AGP Executive Report

Midterm Politics: CNN reports House Republicans are in “triage mode,” with some GOP lawmakers privately fearing they can’t hold the majority and weighing which races to stop funding. NJ Courts & Protest Rights: A federal judge in New Jersey tossed a Trump administration lawsuit using the FACE Act against pro-Palestinian protesters outside a West Orange synagogue, drawing a line between offensive speech and actionable threats. Cannabis Expansion: Jersey City’s first cannabis consumption lounge, Xena, officially opened in McGinley Square after a four-year process, with Mayor James Solomon calling it community-focused. Jobs & Local Economy: Kings Food Markets will close stores in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station, cutting 122 jobs by Jan. 2, 2027; Dr. Praeger’s will eliminate 168 Elmwood Park jobs and shift production to Kentucky. Public Health: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded to more lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, with NJ included among affected states. Sports Business: The Devils will debut Prudential sponsorship patches on away jerseys for the first time, expanding a Newark-based partnership.

Housing & Poverty: A new Pew Charitable Trusts study finds housing costs are a major driver of poverty in nine states plus D.C., including New Jersey, where poverty would be lower if housing matched the national average. Midterm Politics: With Election Day a month away, polling and forecasters show Democrats competitive in enough races to threaten GOP control of Congress, with affordability and energy costs featuring heavily in the campaign narrative. NJ Courts & Protest Case: A federal judge in New Jersey dismissed a DOJ lawsuit against pro-Palestinian protesters, saying the government didn’t adequately plead violations under the FACE Act, though it can refile. NJ Cannabis Legal Fight: A former chief of staff is suing state Sen. Raj Mukherji, alleging a “de facto cartel” scheme tied to social equity cannabis licenses. Crime Update: Two more people pleaded guilty in an $11M stolen-check bank fraud conspiracy involving deposits at banks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Public Health: NJ health officials report 26 West Nile cases in 2026, including the state’s first confirmed death, urging mosquito-bite prevention. Business/Jobs: Viral cookie chain Chip City abruptly shut down all locations, including in New Jersey, leaving hundreds jobless.

Mosquito Season Watch: New Jersey health officials reported one confirmed West Nile virus death and 26 total cases in 2026, urging residents—especially older adults—to prevent bites and cut standing water. Gun Policy in Court: NJ appealed a Third Circuit ruling that struck down the state’s “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazine ban, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to pause and reconsider. Farm Relief: A bill would send $60 million in state aid to farmers hit by the April freeze, after crop losses wiped out major portions of orchards and threatened pick-your-own seasons. Energy & Cost Fight: Democratic-led states, including NJ, sued the Trump administration over weaker federal fuel-economy rules, arguing they’ll raise costs and emissions. Climate Accountability: Middlesex County filed suit against major oil companies, alleging decades of climate deception worsened flooding and other impacts. Local Business Shock: Cookie chain Chip City abruptly closed all remaining locations, including in New Jersey, citing “macro-economic headwinds.” Workforce Pipeline: A new report says NJ’s skilled trades workforce is aging fast, with only 7% age 25 and younger. Nuclear Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a Nuclear Task Force and “Nuclear NJ” website to speed next-generation nuclear planning.

Hudson Transit Planning: A new NJ study is laying groundwork for bus rapid transit in Hudson County along John F. Kennedy Boulevard, with ideas like dedicated lanes, transit signal priority, better stops, and off-board fare collection. Port Security: U.S. Customs says it stopped more than 600 stolen cars from being shipped overseas through the Port of New York and New Jersey, including at Newark’s Port—keeping tens of millions in stolen property from leaving. Food Supply & Competition: Lawmakers and independent restaurants are urging the FTC to scrutinize Sysco’s proposed $29.1B acquisition of Restaurant Depot. Cost of Living: A new report says inflation is hitting New Jerseyans harder than the ANCHOR rebate check. School Finance Fight: Newark Public Schools says a state audit found “nothing,” while auditors flagged excess aid, questionable spending, and referred matters to the Criminal Justice division. Energy Policy: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a Nuclear Task Force and a new “Nuclear NJ” website to pursue next-generation nuclear power. Public Safety & Politics: NJ’s lieutenant governor resigned after a sexual harassment and ethics investigation, and a Rutgers poll finds Sherrill’s approval holding steady. Elections Watch: NJ released midterm voter registration data showing more socialists than Republicans registered over the past month. Data Center Pressure: A report says a Vineland data center ran dozens of unpermitted gas generators for nearly a year, emitting large amounts of pollution.

