AGP Executive Report

Solar Policy Update: New Jersey lawmakers unanimously passed the Garden State Plug-In Solar Act, clearing the way for balcony-style plug-in solar for renters and apartment dwellers and removing outdated barriers that previously blocked participation—supporters say it can help cut energy bills and avoid utility approval delays. Heat & Public Safety: With “dangerously hot conditions” forecast across parts of the state for the Fourth of July weekend, local officials are urging residents to use heat-safety judgment as heat index values could reach around 110. Sports Science Debate: FIFA’s mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the midpoint of each World Cup half are drawing backlash from fans, while medical staff argue the pauses are needed as heat risk rises. Biotech & Medicine: Orca Bio won a major FDA milestone with Tregzi, the first regulatory T-cell immunotherapy approved for chronic GVHD-free survival in certain blood cancer patients. NJ Research & Industry: Rutgers researchers continue turning NJ agriculture into tech—hazelnuts are now viable in the Garden State thanks to disease-resistant varieties developed over decades. Space/Tech Culture: A Jersey Shore marine observatory off the coast is back online, expanding long-term coastal monitoring. Local Tech/Health: A plain-language guide breaks down what New Jersey adults should know about the latest FDA nicotine pouch enforcement priorities. Transportation & Heritage: The Hindenburg’s “flying hotel” legacy is getting a new museum exhibition in New Jersey after its destruction in 1937.

State Budget Tech & Data: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s record $60.7B FY2027 budget, with lawmakers adding last-minute items and critics calling it “pork,” while supporters tout record school funding and property tax relief. Consumer Tech Regulation: NJ lawmakers approved the Fair Price Protection Act to block grocery “surveillance pricing” and AI-driven personalized pricing, plus pause electronic shelf labels—now headed to Sherrill. Clean Energy Access: The Garden State Plug-In Solar Act passed unanimously, expanding balcony/patio plug-in solar to renters and apartment dwellers to help cut electricity bills. AI & Public Safety: A federal environmental review is expected to delay ICE’s plan to convert a Surprise, Arizona warehouse into an immigrant detention center, underscoring how regulatory processes can slow major tech-adjacent infrastructure moves. AI in the Real Economy: CoreWeave is expanding its Livingston HQ by 31,000 sq. ft., signaling continued growth in NJ’s AI cloud/data-center ecosystem. Logistics Resilience: The 37th State of Logistics report argues supply chains must shift from periodic optimization to continuous adaptation amid disruption. Local Business Tech: Quarterhill will buy Conduent’s tolling tech assets in a $70M deal, aiming to expand open-road and all-electronic tolling services. Higher Ed Tech/Operations: Kean University and NJCU completed a merger, creating Kean Jersey City and expanding instructional capacity.

Maritime Tech & Security: Ocean Power Technologies says it’s ramped up Europe work, completing customer training and drone handovers in Italy and Greece and taking part in a Warsaw maritime security forum focused on critical infrastructure protection. Health Tech (Retina Biologics): Harrow announced the U.S. commercial launch of BYOOVIZ, an FDA-approved ranibizumab biosimilar, expanding options for wet AMD, RVO macular edema and myopic CNV. AI, Privacy & Courts: A federal judge let states’ case against Meta over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to addict children move forward, including a partial ruling tied to parental-consent requirements. NJ Policy & Schools: Princeton Public Schools is moving toward a “bell to bell” cell phone/device ban under New Jersey’s statewide law, tightening rules for internet-enabled devices during the full school day. NJ Tech & Life Sciences Jobs: A new NJBIZ ranking highlights Merck as the top New Jersey life sciences employer, with NJIT and BD also near the top. Cyber/Legal Risk in Finance: A class action was filed in New Jersey federal court against ADMA Biologics over alleged channel-stuffing tied to a reported 2025 growth figure. State Budget: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s first budget of her term: a $60.7B plan for fiscal year 2027.

