AGP Executive Report

Civil Rights Probe: New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport opened a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, the privately run ICE detention center in Newark operated by GEO Group, after multiple detainee deaths, including Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, whose family alleges he didn’t get needed diabetes, blood pressure, and epilepsy medication. Medical Safety & Public Health: The CDC warned that the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris is rising in multiple states, including New Jersey, urging people to watch for sepsis symptoms. Food Safety: Health officials flagged cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illness risks, including guidance on what to avoid during the current outbreak. PFAS Cleanup: A federal judge approved New Jersey’s more than $2.5 billion “forever chemicals” settlements with DuPont, Chemours, Corteva and 3M, including long-term cleanup and drinking-water protections. Community Health Enforcement: East Orange shut down eight illegal smoke shops and seized marijuana in a crackdown tied to unlicensed cannabis sales. Water System Security: Cybersecurity concerns continue as water utilities face suspected cyberattacks, with New Jersey among states reporting incidents.

Heat Safety: A moderate heat advisory is in effect for parts of New Jersey and nearby Pennsylvania (including Morris and Hunterdon Counties in NJ), with heat index values up to 100°F and little nighttime relief—officials urge hydration, staying in cool spaces, and watching for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Opioid Treatment Access: A new study finds more than a quarter of people who get a first buprenorphine prescription for opioid use disorder never pick it up, with the “never filled” share rising from 19% in 2020 to 37% in 2024. ICE Detention Scrutiny (Delaney Hall): NJ lawmakers and members of Congress are pressing for answers after a third detainee death at Delaney Hall, with calls to close the facility and questions about transparency and medical care. Cardiology Rankings: U.S. News places Morristown Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center among the nation’s top heart disease programs. Water System Cyberattacks: Cape May County officials report cyberattacks hit two water departments, but say water safety wasn’t affected and customer data wasn’t accessed.

ICE Detention Crisis in Newark: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and NJ lawmakers renewed calls to close Delaney Hall after a third in-custody death, citing alleged medical neglect and restricted oversight, while the ACLU-NJ presses ICE to loosen visitation rules. Youth E-bike Safety: A new analysis links e-bike and e-scooter use to a sharp rise in ER visits and deaths, with pediatric experts urging properly fitted, higher-speed helmets and stricter traffic compliance. FDA Recall Watch (Blood Thinner): The FDA downgraded risk for a recall involving Ascend Laboratories’ generic dabigatran, advising patients to check lots with clinicians or pharmacists. FDA Food Safety (Listeria Cheeses): The FDA assigned its highest risk level to Clover Hill Dairy cheeses tied to listeria illness, with cases reported in NJ and other states plus one death. Public Health & Policy: A conservative legal group urged NJ to repeal school guidance on parental notification for transgender students, warning of federal legal action. Heat Advisory: A heat advisory remains in effect for parts of NJ and nearby areas, urging hydration and heat-stroke precautions.

PFAS Fight: A proposed federal settlement between EPA and Chemours over “forever chemicals” is drawing pushback from North Carolina officials and environmental groups, who say it won’t fix decades of contamination; Public Health & Safety: ABC News reports suspected cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater utilities in at least a dozen states, including New Jersey, with officials saying systems kept operating safely; Air Quality & Exposure: A UVA-led study found road dust in seven eastern cities—including Trenton, NJ—still carries toxic metals from historic industry and pesticides, raising concerns about everyday exposure near parks and schools; Heat & Storm Readiness: Emergency heat and severe weather plans are active across parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with New Jersey counties under heat advisories and warnings about flash flooding; Cancer Care: U.S. News ranks Hackensack University Medical Center #1 in New Jersey for cancer care and highlights a new Brunswick cancer center as “high performing.”

