AGP Executive Report

New Jersey Budget: Gov. Sherrill signed a record $60.7B state budget, with lawmakers touting wins on affordability and school aid while some bills still face limbo over funding gaps. Immigration Enforcement: A surge in ICE arrests has been reported nationwide, including claims of thousands of kidnappings in days, keeping New Jersey’s detention and deportation debate front and center. Public Safety & Local Roads: Lavallette officials are pushing back on NJDOT’s proposed Route 35 traffic changes, warning state engineers may not grasp the seasonal beach-town realities; a public meeting is set for July 13. Courts & Rights: A judge temporarily blocked Philadelphia’s anti-ICE mask ban for federal officers, a fight that could ripple into how federal agents operate in New Jersey-adjacent jurisdictions. Business & Housing: Daewoo E&C is investing about $291M in a new 540-unit apartment project in Palisades Park, signaling renewed foreign-backed housing development in the state. Tech & Energy Policy: New Jersey lawmakers moved to end AI data center tax breaks and shift money toward cutting bills, as the state weighs power needs and growth. Independence Day in NJ: Independence Day events across the Garden State include Washington Crossing, Monmouth Battlefield, and Jersey City’s big festival and fireworks.

IPO Watch: Jersey Mike’s has filed for a U.S. initial public offering, aiming to tap a rebound in IPO markets; the filing didn’t spell out deal size, but earlier reporting pegged a potential $1B+ raise at a $12B+ valuation, with the chain citing strong growth and Blackstone backing. Statehouse Gridlock: New Jersey bills stalled in limbo as unfunded budget requests and late-stage negotiations disappointed advocates, with votes pushed to at least fall. Energy & Data Centers: Federal officials ordered data centers to switch to backup power during a heat wave as PJM warns of record demand across the grid that includes New Jersey. Courts & Insurance: The New Jersey Supreme Court highlighted D&O insurance “capacity” traps for complex business structures, a reminder that corporate roles can affect whether coverage applies. Renters’ Solar: NJ advanced a balcony plug-in solar bill that blocks landlords and HOAs from blocking renters’ access, a potential win for affordability-minded households. Business Risk: A New Jersey-linked data breach lawsuit targets UWM over claims a vendor hack exposed customer personal info.

Medicaid Cost Fight: New Jersey is set to charge companies when their workers are on Medicaid, a new fee aimed at helping fund the state-federal program as federal rules shift—other states are weighing similar moves, and business groups are pushing back. Energy & Data Centers: NJ lawmakers are moving to rein in data center tax breaks and tighten requirements as the state tries to balance grid strain with new power plans, including a push for nuclear and solar. Sports Betting Expansion: Atlantic City’s online horse bettors get a new option as NYRA Bets goes live in New Jersey, adding competition to the existing 4NJBets platform. Prediction Markets Showdown: NJ may ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh whether prediction markets are illegal sports betting, with lawmakers also eyeing tax revenue. Local Politics: Monmouth County Democrats re-elected Dyese Davis as county chair, keeping the party’s leadership team in place. Education & Hate Incident: A Paramus middle school yearbook investigation is underway after a baby photo of Adolf Hitler appeared, prompting condemnation from school officials and Jewish leaders. World Cup Culture: Free “fan bands” (custom charm wristlets) are drawing huge lines in NJ as World Cup souvenirs go viral.

State Budget: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s record $60.7B FY2027 budget, pairing property tax relief and K-12 funding with a full pension payment, but Republicans and business groups criticized added employer costs and transparency issues. Local Politics: Jersey City councilman Joel Brooks said he’ll vote for a 15% rate hike on Q3 tax bills, while residents pressed for worst-case scenarios and future budget cuts. Housing Market: Essex and Union County suburbs are in a bidding-war frenzy, with homes in Maplewood, South Orange, and Montclair selling far above asking and often under two weeks. Higher Ed: Kean University and New Jersey City University completed a merger, creating Kean Jersey City and expanding public higher education access. Policy & Elections: NJ lawmakers advanced voting-rights protections, and the ELEC proposed higher 2027 campaign contribution limits. Community & Safety: Paramus schools recalled a yearbook after a baby photo of Adolf Hitler appeared in the student section; police and prosecutors were notified. Business/Tech: CoreWeave expanded its Livingston office, and Santech Global announced an India–USA semiconductor and AI mission. Culture & Commemoration: Navy bands will perform across NYC for the International Naval Review 250, and Long Pond Ironworks’ Revolutionary-era role drew attention at a West Milford library talk.

