mistakes” and called Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable.” Courts & Business: NJ power broker George Norcross III filed a $100M defamation suit against the Philadelphia Inquirer and editor Nancy Phillips over a case he says was politically orchestrated and thrown out. Tech & Infrastructure: EXA Infrastructure launched plans for the EXA Meridian transatlantic subsea cable linking New Jersey to the UK, targeting service in 2029. Local Economy: New Jersey small businesses are investing in tech despite low confidence, while Benchmark Senior Living is expanding its NJ footprint. Housing & Equity: A new report finds “Redlining 2.0” drives higher homeowners insurance costs for Black neighborhoods. Immigration: After Haiti TPS ended, Human Rights Watch says deportations have sent hundreds back to danger with limited support. Weather: A week-long nor’easter is forecast to bring dangerous surf, strong winds, and coastal flooding along the East Coast.

Gaza Fallout in the Spotlight: Ed Sheeran broke his silence at a Philadelphia show, calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable,” apologizing for “mistakes,” and saying he feared venues could pre-approve content after the Macklemore controversy. Public Safety: A Saddle Brook officer was struck during an I-80 traffic stop and the driver fled; authorities are still identifying the suspect. Traffic Woes at the Meadowlands: A new study ranks MetLife Stadium the NFL’s sixth-worst for gameday congestion, with speeds averaging about 13 mph after kickoff. Environmental Alarm for Secaucus: A diesel spill from an Equinix data center—about 5,500 gallons—hit Anderson Creek, and officials say it’s the largest data-center fuel spill on record in New Jersey. Local Nonprofits, Grant Wins: IRS filings show big year-over-year government grant jumps for groups including Jefferson Park Ministries (Elizabeth), Second Street Youth Center (Plainfield), Northvale Volunteer Ambulance, and Mt. Zion Ame (New Brunswick).

Pop Culture & Politics: Ed Sheeran broke his silence in Philadelphia, calling Gaza “catastrophic and unjustifiable” and apologizing for “mistakes” after his Loop Tour fallout with Macklemore—who was dropped following pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Protest & Security: Ahead of the show, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Lincoln Financial Field and confronted some concertgoers, while masked demonstrators also blocked entrances and escalated tensions. Local Entertainment: Newarkiff, the first international film festival hosted in Newark, is spotlighting independent filmmakers with the Hannibal Goodwin Award for Innovation in Filmmaking. Community & Sports: Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes opened a new academy in Mount Laurel, and hundreds turned out for the Northern New Jersey Empower Walk and 5K for Autism Speaks. Business & Retail: Toys “R” Us announced plans to open 120 new standalone stores nationwide this holiday season, including an American Dream location in New Jersey.

Ed Sheeran Tour Fallout (NJ/PA): Ed Sheeran is set to resume his Loop Tour Saturday at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, with the show’s start time pushed from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. after all opening acts and support performers quit in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed over pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Politics & Campaign Ads (NJ): House Majority PAC launched a new digital ad targeting Rep. Tom Kean Jr., attacking his months-long absence from Washington and linking it to higher gas and grocery prices. Sports Business (NY/NJ): The Knicks are reportedly exploring a small trade that could open room for veterans, using a Brooklyn draft pick and cash to reshape their roster. Public Safety/Privacy (NJ): A federal court fight over a sensitive driver database continues, with a preliminary injunction blocking a Trump administration demand for personal information. Consumer/Health Watch: The FDA expanded its yellow oleander supplement warning list to 33 products, including items sold online that tested positive.

Tour Fallout in NJ: Aaron Rowe defended Ed Sheeran after Macklemore was dropped from the Loop Tour over pro-Palestinian remarks, saying critics are “focusing on the wrong person” and pointing to Robert Kraft’s role in stadium decisions. Local Tech & Privacy: Cherry Hill will end its contract with Flock license-plate cameras at year’s end, citing ongoing national debate over automated surveillance. Housing & Insurance: A New Jersey homebuyer says a Tesla Solar Roof being discontinued triggered an insurance underwriting review that could affect coverage. Economy & Costs: The Fed’s Sept. rate hike is expected to raise borrowing costs for NJ homebuyers and borrowers. Business & Jobs: Wonder plans to lay off 533 NJ workers while shifting production and distribution to Gloucester County. Sports Culture: John Harbaugh’s “Ravens mantra” is taking hold with the Giants, with several former Ravens helping reshape the team’s identity. Health Access: North Hudson Community Action Corporation cut the ribbon on a new Weehawken Health Center to expand local care.

