AGP Executive Report

Election Watch: New Jersey’s primary turnout looked low, with voters focused on the economy, gas prices and local issues like an AI data center—while statewide results kept key races in play. Immigration Detention & Health Oversight: NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport sued GEO Group over Delaney Hall, demanding full access for health inspectors, as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka moves to expand legal action to shut the facility. Politics Beyond NJ: Across Tuesday’s primaries, Trump’s GOP momentum stumbled in Iowa, while California’s gubernatorial race remained too close as votes were still being counted. Middle East & Energy: Iran-US tensions flared again in the Gulf, with drone and missile attacks reported around Kuwait and Bahrain, pushing oil prices up more than 1%. Healthcare Real Estate (CMS nursing home snapshots): Morris County’s Careone at Madison Avenue (3-star) and Careone at Hanover Township (3-star) contrast with Morris’s Livia Health and Senior Living (5-star); in Cape May, Complete Care at Court House hit a 5-star rating, while Somerset’s Waterfront Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center also earned 5 stars.

Corporate Relocation: Samsung plans to move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas, a major hit to NJ’s office footprint and jobs after a short stay in the new campus. Immigration Detention Oversight: New Jersey health officials and the attorney general are suing GEO Group over Delaney Hall, seeking full access for inspections amid hunger strikes and allegations of inhumane, unsanitary conditions. Cannabis Regulation: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a law letting certain medical cannabis dispensaries expand into adult-use sales without a new local approval round, tightening the state’s role over municipal control. World Cup Business Pressure: NJ Transit World Cup train tickets are selling slowly despite high prices, while states including NJ are extending bar and restaurant hours to capture late-night fan spending. Energy Policy Fight: New York and other states sued the Trump administration over a deal to cancel offshore wind leases, arguing it’s unlawful and could raise electricity costs. Banking Leadership: BCB Bancorp named Thomas O’Brien president and CEO, signaling a push to stabilize and remediate in community banking. Workforce & Growth: Sen. Andy Kim toured Monmouth County focusing on how NJ can build an innovation-manufacturing-workforce ecosystem to attract investment and talent. Nonprofit Leadership: Rising Tide Capital hired Dr. Joynicole Martinez as CEO, aiming to expand entrepreneurship and economic resilience programs.

Corporate Relocation: Samsung Electronics America confirmed it will move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas by year-end, citing long-term growth and operational alignment—an immediate hit to New Jersey’s business footprint. Immigration & Public Safety: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said there’s no need to halt international flight processing at Newark Liberty, pointing to cooperation with state and local law enforcement as protests continue around the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Politics (Primary Watch): New Jersey Democrats pick a nominee Tuesday in the high-stakes 7th District race tied to Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s months-long absence, with four Democrats competing to face him in November. Infrastructure & Jobs Access: South Jersey Transportation Authority launched six new no-cost bus routes under NJ Connects to close transit gaps across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May and Salem. Hospital Construction Safety: A Toms River hospital parking garage was shut down as unsafe, with reporting tying the same concrete vendor to precast panels used in the deadly Grays Ferry collapse in Philadelphia. Hospitality & World Cup Economy: States including New Jersey are extending bar and restaurant hours during World Cup matches, aiming to boost local sales and fan experience amid ticket-price pressure. Local Business & Community: Burlington County Restaurant Week returns Aug. 2-8, highlighting more than 100 eateries with special menus and promotions.

Hudson Tunnel Contract: The Gateway Development Commission awarded a $711.7M Hudson Tunnel Project deal to Skanska Creamer Sanzari NJSA JV for the New Jersey Surface Alignment, building about 1.5 miles of rail infrastructure from Secaucus to the North Bergen tunnel portal, with construction slated to start in 2026. Immigration Detention Fallout: Protests at Newark’s Delaney Hall escalated into clashes that prompted a nightly curfew and tighter state police security, while lawmakers and advocates renewed calls to close the facility permanently. World Cup Economy: Several states, including New Jersey, approved extended bar and restaurant hours during the tournament to boost local sales and fan experience. Sports Betting Payments: Paysafe research says many U.S. bettors want crypto deposits where allowed, pointing to potential competitive advantages for sportsbooks. Real Estate Deal: Christie’s International cut ties with a tri-state affiliate, ending the Christie’s brand franchise in New York and Northern New Jersey. Healthcare Funding: Deborah Heart and Lung Center received $847,000 in federal support to upgrade cardiac electrophysiology lab systems. Local Tech/Traffic: NJDOT’s Black Horse Pike modernization added real-time traffic camera access in Egg Harbor and Hamilton townships.