State Budget Update: New Jersey lawmakers approved a $60.74B FY2027 budget, preserving large reserves and boosting funding for schools, property tax relief, health care, transportation, and pensions; the bill now heads to Gov. Mikie Sherrill for signature. Drinking Water & PFAS: At the American Water Works Association’s ACE 26, utilities flagged PFAS treatment and monitoring costs as major hurdles, with a massive long-term infrastructure funding gap driving tough tradeoffs. Microplastics Monitoring Fight: The EPA’s draft drinking-water monitoring plan (UCMR 6) drew backlash for leaving microplastics out of federal monitoring for years, despite pressure from states and attorneys general. EV Charging Standards: Electrify America is expanding its NACS rollout, converting major hubs along the East Coast and in California so stations can serve both CCS and NACS drivers. AI & Copyright: Nearly 400 local newspapers sued OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging unauthorized copying of reporting to train AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Health Tech: Experts discussed how ctDNA-based MRD testing is starting to shape cancer care decisions, especially after treatment, while more data is still needed for routine use. Tech & Consumer Electronics: Samsung’s 2026 Micro RGB TV lineup (including the R95H) leans on RGB backlighting for wider color and improved picture behavior.

Vet school funding: New Jersey’s tentative budget deal would keep Rowan University’s new vet school funded “to keep the lights on,” after a proposed cut threatened the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine’s survival. Biotech & national security: U.S. lawmakers opened investigations into Merck and AbbVie over whether China-based drug trials—especially in Xinjiang and at military hospitals—met due diligence and data protection standards. Food tech commercialization: New Jersey’s Edible Garden announced a non-binding plan for a strategic commercialization alliance to expand use of its controlled-environment agriculture tech through a partner’s retail distribution network. Aviation safety: The FAA opened a probe after a JetBlue flight reported a possible drone hit near JFK; the aircraft landed safely and was pulled for inspection. Public health tech: Retrieve Medical (NJ) signed a distribution deal to expand its patient-controlled medical record platform, Retrieve Passport, using AI-generated health insights for podiatry practices. Energy policy: Delaware moved to shift electric-grid interconnection rule-setting to a private council, a change that could ripple into how solar and storage connect statewide. Manufacturing leadership: AMUG named new board leadership for 2026–2027, signaling continued momentum in additive manufacturing community governance.

Medicaid Fight: New Jersey AG Jennifer Davenport and 23 states sued the Trump administration to block new federal Medicaid work rules, arguing they’ll force “medically frail” residents into extra hurdles that could strip coverage from up to 300,000 people. Online Safety: The U.S. House passed the bipartisan KIDS Act to curb addictive design and strengthen privacy for minors, setting up a fight with the Senate over how far protections should go. Voting Rules: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count mail ballots received after Election Day, a win for Democrats that undercuts efforts to impose a strict arrival deadline. AI in Local Services: Atlantic County, NJ, is rolling out an AI phone system to handle more than 1,000 calls at once for emergency assistance and food stamps, aiming to speed up access. Energy Policy: Delaware’s grid interconnection rules shift toward a private standards group, a reminder for NJ of how state energy governance can change fast. Tech & Real Estate: Bright MLS is expanding into Google search via HouseCanary, pushing more MLS data into mainstream discovery. Health & Research: A Rutgers study is highlighted for reducing wait times at a cancer clinic using a simulation model. GLI Leadership: Lakewood, NJ-based Gaming Laboratories International promoted QA and engineering leaders to director roles.