Election & Courts: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds Gov. Mikie Sherrill holding steady at 44%-34% approval after Dale Caldwell’s resignation, while Trump’s favorables in New Jersey are deeply underwater at 24%-66%—a backdrop as election leadership shifts. State Elections: Sherrill named Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state after Caldwell resigned, putting her in charge of overseeing elections as Republicans press lawsuits seeking voter data. Workplace Rules: New Jersey’s Oct. 1 independent contractor guidelines take effect, with supporters calling it “fairness” and critics warning it could upend gig work and amateur officiating. Public Safety & Crime: Federal authorities charged six men in smash-and-grab jewelry store robberies across New Jersey, including cases tied to Newark and Paterson. Environment: Microplastics were found across Philly-region waterways, with calls for a broader plastics crackdown. Health & Community: RadNet and WIN-NextGen announced a program to mentor students into medical imaging careers. Culture & Politics: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” tour sold out immediately after his MetLife Stadium protest earlier this year.

Housing & Politics: Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s housing push is back in the spotlight, with reporting that her plan targets major new production and permit deadlines, while the political fallout from the Caldwell ethics scandal keeps New Jersey’s leadership shakeups in view. Storm Recovery: After the Sept. 25–28 nor’easter battered the Jersey Shore, Ocean and Monmouth County property owners are getting help filing and negotiating claims, with public adjusters pointing to wind and tidal flooding impacts across Long Beach Island and the mainland. Local Economy: New Jersey Restaurant Week returns Oct. 16–22, with dozens of participating eateries statewide offering special menus and discounts. Tech & Business: Prudential is reportedly consolidating Newark office space, and New Jersey’s business community is also watching continued growth tied to AI and data-center investment. Federal/Legal: A major federal education data release highlights hundreds of sexual assault allegations involving public school staff, adding pressure on enforcement of protections for students.

Cooper River Sewage Cleanup Vote: Camden County voters will weigh a referendum to raise the open space tax by one cent per $100 to help fund a roughly $400 million, 10-year plan to rehabilitate sewers and waterways—aimed at cutting sewage spills after heavy rain. State Law Challenge in Schools: New Jersey education officials say the Rancocas Valley board lacked a clear legal basis to grant Lt. board member Jason Carty a leave while he fights election fraud and domestic violence allegations. Lt. Gov. Caldwell Fallout: Princeton-area leaders reacted to Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an investigation found ethics violations and substantiated sexual harassment, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill moving to fill the vacancy. Housing Push: Gov. Sherrill outlined steps to expand housing production on state land as New Jersey grapples with affordability. Nor’easter Recovery: Sherrill toured Atlantic County shore damage and discussed potential federal aid as towns assess flooding, erosion, and power outages. Sports Officiating Crunch: New rules and rising referee costs are straining New Jersey youth sports, with some districts warning it could mean higher taxes or fewer programs. Liberty Science Center Expansion: Jersey City’s Liberty Science Center broke ground on Project Supernova, a $40M upgrade to make the campus more all-weather and interactive.

Hudson Tunnel Progress: Crews in North Bergen flipped the switch on a massive drill to start boring the new Hudson River rail tunnel linking New Jersey and New York, a key piece of the $16B Gateway project. Housing Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiled a five-pillar housing plan, including doubling homes on state land from 20,000 to 40,000, adding permit “shot clocks,” and launching a new tax credit auction to fund affordable units. Minimum Wage Update: New Jersey’s minimum wage rises for most workers to $16.48 per hour starting Jan. 1, with other categories also increasing. Public Safety: Newark police are searching for a suspect after video captured an unprovoked beating of a woman outside her home. Education Funding Fight: NJ Attorney General Raoul joined a coalition challenging a Trump administration proposal that would expand political control over education grant funding. Local Courts/Justice: A North Bergen woman was sentenced to prison for staging a Bentley crash and trying to collect about $274K from her insurer. College Sports: The Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, sending it to the House where the future looks uncertain.

