AGP Executive Report

World Cup Fallout: UEFA says it will boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA moves ahead with Infantino’s plan to sell stakes to private investors—while CONCACAF also rejects the proposal, escalating a global fight over who controls football’s biggest events. Product Safety: Ocoopa is recalling about 1.5 million rechargeable hand warmers after reports of overheating, including 350 burn injuries and one death tied to lithium-ion battery fires. NJ Politics & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked the DOJ from getting New Jersey’s unredacted voter rolls, citing privacy concerns, as lawmakers demand classified briefings on noncitizen voting and election interference. Local Government: North Bergen adopted a Community Energy Plan to cut emissions tied to energy use, and approved faster roadwork funding for 6th Street and Columbia Avenue. Energy & Industry: The NRC approved Oyster Creek’s license termination plan, clearing the way for Holtec’s proposed SMR-300 small modular reactor project. Business Watch: Jersey Mike’s shares opened below IPO price in its NYSE debut, while Ocean County launched an AI-powered text line for older-adult services.

Voter Rolls Fallout in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a software glitch at the Motor Vehicle Commission improperly added up to 6,600 noncitizens to New Jersey’s voter rolls, and her administration is purging the lists while an independent firm investigates. Elections & Accountability: Republicans are pushing for a broader legislative probe, arguing the problem may be bigger than the state disclosed. Corrections Tech Lawsuit: A New Jersey inmate sued to stop the state from forcing prisoners to surrender personal electronic tablets they bought, as the Department of Corrections shifts from JPay to ViaPath. Public Safety & Fraud Prevention: A coalition of attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scams. World Cup Aftermath at MetLife: FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings tied to the July 19 final brawl at MetLife Stadium, charging Argentina players and an assistant coach with assault-related conduct. Business in North Jersey: Hampton Plaza in North Jersey is replacing the former KFC with 7 Brew, and Aldi is set to move in as well.

World Cup Fallout: FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings tied to the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, charging Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina (plus assistant coach Roberto Ayala) over post-match clashes with Spain’s players, while also bringing cases against the Argentina FA over alleged misconduct including political messaging tied to the Falklands. NJ Politics: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill rejected a DOJ request for records tied to a noncitizen voter registration error, arguing privacy laws bar the handover as federal officials say the data is needed to verify rolls. COVID Accountability: A Senate hearing turned into a showdown over Dr. Anthony Fauci, who invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly after Republicans released pages from his diary, with a committee vote on contempt expected next week. Local Pulse: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll found 70% of New Jersey residents say they take at least some pride in living in the Garden State. Sports Streaming: DAZN struck a deal to become the exclusive digital home for MSG Networks and YES Network for the 2026-27 seasons, including games featuring the New Jersey Devils.

Voter Roll Fight: New Jersey is refusing to hand DOJ requested records tied to a noncitizen voter registration error, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill citing privacy limits while federal officials say the state has a duty to keep ineligible voters off the rolls. Privacy & Pricing: Sherrill also signed the Fair Price Protection Act, aimed at stopping “surveillance pricing” that uses personal data to charge different customers different prices for the same essentials. Courts & Public Health: A federal appeals court temporarily blocked Washington state health inspectors from entering the Tacoma ICE detention center, prolonging a dispute over access to privately run immigration facilities. Work & Utilities: After a strike, Peco reached a deal that restores pensions for all workers—though not in the traditional defined-benefit form. Business & Tech: Lyzr launched an “Agent Engineer” program to train and certify one million developers to build production-ready AI agents. Weather Impacts: Two days of torrential storms caused flooding and rescues in parts of New Jersey, including Hawthorne and Paterson. Health & Safety Law: NJ’s appellate ruling requires PIP coverage for uninsured pedestrians injured by ride-hailing vehicles.

