AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving after a Route 22 crash in Union left three teens critically injured. In Cape May County, a police officer was critically hurt after being struck by a suspected impaired driver; a 14-year-old e-bike rider was also seriously injured in Mays Landing. Criminal Cases: A New Jersey deputy attorney general was charged with using AI to create and share child sexual abuse material, and was fired. In Paulsboro, a 9-year-old girl’s death has led to murder charges against her parents. Environment & Energy: Researchers found ultrashort-chain PFAS in 91% of tested New Jersey tap-water samples and four in five bottled drinks. New state rules also let renters and condo owners install plug-in solar without utility approval. Health Costs: New Jersey residents face an average 20% increase in Affordable Care Act premiums for 2027. Coastal Weather: Forecasters are tracking a possible nor’easter that could bring several days of rough weather and coastal impacts to the Mid-Atlantic, including New Jersey shores.

Public Safety: A Middle Township officer is in critical but stable condition after a suspected impaired driver struck him during a traffic stop on Route 47. A 36-year-old man faces DWI and assault-by-auto charges. In Union, a crash on Route 22 left three teens in critical condition; a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of DWI. Criminal Charges: A New Jersey deputy attorney general was charged with using AI to create and distribute child sexual abuse material and has been fired. In Paulsboro, a community is mourning 9-year-old Maya as her parents face murder charges. Health & Environment: New Jersey residents face an average 20% increase in Affordable Care Act premiums for 2027. A report also found so-called forever chemicals in 91% of tested state tap-water samples. Weather: Forecasters say a nor’easter could bring strong winds and coastal flooding to the Jersey Shore early next week, though its track remains uncertain. Consumer Alert: Raw mild cheddar cheese sold in New Jersey and several other states was recalled over possible E. coli contamination; don’t eat it.

Criminal Investigation: A New Jersey deputy attorney general was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with creating and sharing child sexual abuse material, including AI-generated images, police say. South Jersey: Paulsboro residents gathered to remember 9-year-old Maya, whose parents are charged with murder in her death. Transportation: A $155 million Route 70 overhaul in Camden County is nearing completion after years of delays; the work includes resurfacing, intersection upgrades and drainage improvements. Election Security: A state motor vehicle system error may have registered as many as 6,600 people who indicated they weren’t U.S. citizens, prompting renewed calls for safeguards ahead of the midterms. Environment: A New Jersey data center reportedly emitted significant air pollution for nearly a year before regulators intervened. Separately, a report found “forever chemicals” in 91% of tested state tap water. Health Costs: New Jersey residents could see Affordable Care Act premiums rise an average of 20% for 2027.

Severe Weather: Strong storms, damaging winds and a brief tornado risk threatened parts of New Jersey Friday, with colder, blustery weather expected over the weekend. Environmental Oversight: A Vineland data center’s unpermitted generators may have released about 140 tons of smog-forming pollution over nearly a year, according to an expert analysis; the state fined the operator $1 million. Courts and Public Safety: A New Jersey deputy attorney general faces charges alleging he used AI and images of real children to create and share child sexual abuse material. At the Polls: County clerks are urging mail voters to use drop boxes as the state prepares for November’s midterms, following voter-registration errors and announced system reforms. State Finances: New Jersey tax collections jumped, but officials cautioned against reading too much into the upswing. Fort Dix Transfer: Sean “Diddy” Combs was moved from the New Jersey prison to a low-security facility in Pennsylvania; officials have not explained why, and prison officials denied reports of a fight.

Health Costs: New Jersey’s individual-market health insurance premiums, including Get Covered New Jersey plans, are set to rise nearly 20% in 2027. Public Safety: A Gloucester County mother and stepfather face murder charges in the beating death of a 9-year-old girl; separately, a state deputy attorney general was charged in Pennsylvania with creating and sharing child sexual abuse material using AI. Environment: Studies found “forever chemicals” in more than 90% of tested waterways in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with additional testing detecting PFAS in most New Jersey tap water and bottled drinks. Gun Policy: The U.S. Justice Department opened a civil rights investigation into a New Jersey township over alleged delays in issuing firearm permits. Election Watch: Democrats are building a vote-by-mail advantage in New Jersey, while the closely watched NJ-7 race draws competing claims over fundraising and campaign spending. Local: Hoboken was selected for $70,000 in resident-led neighborhood projects. The Devils also routed the Rangers 7-1 in Newark.

