AGP Executive Report

Meta Child-Safety Trial: A major coalition of states, including New Jersey, is pushing a landmark case against Meta over alleged social media addiction harms to kids, with penalties sought up to $1.4 trillion and potential changes to how Facebook and Instagram work. Rutgers Health Study: Rutgers researchers report that NJ teens who engage with beauty influencers and tutorials use more personal care products tied to hormone-disrupting chemicals—30% more for influencer followers and 40% more for tutorial watchers. WWE/NJ Pop Culture: Former WWE star Dawn Marie, a New Jersey native, says she’s joining OnlyFans—“flirty” content, not nudes—while talking about injuries and life after wrestling. Local Sports Spotlight: William Paterson’s bowling team is aiming for national attention again under new leadership. Community & Food: Newark’s West Ward food pantry is getting a makeover into “The Market at UCC,” shifting from long lines to a grocery-style setup. NJ Entertainment/Events: Sunbury Press launched the first East Coast chapter of an author event network, expanding curated reader-facing opportunities across PA, NY, and NJ. Weather: Showers linger into Monday morning, then a couple of sunnier, warm days before more unsettled conditions later in the week.

Youth Tech Lawsuit: A major U.S. appeals ruling cleared the way for thousands of social media addiction lawsuits against Meta and TikTok, rejecting arguments that platforms are protected from suit under Section 230—setting up a big fight over how apps affect minors’ mental health. NJ Arts & Comedy: Broadway vet Laura Benanti brings her R-rated one-woman stand-up show “Nobody Cares” to George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick (Aug. 26–30). Community Spotlight: Jersey City packed the streets for the 66th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with music, pride, and local and state leaders. Sports Entertainment: Franklin’s Joseph Sawyer returned to Atlantic City for Game Changer Wrestling and won the GCW World Championship at Showboat. Local Sports Youth: Bayonne Central Little League is headed to the 2026 Little League World Series in Williamsport. Big NJ Pop Culture: “Tony” (A24) is getting buzz for its New Jersey-set coming-of-age story starring Dominic Sessa.

Social Media Lawsuits: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for thousands of youth-harm “addiction” lawsuits against Meta and TikTok to move forward, rejecting arguments that Section 230 blocks the cases. Sports Betting in NJ: bet365 and Fanatics are pushing big baseball promos for Mets vs. Nationals and Yankees vs. Blue Jays, with eligibility lists that include New Jersey. Soccer Transfers: Aston Villa agreed to sign Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma in a deal reported around €30m-plus, with Emiliano Martinez’s future still in the mix. Music & Pop Culture: Jersey legend Frankie Valli says he’s not retiring after a family mix-up sparked headlines. Community Spotlight: India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations in the NJ/NY area culminated in a Guinness World Record at Parsippany’s Veterans Memorial Park for the “Largest Flagpole Number” (1,300+ flags forming “250”). Local News: A New Jersey man surrendered and was charged after a boat crash killed two children in Barnegat Bay.

Social Media Lawsuit Update: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for thousands of youth-addiction lawsuits against Meta and TikTok to move forward, rejecting arguments that Section 230 blocks the cases—setting up a major fight over how platforms are built and marketed to minors. K-pop & Awards Debate: BTS’ decision to skip next year’s Grammys has reignited the question for K-pop stars: chase global trophies or protest category politics. New Jersey Arts & Youth Theater: Centenary Stage Company launched “Stage Bound,” a new youth production program (ages 8–18) with auditions set for Sept. 19, plus a “Vagina Monologues” run at Gateway Playhouse in late August. Dance on Tour (NJ): Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company announced its 2026–27 season, including performances at NJPAC in Newark for Lunar New Year. Sports (NJ ties): Tiger Woods and Mike Trout unveiled “Trout National” in Vineland, while LeBron debuted a YouTube golf channel tied to a Scotland reunion. Community & Culture: Festival of India celebrations continue this weekend, and Cape May approved new late-night beach curfews for unaccompanied minors. Public Safety/Recall: Hundreds of dog food bags were recalled over possible salmonella contamination, including distribution in New Jersey. Reality TV: Married at First Sight alum Ryan De Nino died at 40, with ex-wife Jessica Castro posting condolences.

