AGP Executive Report

EV Trucks & Energy Costs: East Coast and West Coast states are pushing electrification plans for electric trucks as Iran-linked fuel shocks keep diesel expensive, with analysts pointing to long-run operating savings. Crypto & Cybersecurity: Liquid Network says “white hat” hackers drained about 4,000 BTC (roughly $319M) from its sidechain, prompting a pause of bridge nodes and deposit/withdrawal controls. NJ Real Estate & Housing Economics: Manhattan’s luxury rental market is hitting record $100K-plus monthly levels, with policy like the pied-à-terre tax reshaping demand toward renting. Sports Betting Policy: A new national look at app-based gambling finds public sentiment turning more negative as states and leagues monetize online betting—relevant to NJ’s long-running market. Fraud Watch (NJ): BBB Scam Tracker ranks multiple NJ cities around July 2026 scam counts, with losses tied to phishing schemes. Aviation Disruption (NJ): American Airlines resumed/adjusted routes tied to a high-profile unruly passenger incident involving slurs, with Newark-area travel impacted. Manufacturing/Construction Legal How-To: A NJ-focused contract management explainer highlights how weak oversight can drive cost overruns and disputes, and why better governance matters for project delivery.

Public Safety: A head-on crash on Route 206 in Andover Township left one person dead and two injured as Labor Day enforcement ramped up in Northwest New Jersey. Retail & Security: New Jersey State Police charged an Orange man after he allegedly threw a pocketknife at a victim inside American Dream mall in East Rutherford, causing minor injuries. Infrastructure: Delaware River and Bay Authority says the next phase of Delaware Memorial Bridge joint replacement on the New Jersey-bound span starts Sept. 7, with lane closures and overnight work that could affect rush-hour travel. Energy & Industry Policy: As Trump pushes for more data centers, voters in key races—including a Republican county supervisor in Iowa—say they don’t want them, citing land and water concerns. Local Economy & Services: Labor Day closures and schedule changes are set for banks, courts, schools, and postal services across New Jersey. Food & Culture: A roundup spotlights several New Jersey delis for their corned beef sandwiches, including Edison’s Harold’s New York Deli.

Aviation Disruption: An American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark was diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly used racial and homophobic slurs and turned violent; fellow travelers restrained him with zip ties and duct tape before authorities took him into custody. Public Safety & Industry: A toddler fell from the Sky Ride at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights; NJ officials confirmed an investigation, with no sign of a ride malfunction so far. Workforce & Tech Restructuring: Searches for tech layoffs surged as companies including TikTok, Apple, AT&T and Zoox restructure amid AI and automation—though broader job data doesn’t show a sweeping crisis. PFAS Accountability: A new ProPublica investigation revisits how 3M scientists detected PFAS in human blood but faced internal pressure to downplay the findings. Local Business & Regulation: Hoboken approved a permit system for outdoor amplified sound in its Industrial-Waterfront zone, targeting venues like Pier 13 with a 10 p.m. cutoff. Energy & Agriculture: A late-spring freeze wiped out apple crops at Freehold’s Battleview Orchards, shifting the farm to a year-round market instead of picking. Sports & Defense Manufacturing: Marotta Controls won Navy Next Generation Jammer–Low Band work supplying subsystems for the electronic warfare pod.

Energy & Permitting: Researchers say 2027 could be the “biggest year yet” for state energy siting bills as data-center growth and affordability concerns drive more legislative fights, with most enacted measures still generally permissive. Solar in NJ: Lower Towamensing Township approved AMPAL’s conditional use permit for 10 solar arrays, expected to take about two months once site work starts. Education Costs: NJ school districts face a potential crisis as the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission deadlocks again on a proposed 34% health insurance rate hike, raising fears of a “death spiral” for the plan. Public Safety: A Monroe Township school-bus crash sent 14 to the hospital, including 12 children, after a dump truck failed to stop for traffic. Aviation Disruption: An American Airlines Newark-bound flight diverted after a passenger allegedly made racist and homophobic outbursts and was restrained with duct tape and zip ties. Local Development: Haddon Heights advanced the first step toward its first retail liquor license, prequalifying a developer for a Station Avenue restaurant and luxury apartments project.