Newark Airport/Customs Dispute: The U.S. Travel Association warned that any Homeland Security move to stop processing international passengers and cargo at Newark Liberty could cost about $8 billion a year in tourism spending, disrupt flights and imported goods, and hit the World Cup travel surge. Immigration Detention Unrest: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed a nightly curfew around Delaney Hall after clashes with protesters; Gov. Mikie Sherrill said DHS restored limited family visitation, while law enforcement expanded restricted areas. Corporate Relocation: Samsung Electronics plans to move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs, N.J., to Plano, Texas, with about 1,000 employees expected to transfer. Food Safety: De Dios’s Ice Pops II recalled D’Dioses Fruit Pops in multiple flavors sold in NJ and nearby states due to undeclared allergens that could trigger serious reactions. Local Business Growth: NJ Rep received a $500,000 NJEDA grant to expand programming via the new West End Arts Center in Long Branch.

Immigration & Public Safety: Newark and New Jersey state police tightened control around the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill saying family visitation is resuming while Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed a nightly curfew and expanded the restricted area after clashes, arrests and reports of hunger-striking detainees. Aviation & Trade: Airlines and business groups warned that DHS could halt customs processing at Newark and other “sanctuary” airports, arguing it would ripple through travel, cargo and supply chains. Consumer & Sports Business: New York and New Jersey attorneys general launched an investigation into FIFA’s 2026 World Cup ticketing, citing confusing seat locations and “impossibly high” prices at MetLife Stadium. Housing Costs: New Jersey renters remain squeezed, with average rent reported around $2,413 a month—among the highest in the U.S.—as supply constraints and landlord costs keep pressure on. Corporate Moves: ExxonMobil’s shareholder-approved plan to move its legal home from New Jersey to Texas continues to draw scrutiny from New Jersey business leaders and lawmakers. Healthcare Innovation: Summit Therapeutics reported positive overall survival results from the HARMONi-6 trial involving ivonescimab in advanced squamous NSCLC, setting up new data at ASCO.

Immigration & Public Safety: New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered state police to take control of the area outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, setting up protected protest zones and checkpoints after days of clashes tied to allegations of “inhumane conditions” and a hunger strike by detainees. Aviation & Economy: Industry groups warned that DHS could halt customs processing at Newark and other “sanctuary” airports, saying it could strand travelers and disrupt cargo and supply chains nationwide. Federal Politics: NJ voters are pressing for answers about Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s prolonged absence from Congress, with his office citing a medical emergency as he misses more than 100 votes. Monetary Policy: Fed officials signaled they may consider rate hikes if the Iran-related energy shock keeps inflation elevated. Local Business/Environment: Camden officials renewed calls to shut down EMR Recycling after another major fire, with lithium-ion batteries blamed for igniting the site. Energy/Infrastructure: NJDEP held a Keyport community meeting over concerns about a possible cancer cluster linked to the Aeromarine landfill, as residents demand accountability before redevelopment.

Immigration Enforcement Flashpoint: Gov. Mikie Sherrill ordered New Jersey State Police to take over peacekeeping outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark and set up “protected protest zones” after a week of clashes, pepper spray and arrests, as families and lawmakers press for the facility’s closure. Election Watch: With New Jersey’s closed primary set for June 2, coverage focused on how to vote and on Democratic congressional candidate Adam Hamawy, who condemned antisemitism amid scrutiny of his Israel views and past links raised by opponents. Energy & Permitting: The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced the New Jersey Gas Modernization Act, drawing sharp criticism from advocates who say it would expand pollution and weaken environmental protections. AI Data Center Backlash: A viral report highlighted Andover Township’s move to ban a data center project, reflecting growing local resistance to energy-hungry AI infrastructure. Business Growth: Gregorys Coffee signed its first franchise agreement, tapping a New Jersey-based insider to expand the specialty coffee brand. Travel & Aviation: The U.S. Travel Association warned that removing customs processing at Newark airport could cost the economy about $8 billion annually, citing impacts to travelers and cargo.