AI & Politics: A new report says AI spending is reshaping U.S. elections, with voters increasingly blaming AI for higher power bills and job fears. Privacy & Security: New Yorkers are searching heavily for ways to spot AI deepfakes, while a separate push highlights growing concerns about surveillance and identity misuse. Local Tech/Startups: Branchburg solo founder Duvvuru Sravan Kumar Reddy’s S-Core Analytics landed in NVIDIA’s Inception program after launching two AI products across multiple countries. NJ Innovation & Energy: Princeton Plasma Forge is set to open on the SRI campus late 2026, aiming to commercialize plasma tech and boost NJ’s AI, semiconductor, and clean-energy startups. Life Sciences Access: Merck reached an agreement with New Jersey-linked ADAP groups to expand access to its once-daily HIV treatment IDVYNSO. Business/Finance: Ocean Power Technologies extended its Section 382 tax benefits plan through 2029. Legal/Media Tech: Nearly 400 local newspapers sued OpenAI and Microsoft over alleged copyright copying to train AI. Health: Pfizer/Valneva’s Lyme vaccine trial results point to a potential first new Lyme shot in decades.

PFAS Monitoring in NJ Water Systems: The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Authority is starting testing for “forever chemicals” (PFAS), including PFOS and PFOA, via a contracted lab—another reminder of how fast PFAS oversight is moving from policy to on-the-ground sampling. AI & Data Center Policy in New Jersey: New Jersey is moving to slash AI data center tax breaks and reroute money toward power relief, as community pushback grows over energy use and local impacts. Privacy & Facial Recognition Rules: New Jersey Supreme Court rulings are requiring transparency for facial recognition use in criminal cases, tightening how tech is deployed in the justice system. Health Tech & Care Innovation: Shore Medical Center is rolling out VELYS Spine Technology, signaling continued investment in advanced medical devices across NJ hospitals. World Cup Tech at MetLife: England coach Thomas Tuchel said the MetLife Stadium pitch was “playable” after turf complaints from other teams, keeping NJ in the spotlight for sports infrastructure and field engineering. Community STEM & Learning: Rutgers-linked research and NOAA climate work continue to highlight NJ’s science pipeline, from lab findings to state climatology leadership.

AI & Power Policy in NJ: New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill to cut AI/data-center tax breaks and redirect money toward energy storage and household electric relief, reflecting growing pushback over the state’s electricity strain. Courts & Immigration Funding: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from threatening to withhold transportation funds from states that won’t comply with immigration enforcement conditions, calling the harm “irreparable.” Healthcare Tech & Facilities: RWJBarnabas and Rutgers Cancer Institute opened the $225M Melchiorre Cancer Center in Livingston, touting “warm blanket” patient support alongside advanced cancer-care technology. Biotech/Investing: A securities fraud class action was filed in New Jersey federal court against ADMA Biologics, with a lead-plaintiff deadline set for August 10, 2026. Environment & Heritage: A Smithsonian exhibition opened featuring a New Jersey bog turtle among objects from all 50 states, highlighting natural and cultural heritage. STEM Education: Rutgers-trained scientist and NOAA researcher named New Jersey state climatologist, adding to coverage of the Garden State’s climate research and findings.

AI Data Centers & Taxes: New Jersey lawmakers advanced the “End Data Center Tax Credits Act,” aiming to pull $250M from AI/data-center subsidies and redirect money toward energy storage and help for household electric bills, as resistance to power-hungry facilities grows. Healthcare Policy: A report highlights how Medicare’s AI push for prior authorization can create errors and delays, while another piece argues insurers too often get the final say on Alzheimer’s testing and treatment. Biotech & Markets: A New Jersey federal securities fraud class action was filed against ADMA Biologics, with investors urged to contact counsel by Aug. 10. Cancer Care in NJ: RWJBarnabas and Rutgers unveiled the Melchiorre Cancer Center, pitching “warm blanket” patient support alongside advanced treatment tech. Environment & Wildlife: A Smithsonian exhibition includes a New Jersey bog turtle, spotlighting habitat loss and endangered status. Tech & Security: A New Jersey law-firm hack story describes alleged in-person USB attacks tied to a Russian-speaking “Silent Ransom” group. Broadband: Speedtest data ranks NJ among the fastest states, while Idaho lags.