Hudson Tunnel Progress: The Gateway Development Commission marked the start of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project, with crews preparing to launch two massive machines to dig a mile-long rail tunnel under the Palisades in New Jersey. Nor’easter Aftermath: A weekend nor’easter left parts of the Jersey Shore dealing with flooding, beach erosion, and power outages as cleanup continues. State Policy: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to update the state’s aquaculture definition to include hatcheries and related facilities, aiming to unlock more investment for shellfish farming. College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act, setting a national framework for athlete compensation and transfers, with the bill now headed to the House. Local Business/Finance: Cetera welcomed former Commonwealth advisor John Fitzgerald’s Vineland team, managing about $185 million in assets. Consumer Safety: The FDA announced a recall of nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed in New Jersey due to elevated scombrotoxin risk. Workforce/AI: New Jersey employers must use a new portal to report separations, as state labor rules continue to roll out.

Gateway Rail Milestone: Tunnel boring for the $16B Gateway project kicked off in North Bergen, with Gov. Kathy Hochul and NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill celebrating the first new Hudson River rail tunnels in more than a century, after a Trump-era funding pause was later overturned in court. Port Authority Expansion: Newark Liberty’s Terminal A got $110M approved for gate additions—two in a southern expansion by 2029 and six in a northern expansion starting in 2030—as passenger demand surged. Banking Deal: Valley National Bancorp will buy Bluevine for about $340M, aiming to boost small-business deposits and expand digital banking and AI capabilities. Consumer Pricing Fight: The FTC’s proposed personalized pricing disclosure rules drew thousands of comments, with industry warning it could sweep in loyalty and promotions while consumer groups say it still doesn’t go far enough. Courts & Business: A lawsuit targets Alarum Technologies investors over claims tied to alleged NetNut misconduct, while Paramount and blue-state AGs defend their antitrust settlement against NJ Sen. Cory Booker’s objections. Local Watch: West Milford’s school board heard parents weigh in on a football coach, school safety, and bus concerns. Education/Work: NJDOL’s employer separation portal is now live for unemployment-related submissions.

Nor’easter Recovery in NJ: A powerful nor’easter kept pounding the Northeast for a second day, bringing coastal flooding and knocking out power across New Jersey and beyond, with officials warning high tide could trigger more trouble. State Politics: In NJ’s most competitive congressional race, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett clashed in a debate over Iran, tariffs, and the cost of living, with analysts watching the 7th District closely. Local Economy & Housing: Atlantic City’s Sheraton at the Convention Center remains a key convention draw, but questions linger about why it can’t turn that into profits. Workforce Rules: New Jersey’s ABC test for independent contractors is set to tighten on Oct. 1, raising stakes for 1099 workers and gig arrangements. Business & Courts: A federal securities fraud class action was filed against Lincoln Educational Services in New Jersey, tied to alleged admissions-related misstatements. Tech & Energy: The federal SPARK grid-upgrade program is pushing transmission improvements that could affect reliability and costs nationwide, including in states like NJ.

Nor’easter Recovery Watch: A powerful, slow-moving nor’easter is battering the East Coast again, bringing repeat coastal flooding and dangerous surf from New Jersey through New England, with power out for more than 130,000 customers and travel disruptions including canceled and delayed flights. Shark-Spotting Amid Flooding: In New Jersey’s flooded suburbs, residents reported a possible baby shark swimming through driveways and Atlantic City streets as waters rose and tides kept coming back. Statehouse Shake-Up: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an investigation found sexual harassment and ethics violations, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill moving to fill the vacancy. NJ Politics—Next Debate: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and challenger Rebecca Bennett face off in a high-stakes NJ-7 debate after Kean’s unexplained four-month absence drew scrutiny. Election Fraud Charges: The NJ AG’s office charged a Dover official with election fraud tied to alleged false voter registration forms. Local Culture & Community: SOPAC in South Orange added new board members as it ramps up its fall programming.