Immigration & Detention: Hundreds of detainees at Newark’s Delaney Hall have launched a hunger strike, escalating allegations of abuse, neglect and delayed medical care at the GEO Group-run ICE facility, while protests and lawmakers’ scrutiny intensify. Water Infrastructure: NJ Senate cleared a $160M package for Jersey City and Hoboken water projects, funded through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank and aimed at reducing breaks and climate-related risks. World Cup Business & Travel: A U.S. travel industry group warned that DHS plans to pull customs processing from Newark could cost the economy about $8B annually and disrupt international travel just as the 2026 FIFA World Cup ramps up. AI & Local Land Use: Vineland neighbors filed a federal class-action over a humming AI data center under construction, saying noise is harming sleep and property values. Monetary Policy: Fed officials signaled rates could rise if Middle East-driven inflation proves persistent. Commercial Real Estate: NAIOP said office absorption stayed positive for three straight quarters, but the outlook is clouded by slowing growth and recession risk. Energy & Workforce: A Workforce Pell Grant rule is set for July rollout, expanding federal aid for short-term collision repair and auto technician training programs.

Workplace & Compliance: New Jersey expands the Family Leave Act effective July 17, lowering coverage to employers with 15+ workers and easing eligibility to 3 months on the job and 250 hours in the prior year—forcing HR teams to update policies and tracking. Food Safety: Paterson-based De Dios Ice Pops II LLC voluntarily recalls ice pops sold in NJ, NY, PA and CT due to possible undeclared milk, dyes and nuts; no illnesses reported. Courts & Consumer Tech: A New Jersey federal court tosses TCPA claims over two “verification code” texts, ruling they weren’t unsolicited ads or solicitations. Immigration Detention & Labor: At Newark’s Delaney Hall, detainees and families allege guards beat and tear-gassed people during a hunger strike, while Sen. Andy Kim and others press for changes at the GEO-run facility. Healthcare Business: RWJBarnabas Health wins ACC accreditation for its cardiac catheterization labs, citing standardized practices across 11 locations. Cybersecurity Training: Cympire and Cyberspace Knowledge Group support Cyber Yankee 2026 with live-fire enterprise defense drills for National Guard operators. Sports & Local Economy: WHYY racks up multiple Murrow awards, underscoring continued investment in New Jersey media.

World Cup Probe: New York and New Jersey attorneys general subpoena FIFA over allegations of misleading seat assignments and “impossibly high” demand-based ticket pricing, with the investigation focused on sales tactics and whether they drove soaring costs. Immigration Clash: Protests outside Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center turned violent again, with DHS warning it may pull airport CBP staff from “sanctuary cities,” potentially disrupting international travel tied to the World Cup. ExxonMobil Move: ExxonMobil shareholders approved redomiciling the company’s legal home from New Jersey to Texas, prompting sharp pushback from NJ Senate Republicans calling it a sign of an anti-business climate. Healthcare Labor: NJ’s Department of Labor is investigating Connolly Dermatology after employees alleged missed payrolls across its multi-office practice. Business & Housing: Jersey City’s building boom is helping keep rents below Manhattan’s record highs, underscoring how local supply can shift costs across the Hudson. Sports Business: Fertitta Entertainment agreed to buy Caesars Entertainment in a $17.6B deal that would give Fertitta control of four Atlantic City casinos. Funding: Outlook Therapeutics priced a $5M registered direct offering. Energy Startup: Thea Energy raised $100M Series B to scale fusion power plants.