Health Care Tech & Policy: A new wave of Medicaid changes could cost New Jersey hospitals an estimated $3.6B through 2032, pushing systems to cut or restructure services as more residents lose coverage and rely on emergency departments. Cybersecurity & Fraud: A reported scheme tied to the “Silent Ransom Group” highlights how attackers may use in-person access—via hired visitors and USB drives—to bypass defenses at law firms, including one in New Jersey. PFAS Accountability: Chemours faces a major federal settlement over “forever chemicals,” with penalties and long-term mitigation and cleanup commitments that include New Jersey. Climate & Data: Rutgers’ John Krasting has been named New Jersey state climatologist, taking over from David Robinson and leading statewide climate data efforts through NJWxNet. Public Safety Science: A Rutgers-linked study finds some urban rats and mice may be developing genetic resistance to common rodenticides, raising the stakes for pest control strategies. World Cup Tech & Travel: New Jersey ranks among the worst for flight delays during the FIFA World Cup, while Nike says its new jersey fabric is 240% more breathable—built for moisture management. Local Infrastructure: Passaic Valley Water Commission is replacing tens of thousands of meters using modern tech that supports more accurate, remote data collection.

ALS Research Partnership: Shionogi is extending its deal with the ALS/MND Natural History Consortium to pull more real-world ALS data via MGH’s NeuroBANK, aiming to clarify how approved therapies work across patient groups. Immune Health Breakthrough: HSS researchers report in Science Immunology that early-life skin immune cells (Langerhans cells) help build lymphatic vessels, shaping lifelong immune function. NJ Climate Leadership: Rutgers-trained NOAA researcher John Krasting was named New Jersey state climatologist, taking over from David Robinson as the state’s warming trends and storm shifts get fresh public-facing focus. Medicaid Pressure on Hospitals: A NJ Hospital Association estimate says Medicaid changes could cost hospitals about $3.6B through 2032, pushing service cuts and raising concerns about uninsured patients. Water Infrastructure Upgrade: Passaic Valley Water Commission secured a $3.2M New Jersey Water Bank loan to replace about 70,000 customer meters plus wholesale meters with more accurate tech. FDA Decision for Imaging Drug: Lantheus received an FDA Complete Response Letter for LNTH-2501 (Ga 68 edotreotide) tied to unresolved third-party manufacturing conditions, not safety or efficacy. PFAS Settlement Debate: A proposed Chemours PFAS settlement tops $450M, but North Carolina advocates question how much direct relief reaches Cape Fear River communities. Public Safety Tech: New Jersey’s Supreme Court ordered facial recognition disclosure in a criminal case, requiring prosecutors to show how the tool was used. Travel Tech at TSA: TSA expects about 18.7M airport screenings during the July 4 week, citing added technology enhancements for the America 250 and World Cup surge. Clean-Tech Startup Expansion: Still Bright is setting up global HQ at NEST in Kenilworth to scale its copper recovery process toward pilot manufacturing. AI & Payments Watch: New York’s financial regulator is focusing on liability and consumer protections as “agentic commerce” grows. Data Center Politics: Community pushback is intensifying as data centers become a major election issue, with energy and pollution concerns driving local restrictions.

PFAS Accountability in NJ: The U.S. Justice Department says Chemours will pay about $450M to settle “forever chemicals” claims, including $90M in mitigation work tied to releases affecting West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. AI for NJ Civic Life: Two NJ groups, including Montclair State’s Center for Cooperative Media, launched an AI-assisted platform to turn public meetings into searchable, plain-language summaries and alerts. Problem Gambling Warning: A new study finds gambling disorder diagnoses jumped 60%+ in states after sports betting legalization, with the biggest rise among young men. Healthcare Tech Friction: Reporting highlights how Medicare’s AI prior-approval push is snarling patients and doctors with errors and delays. Local Tech & Housing: Leasing launched for Hudson House West in Jersey City, adding 338 rentals in a new 27-story tower. STEM & Biotech Moves: Elixirgen Therapeutics and Nippon Shinyaku struck an option deal to develop EXG-7001 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with NS Pharma set to commercialize if approved.