Pop Culture Fallout: Ed Sheeran is facing fresh boycott calls after rapper Macklemore was dropped from his Loop Tour over pro-Palestine remarks tied to MetLife Stadium shows in New Jersey; support acts walked out and Sheeran says the decision wasn’t his, while Macklemore pledged $1 million from tour earnings to Palestinian aid. Local Sports: Devils GM Sunny Mehta says he’s “comfortable” with the goaltending setup after Jacob Markstrom was traded to the Florida Panthers, with Jake Allen expected to start. Health Watch: CDC reports a measles surge nationwide, with 3,471 cases as of Sept. 17, including New Jersey among the affected jurisdictions. Public Safety & Climate: Lawmakers are pushing the “Polluters Pay” idea after flash flooding hit Paterson and nearby towns, with rescues reported and calls for infrastructure upgrades. Business & Community: Toys R Us plans a major comeback—120 new standalone stores by year-end—while UnitedHealthcare opened an Asian Resource Center in Edison to expand multilingual help for Chinese, Korean and South Asian residents. Arts & Loss: Broadway composer Duncan Sheik, known for “Barely Breathing” and “Spring Awakening,” died at 56.

Healthcare & Local Politics: Jersey City officials and residents are pressing to reopen Heights University Hospital, arguing the state’s approval process and the hospital’s future access to care are on the line. Education & Student Rights: The Honor Committee at TCNJ kept debating changes to how students can appeal honor sanctions, tightening what qualifies for review. Business & Jobs: Reckitt (Mucinex, Lysol) plans a $400M U.S. supply-chain push and will consolidate more operations into Nutley, while Toys “R” Us announces 120 new standalone stores for the holiday season. Courts & Consumer Protection: A federal judge let a class action against State Farm over PHL life insurance policies move forward. Public Safety: NJDOT is rolling out new Route 55 safety steps after fatal crashes, including more “wrong way” signage and guiderail work. Culture & Controversy: The Ed Sheeran–Macklemore fallout keeps spreading, with more artists and media outlets weighing in as the Gaza-related dispute turns into a broader celebrity test. Sports & Politics: NHL star Alex Ovechkin defended appearing in a pro-Putin video, saying he supports his country.

AI & Energy Policy: New Jersey’s neighbors in Washington are moving to roll back fossil-fuel carbon rules while AI data centers surge, with new reporting warning the buildout could mean massive new emissions. Consumer Protection: New Jersey’s AG Nick Brown is part of a multistate push that secured a $694 million settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, including cash and debt relief for borrowers. Local Government Transparency: A new look at New Jersey and other states finds no universal standard for livestreaming or recording local meetings—leaving residents to navigate patchwork rules. Entertainment & Culture Clash: The Ed Sheeran “Loop” tour fallout keeps spreading, with more artists and public figures weighing in after Macklemore’s pro-Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium. Labor & Cannabis: UFCW Local 360 says manufacturing workers at Smiling Bud in Ridgefield voted to unionize, adding to the union’s footprint in NJ’s legal cannabis industry. Community & Sports: Youth sports fields are getting harder to keep playable as staffing shortages hit recreation programs. Food & Travel: Fans heading to major concerts are increasingly driving demand across the Hudson, with Jersey City and Newark seeing hotel gains tied to New York events.

Music & Culture Clash: Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour keeps unraveling after opener Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, triggering a cascade of support-act walkouts and a public feud that now includes Robert Kraft and a fresh $2 million humanitarian pledge from Sheeran and Kraft. Local Politics & Public Safety: NJ lawmakers Craig Coughlin and Paul Sarlo are drafting legislation to protect athletes, coaches, officials, and families from harassment and threats tied to sports betting. Energy & Environment: A diesel spill tied to a New Jersey data center is forcing cleanup efforts after thousands of gallons entered a creek/river tributary. Tech & Law: A New Jersey copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft is expanding as publishers rally—now topping 550 outlets—over claims of unauthorized use of journalism. Business & Housing: Zillow lost an antitrust fight over access to Chicago-area listing feeds, with a judge ordering arbitration instead of forcing data access. Sports: The Winnipeg Jets suspended Connor Hellebuyck for failing to report to training camp, with the New Jersey Devils among teams reportedly interested.

Music & Free Speech Clash: Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is in turmoil after Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and now every remaining support act has quit in solidarity—raising fresh questions about refunds and who pressured venues to censor the lineup. Local Business: O’Bagel opened a new Parsippany location on Sept. 12, its eighth NJ shop, with a Princeton ninth site planned. Environment: Cleanup is underway after about 5,000 gallons of diesel leaked from an Equinix data center in Secaucus into Anderson Creek in the Meadowlands. Health & Research: Rutgers and RWJBarnabas Health launched the Rutgers/RWJBarnabas Health Innovation Hub at HELIX to speed medical education and clinical projects. Sports: The Devils extended Luke Evangelista with a five-year deal starting in 2027-28. Public Safety/Commemoration: New Jersey and beyond marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with remembrance events and first-responder stories.