Social Media Legal Fight: A federal appeals court cleared the way for more than 3,000 lawsuits accusing Meta and TikTok of fueling addiction and harming young users, rejecting arguments that Section 230 blocks the cases from moving forward. Local Arts & Music: Montclair-area singer-songwriter Lily Vakili is launching a three-date residency at Marksboro Mills, with a duo show, a songwriting workshop, and a full-band performance. Film & Pop Culture: The Bourdain biopic “Tony” hits theaters in select cities now (nationwide Aug. 21), spotlighting the New Jersey roots behind the culinary icon. Sports (NJ): The Giants open the preseason at MetLife Stadium vs. the Vikings (1 p.m. ET), while Kansas City Current’s Amelia White scored in 22 seconds in a NJ match against Gotham FC. Reality TV: “Married at First Sight” star Ryan De Nino died suddenly at 40 in New Jersey; no cause has been released.

Social Media Legal Fight: A federal appeals court cleared the way for thousands of lawsuits accusing Meta and TikTok of fueling social media addiction harms to young users, rejecting attempts to stop the cases under Section 230. Local Entertainment Spotlight: Haddon Township is gearing up for its Summer of Love 60s-70s-80s Music Festival on Aug. 29 along Haddon Avenue, with five bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and a Kids Zone. Sports & Pop Culture: Real Salt Lake’s Leagues Cup quarterfinal is set for Aug. 25 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Colorado because a Noah Kahan concert is taking over its usual home turf. Reality TV News: “Married at First Sight” star Ryan de Nino has died at 40, with his ex-wife Jessica Castro offering condolences and noting they hadn’t been in contact for years. Public Safety: Burlington County police say an online child sex predator targeted 50+ underage girls; a trial date is set. Food Recall: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix in multiple states including NJ due to possible salmonella contamination.

Meta/TikTok Court Fight: A federal appeals court cleared the way for more than 3,000 social media addiction lawsuits to move forward against Meta and TikTok, rejecting efforts to stop the cases under Section 230. New Jersey Privacy Clash: NJ’s Dana Nessel joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands for sensitive CDL driver data, arguing the federal government is violating privacy laws. Music & Touring: Taemin’s 2026–27 U.S. leg of the world tour lands at Newark’s Prudential Center on Oct. 23. **Pop Culture Spotlight:** A Jersey Shore music scene memoir, “The Party Business,” follows a Point Pleasant Beach bar-to-fame journey. **Local Arts/Community:** Jersey City’s Puerto Rican Parade and Festival runs Aug. 15–16, with Pride set for Aug. 22. **Sports on TV:** Jets vs. Buccaneers preseason kicks off today—TV channel and time listed in the coverage.

Big Tech in Court: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for thousands of social media addiction lawsuits against Meta and TikTok, including cases tied to claims that platforms were designed to harm minors. Local Arts & Culture: New Jersey theater alum Dylan Pitanza lands a Netflix role in the coming-of-age dramedy “Don’t Say Good Luck,” bringing his high school stage roots back to the screen. Music Spotlight: Ocean County post-punk band Meteor Police digs into the strange-but-sincere vibe behind its new album “Death Is So Permanent.” NHL in NJ: The NHL released its 2026-27 preseason schedule, including an Islanders-at-Jersey game on Sept. 20. Sports Entertainment: The 2026 U.S. Amateur at Merion moves into the Round of 16, with Logan Reilly advancing after a 20-hole win. Fashion & Fandom: Islanders fan-designed jersey voting narrows to finalists, with experts weighing in on the best look for 2027-28.

