AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A four-alarm fire tore through Glenwood Apartments in Old Bridge, with a partial building collapse reported. In Cherry Hill, a 36-year-old man was killed in a Route 38 crash. State Funding: New Jersey joined 13 other states in suing to recover $20.7 million in federal grants for unemployment-system upgrades and fraud prevention. Transportation: NJ Transit’s Portal Bridge work starts Sunday, bringing service changes for riders. Trenton: Authorities seized 73 slot machines and about $100,000 in a gambling investigation. Energy Costs: Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined a bipartisan governors’ effort to coordinate on electricity affordability and consumer protections.

Energy Costs: Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined a bipartisan coalition of governors seeking more state influence over PJM, the regional grid operator, as electricity prices climb. Voter Rolls: New Jersey says audits found more than 1,000 additional registration problems and has added daily checks at motor vehicle offices; voters are also suing over challenges targeting Democrats for removal. Weather: Isaias’ remnants could bring 1 to 2 inches of rain to parts of New Jersey Sunday into Monday, with locally heavy rain and isolated flooding possible, especially in the south. Federal Funding: New Jersey joined a multistate lawsuit seeking money for canceled unemployment-system grants; the state says its grants originally totaled nearly $20.7 million. Development: Wayfair plans an 86,000-square-foot Cherry Hill store, expected to open in late 2028. Election Oversight: New Jersey is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether states can regulate prediction markets such as Kalshi, with the NFL backing state oversight. Senate Race: Cory Booker and Republican challenger Justin Murphy clashed in a debate over the Iran war and the economy.

Voter Registration: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says investigators found more problems in New Jersey’s voter registration system, prompting daily audits. Separately, voters and the League of Women Voters sued Ocean County election officials to stop challenges targeting Democratic and unaffiliated voters ahead of the midterms. Pinelands Restoration: Environmentalists are challenging the state’s $19 million plan to restore 10,000 acres of Atlantic white cedar, objecting to a proposal to cut some mature trees. The Pinelands Commission is set to vote on the first phase. Sports Betting Rules: New Jersey is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify whether states can regulate prediction markets such as Kalshi. The NFL and a coalition of state attorneys general back the state’s push. Senate Debate: Cory Booker and Republican challenger Justin Murphy clashed over the Iran war in their only debate, with Booker calling for an end to the conflict and Murphy backing the president’s decision. Road Safety: New Jersey’s new e-bike law, which bars riders under 15, is among the nation’s strictest as communities respond to safety concerns. At the Pump: Gas averaged $4.27 a gallon in New Jersey, up from $3.03 a year earlier.

Voter Registration: A New Jersey review found about 1,090 more records needing correction or scrutiny. Roughly 750 involved eligible voters who answered an MVC age question incorrectly; another 340 registrations were flagged for review. Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced safeguards after earlier system errors. Prediction Markets: The NFL backed New Jersey’s appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing states should regulate sports-betting markets such as Kalshi rather than leave oversight solely to federal officials. State Leadership: Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned amid an ethics investigation. Senate President Nicholas Scutari is serving as acting governor when Sherrill is out of state. Costs: New Jersey residents report greater difficulty affording everyday essentials, while the Cape May-Lewes Ferry has added a $7 surcharge per vehicle crossing because of rising fuel prices.**

Election Oversight: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey’s voter-registration review uncovered more system flaws, including potentially improper registrations by people in prison; no underage voters were registered. The state says it will conduct daily audits and add safeguards as questions grow about the MVC system. State Government: Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an independent ethics investigation found repeated policy violations, including substantiated sexual harassment, according to Sherrill. Cost of Living: A new Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds many residents are struggling to afford essentials, with difficulty paying for housing, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation rising since March. Mercer County: A new tourism website and planned Trenton-Mercer Airport upgrades are part of a county push to attract more visitors, backed in part by a $240,000 state grant. Immigration: Martín Soto, who helped lead a hunger strike at Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center, was released from ICE custody after eight months.

Youth Justice: New lawsuits name two Burlington County juvenile detention centers in decades of sexual-abuse allegations against staff, adding to more than 300 complaints tied to New Jersey’s youth facilities. AI at Work: A New Jersey Senate committee advanced a bill that would require 60 days’ notice before major AI-driven job changes and set limits on workplace monitoring. Nuclear Energy: Google and Constellation’s 20-year deal backs $4.3 billion in upgrades to reactors across New Jersey and other states, with 890 megawatts of added capacity planned by 2032. Public Health: New Jersey has confirmed its first West Nile virus death of 2026; 26 human cases have been reported statewide. Crime and Courts: A former engineer was sentenced in Trenton to 32 months in prison for locking a Somerset County company out of its computer network and demanding bitcoin. A Fort Dix corrections officer also pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an inmate.

