AGP Executive Report

AI & Health Impacts: Vineland residents say a nearby DataOne AI data center’s constant hum is harming sleep and triggering headaches, with complaints tied to measured noise levels. Energy Policy Fight: NJ AG Jennifer Davenport joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of federal fuel economy standards, arguing it will raise costs and emissions. Broader Legal Push: Attorney General Kwame Raoul also filed a coalition suit against NHTSA’s weakened CAFE rules, while other states and cities back similar challenges. Cyber/Investor Watch: A New Jersey federal class action was filed against Alarum Technologies over claims involving alleged unauthorized device networking tied to a data center push. Manufacturing Spotlight: New Jersey’s MADE in NJ Manufacturing Day Awards highlighted state manufacturers and industry leaders. Healthcare Funding: Bayshore Medical Center Foundation announced its Oktoberfest fundraiser to support a new intermediate care unit. Workforce & AI: NJ lawmakers are weighing limits on AI use in the workplace as data-center growth and surveillance concerns rise.

Cashless Shift: A Pew poll finds 42% of U.S. adults don’t use cash for any purchases in a typical week, though many still keep some on hand—especially older and lower-income groups. Nuclear Push in NJ: Gov. Mikie Sherrill convened the state’s first Nuclear Task Force and launched “Nuclear NJ,” aiming for up to 1,100 megawatts of new power via five subcommittees on permits, financing, workforce, and public support. Data Center Pollution & Permits: A NJ investigation says a Microsoft-linked Vineland facility ran dozens of unpermitted gas generators for nearly a year, leading to a $1M fine; residents elsewhere also report generator noise and disruption. CyberAI Education: Kean University won a $500,000 NSF grant to build CyberAI academic pathways and workforce training. Climate Rule Fight: States and cities sued the EPA over power-plant greenhouse gas rollback rules, arguing the move will worsen health and extreme weather. Skilled Trades Gap: A new industry coalition warns NJ and other states face shortages as training lags demand.

Medicare AI Prior-Auth Fight: A lawsuit forced disclosure of 5,944 denials and an 83-day wait after a private AI vendor screened a spine injection request in Original Medicare, spotlighting WISeR’s spread into NJ and other states. Clean Energy Admin Search: NJBPU kicked off a procurement to pick the next Program Administrator for the Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), shaping incentives for efficiency, solar, storage and more. Nuclear NJ Launch: NJBPU, NJDEP and NJEDA unveiled “Nuclear NJ,” a new nj.gov hub aimed at explaining nuclear’s role in reliability, safety, waste planning and ratepayer protections. Data Center Pollution in Vineland: Floodlight reports a Microsoft-linked NJ datacenter ran unpermitted generators for nearly a year, emitting large NOx amounts before regulators stepped in. CyberAI Workforce Boost: Kean University won a $500K NSF CyberAICorps grant to build CyberAI education pathways and training for the cybersecurity workforce. Healthcare Tech Upgrade: The Valley Hospital in Paramus installed the Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife system, expanding non-invasive options for brain and skull conditions. Drug Pricing Settlement: AG William Tong sought court approval for a $400M settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. AI Search Friction for NJ Businesses: Google AI Overviews are reducing clicks to websites, raising new marketing pressure for local companies. Local Tech & Public Safety: Wareham’s Flock license plate reader use drew scrutiny over how officers explain scans, while Franklin welcomed four new police officers.

Medical Tech & Health: Bristol Myers Squibb’s CAMZYOS wins an expanded FDA indication for symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in adults and eligible pediatric patients, while Taiho Oncology reports positive Phase 3 AZTOUND topline results for an all-oral azacitidine/cedazuridine regimen in MDS/CMML. AI & Data Centers: NJDEP fined a Vineland operator for running unpermitted on-site generators, spotlighting how AI buildouts are turning data centers into local power-and-pollution issues; separate coverage also flags growing scrutiny over AI voice disclosure and AI sales agents. Energy Resilience: A new study warns a Carrington-level solar storm could trigger a “blackout arc” across 22 states, including New Jersey, affecting millions. Water & Infrastructure: The Delaware River Basin Commission released a surface-water availability screening report to support drought readiness across key tributaries. Local Tech Policy: Belleville expands parking enforcement cameras and Montclair prepares a test run, raising surveillance concerns. Research & Education: Rutgers’ Mason Gross launches “Arts in Health” programming linking cultural engagement to well-being, and a NJ teacher and a CTE educator were named Educators of the Year.