Nor’easter Fallout: A slow-moving nor’easter battered the Northeast, knocking out power for about 100,000 customers at one point and flooding coastal areas, with the highest tides expected north of Atlantic City, including in New Jersey. ICE and Immigration Messaging: New data says assaults against ICE officers surged more than 1,700% since the start of the second Trump administration, as Democrats step up criticism and battleground candidates try to recalibrate their message. NJ Politics: The New Jersey Globe and Rider University will host the only NJ-7 debate between Rebecca Bennett and Tom Kean Jr. Sunday at 7 PM. Data Center Pressure in NJ: New Jersey fined a southern New Jersey data center $1 million over unpermitted gas generators, adding to the fight over AI-era power and air pollution. Food Safety: Buckhead tuna—nearly 333 pounds—was recalled across NJ and four other states after elevated scombrotoxin levels were found. Local Business Closings: Starbucks is closing two New Jersey stores this weekend.

Nor’easter Fallout: A powerful nor’easter churned up the Northeast Saturday, knocking out power for about 100,000 customers and flooding parts of coastal New Jersey, including Surf City where water rose inside a marina during the storm. Data Centers Under Fire: New Jersey’s DEP hit a Vineland data center with a $1 million fine after inspectors found dozens of unpermitted gas generators operating during the AI boom. NJ Politics: Gov. Sherrill accepted Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an investigation found sexual harassment and ethics violations, with Democratic county chairs backing Sherrill afterward. Retail Closures: Starbucks is permanently closing two NJ locations this weekend—Milburn (343 Milburn Ave) and Willingboro (4380 Route 130). Tech/Phones: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in nine states, including New Jersey, giving the agency more time amid concerns for rural customers. Sports & Culture: The Jonas Brothers kicked off their “Burning Up Tour All Over Again” at TD Garden in Boston as the storm hit; locally, Sea Bright residents sandbagged ahead of peak tide.

Resignation Shock in Trenton: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after Gov. Mikie Sherrill accepted his step-down following a report citing ethics violations and substantiated sexual harassment, with Caldwell saying he left to avoid distracting the administration. Party Pushback and Fallout: Nineteen of 21 Democratic county chairs backed Sherrill’s handling and praised Caldwell stepping aside, urging Democrats to move back to governing. Storm and Flooding: A nor’easter battered Atlantic City with waves over the boardwalk and street flooding on multiple avenues, as officials warned drivers not to drive through floodwater. Public Health Rule Change: New Jersey moved to ban certain synthetic kratom compounds under a temporary federal order, warning consumers and businesses that violations could bring criminal charges. Privacy and Tech Scrutiny: A new wave of lawsuits targets website “pixels” that quietly send visitor activity to ad and analytics firms, raising fresh regulatory and legal pressure. Gambling Markets in Court: A Sixth Circuit ruling kept tightening the rules around prediction markets like Kalshi, leaving states with conflicting outcomes and raising practical questions for cross-state trading. Travel Update: Breeze Airways added nonstop service between Charleston and Trenton, giving central NJ another direct option.

State Politics: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill accepted Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an independent ethics investigation substantiated sexual harassment and other ethics violations, including improper guest ticket handling and seeking a promotion tied to a romantic relationship; Sherrill said Caldwell submitted his resignation Friday and named Shirley U. Emehelu as acting Secretary of State while a new lieutenant governor is appointed. Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily lifted limits on states using the Trump administration’s revamped SAVE program to check voter eligibility, a move critics warn could fuel wrongful flags even as a 90-day purge rule may limit impact. NJ Politics Watch: In the tight NJ-7 race, Cook Political Report shifted toward Democrat Rebecca Bennett, saying the incumbent Tom Kean looks like the underdog. Public Safety & Weather: A nor’easter prompted cancellations of Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium shows in Foxborough, with refunds offered. Workforce: NJDOL announced a $2M grant for women and minority residents training for construction trades.