Sports (NJ): Utah Mammoth snapped a losing streak to the New Jersey Devils with a 5-3 win at the Prudential Center, powered by Nick Schmaltz’s NHL-best fifth goal and a dominant power play; Mikhail Sergachev left late in the second after being hit on the back of the helmet by a puck. Global Football: Lionel Messi closed out his 21-year Argentina career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin, scoring his 126th international goal on a penalty and adding two assists in front of a sold-out Monumental crowd. Energy/AI (NJ): Google and Constellation struck a 20-year nuclear power deal to add 890 megawatts to the PJM grid, with upgrades at plants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Illinois aimed at supporting Google’s AI data-center buildout. Health/Environment (NJ): EPA completed cleanup at the Unimatic Manufacturing Superfund site in Fairfield, removing more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil. Business/Legal (NJ): LIV Golf asked a New Jersey bankruptcy judge to approve a restructuring support deal with BC Partners worth $300 million as it exits Chapter 11.

Energy & Industry: Google signed a major 20-year nuclear power deal with Constellation, including a 890MW nuclear PPA tied to Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, plus a 15-year agreement for 2.7GW across PJM—aimed at powering AI growth and supporting jobs. Politics & Labor: New Jersey’s Pipe Trades endorsed Democrat Rebecca Bennett for Congress in NJ-7, citing support for collective bargaining, apprenticeships and union jobs. Courts & Workers’ Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a New Jersey wage-and-hour case involving an employer’s claim that federal immigration law should override state wage rules for workers without legal status. Public Safety: A Camden County former paramedic pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material and was sentenced to five years, with investigators finding more than 1,000 images and videos. Local Government: Asbury Park’s public works director received a leadership award for safety and risk management efforts. Sports & Entertainment: Supercross is coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on April 17, 2027, with a full-day FanFest.

Public Health: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile virus death of 2026, with 26 total human cases statewide and most infections among people 60 and older, urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. State Politics & Health Costs: Gov. Mikie Sherrill accepted billionaire Mark Cuban’s offer to help tackle soaring public-worker health insurance costs through a new reform working group. Local Safety: A multi-car crash in Linden sent three people—including an infant—to the hospital after a vehicle struck others on a residential street; police say the driver was arrested. Accountability in Care: Parents of autistic adults rallied in Trenton pushing for a bill that would require cameras in common areas of group homes. Sports (NJ): Bergen Catholic’s upset win over Don Bosco Prep was followed by a bleachers railing collapse that injured at least four students. Business: Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and shuttered a dozen locations, including New Jersey restaurants.

Sports & Community: The Trenton Ironhawks held their first public practice at CURE Insurance Arena ahead of their inaugural ECHL season, with a home opener Oct. 24 vs. Adirondack. Public Health: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile Virus death of 2026 as cases climb; officials urged residents to prevent mosquito bites. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination expanded again, pulling more Walmart and Trader Joe’s products in dozens of states, including New Jersey. Consumer Alert: PepsiCo recalled more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes; shoppers should check lot codes. Local Business & Jobs: Prudential filed a WARN notice for 125 NJ job cuts as it streamlines operations. Travel: Breeze Airways added new routes from Vero Beach, including flights to Trenton, with service starting Sept. 30. Culture & Local Pride: Sewell’s Raymond Gramenzi won gold at the IBJJF Masters 7 ultra-heavyweight jiu-jitsu world title.

Sports & Money: A new look at why live competition still resists AI “moats,” and how banks are increasingly drawn to advising sports owners and buyers. Local Public Safety: Police say two people were injured in a shooting at a Wawa in Sicklerville. Health Care Leadership: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School names Daniel J. Egan as incoming chair of Emergency Medicine and chief at RWJUH. Politics & Ethics: Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s response to Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation is framed as a rare, decisive accountability moment. Nuclear & Industry: BWX Technologies is highlighted for its long-running role building U.S. Navy nuclear reactors and fuel, as the company expands commercially. Weather: A cold front brings cooler temps and a chance of morning frost across parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Sports (NJ): The Rangers report a lower-body injury to center Joe Veleno early in a win over the Utah Mammoth. Culture: Zach Bryan breaks Gillette Stadium’s attendance record while wearing a “Free Palestine” shirt, weeks after Macklemore was barred.