Tour Fallout in NJ: Ed Sheeran’s U.S. “Loop” dates are in chaos after rapper Macklemore was removed for pro-Palestinian remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Music & Culture: Four supporting acts—Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—quit the tour hours after Sheeran said the decision was made by promoters and venues, with Finneas calling it a stand against silencing “the oppressed.” Politics & Accountability: The Macklemore controversy is also feeding broader debate over free speech and public pressure on major venues. Arts in New Jersey: The New Jersey State Council on the Arts released its 2026 Artist Fellowship Catalog, highlighting 99 New Jersey fellows across multiple disciplines. Local Governance: Delaware’s VA home-loan rankings and a national diversity ranking roundup also circulated, but the biggest NJ-specific news this week remains the MetLife tour fallout.

Entertainment Fallout: Ed Sheeran says he didn’t personally kick Macklemore off his U.S. Loop Tour, insisting it was “the promoter’s decision” after venues told him they’d pull future dates following Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The back-and-forth keeps circling billionaire Robert Kraft, whom Macklemore and others have blamed for pushing the boycott. Public Safety & Environment: A Secaucus data center leak spilled about 5,000 gallons of diesel into a nearby creek, with officials citing a suspected computer glitch and saying cleanup is underway. Consumer Watch: Whole Foods recalled a specialty cheese sold in NJ and six other states after an undeclared egg allergen was found. Tech & Policy: NJ and other states are pushing the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Business: EVgo plans 400+ fast chargers at grocery-anchored shopping centers, including in New Jersey. Arts & Culture: Maya Lin’s biodiversity-focused installation “What Is Missing? What If?” is set to open at Princeton.

AI Policy Fight: New Jersey lawmakers are weighing the latest push to slow artificial intelligence after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned AI could “escape human control,” with President Trump and JD Vance arguing regulation is risky and that Trump is the “guardrail.” Immigration & Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court kept mail voting rules in place for the 2026 midterms, blocking Trump-era efforts to overhaul how ballots are labeled and delivered. PFAS Fallout: Chemours, DuPont and Corteva reached a $455M settlement with North Carolina and local governments over “forever chemicals,” with payments spread over 15 years. Health & Safety: Parents of people with developmental disabilities urged New Jersey lawmakers to require cameras in state-licensed group homes, citing alleged abuse and neglect. Music & Politics: Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour after “Free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with venues reportedly refusing to host him. Business Watch: Apollo is reportedly negotiating a $20B-plus buyout of J&J’s orthopedic unit, DePuy Synthes, based in New Brunswick.

NFL Opener in NJ: The Giants kicked off the John Harbaugh era with a bruising 28-20 win over the Cowboys at MetLife, with New York converting 9 of 11 third downs and Dallas’ new-look defense falling flat. 9/11 Remembrance in the Spotlight: The league and the region marked the 25th anniversary with emotional tributes, including a Morgan State marching band halftime performance and a standout Giants pregame anthem moment. Cancer Care Access: A Ringwood widower and father with Stage IV lung cancer was connected to pro bono treatment at The Valley Hospital in Paramus after outreach helped clear financial and care barriers. Education & Community Giving: Doherty Enterprises says it plans nearly $3M in 2026 education support across NJ, including school-supply drives and teacher contests. Tech, Power, and Pollution Watch: Cleanup continues after diesel fuel spilled from an Equinix data center into a Secaucus tributary of the Hackensack River. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese sold in NJ and other states due to an undeclared egg allergen.

Election Security: A federal judge blocked armed voting-rights activists from standing near ballot drop boxes, and election officials nationwide are now preparing for a new threat they fear could come from Trump and federal allies. Weather & Power: Heavy rain and flash flood warnings hit New Jersey, leaving 5,600+ customers without power and stranding vehicles in deep water in places like Paterson and Paramus. Food Access in Newark: Newark opened five community grocery stores—one per ward—built from emergency food hubs, with plans to accept SNAP and WIC soon. Local Roads: Burlington County is starting a two-week resurfacing project on a 1.9-mile stretch of New Lisbon Road in Pemberton Township, with eastbound detours. Health & Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese in seven states due to undeclared egg allergen, warning people with egg allergies. Housing for Vets: VA home-loan data shows New Jersey ranked 9th in average loan amount in Q2 2026. Sports & Culture: Week 1 NFL promos are flooding in, while Newark’s community and New Jersey’s arts scene keep rolling alongside 9/11 anniversary coverage.