AGP Executive Report

Newark Schools Audit Fight: Newark Public Schools says a state audit found “nothing,” even as auditors flagged millions in excess aid, questionable spending, and gaps in employee background checks—plus a referral to the state Division of Criminal Justice. Nuclear Energy Push: Gov. Mikie Sherrill convened New Jersey’s first Nuclear Task Force and launched a “Nuclear NJ” website as the state looks to expand its nuclear future. Hudson Tunnel Progress: The Gateway Development Commission marked the start of tunnel boring for the Hudson Tunnel Project, with machines set to dig under the Palisades toward the Hudson County Access Shaft. Data Center Scrutiny: A NJ data center faced major fallout over unpermitted generators, with regulators fining it about $1.07 million after findings tied to air pollution concerns. Sports (Local): The New Jersey Devils opened their season in Newark with a 3-2 overtime win over the Flyers as Jack Hughes scored the winner.

Health Care Policy: Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched a State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group to tackle rising costs for state employee and retiree coverage, with unions and stakeholders set to deliver recommendations. Labor & Workplace Rules: New Jersey’s independent contractor test regulations took effect, codifying the ABC test framework that business groups say could disrupt worker classifications. Tech & Education: Kean University won a $500,000 NSF CyberAICorps grant to build CyberAI academic pathways for students entering the cyber workforce. Clean Energy: The NJBPU began searching for the next administrator for the Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), while the state also launched “Nuclear NJ,” a new website to explain nuclear energy plans and protections. Local Community Support: Project Self-Sufficiency received a $20,000 grant for its Nourish to Flourish food pantry and is also planning a Career & Health Fair Oct. 21. Public Safety/Storm Recovery: The Route 71 bridge over the Shark River reopened to boat traffic after nor’easter damage. Business/Connectivity: Greenlight Networks is investing $20M to expand fiber internet to Easton, PA and Phillipsburg, NJ.

Nor’easter fallout: New Jersey is still dealing with major storm damage and flooding impacts after a powerful September nor’easter, with outages and cleanup efforts continuing across the coast and inland areas. Elections leadership: Gov. Mikie Sherrill named Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state after Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned, with attention on keeping elections running smoothly. Work rules for gig workers: New Jersey’s new worker-classification guidelines take effect Oct. 1, shifting many contractors toward employee status unless employers meet specific criteria—sparking pushback from businesses and gig workers. Public safety and courts: A New Jersey car-rental owner was sentenced to state prison for staged crash insurance fraud, and six men were charged in a string of violent smash-and-grab jewelry robberies across NJ. Community health: An Essex County mother is urging teens to avoid kratom after her daughter’s opioid overdose death, as the state moves to control certain synthetic kratom forms. Sports: The Flyers opened the season with a rough 7-0 loss to the Penguins, while Yankees captain Aaron Judge did live batting practice in Somerset, NJ, as he works back from injury.

Election Integrity Fight: A watchdog says federal agencies won’t turn over records backing Trump’s claims that noncitizens are registered to vote, setting up a new court fight over DHS’s methods and data. Voting Access Reality Check: A separate analysis points to tens of thousands of rejected mail ballots nationwide over technical issues—raising the question of how “fraud” claims match what actually happens. Housing Push in Trenton: Gov. Sherrill unveiled a five-pillar plan aimed at doubling home production on state land and speeding permit timelines, targeting 350,000 new homes. Local Government Rules: New Jersey counties are pressing election regulators for clearer guidance on what officials can say to voters in the 90 days before an election without triggering campaign-finance reporting. Storm Aftermath & Safety: A nor’easter threat continues for parts of NJ with heavy rain, damaging winds, and coastal flooding risk. Healthcare Costs: Providers and insurers are clashing over Medicare Advantage prior authorizations and denials, with practices saying approvals aren’t a guarantee of payment. Sports & NJ Connections: A helicopter noise lawsuit continues as Hudson County towns challenge a Kearny heliport operator.

Nor’easter Recovery in Atlantic County: Gov. Mikie Sherrill toured Brigantine damage, saying recovery is just starting and pushing for federal help while discussing dune replenishment after beach erosion. Storm Aftermath Across the Shore: Residents kept cleaning up flooded homes and belongings, with officials surveying beaches to guide restoration. Health Costs Hit NJ Districts: The School Employees Health Benefits Commission approved projected premium hikes of 34.4% for about 300,000 public school and county college workers and families, raising tough budget choices for districts. Cybersecurity Accountability: A multistate settlement announced with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach targets vendor security failures tied to exposure of millions of people’s personal information. Local Courts & Policy: Hudson County and Kearny moved forward with a lawsuit against a heliport operator over noise and safety concerns. Pinelands Climate Planning: Burlington County and NJDEP will launch a Pinelands resiliency study focused on wildfire, flooding, heatwaves, and recovery plans for several towns. Liberty Science Center Expansion: Liberty Science Center broke ground on Project Supernova, a $40M upgrade adding new exhibits and outdoor experiences.