Public Health: New Jersey confirmed its first West Nile virus death of 2026 and reported 26 human cases statewide, with most patients age 60+ and many illnesses showing up even in late August and September; officials say mosquito season doesn’t really end after Labor Day. Consumer Safety: A multistate E. coli recall expanded to additional Trader Joe’s and Walmart frozen berry lots, raising concerns because the fruit is often eaten without cooking. Local Economy & Cost of Living: A new analysis using the MIT Living Wage Calculator puts New Jersey’s “income needed to retire” at $56,884 annually, highlighting how retirement planning depends heavily on where you live. Politics: Pete Buttigieg is set to campaign in New Jersey and other battleground states ahead of the midterms, tying cost-of-living messages to broader political reform. Business/Tech: A coalition of attorneys general settled with Labcorp vendor AMCA over a 2019 data breach tied to debt collection, emphasizing HIPAA-covered companies can’t “pass the buck” on security. Sports (NJ): The Giants activated J.J. McCarthy for Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals, setting up a potential backup role if starter Jameis Winston struggles.

Food Safety: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value frozen organic blueberries and triple berry blend (UPC/lot and “best if used by” dates listed) plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic mixed berry blend, with affected sales in New Jersey and many other states. Local Sports (N.J. impact): The New York Islanders routed the New Jersey Devils 6-0 in their home opener, with Ilya Sorokin making 36 saves for a shutout as Holmstrom, Schenn and Horvat scored in a big second period. NHL News: Former Canadiens defenseman Lyle Odelein, a 1993 Stanley Cup winner who also played for the Devils, died at 58; reports cite a heart attack after serious health issues beginning in 2018. Business/Consumer: Wholesome Pantry organic applesauce sold by Wakefern was recalled after FDA testing found elevated patulin, a mold-related toxin, with refunds or replacements offered for matching jars. Weather/Travel: Nor’easter flooding and storm impacts hit the Jersey Shore and Atlantic City area, with thousands without power and widespread reports of downed trees and branches.

Nor’easter fallout: A maritime team is set to inspect newly exposed wreckage near Nantucket after the storm battered the Northeast, raising concerns about coastal erosion from New Jersey to New England. Local jobs: Kings Food Markets will close two NJ stores in Hillsdale and Whitehouse Station, cutting 122 jobs by early 2027. Food safety: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, adding more lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, including shipments to New Jersey. Health warning: A new study finds silent artery plaque is common even in adults under 30, underscoring stroke and heart risks that can build unnoticed. Workforce shift: Dr. Praeger’s plans to eliminate 168 NJ jobs at its Elmwood Park plant and move production to Kentucky. Community & culture: Luvs is holding an interactive diaper giveaway in Jersey City and donating 250,000 diapers to Feeding America. Sports & NJ: The Devils host the Islanders tonight at UBS Arena, with New Jersey favored.

Mosquito Safety: New Jersey health officials say West Nile virus is rising, with 26 positive cases statewide and the state’s first death reported; Monmouth leads with six cases, followed by Mercer (four) and Camden (three), and officials urge residents to keep protecting themselves from bites. School Funding: The NJ Department of Education will hold a public forum Monday on school funding at Camden County College in Blackwood, with residents invited to comment as the state reviews input for its School Funding Outreach Project. Cold Case Update: New Jersey State Police identified human remains found off Atlantic City 45 years ago as retired Coast Guard officer Glen Napoleon Burbage, using investigative genetic genealogy to crack the decades-old mystery. Politics & Campaigns: Cory Booker is joining Scott Colom in Mississippi for a “Canvas with Colom” push 30 days before midterms, as Colom calls for an open debate with incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith. Health Policy: A federal judge dismissed a DOJ lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters under the FACE Act, saying the complaint didn’t adequately plead violations. Sports (NJ ties): The Devils opened with an OT win over the Flyers on Jack Hughes’ game-winner, and AC/DC’s postponed New Jersey show is back on after a nor’easter disruption.

Hudson River Transit: New Jersey and New York kicked off drilling for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, starting work on two new Hudson River tunnels for Amtrak and NJ Transit, with completion projected for 2035. State Energy Costs: Gov. Sherrill pushed back on the latest jobs report, saying it shows Trump’s economy is failing New Jersey workers while her administration highlights permitting and energy-bill relief efforts. Fuel Economy Lawsuit: Multiple state attorneys general, including New Jersey’s, sued to block Trump-era rollbacks of federal fuel economy standards, arguing they violate the “maximum feasible” requirement and raise costs at the pump. Public Health: The CDC reported 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, with New Jersey among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Local Assistance: NJ DCA opened LIHEAP applications for low-income home heating and medically necessary cooling help, running Oct. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Sports (Devils): Jack Hughes’ awkward mid-game ESPN interview joke went viral after he said it was “weird,” as the Devils beat the Flyers 3-2 in overtime.