State Budget: New Jersey lawmakers passed a $60.7B budget, and Gov. Mikie Sherrill is set to sign it—an “affordability” plan that keeps major school aid and pension payments while narrowing property-tax relief for seniors. Healthcare & Rights: The Legislature advanced new protections for reproductive and transgender healthcare providers and patients, creating a new crime for interfering with care. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge let states’ case against Meta over alleged child-addiction claims move forward toward trial. Politics: Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to Congress after a months-long absence, saying he was hospitalized and diagnosed with depression. Public Safety/Community: A Paramus middle school yearbook reportedly included a Hitler baby photo; officials pulled yearbooks and are working with law enforcement. Economy & Jobs: International Paper is closing its Barrington facility, laying off 126 workers. World Cup in NJ: Local bars and restaurants are leaning into World Cup crowds, and the final is set for East Rutherford.

Mental Health & Politics: NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. returned to the House floor after nearly four months away, saying he was hospitalized and diagnosed with depression, urging people to seek help and noting there’s “no timeline for healing.” Election Watch (NJ-7): Kean’s comeback sets up a high-profile fall rematch with Democratic nominee Rebecca Bennett after Kean missed 140+ votes but won an uncontested primary. Public Safety (Heat): With a New Jersey heat wave pushing AC systems to failure, an HVAC provider urged residents to book repairs early to avoid emergency backlogs. Local Community (July 4): Norristown canceled its annual July 4 parade due to dangerous forecasted temperatures. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s limits, while also upholding state bans on transgender girls and women from school sports. Federal Policy (Fishing): The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reclassified squid and other cephalopods as shellfish, aiming to cut regulatory fees and red tape for harvesters.

U.S. Supreme Court: The court ruled 5-4 that states may count mail-in ballots received after Election Day, dealing a fresh blow to Trump-backed efforts to tighten voting rules and giving relief to New Jersey and other states with “grace periods.” New Jersey Politics: Jersey City is set to receive a $120 million state bailout to plug a massive budget shortfall, but Mayor James Solomon warns tax hikes and service cuts may still be coming. NJ Open Records: The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously held that personal emails used for public business are subject to OPRA, requiring officials to produce logs tied to those accounts. Aviation Safety: Federal investigators are looking into a JetBlue drone incident near JFK that triggered a safety scare during approach, though the aircraft landed safely. Education: A new report finds chronic absenteeism remains stubbornly high even for young students, with only a slight improvement since last year. Business & Health: Polestar’s U.S. expansion hit a snag with a ban on selling new models, while a new NJ-based consumer eye-drop campaign rolls out nationally for presbyopia.

Supreme Court Voting Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ ability to count mail ballots received after Election Day when voters are postmarked on time, a win that drew immediate reaction from New Jersey officials and offers a reprieve to the 14 states with grace periods. NJ Budget & Cost Relief: In Trenton, the Senate Budget Committee advanced New Jersey’s “Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable” plan, clearing multiple hurdles and setting up floor votes as the state budget deadline nears. Local Education Watch: A Paramus middle school in East Brook recalled its yearbooks after a photo of Adolf Hitler appeared in the baby pictures section, prompting police and superintendent involvement. Mercer County Politics: Mercer Democrats’ chair race is heating up as outgoing chair Janice Mironov endorsed Ewing Councilwoman Jennifer Keyes Maloney for county chair and Samuel Frisby for vice chair. NHL Offseason: With the 2026 draft complete, NHL free agency opens Wednesday at noon ET, and teams across the league are lining up moves to reshape rosters under the cap. Car Owners Concern: Polestar’s U.S. sales were blocked for 2027 models under federal connected-vehicle rules, leaving drivers and dealers worried about service, warranties, and resale value.