Medicaid & Chronic Illness: A federal judge refused to pause New Medicaid “medically frail” work-exclusion rules, meaning states must start sending documentation requirements to enrollees soon, with changes taking effect in 2027. ICE Detention Oversight: New Jersey lawmakers and advocates are pressing for answers after deaths tied to Delaney Hall, including claims that a second death after release may not trigger required public reporting. Public Health & Safety: NJ Poison Control is warning students about the dangers of mixing energy drinks with alcohol, which can mask intoxication and raise the risk of harm. Wildlife Care: Woodford Cedar Run in Medford hired a full-time wildlife veterinarian for the first time, aiming to improve survival for thousands of injured animals each year. Community Health & Wellness: East Orange reported a crackdown on illegal “smoke shops,” shutting down eight businesses and seizing more than 225 pounds of marijuana. Health Research Funding: Rep. Brendan Boyle demanded answers after federal cuts to health care research grants disrupted projects at Penn and CHOP. Injury Prevention: A New Jersey roundup highlights how movement screenings and proactive care are being used to prevent injuries before they sideline people.

SNAP Funding Pressure: USDA data show 41 states (plus D.C.) had SNAP payment error rates above 6% in FY 2025, raising the risk that states—including New Jersey—could face major new cost-sharing bills under federal rules. Immigration Detention Oversight: Family members of Edwin López Cornejo, who died after a medical emergency at Newark’s Delaney Hall, are demanding an independent investigation and alleging denied access to medications; ICE says he received proper care. Drug Price-Fixing Settlement: New Jersey joined a multistate $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits, with reforms tied to antitrust compliance. Cancer Care Expansion: CareWell Health is opening a new advanced medical laboratory in East Orange, adding automated testing and molecular diagnostics for multiple conditions. Public Health Outbreak Watch: A cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan has surged to about 1 in 1,000 people over three months, with officials tracing contaminated food and water sources. Health Access & Affordability: A campaign called Fair Fares NJ is urging NJ Transit to create reduced fares for riders at or below the federal poverty level as costs rise. Community Health Tech: Princeton Police is rolling out the Blue Envelope Program to help officers communicate more effectively with drivers on the autism spectrum during traffic stops. Environmental Health: NJDEP is assessing regulations as shore-based shark fishing grows, reminding anglers to follow state and federal protections.

Immigration Health Crisis in NJ: Family and advocates are demanding an independent investigation after Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, 41, died in ICE custody at Newark’s Delaney Hall, with relatives alleging he was denied needed medication for conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy while ICE says he received proper care and an emergency response. Local Public Health & Safety: East Orange shut down eight unlicensed smoke shops in a coordinated crackdown, seizing about 225 pounds of marijuana and warning that illegal sales aren’t subject to New Jersey’s testing and quality controls. Women’s Health: A new study links bacterial vaginosis with roughly triple the odds of testing positive for gonorrhea, chlamydia and other bacterial STIs, reinforcing CDC guidance to test for STIs when BV is diagnosed. Cancer & Community Concerns: A New Jersey father newly diagnosed with leukemia is organizing neighbors to press for answers about a landfill blamed for cancer fears, as residents report hundreds of cancer cases and seek more study. EMS Workforce Health: Neptune Township’s EMS chief Bil Rosen died after collapsing on duty, with colleagues highlighting his work on mental health and peer support in EMS.

ICE Deaths & Oversight: A 41-year-old man from El Salvador, Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, died after a medical emergency while held at Newark’s Delaney Hall, renewing protests and calls to close the privately run facility. Harm Reduction Access: Ocean County launched its first harm reduction vending machine outside Suburban Health Clinic in Toms River, offering 24/7 naloxone, syringes, wound kits and more. Assisted Suicide Scrutiny: An op-ed reacts to NJ.com’s assisted-suicide reporting, focusing on concerns about high fees and what they mean for medicine’s purpose. Hospital Rankings: U.S. News again put Hackensack University Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center at the top in New Jersey, with several other North Jersey hospitals also ranking highly. Food Waste Law: New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” takeout rules took effect Aug. 1, requiring diners to request single-use plastic items. Cannabis Labor-Pact Fight: Verano sued NJ over a requirement that cannabis firms sign labor peace agreements with unions.