Data Center Cooling in NJ: Valley Hospital in Paramus installed the Elekta Esprit Gamma Knife, upgrading its radiosurgery capability and making it the first NJ health system to use the system clinically. AI Infrastructure & Robotics: Innodata opened a motion-capture lab in Ridgefield Park to generate and validate real-world data for training physical AI and humanoid robots. Cyber & Compliance: Shufti launched Geolocation Compliance for regulated iGaming and betting, using multi-signal device location to enforce jurisdiction rules—New Jersey included. Healthcare Policy: A Senate panel advanced Trump’s surgeon general nominee, Dr. Nicole Saphier, in a 12–11 vote, with vaccine positions central to the debate. Public Health & Safety: A new report warns artificial-stone countertop work is driving a silicosis epidemic, calling for stronger protections beyond current rules. Storm Science: A nor’easter surge hit NJ hard, with flooding tied to storm surge mechanics and coastal conditions. Local Tech Recognition: CSIT highlighted New Jersey awardees tied to Edison Patent Awards, spotlighting emerging tech and innovation funding.

Science Center Expansion: Liberty Science Center in Jersey City broke ground on Project Supernova, a $40M upgrade adding new immersive exhibits, a river otter habitat, a rooftop garden, and a hot-air-balloon experience, aiming to make the campus more all-weather and STEAM-focused. AI & Disaster Resilience: A Brook Byers Institute researcher is using AI-powered, physics-informed models to better predict hurricane-related flooding risks, emphasizing that storm water—not just wind—drives most fatalities. Solar Recycling Economics: A new look at crystalline silicon panels says the “real money” sits in tiny silver contact layers, helping explain why recycling is hard and why silver is worth more than the rest. Healthcare Tech in NJ: Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center became the first NJ hospital to use the SetPoint neuromodulation system for rheumatoid arthritis, offering a non-medication option for eligible patients. Broadband Buildout: Optimum announced a $14M fiber-to-the-home push for East Brunswick and South River, targeting up to 8 Gbps symmetrical speeds by early 2027. Storm-Driven Nature News: During a nor’easter flood in Surf City, Long Beach Island, a smooth dogfish shark was spotted swimming through neighborhood waters. Local Courts & Tech/Infrastructure: Camden sued scrap recycler EMR over promised community benefits tied to past fires, alleging the company fell short on donations. Food Safety Watch: A report tied to Driscoll’s berries alleges pesticide levels exceeded Canadian standards, raising fresh questions about produce compliance.

AI in healthcare: Cooper Norcross Health in New Jersey is piloting Microsoft Dragon Copilot to turn nurse-patient conversations into structured EHR notes, aiming to cut documentation time while keeping nurses in control. CyberAI education: Kean University won a $500,000 NSF grant to build CyberAI academic pathways, training students for the AI-and-cybersecurity workforce. Biotech HQ shuffle: Claris Biotherapeutics is moving its corporate headquarters from Jersey City to South San Francisco as it prepares for key 2027 trials. Energy policy push: U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko introduced three bills targeting utility oversight, regional energy hubs, and fees on high electricity use—aimed at affordability and emissions. Data center pressure: Coverage highlights how data center demand is driving major electricity debates, with New Jersey regulators and communities watching the fallout. Tech tools for everyday work: TOPDON USA launched the TC001 Mini thermal camera for troubleshooting in automotive, HVAC, plumbing, and home inspections. Public health access: NJ issued directives to expand COVID-19 vaccination access during the 2026–2027 respiratory season, including pharmacist administration without a prescription. Local culture + science: Asbury Park Museum launched a $500,000 campaign for a new exhibit space opening in 2027, tying local history and tech innovations to its programming.

College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act of 2026 (77-22), setting a federal framework for college athletes’ pay and transfers, adding a limited NCAA antitrust exemption, and requiring out-of-pocket medical coverage for Division I sports injuries; the bill now heads to the House. Shore Recovery: A powerful nor’easter battered New Jersey’s coast, triggering flooding, power outages, and major beach erosion, with cleanup and damage assessments continuing into Monday. AI in Schools: Montclair Public Schools proposed tighter rules for generative AI and classroom tech, including parent consent before students use AI for assignments and grade-based Chromebook expectations. Fintech Deal: Valley National Bancorp agreed to buy Jersey City-based Bluevine for about $340M, aiming to deepen digital small-business banking and boost AI capabilities. Pharma Moves: Merck and SciBrunch struck an exclusive global license for SPR2015, and Bayer’s Lynkuet (elinzanetant) won FDA priority review for hot flashes tied to breast cancer endocrine therapy. Public Health/Drugs: A new study flags medetomidine as an emerging threat in illicit opioid supplies, with severe withdrawal cases rising sharply. Cyber/Privacy: Walmart CEO John Furner told customers the retailer won’t use personal data to set prices as it expands digital shelf labels. Local Tech/Community: NJIT’s men’s tennis team notched wins at the Yale Invitational, while Deer New Jersey pushed deer-management solutions for Essex County ecosystems.