World Cup Fallout: New York and New Jersey attorneys general subpoena FIFA over 2026 World Cup ticketing, alleging “artificially inflating prices” and misleading seat assignments for MetLife Stadium matches, including the July 19 final. Immigration & Public Safety: Protesters and Sen. Andy Kim faced a sharp escalation at Newark’s Delaney Hall as ICE officers pepper-sprayed and physically restrained demonstrators during a hunger-strike protest. Energy & Corporate Governance: ExxonMobil shareholders approved moving the company’s legal domicile from New Jersey to Texas, ending a 144-year NJ chapter. Life Sciences Hiring: NJ’s pharma and biotech job market is heating up, with 11 companies listing openings statewide as postings jump year over year. Cannabis Retail: Root 22 Dispensary announced a June 5 grand opening celebration in Somerville with promotions, vendor pop-ups and community giveaways. Opioid Harm Reduction: Paterson rolled out free, around-the-clock naloxone kiosks to help reverse overdoses quickly. Insurance M&A: World Insurance Associates bought Florida’s Lock Insurance agency, expanding its personal and commercial coverage footprint.

World Cup Probe: New York AG Letitia James and NJ AG Jennifer Davenport subpoenaed FIFA over 2026 World Cup ticketing, alleging sky-high prices and misleading seat-location changes for MetLife Stadium matches, including the July 19 final. Energy & Tech Policy: Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiled “guardrails” for data centers—developers must “pay their own way,” report energy and water use, address community impacts, and use union labor—amid voter backlash over rising power costs. Immigration Detention Fallout: Protests and a hunger-and-labor strike at Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE jail escalated again, with reports of chemical spray and arrests outside the facility. Sports Business: Travis Kelce became a minority owner in MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, adding to athlete-driven equity moves. Food Safety/Manufacturing: Icelandirect in Clifton completed an FSSC 22000 Version 6 audit, reinforcing food-safety compliance for supplement and nutraceutical production. Legal/Consumer: A federal judge in Newark ruled Jazwares’ Squishmallows “HugMees” can face a trademark lawsuit over “HUGME” plush toys.

Federal Fraud Verdict: A federal jury convicted three people tied to an international “business email compromise” scam that netted about $215 million from 1,000+ victims, bringing the total to 25 convicted in the case. Local Compliance Push: Livingston is hosting its first free Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event on June 7 to help residents follow NJ rules that bar curbside pickup of electronics. Prediction Markets Clash: President Trump again backed the CFTC’s exclusive control over prediction markets, while bashing Democrats and even former NJ Gov. Chris Christie for opposing the industry. Health & Food Safety: A NJ cheese maker pleaded guilty over contaminated queso fresco linked to a deadly listeria outbreak. Public Safety/Community: Protests outside Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center continued as detainees and advocates allege hunger-strike conditions and poor medical access. Media: Billionaire publisher Donald E. Newhouse died at 96.

World Cup Readiness: New Jersey’s World Cup push got a boost with Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiling the Welcome World Rewards Program, a points-based way for fans to visit small businesses and community events ahead of the tournament. ICE Detention Fallout: The biggest local flashpoint remains Delaney Hall in Newark, where a hunger strike continues and Sherrill says the state is weighing options to press for closure after federal officers used pepper spray and pepper balls on demonstrators, including Sen. Andy Kim. Public Safety Tech: Across host cities, agencies are leaning on Everbridge to send multilingual alerts on weather, transit disruptions, and emergencies during the games. Business Expansion: Atomic Wings says it’s set to more than double in 2026, with 20+ new openings planned across New York and New Jersey plus additional growth in other states. Tech & Jobs: Meta, JPMorgan Chase, and other major employers have announced layoffs in New Jersey, adding to the week’s broader churn in hiring and staffing.

ICE Detention Crisis: Protests outside Newark’s Delaney Hall turned chaotic again Monday as hundreds of detainees continued a hunger and labor strike and federal agents clashed with demonstrators; Sen. Andy Kim said he had trouble breathing after being pepper-balled, while Gov. Mikie Sherrill was denied access to the facility for a fourth day of demands over conditions and medical care. World Cup Logistics: FIFA says it has finalized base-camp sites for all 48 teams—39 in the U.S., seven in Mexico, two in Canada—spreading the tournament’s economic footprint beyond host cities. Retail & Food Safety: New Jersey shoppers also get a reminder that recalls keep coming: Raaw Energy expanded a listeria-linked dog food recall, and Whole Foods-linked soup and other ice cream recalls continue to ripple across multiple states. Tax & Compliance Watch: A new wave of states is expanding sales tax to software, subscriptions and digital products—raising the risk that companies overpay when they miss exemptions.