ICE Detention Deaths in Newark: New Jersey leaders and advocates are renewing calls for oversight after Edwin Jeovanny López Cornejo, detained at Delaney Hall, died in ICE custody; his mother and attorneys allege he wasn’t receiving needed diabetes medication, while officials say the cause is pending. Legal Pressure on Health Care Access: Multiple state attorneys general, including NJ, joined lawsuits aiming to block Trump administration moves that could raise health insurance costs and weaken Affordable Care Act protections. Drug-Price Fixing Accountability: North Carolina and other states announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with states directing portions to Medicaid and enforcement funds. Medicare Advantage Impact: A new Health Affairs study using New Jersey retirees found Medicare Advantage enrollment reduced nursing home and post-acute care use without increasing time at home. Local Care Expansion: Citizens Medical Center added two physicians—cardiology and gastroenterology—to expand specialty services. Student Aid Squeeze: New federal student loan borrowing caps are making graduate school harder to afford, with experts warning more students may turn to private loans.

Rare Disease Update: Rocket Pharmaceuticals (Cranbury) says early safety looks promising in its modified Phase 2 RP-A501 trial for Danon disease, with no thrombotic microangiopathy or capillary leak seen in the first three treated patients, and it’s now aligning with the FDA on next dosing steps. Health Tech Security: CareCloud has started notifying about 345,000 people after hackers accessed an electronic health record system, potentially exposing medical, financial, and identity data. Cancer Care Access: FDA approval expands eligibility for Novartis’ Pluvicto prostate cancer radioligand therapy, but access still depends on licensed centers that can administer the radioactive treatment. M&A Watch: Curium and Lantheus announced a definitive merger agreement (up to $8B value), aiming to combine radiopharmaceutical theranostics with Lantheus’ radiodiagnostics business. NJ Environment & Health: BioLargo reports its PFAS remediation system at Lake Stockholm, NJ has treated more than 2 million gallons over six months, with ongoing NJDEP/EPA monitoring. Legal/Policy: New Jersey and New York are suing to block Trump administration changes to ACA health insurance marketplaces.

ACA Coverage Fight: New Jersey and New York attorneys general sued to block a Trump administration CMS rule for 2027 that would expand “catastrophic” plans and raise out-of-pocket costs, arguing it will reduce coverage for millions. Maternal Health Watch: A CDC study found gestational hypertension rose in every state from 2016 to 2024, with one in ten pregnant women affected in 2024; New Jersey was among the states with lower rates but still part of the upward trend. Data Breach Risk: New Jersey-based CareCloud disclosed a breach impacting about 345,000 people after hackers accessed medical and financial data stored on AWS-hosted systems. Public Health Push: Walgreens began offering flu shots to kids 3 and older, aiming to get ahead of a severe flu season that saw tens of thousands of deaths nationwide. Local Health & Community: An 8-year-old in Stony Point raised celiac disease awareness by hiding glitter-decorated seashells with QR codes for donations to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Food Safety Alert: Philadelphia-area consumers are staying cautious as a cyclospora outbreak continues, with confirmed cases tied to iceberg lettuce products. Workplace Contract: Montclair approved a five-year police contract with retroactive raises, higher stipends, and a new paid Juneteenth holiday.

Food Safety: Philadelphia health officials say a cyclospora outbreak has reached 13 confirmed cases, keeping shoppers and grocers on alert as investigators track likely sources. Public Health & Behavior: A new look at GLP-1 weight-loss drugs highlights puzzling reports of changes beyond appetite—some users say impulse control and alcohol cravings shift too. NJ Health Access: Harmony Care Finder launched a free, human-guided concierge to help New Jersey families find and verify ABA therapy and autism care, aiming to cut waitlist and paperwork stress. Infectious Disease Risk: New Jersey residents were reminded about rabies exposure after a rabid bat was found in a home attic, leading to monitoring for three cats. Health Policy & Legal: A federal judge blocked New York from enforcing parts of its assisted-dying law against Catholic ministries while a lawsuit proceeds. Community Health: A Hewitt man was charged in a fatal crash tied to driving with a suspended license, underscoring ongoing road-safety concerns.