Nor’easter aftermath & public safety: New Jersey is still dealing with storm damage and flooding impacts after a powerful September nor’easter, with officials urging residents to stay alert as cleanup continues. Politics & ethics: Former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is challenging the investigation that led to his resignation, arguing the findings were wrong and the process unfair, while Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office backs the report. Election integrity: The GOP is suing New Jersey over voter-roll records, escalating the fight over how noncitizen voting data is handled. Cyber/education: Kean University won a $500,000 NSF grant to expand CyberAI education and research. Health care innovation: Cooper Norcross Health is piloting Microsoft Dragon Copilot to reduce nursing documentation burden. Consumer & scams: The FBI Newark warns of a new twist on old phone scams where callers impersonate federal agents and use spoofed numbers. Local culture: The Asbury Park Museum launched a $500,000 campaign to fund a new exhibit space in a future home. Business & jobs: Claris Biotherapeutics is moving its HQ from Jersey City to South San Francisco ahead of key trials.

Nor’easter Aftermath: The Jersey Shore is still dealing with flooding and major beach erosion after a powerful nor’easter, with Atlantic City among the hardest hit areas and cleanup continuing. Public Safety & Storm Response: Rep. Frank Pallone pushed for a prompt damage survey after tidal flooding and coastal erosion in his NJ-06 district, setting up the next step toward a possible federal disaster declaration. College Sports: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act (77-22), a big national move that would set rules on NIL, transfers, and athlete compensation—now headed to the House, where the fight may get tougher. Food Safety: Nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna were recalled across five states, including New Jersey, after elevated scombrotoxin levels raised food-poisoning concerns. Local Education: River Dell students are trading textbooks for tool belts in a new electrical apprenticeship program with hands-on training and credit toward licensed trades. Health/Business: Lupin got tentative FDA approval for an apixaban oral suspension, to be manufactured at its Somerset, NJ facility.

Nor’easter Aftermath: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says the state of emergency remains in effect for Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem as coastal and back-bay flooding lingers after the storm; in Monmouth County, Deal Lake overflowed and crews rescued families as power outages hit tens of thousands. Local Libraries: Sussex County Library System broke ground on the Dennis Branch renovation in Newton, aiming to update and expand the longtime community library with improved accessibility and services, with alternate services continuing via other branches and the Dot Mobile Library. Sports (Devils): The New Jersey Devils placed six players on waivers and claimed goaltender Rémi Poirier from Dallas as they finalize their roster. Politics (NJ-7): In the lone NJ-7 debate, Republican Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett clashed over Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war. Business: Valley National Bancorp agreed to buy Bluevine for $340M, betting on growth in small-business banking and technology. Community & Culture: A shark was spotted swimming through flooded Surf City streets, while a Puerto Rico-themed restaurant, La Isla, opened in Wildwood.

Nor’easter Recovery in NJ: A powerful nor’easter is flooding low-lying areas across New Jersey and New York City for a second day, with strong winds, dangerous surf, and power outages hitting tens of thousands; officials warn high tide could bring more flooding into Monday. Local Impact Updates: Sea Bright is seeing repeated garage flooding, and a NYC Housing Authority worker died after a tree fell. Politics—NJ-7 Debate: In the lone NJ-7 debate, Republican Tom Kean Jr. and Democrat Rebecca Bennett clashed over the Iran conflict, gas prices, tariffs, and AI policy. Business & Policy: A new Trenton-area rule for determining independent contractors is set to start Oct. 1, with workers who get 1099s watching closely. Economy Watch: NJ construction spending rose 19% this year, but new starts are barely up, as higher interest rates stall projects.

Nor’easter Emergency: A rare, slow-moving nor’easter is battering New Jersey and the Northeast, with high tides threatening more coastal flooding, strong winds, and widespread power outages—over 130,000 customers reportedly without electricity as the storm lingers into Sunday night. Shore Damage & Rescues: In New Jersey’s coastal towns, floodwaters swallowed dunes and flooded streets and businesses; Gov. Mikie Sherrill said dozens were evacuated and people were rescued from trapped cars, with damage still being assessed. Fatal Crash on I-78: A 21-year-old Maryland man died early Sunday after his Audi struck a parked tractor-trailer on Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County, according to New Jersey State Police. State House Shakeup: NJ Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an internal probe found sexual harassment and ethics violations, prompting Gov. Sherrill to call for a culture change in state politics. Local Weather Disruptions: The storm is also disrupting travel and schedules across the region, including impacts tied to heavy rain and gusty winds.

Nor’easter Emergency: A powerful September nor’easter is battering New Jersey and the wider Northeast with heavy rain, dangerous coastal flooding, and strong winds, prompting New York and New Jersey to declare states of emergency as power outages and road inundations spread. Storm Impacts in NJ: In coastal towns like Surf City and Manasquan, streets and homes are flooding, and officials are urging residents to stay away from water and avoid driving through inundated areas. Power + Travel Chaos: At one point, more than 100,000 customers across the region lost power, with thousands still dark in NJ and nearby states, while hundreds of flights were canceled and many more delayed. Local Leadership + Safety: Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged New Jerseyans to take the storm seriously and follow local guidance as high tides and rough surf continue through the weekend. Politics: In NJ-7, a key debate between Tom Kean Jr. and Rebecca Bennett is set for Sunday at 7 PM.