Voter Roll Fix in Focus: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey has started removing about 4,500 of the 6,600 noncitizens mistakenly registered to vote after an MVC software glitch, while the rest go to county election officials for extra review. Local Government: Cherry Hill unanimously passed an ordinance banning large-scale data centers, drawing a line between big AI/cloud facilities and smaller permitted server rooms. Business & Community: Maple Shade businesses L&S Chocolates and Tis So Sweet are temporarily closed after a lightning-strike fire caused roof collapse and water damage; a community fundraising effort is underway. Politics & Elections: Union County Councilwoman Patricia Perkins-Auguste filed to run for clerk after Joanne Rajoppi’s death, aiming for the Democratic nomination. Health & Tech: Shionogi announced U.S. availability of XOCOVA, an oral COVID-19 prevention option after exposure. Sports Culture: Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee is developing a New Jersey-set FX comedy, Wildwood, set in 2000.

Voter Roll Fight in NJ: DOJ civil-rights chief Harmeet Dhillon says Gov. Mikie Sherrill already knew a noncitizen voter-registration problem was coming when she called Trump’s claims a lie, warning states that won’t cooperate could face lawsuits. Talc Litigation Update: Johnson & Johnson reached a proposed $5.5B settlement to resolve tens of thousands of talc-based ovarian cancer lawsuits, including claims consolidated in New Jersey, pending judge approval. Local Housing/Development: Jersey City Council reviewed its $9.21M Housing, Economic Development & Commerce budget, highlighting revenue streams tied to construction code enforcement and housing preservation. Expungement Push: A new call to fix New Jersey’s expungement backlog argues second chances shouldn’t take decades, citing delays even after the 2019 Clean Slate law. Fusion Startup Lands in Madison: Realta Fusion plans to build its R&D facility at a former Oscar Mayer plant in Madison, seeking up to $55M in incentives and creating 600+ jobs. World Cup Fallout: FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 tournament while critics point to access issues and deaths during celebrations.

Housing Finance: NJHMFA sold $40 million in state tax credits to spur affordable and workforce housing, with another ~$60 million auction planned Oct. 16–Nov. 30. Consumer Protection: Gov. Sherrill tapped Chris Peterson to lead the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, aiming to strengthen protections against predatory practices. Elections & Courts: DOJ civil-rights officials accused Sherrill of knowing about a noncitizen voter-roll problem before criticizing Trump’s claims, as the dispute escalates into lawsuits. Public Safety: Hochul announced a coordinated NY campaign to prevent overheight bridge strikes by trucks, urging drivers to “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right!” Transit Infrastructure: Metro-North’s Park Avenue Viaduct rebuild in East Harlem finished 4–5 years early without disrupting service. Business & Local Economy: Peapack-Gladstone reported accelerating earnings momentum; Jersey Mike’s got council approval for a new spot off Commerce Way. Health & Community: Cherry Hill Free Clinic was named a Citizens “Champion in Action” for building AI readiness, earning $50,000.

Election Integrity Clash: Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration is still in the spotlight after admitting 6,600 noncitizens were improperly added to New Jersey’s voter rolls via a Motor Vehicle Commission software failure under Phil Murphy’s watch, with Sherrill calling it “unacceptable” and ordering removals and an independent investigation while the vendor disputes the cause. Consumer Protection: Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, banning New Jersey retailers from using shoppers’ personal data for “surveillance pricing” on identical goods, with penalties and a one-year pause on new electronic shelf labels. Tech Safety & Kids Online: Discord and Meta face a lawsuit tied to alleged online grooming and blackmail of a teen, raising fresh questions about platform responsibility and how Section 230 applies. Local Business & Culture: Blue Bottle Coffee is set to open in Paramus this September, and a new pizza spot, Pies on Main, is nearing launch in Barnegat. Public Health: A mosquito-safety explainer warns residents about the state’s heavy summer mosquito season and disease risk. International Spotlight in NJ: Guangdong’s tourism showcase drew crowds at American Dream in New Jersey with performances and cultural exhibits.