Legal/Health Policy: A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s bid to force Illinois to hand over voter rolls, underscoring limits on federal power over state-run systems. Public Health & Safety: New Jersey reported a rabid bat in a Haddonfield home; no people were exposed, but three vaccinated cats now face 45-day monitoring and boosters. Food & Waste: NJ’s “Skip the Stuff” law took effect Saturday, requiring diners to request single-use utensils, napkins, straws and condiments only if they want them—shifting defaults for both in-store and delivery orders. Medicaid Watch: Medicaid spending data show Park Ridge billed $1,053 for “medicine services and procedures” in 2024 (up 4.2% from 2023), while Cranford’s pathology/lab services rose 44.7% to $897. Health Care Access/Allergies: FDA allergy updates highlighted in recent coverage include expanded pediatric use of Ryaltris for seasonal allergic rhinitis and major shifts after Palforzia’s discontinuation. Infectious Disease: Experts flagged a rare Bourbon virus risk after a first NY case, with no vaccine and limited treatment options—prompting stronger tick-prevention messaging.

EMS Readiness: Nine New Jersey counties exceeded the state’s 15-minute recommended average response time for 911 EMS, with Warren County worst at 22 minutes and Sussex at 20, raising concerns about access to timely emergency care. Tick Season Watch: A new national look at tick expansion links warmer winters and more deer to rising tick-bite illness risk, including Lyme and Alpha-gal, urging practical prevention. Hospital Quality Improvement: A nurse-led initiative at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson cut unplanned extubations in its medical ICU and sustained the improvement for five years. FDA Recall Alert (Botulism Risk): The FDA updated a recall for Brooklyn Roasting Company pasteurized cold brew concentrate sold in NJ, warning improper storage could allow botulinum toxin formation. Public Health & Environment: New Jersey reported West Nile virus in mosquito samples from 12 counties, with officials urging residents to avoid bites and reduce breeding areas. Legal/Health Policy: NJ joined a multistate lawsuit challenging a federal Affordable Care Act rule that could raise costs and reduce coverage for millions.

ACA Legal Fight: New Jersey and other state attorneys general are suing to block a federal HHS/CMS rule that would make Affordable Care Act coverage more expensive and harder to get, including changes that expand catastrophic plans and raise out-of-pocket costs. Rural Health Funding: NJ announced $83 million in first-round federal rural health grants, including a $21.8 million award for the state’s Center for Equity and Wellbeing to strengthen rural infrastructure, workforce, and chronic disease prevention. Medicaid Work Requirements: A federal judge denied a bid to pause new Medicaid work rules, setting a Jan. 1 implementation deadline for states. Public Health Alerts: CDC data show 3,586 babesiosis cases in 2023, with NJ reporting 406—highlighting the late-summer tick risk. Food Safety: Lidl expanded a recall of Eridanous shortbread cookies due to undeclared wheat, soy, milk, egg, and coconut allergens from foreign-language packaging. Local Health & Safety: Cranford officials are asking for help after more than 150 box turtles were illegally dumped near a river. Water Safety: Two Barnegat Bay crashes injured two people, with Coast Guard airlifts involved.

PFAS Accountability Fight: The Southern Environmental Law Center says EPA’s proposed Chemours PFAS settlement would let the company off the hook without strong cleanup or enforceable protections, keeping communities stuck with contamination. Infection Care Gaps: A national survey finds wide variation in how clinicians diagnose and treat C. diff, with inconsistent testing and antibiotic choices and calls for more standardization. Colorectal Screening Misuse: Rutgers research finds many people don’t follow instructions for at-home FIT colon cancer tests, with more advanced cancers showing up among those who never repeat screening. Eczema Treatment Rethink: A new evidence review concludes antihistamines don’t meaningfully help eczema itch for most patients and may cause cognitive side effects. NJ Health & Safety in Schools: Plainfield rolls out “Phones Down, Minds Up” ahead of New Jersey’s statewide school-day device ban, with medical and IEP accommodations noted. Local Health News: A Mercer County civil lawsuit alleges a doctor sexually abused dozens of women over a decade. Public Health Tech: Cognizant launches an EMEA AI unit to help enterprises move agentic AI from pilots to production. Community Health Reminder: Newark is urging families to start the school year with dental checkups.