Linden Investigation: Rep. Josh Gottheimer is asking federal and state officials to investigate complaints that Linden officials are targeting the city’s growing Chassidic community. Residents cite zoning hurdles, a revoked business permit and school-bus tickets; the mayor says the city is committed to fair treatment. Child Death Case: A New Jersey mother and stepfather have been charged with murder in the death of a 9-year-old girl. PFAS Concerns: Reports say “forever chemicals” have been found in waterways across New Jersey, while a separate study detected ultrashort-chain PFAS in most state tap water and bottled drinks. Grid Alert: New Jersey’s power system is under an emergency order amid warm-weather demand, as federal officials move to address blackout risks across the Mid-Atlantic. Election Watch: County clerks are urging mail voters to use drop boxes, while the state conducts daily audits after voter-registration errors. Democrats have also built a sizable vote-by-mail lead.

Newark Schools: State finance officials approved a controversial $498.4 million, 30-year lease for an East Ward elementary school serving 667 students. The deal still needs sign-off from state education officials and the comptroller. Midterm Money: New Jersey Democrats lead Republicans by more than 152,000 in returned mail ballots, while a major GOP super PAC has pulled $10 million from Tom Kean Jr.’s race and other contests. Environment: PFAS “forever chemicals” were detected in 91% of New Jersey waterways tested; separate research also found the chemicals in most state tap water and bottled drinks. Commuter Alert: Portal Bridge work is bringing five weeks of NJ Transit delays for riders headed to New York. Theme Park Safety: Six Flags Great Adventure has temporarily closed its Nitro coaster after a fatal accident at the company’s Georgia park as investigations continue. ICE Oversight: Federal officials acknowledge using a warehouse in Roxbury to process immigrants, adding scrutiny to the facility’s role.

Drinking Water: NJIT researchers found ultrashort-chain PFAS in more than 91% of New Jersey tap-water samples and nearly 80% of bottled beverages tested. The study covered all 21 counties and identified a chemical that routine testing often misses. Election Oversight: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey will add safeguards and daily audits after more voter-registration errors were found in the motor vehicle system. Power Supply: PJM and federal officials declared an emergency as unseasonably warm weather strained the regional grid, raising concerns about tight electricity supplies and possible blackouts. Commuter Disruptions: NJ Transit riders face five weeks of delays during Portal Bridge work affecting service to New York. Consumer Protections: New Jersey enacted laws regulating algorithmic pricing and adding protections against certain cost increases.**

Flight Noise: Hackensack is urging the FAA to curb low-flying planes from Teterboro, saying about half of arrivals pass over the city and disrupt homes and classrooms. Power Grid: A federal emergency order gives PJM, which serves New Jersey, more flexibility to generate electricity through Friday as demand rises and facilities undergo maintenance. Devils: New Jersey beat Detroit 5-4 in overtime Tuesday, with Jack Hughes scoring the winner. Commuter Alert: NJ Transit riders face five weeks of service changes and delays as work advances on the Portal Bridge. Consumer Alert: More than 112,000 bottles of Amazon-branded acetaminophen are being recalled after reports of discolored pills; the New Jersey-based manufacturer initiated the recall. Elections: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll found broad support among New Jersey residents for voter ID requirements.

Six Flags Safety: New Jersey’s Great Adventure has temporarily closed its Nitro coaster after a fatal fall at a Georgia park prompted Six Flags to shut similar rides nationwide. Newark Airport: American Express plans a two-story, 30,000-square-foot Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty, expected to open in 2027. Household Costs: A poll finds New Jerseyans blame utilities more than politicians for rising electric bills, as state officials review how much it costs to educate a student. Schools: Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin proposed free breakfast for every public school student, regardless of family income. NJ Transit: New Portal Bridge work is set to disrupt train service for five weeks. Power Grid: A federal emergency order directs PJM, which serves New Jersey and 12 other states, to prepare for tight electricity supplies through Oct. 16; officials say customers are not expected to be affected. Congressional Race: National Republican groups have reportedly shifted millions in campaign spending away from Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s closely watched re-election fight in New Jersey’s 7th District.