Healthcare Policy: MGMA says insurers may struggle to meet the Jan. 1, 2027 electronic prior authorization deadline for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, warning practices need EHR-ready workflows now. AI in Business: A NJ-based healthcare leader says AI ROI should be measured in staffing and productivity gains, not just patient-facing claims. Digital Finance Deal: Valley National Bancorp will buy Bluevine for about $340M, aiming to turbocharge small-business deposits and digital lending. Telecom & NJ Impact: The FCC paused Verizon’s copper landline retirement plan after state and local officials protested, including in New Jersey, as communities worry about coverage and emergency reliability. Energy & Grid: The US Army selected Ameresco to negotiate long-term leases for nuclear power campuses at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Picatinny Arsenal, with NJ plans still seeking reactor suppliers. Biotech/Pharma: Lupin won tentative FDA approval for apixaban oral suspension, to be made at its Somerset, NJ facility. Local Tech & Data: Geotab’s report uses data from millions of trucks to track supply-chain shifts, highlighting growth in regional hauling. Education/Research: Rutgers inaugurated its first Black president, Jonathan Holloway, in a ceremony delayed by COVID.

AI Governance Watch: A new analysis lays out what could speed up or slow AI progress, arguing better planning is needed as the tech heads toward major milestones. NJ Tech & Policy: Walmart’s CEO says the retailer won’t use customer income or shopping history for personalized pricing, pushing back on “surveillance pricing” concerns. Cyber & Web Security: WordPress patch failures are being exploited via CVE-2026-87902 webshells hitting hundreds of thousands of sites. Energy & Data Centers: Pennsylvania regulators warn data-center growth could drive frequent blackouts; New Jersey also faces scrutiny after a $1.07M penalty tied to power use at an AI data center. Storm & Safety: A nor’easter batters the Northeast with flooding, outages, and travel disruption, including coastal impacts in New Jersey. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Newark Liberty is adding eight gates to Terminal A after demand surged 40% beyond forecasts. STEM in NJ: Kean University launches New Jersey’s first AI major, signaling a push to train talent locally.

AI in Schools: A 17-year-old NJ-area student’s AI job-matching startup (Raaha) is gaining traction after her school blocked ChatGPT—showing how students are turning classroom limits into real products. Cyber & Data Centers: NJDEP hit a southern New Jersey data center with a record $1M penalty after inspectors found unpermitted gas generators running at scale, underscoring the growing fight over AI power and local air quality. Transportation Tech: Newark Liberty approved an $110M plan to add eight gates to Terminal A after demand jumped 40%, a sign of how airports are using capacity upgrades to keep up with travel surges. STEM & Research: Rutgers and Weill Cornell Medicine won $3M to study how HIV affects the brain, adding to NJ’s growing biomedical research pipeline. Weather & Resilience: A nor’easter battered the region with flooding and outages, including thousands without power in NJ—another reminder that tech and infrastructure planning have to keep pace with extreme storms.

Data Centers Under Pressure: NJDEP fined a southern New Jersey data center $1 million after inspectors found illegally installed gas generators spewing pollution into nearby neighborhoods, underscoring how the AI boom is colliding with local air-quality rules. Storm & Resilience: A powerful nor’easter battered the East Coast, knocking out power and flooding roads; in New Jersey, thousands of customers lost electricity and coastal communities saw water surge into homes. Telecom Modernization: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in NJ and other states, citing more review time as rural and remote users worry fiber/wireless replacements may fall short. Nuclear Safety Watch: Palisades Nuclear Power Plant halted fuel loading after a fuel assembly tipped during installation, triggering an NRC probe and a retrieval plan. Education Policy: A federal court ruled the Trump administration’s termination of K-12 teacher prep grants was unlawful, keeping funding pathways for hard-to-fill teaching roles alive. AI & Delivery Labor: NYC leaders pushed an Amazon delivery employment bill that could reshape gig-style logistics—an issue likely to spread beyond New Jersey. Cybersecurity: WordPress patch CVE-2026-87902 is being exploited via webshells on hundreds of thousands of sites, a reminder to patch fast.