Social Media Lawsuit Wave: A U.S. appeals court cleared the way for thousands of “addiction” lawsuits against Meta and TikTok, rejecting arguments that Section 230 shields them from being sued—keeping the fight over youth harm front and center. NJ Beach Mystery: Sea Isle City is investigating dozens of dead dogfish sharks washing ashore; officials say the cause isn’t clear yet, with theories ranging from accidental capture to natural trapping. Music & Pop Culture: Pitbull announced his 14th studio album, “PITCOIN,” arriving Oct. 8, while “Tony” casting news points to Dominic Sessa playing a young Anthony Bourdain. Sports Spotlight: Bayonne Central is one win from the Little League World Series after advancing in the Metro Region title game. Arts in NJ: The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music highlights the Boss’s early Jersey Shore roots, with a new museum and research center built to preserve his legacy. Local Entertainment Picks: A “movie under the stars” event and a roundup of NJ fishing spots round out this week’s lighter reads.

Lakers Shockwave: Bob Iger and Josh Kushner agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5B, a second sale in a year after Mark Walter’s $10B controlling-stake deal—setting up a major sports-and-entertainment ownership shakeup. Meta Youth Trial: Jury selection started in Oakland for Meta’s federal case over claims Facebook and Instagram were built to addict children and illegally collected minors’ data; New Jersey is among the states involved. NJ Kids Online Safety: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed three bills in Jersey City aimed at protecting children online and boosting research into social media harms. Jersey Shore Buzz: A viral “feed sharks for photos” trend near Bay Head has officials warning it may lure predators closer to swimmers. Local Arts Spotlight: The LBI Artist Studio Tour marked its 20th year with nearly 40 artists opening studios to visitors. Historic Camden Upgrade: Battleship New Jersey announced a $24.25M redevelopment, including a larger visitor center and parking garage. Sports & Culture: Lionel Messi said he has “serious doubts” about playing much longer after his father’s death. Pizza Community: Elizabeth pizzamaker Al Santillo returned to his rebuilt shop after a stroke, drawing a big local pizza crowd.

Youth Social Media Trial: Meta is set to face a landmark, multi-state trial in Oakland over claims Facebook and Instagram were engineered to keep minors hooked, with New Jersey among the states seeking major remedies and platform changes. Local Sports & Community Pride: Montclair High’s Carla Osborne earned All New Jersey Group 4 honors and is headed to Bates College. Music in South Jersey: Tom Rush brings his folk storytelling to the Camden Opera House on Sept. 4. Film Buzz (NJ production): The Possession remake has a June 11, 2027 cinema release date, with shooting underway in New Jersey. Pop Culture Live Event: The Jonas Brothers will headline the NFL halftime show at the Melbourne game on Sept. 10. Food & Local Flavor: Barstool’s Dave Portnoy reviewed Vincent’s Pizza in Mercerville, NJ. Safety Watch: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair cans were recalled due to a packaging issue that can cause leakage and explosion risk. Weather: NJ is trending pleasant and mostly dry, with only a low chance of late-week storms.

Kids Online Safety: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed three new laws cracking down on social media data collection and addictive design for minors, including stricter default privacy and limits on algorithmic recommendations, plus a new Social Media Research Center. Local Justice & Safety: The NJ AG is investigating a fatal Newark crash that killed 17-year-old Zakiyah Jones, with questions still swirling about police activity and whether a pursuit was involved. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Andy Cohen defended Real Housewives casting after backlash over “MAGA women,” saying the show spotlights different perspectives without being about politics. Sports Spotlight: The Jets’ Qwan’tez Stiggers was taken off the field in an ambulance during a joint practice with the Buccaneers, while the Vikings open their 2026 preseason at MetLife on Aug. 15. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety surveillance cameras are being vandalized nationwide, raising fresh privacy concerns. Arts & Community: Bloomfield’s “Girls on Fire” camp is putting elementary and middle school girls in hands-on firefighting training.