Rail Projects: The first tunnel-boring machine has started work on the New Jersey side of the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project. Separately, five weeks of NJ Transit schedule changes are ahead as work shifts trains off the aging Portal Bridge. Public Schools: A state audit flagged millions of dollars in potential waste at Newark schools, but district leaders deny wrongdoing and state officials have yet to signal consequences. Utilities: JCP&L is seeking a $253 million rate increase, with the impact on residential bills delayed until 2028. Elections: New Jersey is adding daily checks after more voter-registration errors surfaced in the motor vehicle agency’s system. Local Safety: Six Flags Great Adventure temporarily closed its Nitro coaster after a fatal incident at a Georgia park prompted closures of similar rides. Devils: New Jersey fell 4-1 to Ottawa at Prudential Center, managing one goal as the Senators extended their strong start.

Sherrill’s Agenda: Gov. Mikie Sherrill says Democrats need a new generation of leadership focused on affordability and children’s mental health, and is pitching New Jersey as a model. Election Safeguards: Fresh problems in the state’s voter-registration system have prompted reviews and daily audits at the Motor Vehicle Commission; Sherrill says elections remain free and fair. Household Costs: New Jersey gas averages $4.31 a gallon, nearly $1.30 more than a year ago, while rents are rising and state-funded rebates remain frozen. Schools: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll finds 83% of residents support the state’s ban on non-academic cellphone use during the school day. Transit Disruptions: NJ Transit riders face five weeks of schedule changes as trains shift off the aging Portal Bridge for construction.

Election Oversight: New Jersey is reviewing more than 1,000 voter records after an MVC registration audit found additional problems. Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced new safeguards and said elections remain free and fair. NJ Transit: Rail riders face five weeks of schedule disruptions as construction ramps up, adding to a difficult month for commuters. Housing Costs: Rents are rising, but the state’s $450 renter rebate has stayed flat since 2022, losing value as housing costs climb. Pinelands: The Pinelands Commission approved a 171-acre Atlantic white cedar restoration project in Wharton State Forest despite objections over possible tree cutting and herbicide use. Sports: The Devils beat Vancouver 4-1, then forward Evan Rodrigues was fined $5,000 for a high stick. The Jets edged Cleveland 17-12 at MetLife Stadium, powered by Braelon Allen’s career-high 116 rushing yards and winning touchdown.

Transit Disruptions: NJ Transit riders face five weeks of schedule changes as crews shift trains to the new Portal North Bridge; some weekday lines will be diverted to Hoboken. Election Safeguards: New Jersey found about 1,100 problematic voter registrations tied to MVC errors, prompting Gov. Mikie Sherrill to announce reforms ahead of the midterms. Sports Betting Rules: The NFL backed New Jersey’s request for Supreme Court review of Kalshi’s prediction-market dispute, supporting state authority to regulate sports contracts as gambling. E-bike Safety: The state’s revised e-bike law is drawing criticism from riders, bike shops and advocacy groups. Household Costs: A new poll found 77% of New Jersey residents rate the economy poor or fair, citing pressure from utility bills, housing and groceries.

Election Safeguards: Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered daily audits after a review found about 1,090 more voter registrations were improperly processed through the Motor Vehicle Commission. The errors add to a previously disclosed software failure involving roughly 6,600 registrations, intensifying scrutiny ahead of the midterms. Cost of Living: A Rutgers-Eagleton poll found 77% of New Jersey residents rate the economy poor or fair, with majorities struggling to afford housing, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation. Sherrill has joined a bipartisan governors’ push to lower electricity costs. Transit: NJ Transit riders face service changes as Portal Bridge work begins Sunday. State-Federal Dispute: New Jersey joined 13 states in suing over canceled federal grants meant to improve unemployment systems. Devils: Nico Hischier scored twice and added an assist as New Jersey beat Vancouver 4-1 in Newark; Jake Allen made 20 saves in his 500th career game.

Public Health: New Jersey preschoolers must get flu shots by Nov. 30 this year, a month earlier than usual; children who miss the deadline can be kept out of school until vaccinated or flu season ends. Public Spending: A review found Washington Township reported opioid settlement money for drug education but instead spent it on police SUVs and license-plate cameras, despite high local heroin-treatment rates. Election Watch: Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced voter-registration reforms as the state pulled more improper registrations and added daily audits at motor vehicle offices. Sen. Cory Booker debated South Jersey challenger Justin Murphy, with much of the discussion focused on President Trump. Federal Funding: New Jersey joined a multistate lawsuit challenging cuts to grants that help modernize unemployment-benefit systems. Transportation: NJ Transit riders face service changes as Portal Bridge work gets underway Sunday. Public Safety: A four-alarm fire tore through Old Bridge’s Glenwood Apartments, with a partial building collapse reported.