Election & Courts: NJ Attorney General Nick Brown and a 25-state coalition won a preliminary injunction blocking USPS from forcing states to get federal approval for mail-ballot designs and to feed voter data into a USPS portal ahead of Nov. 3, with the administration expected to appeal. Healthcare & Safety: Two separate 0.9% sodium chloride IV recalls hit multiple states including New Jersey after particles were found in sealed bags—fiberglass in Baxter lots and iron oxide in B. Braun—prompting FDA action despite no reported injuries. Ports & Shipping Risk: The Coast Guard’s Key Bridge follow-up review warns U.S. ports, including the New York/New Jersey area, face growing risks as larger ships stress older infrastructure and current risk tools are underused. Energy & Utilities: A federal audit found Atlantic City Electric improperly billed customers and mishandled tax write-offs from 2021-2025, spurring calls for refunds. Labor & Organizing: Rutgers research says New Jersey’s union membership is holding steady and even rising in some sectors heading into Labor Day. Local Business/Real Estate: Burlington Stores is moving its HQ from New Jersey to Philadelphia, continuing the state’s corporate pullouts. Consumer/Recall: Halloween Chocolatey Eyeballs sold at TJ Maxx/Marshalls were recalled in 13 states, including NJ, over undeclared milk allergen.

Broadband Buildout: Louisiana says it’s targeting early 2027 to finish BEAD construction to 15,000 broadband serviceable locations across 23 parishes, aiming for statewide access by 2028. Higher Ed & Tech: Montclair State opened a 2,450-square-foot VR learning lab for 24,000+ students, backed by a $1M NJEDA grant and built with Dreamscape Learn. Food & Farming: Edible Garden began shipping verified USDA Organic basil to Wakefern for ShopRite stores, using its controlled-environment model to cut reliance on long-distance supply chains. Energy & Utilities: New Jersey Resources turned last year’s loss into a guidance raise after a fiscal Q3 swing to net income and higher net financial earnings. Retail & Jobs: Burlington Stores plans to move its HQ from Burlington, NJ to Philadelphia, relocating 1,500 employees and keeping NJ distribution centers. Biotech/Manufacturing: Cohance Lifesciences is investing $13M in NJ Bio and $5M to gain control of Princeton-based Aruka Bio to deepen its ADC push. Public Health: A pilot study of NJ teens links social media influencer product content to higher use of personal care products, with few routinely checking labels. Legal/Policy: New Jersey’s Climate Superfund Act faces a cautionary backdrop after a similar New York law was struck down in federal court.

Amazon Antitrust: New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey N. Jackson sued Amazon, alleging an illegal ad-pricing scheme that overcharged more than 1.2 million customers by over $20 billion since 2019, with costs allegedly passed to consumers. Prediction Markets: Michigan’s judge ordered Kalshi to stop offering sports event contracts in the state, with penalties up to $500,000 a day, as the legal fight with multiple states heads toward higher courts. Local Economy/Jobs: Burlington Stores announced it’s relocating its corporate headquarters from Burlington Township to Philadelphia’s Schuylkill Yards, backed by state and city incentives and expected to bring at least 2,000 jobs. Real Estate Development: Hoboken’s zoning board approved a six-story, nine-unit luxury mixed-use project at 701 and 709 First Street, clearing the way to replace an auto service center. Energy/Power: FirstEnergy named Jon Dormo vice president of generation project development to advance new power generation opportunities. Public Safety/Environment: Wildwood officials warned residents not to feed or approach coyotes after increased sightings. Food Safety: FDA issued a multistate recall of Crystal Temptations “Chocolatey Eyeballs” due to undeclared milk allergens sold at major retailers including TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Entertainment/Film: Netflix’s “The Whisper Man” turned 22 New Jersey towns into a thriller backdrop, with production involving more than 1,400 extras.

Prediction Markets: New Jersey is pushing its Kalshi dispute to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing states should be able to regulate sports prediction contracts as courts clash over whether they’re gambling or federal derivatives. Manufacturing & Workforce: NJMEP named Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell and NJ Dept. of Labor’s Nicol Nicola as keynote speakers for the Oct. 2 “MADE in NJ” Manufacturing Day in Freehold. Food Safety: FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce tied to NJ’s cyclospora outbreak is off shelves as best-by dates pass; NJ reported 120 cases. Energy & Policy: A new lawsuit alleges Freedom Fuel sold nearly $4M of stolen gas across PA/NJ. Business & Tech: Ocean Power Technologies is rolling out Palantir Foundry to scale autonomous maritime operations. Local Economy: Manasquan postponed a roundabout project to spring and is exploring relief for businesses hit by construction impacts. Consumer Watch: DOJ expanded a beef affordability probe to major retailers including Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Amazon, Kroger, Albertsons, Publix and Ahold Delhaize.