Five Nights at Freddy’s in NJ: American Dream says Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza will open in 2027, bringing quick-service food, arcade games, and animatronic stage shows to the Meadowlands. Disney casting buzz: Demi Lovato’s role in Camp Rock 3 is now confirmed, ending months of fan speculation about whether she’d appear on-screen. Local business + growth: GoNetspeed has started $43M of fully funded fiber construction in Rahway, with service expansion planned for Clark, Linden, and Woodbridge. Food scene: Broadwalk’s Culinary Masters returns to downtown Red Bank with a live chef showdown judged by Danielle Cabral and Frankie Brusco. Health tech: Cleveland Clinic launches prescription drone delivery with Zipline, aiming to speed up home delivery of eligible meds. Sports entertainment: NFL camp notes from ESPN’s Fowler, Graziano, and Solak cover early observations across major teams. Housing help: New Jersey’s Affordable Homes portal lets residents browse listings and join waitlists in participating municipalities.

Music & Local Spotlight: Richard Marx brought classic ’80s/’90s hits to the Count Basie Center in Red Bank, mixing nostalgia with newer material. Food TV: Washington Township’s “Meat Teacher” Matt Groark is competing on Food Network’s new BBQ battle “Pitmasters,” premiering July 13. Jersey Pop Culture: Usher’s MetLife Stadium run with Chris Brown sparked “clone” rumors online, and he’s now pushing back. Theater & TV Buzz: Sopranos’ Steven Van Zandt says he’s written multiple TV scripts and wants Johnny Depp for a new FBI-guy role. Sports on the Shore: A Bay Head mayor warned fishermen chumming near beaches could lure sharks closer to swimmers—“Jaws”-style. Wildlife Moment: An 8-foot Burmese python was found under a Freehold shed after an X-ray revealed its last meal was a possum. Community & Arts Events: Modern Widows Club will honor NJ leaders at its 2026 Legacy & Leadership Awards in Jersey City. Film/Stage: “Game of Thrones: The Mad King” opened at Stratford-upon-Avon, bringing Westeros to the stage.

Sports Betting & Broadcast Culture: A new look at how the post-2018 sports betting boom reshaped American sports coverage—odds on-screen, sponsor-heavy branding, and more casual talk of spreads—while regulation still varies state by state. Reality TV Drama: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th kicks off with Vicki Gunvalson and Teresa Giudice clashing over Giudice’s fraud conviction and what “not fun” TV life really means. NJ Food Spotlight: Gov. Mikie Sherrill spotlights Donkey’s Place in Camden, where the cheesesteak tradition (and seeded rolls) has been running since 1943. Music Buzz: Fontaines D.C. debuted two new songs in Spain ahead of fall festival stops, including Sea.Hear.Now in Asbury Park. Concert Talk: Usher hit back at “clone” rumors after his MetLife Stadium shows with Chris Brown. Business/Local: B&G Foods appoints Robert “Rob” D. Mills as CEO, effective immediately. Shopping: Menlo Park Mall in Edison adds Ford’s Garage, with more dining and retail updates coming. Pop Culture Collectible: Mattel releases a Whitney Houston Barbie Signature Doll honoring the Newark-born icon.

NORAD & Airspace Security: F-16s intercepted two general aviation planes that violated temporary flight restrictions over President Trump’s Bedminster golf club, escorting them out safely. LIV Golf in NJ: LIV Golf New York wrapped at Trump National; Joaquin Niemann won and Jon Rahm claimed a third straight season-long individual title, while LIV’s Michigan finale was reportedly moved/trimmed. Local Animal Story: A massive 8-foot Burmese python was found under a Freehold shed after an X-ray showed it had eaten an opossum. Pop Culture in NJ: American Dream in East Rutherford announced a real Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza opening in 2027 with animatronic shows and immersive play. TV Buzz: “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” premieres Aug. 9 on Bravo with Teresa Giudice and other fan favorites, plus streaming options. Music Collectible: Mattel unveiled a Whitney Houston Barbie doll timed to her 63rd birthday, featuring her “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” look. Sports Spotlight: Port Washington’s 12U Little League team set for a Metro Region matchup vs. Bayonne after a 10-3 opener.