Nor’easter Emergency: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast, with coastal flooding and strong winds already hitting New Jersey. Roads are flooding in coastal communities and thousands are without power; Reuters reports more than 88,000 customers without power across the region, including about 25,000 each in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York at one point. Travel Chaos: The storm has canceled 400+ flights nationwide so far, with hundreds more delayed, and New Jersey/NY emergency declarations are in place as conditions worsen into the weekend. Storm Safety/Impact: The National Weather Service warns of dangerous flooding along the Mid-Atlantic coast near New Jersey and Delaware, plus rip currents, beach erosion, and road closures. Local Watch: North Jersey remains under wind advisories with gusts up to 45–65 mph, and coastal flood warnings extend through Sunday in parts of the region.

Nor’easter Emergency: New Jersey and New York declared states of emergency as a powerful nor’easter brings heavy rain, damaging winds, coastal flooding and rip currents, with Atlantic City seeing boardwalk waves and street flooding and officials warning residents to avoid driving through floodwater. Trenton Politics: Gov. Mikie Sherrill accepted Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an ethics and sexual harassment investigation, aiming to end a scandal that’s roiled Trenton politics. Local Storm Impacts: Princeton’s Porchfest is moving indoors to eight stages as the storm threatens the area, and utilities reported thousands without power. Public Safety & Health: NJ moved to ban certain synthetic kratom compounds under a federal order, while a cinnamon ground seasoning recall warns of elevated lead levels sold in NJ and nearby states. Sports (NJ ties): Rutgers routed Howard 58-7, and Gotham FC beat Chicago 3-1 at New Jersey’s Sports Illustrated Stadium. Business/Costs: Gas prices in NJ are near record highs, and AAA links the spike to restricted oil flows.

Lt. Gov. Caldwell Fallout: Gov. Mikie Sherrill escalated her demand that Dale Caldwell resign after an investigation found serious, repeated misconduct and ethics violations, setting up a fast-moving political and legal scramble over how New Jersey handles an independently elected lieutenant governor. Fatal Police Encounter: Authorities are investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Middle Township, Cape May County, with the AG’s office leading and no public threat reported. Nor’easter Disruptions: A powerful storm forced cancellations tied to major events, including Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium shows in Massachusetts, with New Jersey and the region bracing for coastal flooding and dangerous conditions. AI Data Center Penalty: New Jersey fined DataOne $1.07 million after drone and satellite findings showed 62 unpermitted gas generators at a Vineland site tied to AI workloads. School Health Costs: The state School Employees Health Benefits Commission approved up to a 34% premium increase for active workers, averting a collapse but warning the program’s future remains shaky. Atlantic City Corruption Case: The city’s top cannabis official, “A.C.’s Weed Czar” Kash McKinley, was charged in a federal bribery scheme involving fast-tracked licensing and fees.

Lt. Gov. Caldwell Resignation Fight: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an independent investigation substantiated sexual harassment and two ethics violations, including improper guest access to ticketed events and seeking a promotion tied to a romantic relationship; Caldwell denies wrongdoing as Democrats and Republicans in Trenton ratchet up pressure, with lawmakers discussing possible next steps if he refuses. AI in the Workplace: The NJ AFL-CIO launched the FAIR Act push to limit how workplace AI tools are used, focusing on privacy, discrimination, and giving workers a stronger voice. Nor’easter Watch: Forecasters warn a worsening nor’easter could bring dangerous surf, coastal flooding, and heavy rain across the Mid-Atlantic and New Jersey’s shoreline, with residents and businesses already preparing. Newark Airport Expansion: Newark Liberty announced another Terminal A expansion, adding gates and amenities as part of the Port Authority’s broader EWR Vision Plan. Entertainment & Culture: Macklemore, removed from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour over pro-Palestinian remarks in New Jersey, announced a “Free Palestine Tour” in Europe with proceeds going to Palestinian organizations.

Macklemore vs. Ed Sheeran Fallout: The rapper announced a “Free Palestine Tour” with stops in Dublin (Oct. 26), Paris (Oct. 29) and London (Oct. 30), saying all proceeds will support Palestinian humanitarian groups after he was dropped from Sheeran’s Loop Tour following pro-Palestinian comments during New Jersey shows. AI Oversight Push: New Jersey AG Matt Brown joined a bipartisan coalition urging Congress to protect the public from unchecked AI, including keeping state authority intact. Consumer Data Breach Settlement: AG Letitia James and other attorneys general secured about $2.3 million from Labcorp and forced security reforms after a 2019 breach tied to a debt-collector exposed sensitive data for millions. Nor’easter Watch (North Jersey): A storm is expected to bring rain and gusty winds to the region over the weekend, with MetLife Stadium fans advised to pack rain gear. Local Safety & Crime: Jersey City police arrested a man accused of displaying a handgun outside a downtown restaurant, while a separate report highlights Lubec residents’ concerns after dog deaths tied to traffic and speed enforcement. Fiber Expansion: Greenlight Networks announced a $14M fiber build in Camden County to reach 9,000 homes and businesses starting early 2027.