Election Integrity in Focus: New Jersey’s voter-roll controversy is back in the spotlight after Gov. Mikie Sherrill acknowledged a motor-vehicle system software error that improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens, with reports that up to 400 cast ballots; the state says it’s fighting to protect private voter data as DOJ and DHS press for details and the vendor disputes the “software glitch” claim. Utility Accountability: After Jersey Shore blackouts over the Fourth of July weekend, NJ regulators are moving toward a $44.1 million penalty against JCP&L for missing reliability benchmarks and are investigating how the outages were handled. Consumer Safety: A botulism-related recall hits New Jersey and New York—Brooklyn Roasting Company cold brew concentrate sold in 2.5-gallon bags is being pulled due to potential toxin growth if stored at room temperature. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce continues to spread nationwide, driving sharp declines in restaurant and lettuce sales, including in the region. Business & Growth: Jersey Mike’s is set for a massive expansion, planning 7,500 new stores nationwide. Local Fraud Snapshot: Phillipsburg tied for 50th among NJ cities in June scam reports, with two reports logged.

Voter-roll fight in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a “serious software error” at the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens, with fewer than 400 later casting ballots—while the vendor, IDEMIA, disputes that framing and says the state had the noncitizen info. The dispute is now feeding a broader push for voter ID and election-security measures, with DOJ and DHS pressing for access to voter data. Food safety: Brooklyn Roasting Company recalled certain cold brew sold in New Jersey and New York after FDA flagged a botulism risk from room-temperature storage. Invasive pests: NJ residents are urged to keep “stomping it out” as spotted lanternflies remain endemic and destructive to plants. Local economy & community: NJ grocery shoppers gained a new consumer protection tool as Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, letting shoppers sue over surveillance pricing. Business/legal: Bitcoin miner Poolin filed for Chapter 11 in New Jersey and seeks court approval to sell Texas assets for about $52M.

Election Integrity in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission software error improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote, with hundreds allegedly casting ballots—sparking fresh scrutiny of the state’s voter-roll process and a fast-moving legal fight. Federal Funding Fight: NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is challenging what she calls unlawful conditions tied to billions in emergency grants, arguing the Trump administration is using FEMA and Homeland Security money to pressure states on immigration and election changes. Immigration Data Clash: A DHS letter to California officials says preliminary analysis found as many as 190,832 noncitizens on California voter rolls, with NJ cited at 35,152—adding fuel to the national dispute. Public Safety: Thirteen children fell ill at a New Jersey YMCA summer camp after allegedly eating mushroom-laced edibles, and police are investigating. Crime & Courts: Sean “Diddy” Combs was reportedly placed in solitary confinement after a fight at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. Local Business/Community: A new micro-exhibit at the Silver City Museum celebrates the 50th birthday of the Gough Park gazebo.

Noncitizen Voting Probe: New Jersey’s voter-roll “software error” is now under investigation after about 6,600 noncitizens were reportedly registered and roughly 400 ballots were cast, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill saying the state won’t hand over voter records to DOJ while lawmakers demand answers. Groceries Privacy Crackdown: Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, banning “surveillance pricing” that uses shoppers’ personal data to set grocery prices. Election-Grant Lawsuit Wave: A coalition of states, including New Jersey, is suing the Trump administration over FEMA/DHS disaster funding conditions tied to election and immigration policy changes. Hollywood Merger Freeze: Paramount Skydance agreed to pause its $111B Warner Bros. Discovery merger as AG-led lawsuits and court challenges continue. Food Safety Alert: Brooklyn Roasting Company recalled certain cold brew sold in New York and New Jersey over botulism risk. Public Health at NJ Camp: Police are investigating after 13 children fell ill at a YMCA summer camp in East Orange after allegedly eating mushroom-laced chocolate.