NJ Courts & Privacy: The New Jersey Supreme Court ordered prosecutors to provide fuller disclosure in a Jersey City facial recognition case, pushing law enforcement toward tighter biometric transparency. Environmental Permitting: NJDEP says its Operation FAST has cut the freshwater wetlands backlog for Letters of Interpretation by 42%, aiming to speed reviews and reduce project delays. Public Health & Science: Rutgers researchers report about 70% of urban mice carry mutations linked to resistance against common rodent poisons, raising new stakes for pest control. AI, Finance & Security: A KPMG survey finds most banking leaders expect AI-driven disruption and are boosting cybersecurity spending, with deepfakes and AI-related vulnerabilities topping concerns. Identity & Governance: Separate coverage highlights how biometric and digital ID systems are expanding globally, while regulators and courts demand clearer rules. Energy & Nuclear: The U.S. Energy Department is offering up to $17.5B in loans to accelerate new nuclear reactor development, targeting faster timelines and reduced investment risk. Local Tech & Business Support: Truist Foundation funding backs a Lancaster Avenue small-business program that includes practical AI adoption and sustainability coaching.

PFAS Accountability in NJ: The Trump administration reached a multistate $450M settlement with Chemours over “forever chemicals,” including a $22.5M penalty and $90M for mitigation across West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey, plus major spending for pollution controls and clean drinking water. Data Center Politics: New Jersey lawmakers advanced an “End Data Center Tax Credits” bill that cuts $250M in Next New Jersey Program credits and redirects support toward energy storage and lower-income electric customers, as AI data center opposition grows. AI and Local News: A coalition of nearly 400 local newspaper publishers sued OpenAI and Microsoft in federal court, alleging copyrighted reporting was copied to train AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot without permission or payment. Healthcare Tech Under Pressure: Portal messaging is surging for cancer survivors and primary care, with clinician inbox load rising sharply, prompting calls for staffing changes and protected time. AI in Breast Imaging: DeepHealth won FDA clearances for new AI breast suite features, including arterial calcification assessment and prior exam integration to improve detection and reduce recalls. Recycling Safety Gap: Camden-area scrap operations face scrutiny as NJ considers stricter rules for shredder residue and lithium-ion battery fire prevention. Climate Risk Research: Scientists propose “weather jiu-jitsu,” using targeted atmospheric interventions to nudge hurricanes away from populated areas.

PFAS Accountability in NJ: Chemours agreed to a $450M multi-state settlement with the DOJ, EPA, and state regulators over “forever chemicals” released at four facilities, including sites in New Jersey—paying a $22.5M civil penalty and funding $90M in mitigation, plus pollution controls and drinking-water support. Ocean Tech for New Jersey: Ocean Power Technologies deployed its PowerBuoy system off the Jersey Shore to revive the Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory site, giving Rutgers and partners a real-time offshore data hub for marine research and coastal innovation. Healthcare AI in Philly with NJ ties: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers unveiled an AI-driven tool to help clinicians choose genetic tests for rare diseases more consistently, aiming to reduce variation in decision-making. Cyber/Privacy in Courts: The New Jersey Supreme Court ordered prosecutors to explain how facial recognition was used in a Jersey City murder case, tightening disclosure expectations for the controversial tool. Industry Leadership Moves: Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) promoted three staff to director-level roles after CVC Capital Partners’ acquisition, signaling continued investment in quality assurance and engineering. Local STEM Pipeline: A Cor Jesu Academy student won a NASA virtual internship focused on Earth and space science, highlighting NJ-area access to advanced STEM opportunities. Sports Tech & Community: A new World Cup fandom study found Northeast soccer support often tracks family roots, with Ecuador topping the list for fans if the U.S. isn’t in the tournament.