State Budget: New Jersey’s $60.7B 2027 budget cleared Assembly and Senate budget committees in late-night votes, with lawmakers also advancing a separate bill that lifts overall spending above $61B; the plan keeps full pension payments and boosts school aid while narrowing the structural deficit, and it now heads toward final approval and Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s signature by June 30. NJ Innovation & Jobs: Middlesex County continues to market itself as an industrial and life-sciences engine, highlighting major investments and growth from companies like Clio Snacks, plus a record 367 vo-tech students earning associate degrees in high school. Healthcare & Accountability: A New Jersey nursing home pressure-injury case was resolved for nearly $500,000, with allegations focused on delayed family notification and cited state violations. World Cup in NJ: World Cup match-day traffic and business impacts around MetLife Stadium keep showing up in local coverage as fans and visitors pour in. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to either release or explain withheld FBI files tied to allegations involving Jeffrey Epstein and a woman who said she was introduced to Donald Trump at age 13.

Democratic Party Rift: Moderate Democrats are bracing for an internal civil war after leftist wins in New York City primaries, with three NYC candidates backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani projected to win in November and potentially form the biggest leftist bloc in the 21st century. Federal Courts & Voting Privacy: A federal judge tossed a DOJ bid to seize Pennsylvania’s unredacted voter-registration database, saying the request lacked legal authority and could be aimed at nationwide voter “weaponization.” Immigration Enforcement in NJ: A New York City Council employee detained on Long Island and ordered deported to Venezuela was released from Delaney Hall in Newark after more than five months in ICE custody. Minimum Wage Push in NJ: A federal minimum wage bill that would raise the floor to $25 is gaining momentum, with NJ already paying higher state minimums for most workers. World Cup at MetLife: England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, setting up knockout travel and a Round of 32 schedule that keeps NJ tied to the tournament’s biggest moments. Housing Development: Lennar’s proposed Freeway Pointe redevelopment in Gloucester Township would replace a historic Black golfers’ course with a large mixed-income housing plan.

World Cup, NJ economy: Some businesses near MetLife Stadium say the 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t boosted sales as expected, blaming limited local stops because many fans use direct train/shuttle routes from Manhattan and can’t drive in. State budget & data centers: With the July 1 deadline looming, New Jersey leaders say they’ve reached a deal, while lawmakers move to slash AI/data center tax breaks and reroute money toward energy relief. England advances after rain-soaked win: England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama at MetLife, but fans complained about a frustrating goalless first half and “rather unexciting” play; they now face DR Congo or Senegal in Atlanta. Aviation safety scare: An American Airlines flight aborted takeoff in Miami after a business jet entered the same runway, with a near-miss reported. Local governance, tech: A Parsippany IT firm highlights helpdesk workflow fixes for approvals, tickets, and handoffs—an NJ business angle on keeping operations moving. NHL draft: ESPN graded the 2026 NHL draft, spotlighting value picks and trades, including a strong first round for the San Jose Sharks.

Immigration & Elections: Syracuse poll worker Paigelynne Gonyea says ICE agents confronted her over an old Instagram post tied to the Minneapolis death of Renee Good, and she’s now weighing legal options, arguing election workers shouldn’t face intimidation at polling places. World Cup Economics (NJ/NY): New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says FIFA is pricing fans out of the 2026 World Cup, pointing to ticket and transit costs that he argues FIFA can absorb given billions in projected earnings. World Cup Matchday at MetLife: England plays Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, with England already qualified for the knockouts after earlier results, while Panama’s low-block approach is expected to be a test. Sports Business (NJ): The NHL offseason keeps moving fast: the New Jersey Devils traded Simon Nemec to Calgary for future first-round picks, part of a wider flurry of deals across the league. Aviation Safety (Newark): A United Airlines flight nearly struck a drone while landing at Newark Liberty, according to pilot reports. Local Retail: Grocery Outlet and Maurices are set to open in Pocatello, reflecting continued retail reshuffling.