Severe Weather & Resilience: A powerful nor’easter is already battering the Northeast, with coastal flooding and power outages hitting parts of New Jersey and leaving about 100,000 customers without electricity, plus flight cancellations and event disruptions. Telecom Policy: The FCC paused Verizon’s plan to retire copper landlines in nine states, including New Jersey, giving the agency more time to review concerns from remote communities that rely on older phone service. Nuclear Safety Watch: Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in West Michigan halted fuel loading after a nuclear fuel assembly tipped during installation; the NRC is now investigating, while Holtec (based in Camden, NJ) seeks a retrieval plan. Privacy & Web Tracking: Website “pixels” are driving a wave of lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny as they quietly send visitor activity to ad and analytics partners. Food Safety: A cinnamon seasoning recall tied to elevated lead levels includes New Jersey, with no illnesses reported so far. Healthcare & Legal Risk: Patients are suing GLP-1 drugmakers over alleged vision loss linked to NAION, including cases filed in New Jersey. Local Tech/Business: HouseCanary’s Chapter 11 reorganization got early approval in New Jersey bankruptcy court to draw initial debtor-in-possession financing.

H-1B Costs Clash: 22 U.S. attorneys general, including Virginia’s, oppose a proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, calling it an unlawful “tax” that could worsen shortages of teachers, doctors and nurses. NJ Ethics Fallout: New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after ethics and inappropriate-behavior findings, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill citing a culture shift in Trenton. Privacy & Cyber: Website tracking “pixels” are driving fresh lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny, while new research warns criminals are buying access to industrial systems through an expanding underground market. AI Governance: A federal privacy law looks unlikely in 2026, leaving states to keep tightening rules—New Jersey included. Health Tech in Court: Patients in New Jersey and beyond sue GLP-1 drugmakers over alleged vision loss tied to Ozempic/Wegovy. Energy & Industry: Holtec put its nuclear IPO on hold, citing a weaker market for nuclear deals. Weather & Resilience: A nor’easter is set to bring major flooding and strong winds to the Jersey Shore, and Burlington County launched a Pinelands climate resiliency study. AI in NJ Schools: Kean University announced New Jersey’s first standalone B.S. in Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on ethics and real-world applications.

AI Safety Push: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield and a bipartisan group of 26 state attorneys general urged Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents where AI systems accessed sites using stolen credentials and acted without proper safeguards. NJ Data Center Fallout: New Jersey DEP fined DataOne $1.07M after satellite and thermal drone checks found 62 unpermitted natural-gas generators at a Vineland AI data center site, highlighting the power crunch behind the AI boom. Cybersecurity Alert: WordPress users were warned to treat CVE-2026-87902 as an active attack after PHP webshells hit hundreds of thousands of sites within days of the 7.1.2 patch. Workplace AI Oversight: NJ AFL-CIO and FAIR Act efforts aim to rein in workplace AI tools, while other states and AGs echo calls for guardrails. Health & Tech in NJ: A NJ patient’s severe spinal cord injury story spotlights advances in emergency care and rehab planning. Education & Policy: A NJ Hall of Fame event celebrated SZA’s ties to the state, while separate coverage flags gaps between NJ graduation rates and math readiness.

Workplace AI rules in NJ: The NJ AFL-CIO launched its FAIR Act campaign, backing a bill that would limit how workplace AI is used for monitoring, hiring/firing decisions, and automated benefits determinations—aiming to give workers more say on privacy, discrimination, and job security. Remote learning push: Bayonne’s superintendent asked Gov. Mikie Sherrill to let districts use remote instruction during snow days and emergencies so schools can avoid extra make-up days. Public safety tech debate: Edison approved 90 AI-powered license plate readers, funded with asset forfeiture money, despite at least one council vote against over privacy concerns. AI guardrails momentum: New Jersey AGs joined a broader push for federal AI safety rules, while Wisconsin and other states backed Congress on oversight after high-profile AI agent incidents. NJ research spotlight: Rutgers researchers found lead-contaminated soil can create dangerous indoor lead dust levels even in homes without lead paint, based on East Trenton sampling. Health & science: A Rutgers Cancer Institute team won a $3.5M grant to study whether gut bacteria can predict breast cancer risk, and a national review reports uterus transplants in the U.S. are producing more live births as outcomes improve. Business/legal: HouseCanary filed for Chapter 11 in New Jersey to access financing while pursuing recovery tied to a real-estate valuation model dispute.