Voter Integrity Fight: DOJ says it will pursue “every provable case” of illegal voting after New Jersey’s motor-voter glitch allegedly registered about 6,600 noncitizens and up to 400 cast ballots, with the state still disputing what data the feds can demand. Election Tech & Accountability: A New Jersey court-and-policy debate is heating up as lawmakers and watchdogs argue the problem wasn’t just a clerical vendor mistake. Data Broker Crackdown: New Jersey’s new law targeting data brokers is now raising alarms for campaign tech, with steep registration fees and penalties that could chill how political groups use voter data. Public Safety & Workforces: Monmouth and Ocean counties approved a no-cost shared services deal for CDL driver training and simulator access. Local Economy: Cannabist is winding down in New Jersey—laying off 86 workers in Vineland and selling three dispensaries to Vireo. Arts Funding: NJEDA approved CAFE grants for the Rialto Center for Creativity in Westfield and Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. Business & Jobs: BeOne Medicines plans a $300M expansion in Hopewell, creating 120 jobs. Sports & Culture: FIFA’s World Cup finale in New Jersey is already sparking follow-on scrutiny of costs and impacts.

Election Integrity Clash: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a Motor Vehicle System software error improperly registered about 6,600 noncitizens to vote in 2023-24, and that roughly 400 later cast ballots—prompting GOP calls for criminal prosecutions. The identity-verification vendor IDEMIA disputes the “software error” claim, saying the mistake came from state officials’ data handling. Legal Fight Over Federal Pressure: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a lawsuit challenging Trump administration efforts to condition disaster aid on states handing over unredacted voter data and cooperating on immigration enforcement. Data Center Policy: Bayonne is moving toward a zoning ordinance to ban data centers in every district, as other towns continue the fight. Business & Jobs: IDEMIA’s $1.4B sale of its public security unit to Amadeus is formalized, while Samsung cuts 739 NJ roles as it shifts its U.S. consumer HQ to Texas. Community & History: Lancaster, Pa. placed a “Witness Stone” honoring enslaved woman Hannah, linking northern slavery history to today’s public memory.

NJ Voting Fallout: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says a “software error” led to about 6,600 noncitizens being registered to vote in 2023-24, with fewer than 400 reportedly casting ballots—sparking national debate and fresh scrutiny of election integrity. Federal Pushback: New Jersey and other states face new pressure over FEMA and DHS funding conditions tied to election and immigration enforcement, with NJ AGs joining lawsuits to block the moves. Grocery Pricing Crackdown: Sherrill signed a law banning “surveillance pricing” for groceries, targeting price differences based on personal or biometric data and pausing new electronic shelf labels for a year. Business & Jobs: BeOne Medicines announced a $300M Hopewell expansion, adding 120 jobs and pushing U.S. manufacturing investment past $1B. Maritime Tech: Ocean Power Technologies agreed to acquire subsea developmental assets to expand persistent underwater operational infrastructure. Hospitality: Crescent Hotels took over Hilton Short Hills, adding 314 rooms near the Mall at Short Hills.

Voter Integrity Fallout: New Jersey’s “software error” scandal is escalating fast: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says 6,600 noncitizens were improperly registered and about 400 voted, while the DOJ is demanding detailed records and timing of the registrations and ballots. Vendor Pushback: Identity-tech firm IDEMIA disputes the governor’s “glitch” framing, saying the state’s election eligibility checks and adjudication were responsible. Legal Pressure: The dispute is now feeding a broader national election-security debate, with election integrity advocates and lawmakers using NJ as a flashpoint. Second Amendment Court Update: The Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s AR-15 and large-capacity magazine bans, dealing another blow to state gun restrictions. Local Government: Edison, N.J. furloughed hundreds of non-emergency workers after budget delays. Weather: Storm surveys confirmed an EF-0 tornado in Cape May and additional tornadoes in Morris County. Culture & Community: ISKCON Central NJ marked 20 years of Rath Yatra in Plainfield with 1,400+ devotees.