NHL Draft Buzz (NJ ties): The 2026 NHL offseason is in full swing, and the New Jersey Devils made a notable move by trading Simon Nemec to Calgary for future first-round picks, part of a fast-moving week that also saw other major deals involving top prospects. World Cup at MetLife (local economy): As Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 in New Jersey to reach the knockout stage, some nearby businesses say the World Cup “boom” hasn’t materialized—one Carlstadt restaurant reported match-day traffic down about 60% amid state gridlock alerts. Public safety & policing: A former Newark police officer now weighs in on the “Red Rabbits,” a DSA-linked security group that critics warn could shape street events. Health & policy: The CDC loosened mask guidance for many Americans, while still urging masks in higher-risk areas and on public transportation. NJ corruption case: A Newark code inspector pleaded guilty to taking an $800 bribe, though the murders of her three sons remain unsolved. Hospitality update: Sheraton Parsippany is rebranded as Dolce by Wyndham.

Immigration & Local Control: A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s sanctuary-city lawsuit targeting Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Hoboken, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka calling it vindication but warning more pressure could follow. Senate Oversight: New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker led Democrats pressing Acting AG Todd Blanche for details on the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and whether DOJ broke its own settlement rules. AI Data Centers & Taxes: The Legislature advanced a bill to redirect $250 million in AI data center tax credits toward energy storage and utility bill relief for lower-income residents. Jobs & Transit: Amtrak’s new maintenance facility in Newark is set to bring 100 jobs, with Alstom running the $55 million site for Acela train servicing. Business Grants: Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber launched $125,000 in small-business grants—$5,000 each for 25 businesses, with applications open through July 31. Local Courts/Policy: A New York high court ruling upheld prevailing-wage requirements on public works even when contracts are silent. Sports & Culture: World Cup fever continues in NJ as fans and local coverage track matches and fallout.

Identity & Medicaid Fraud: New Jersey’s Victoria Hall, 39, of Long Branch, was arraigned in Vermont on felony identity theft and Medicaid fraud claims tied to allegedly billing for psychotherapy sessions she never provided. Public Safety: Paterson is adding extra off-duty foot patrols around business clusters starting July 1, funded by a $1.8M grant, targeting quality-of-life crimes. Immigration: The Supreme Court ended TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, sparking alarm among Haitian communities in the New York metro area that includes parts of New Jersey. Economy & Wages: Senate Democrats unveiled a plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 over five years and eliminate the tipped minimum wage. Tax Policy: The Supreme Court left in place a ruling that can let the IRS assess unpaid taxes decades later when a return preparer committed fraud. Local Politics: A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s sanctuary-city lawsuit against Hoboken and Jersey City. Health Care: Otsuka reported positive Phase 3b results for centanafadine XR in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety.

Gun Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii’s “no-carry default” gun rule, a blow to gun-control advocates and a warning that similar limits in other states—including New Jersey—may face new pressure. Local Governance: Jersey City Council voted 9-0 to urge the state comptroller to audit city finances and contracts during Mayor Steven Fulop’s 2020-2025 tenure. Housing & Affordability: Gov. Mikie Sherrill highlighted new steps to boost affordable housing production, including a second round of NJ HOMES technical assistance for 30 municipalities and an Affordable Housing Tax Credit auction raising nearly $35 million. Politics: Democrats are publicly split after New York’s Mamdani-backed primary wins, with some establishment figures warning the party can’t “blow it up.” World Cup at MetLife: Germany vs. Ecuador returns to MetLife Stadium today; organizers flagged travel and street-closure details for fans heading in. Health Care Costs: A new NJ-focused op-ed argues the state needs a long-term fix for spiraling school employee health insurance costs, not short-term patches that could worsen the next crisis.