Data Centers & Taxes: A JLL report says the data center boom is accelerating (14% growth through 2030) while many states—often including New Jersey—offer sales, property, and other tax breaks that can outpace competition, fueling a backlash over who benefits. Energy Policy: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the balcony solar law, making plug-in residential solar easier—though safety groups urge buyers to wait for products meeting UL 3700. Prediction Markets Fight: NJ AG Jennifer Davenport asked the U.S. Supreme Court to settle whether states can regulate prediction markets like Kalshi/Polymarket, after a Third Circuit ruling limited state authority. Consumer & Health: Meta reached a massive child-safety settlement, including limits on under-18 use and nighttime restrictions; Unilever and Gruns face NJ gummy “sugar-free” labeling claims. Local Business/Real Estate: Walker & Dunlop arranged $390M construction financing for Park Tower in Jersey City’s Journal Square. Public Safety: DHS condemned Rosie O’Donnell’s ICE claims; a Toms River case saw a man plead guilty in a crash that killed a construction worker.

Fiber Expansion: GoNetspeed is investing $8 million to bring 100% fiber internet to Carteret, targeting up to 6 Gbps symmetrical speeds for 6,300+ homes and businesses, with construction starting as early as spring 2027. School Tech & Privacy: A Waterford Township case highlights how phones can be used to record in places cameras can’t reach, with charges filed after a cellphone was found recording in a faculty restroom. Public Safety & EMS: Upper Township EMS will expand to cover Woodbine starting Sept. 15, adding staff and folding new resources into the broader system. Energy Policy Watch: A federal judge struck down New York’s climate superfund law, raising questions about the legal path for a similar New Jersey bill. Consumer/Business: New Jersey joined the FTC and 21 states in suing Amazon over alleged hidden ad surcharges that regulators say cost advertisers more than $20B. Healthcare Leadership: Wellpoint New Jersey named Patrick Gillespie as its next president, succeeding Patrick Fox. Defense Contracting: Marotta Controls won Navy work tied to the Next Generation Jammer—Low Band program, marking an entry into airborne electronic warfare.

Balcony Solar Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Garden State Balcony Solar Act, making it legal for qualifying plug-in solar units up to 1,200 watts to be used without utility interconnection or metering approvals—while barring landlords, HOAs, and municipalities from broadly banning or requiring permits for the devices; Sherrill says typical bills could drop by as much as $50 a month. Food Safety Recalls: Panorama Produce recalled mangos sold at Walmart locations in Pa. and NJ (plus other states) after salmonella was found on fruit from the same Mexico farm; no illnesses reported. Separately, Crystal Temptations recalled “Chocolatey Eyeballs” sold at TJ Maxx/Marshalls and other retailers because milk wasn’t properly disclosed on packaging. Consumer Tech & Retail: Best Buy is expanding “shop-in-shop” Meta Labs in stores, including a New Jersey location in Woodland Park, as it leans into VR and AI glasses. Local Housing Demand: Voorhees’ affordable housing pipeline moves forward as a 120-unit project seeks planning board approval, with developers citing strong interest for similar nearby units. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Beachwood and New Milford among NJ cities with reported scam activity in July.

Public Safety Funding: New York officials and Rep. Grace Meng urged the Trump administration to release $87M in overdue federal counterterrorism funds, warning cuts would weaken NYPD/FDNY readiness. Food Safety: FDA recalled Martina-brand mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in CT, NJ, NY, and PA after Salmonella was found in fruit from the same farm; no illnesses reported. Energy & Storage: Monmouth Junction-based TreadStone said its DOE-backed DuraC coating can cut flow-battery electrode and plate costs by up to 53%, aiming for commercialization. Real Estate: JLL reported the nearly fully occupied Valley View Apartments in Paterson (79,661 sq. ft.) sold for an undisclosed price. Data Centers in NJ: Gov. Sherrill signed legislation expanding transparency on data center energy and water use and added statewide guidance for community benefits agreements. Cybersecurity: CISA said a coordinated Iranian-attributed attack hit 100+ water systems via internet-exposed controllers, including confirmed impacts in NJ. AI Governance: NJ-based Responsible AI Usage Foundation named Jan Eule as senior advisor as it pushes voluntary AI disclosure standards.

Food Safety Recall: FDA announced a multistate recall of Martina-brand mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in NJ, NY, PA and CT after salmonella was found in mangoes from the same farm; no illnesses reported. Allergy Alert: Crystal Temptations of North Arlington recalled Chocolatey Eyeballs sold at Marshalls/TJ Maxx/HomeGoods/Sierra Trading Post in 13 states, including NJ, because milk (whey) wasn’t declared; no illnesses reported. Big Tech / Consumer Protection: FTC and 22 states, including NJ, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated Sponsored Ads prices for years via undisclosed surcharges, potentially costing advertisers tens of billions; Amazon denies wrongdoing. Energy & Grid Policy: Coverage highlights NJ’s approach to the AI/data-center power surge: separate rate structure and rules so grid upgrade costs don’t hit other customers, plus new requirements for data centers to report energy and water use. Education & Arts: Paper Mill Playhouse won a $150,000 Disney grant to bring Disney Musicals in Schools to NJ elementary districts, with applications due Oct. 2. Retail / Business: Subaru of Cherry Hill plans to relocate its dealership on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, with amended plans tied to DEP flood-hazard rules. Local Business: No Bull Mattress & More filed Chapter 11; it has one NJ store.

Retail & Real Estate: Toms River’s Walmart (Route 37 West) won approval for a 48,190-square-foot expansion, adding online-order pickup space and parking changes, with no opening date yet. Food Safety: A mango recall tied to Salmonella has reached select Walmart stores across NJ and nearby states; separately, Hodo Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu is recalled nationwide due to possible printing-ink contamination. Public Health & Safety: A Newark Liberty employee shuttle bus crash early Monday injured 13 people, prompting an investigation into the cause. Energy & Data Centers: A Vineland AI data center (DataOne) is accused of violating federal law after a probe found dozens of unpermitted generators operating near schools, reigniting noise and permitting concerns. Law & Policy: A federal appeals court ruling deepens the Kalshi prediction-markets fight, setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown that could affect how NJ and other states regulate sports betting. Agriculture: Rutgers researchers in Pittstown are decades into tomato variety development, including disease resistance and farmer-friendly traits, behind NJ’s famed tomatoes. Local Business: Woodbury couple plans to open Freckled Jawn Brewing in October after buying and renovating a former brewery site. Sports: New Jersey 5 captured its first Major League Pickleball season title with a sweep over St. Louis.

Medicaid Spending Watch (NJ): New Jersey communities are seeing sharp shifts in Medicaid billing, from Roselle’s $792,410 in 2024 claims for national code services (+24%) to big local jumps in categories like Westfield’s medicine services ($50,846, up 5,581%) and Linden’s medical/surgical supplies ($690, up 34,400%). Health Care Costs (NJ): Toms River reported $175,311 in 2024 surgery-related Medicaid claims (+11.8%), while Newark logged $102,390 for pathology and lab services (+23.7%). Public Safety & Courts: A New Jersey family is suing a sports equipment maker after a 6-year-old died in Maine when a badminton racket shaft pierced her skull. Sports & Local Pride: Ridgewood native Scottie Scheffler won the Tour Championship and passed Tiger Woods on PGA Tour earnings. Weather Impact: Forecasters warn of renewed heavy-rain and flash-flood risk across parts of the Northeast, including northern New Jersey. Consumer Safety: Walmart stores in the tri-state area pulled Martina-brand mangoes over possible salmonella contamination.

Medicaid spending watch (NJ communities): New Providence saw Medicaid bills for ambulance and other transport jump 29.8% in 2024 ($74,669), while Hopatcong’s same category surged 142.9% ($1,834). Health services mix: Monmouth Junction’s pathology and lab procedures soared 510.2% ($29,766), and South Plainfield’s vision services rose 18.5% ($237). Care intensity signals: Union City’s chemotherapy drugs climbed 50.5% ($10,360), and Rahway’s surgery spending nearly doubled (+99.2%) to $57,094. Local billing spikes: Spotswood’s procedures/professional services rose 215.3% ($659), Englewood’s dental services jumped 180.1% ($3,272), and Secaucus’s temporary national codes (non-medicare) jumped 739.7% ($487). Policy + industry: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law requiring data centers to report water and energy use, as towns continue battling new facilities. Business/health R&D: Bayer presented Phase III REVEAL results for investigational PET tracer iodine 124 evuzamitide for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. Weather: The NWS warns of a renewed heavy-rain threat for parts of northern NJ and the Northeast into early September.