AGP Executive Report

Severe Storms & Travel Disruptions: North Jersey is dealing with flooding, lightning, and power outages as a flood watch and severe thunderstorm warnings roll through; officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roads and downed power lines, with multiple roadway closures reported and the FAA warning of delays/cancellations at major airports including Newark and LaGuardia. Airline Flexibility: With storm impacts mounting, airlines are waiving change/cancel fees for certain NY/NJ flights, helping travelers adjust plans. Mega Millions (NJ Relevance): The jackpot climbed to $800 million for Tuesday’s drawing (cash option $344.2M), with the next drawing Friday, July 31. Tourism & Community: Monmouth County launched its 2027 Travel Guide cover photo contest (submissions through Nov. 1). Family Travel Safety Note: A nationwide alert flags reports of increased detention of lawful-status individuals at U.S. airports, including NJ, even during domestic travel. Local Getaway Ideas: Hammonton is spotlighted as a hidden wine-town escape, and Wildwood is ranked the best NJ beach for 2026.

Severe Weather & Flooding: A major storm system is set to hit New Jersey Tuesday into Wednesday, with Flood Watches across most counties and rainfall rates up to 1–3 inches per hour—plus damaging winds and a low-end tornado risk—making driving and Shore trips especially risky. Storm Aftermath: Monday night’s flash flooding, hail, lightning, and even a fire left drivers stranded in places like Hawthorne and Hammonton, with rescues reported and NJ Transit disruptions tied to downed trees. Travel Tech Check: A T-Mobile nationwide outage pushed many travelers into SOS/No Service mode, disrupting mobile boarding passes and navigation. Shore Season Gear: Beachmate’s all-in-one beach shovel is rolling out to 100 Walmart stores nationwide, aiming to replace disposable beach toys during peak summer. Family-Friendly Day Trips: A new look at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart highlights it as the largest church in New Jersey—an easy add-on for visitors exploring the city. Local Infrastructure: New details on Garden State Parkway improvements in Cape May County offer potential relief for Jersey Shore traffic bottlenecks at key exits. Tourism & Sports Tie-In: Spain’s World Cup hero Ferran Torres’ València roots are getting attention, with the win spotlighting the football culture behind his academy path.

Jersey Shore Safety Watch: Two fatal boat crashes into Barnegat Bay channel markers in a week have Ocean County officials warning boaters to stay in the marked lanes, especially at night when some markers’ lights may be harder to spot. Wildwood Spotlight: FX is developing “Wildwood,” a new comedy series from “Derry Girls” creator Lisa McGee, set in the Jersey Shore town in summer 2000. Ocean Casino Update: Ocean Casino Resort’s gaming floor closed after an early-morning fire led to heavy smoke and water damage, including a lobby ceiling collapse; restaurants and other amenities remain open. High School Sports: The NJSIAA stripped St. John Vianney wrestler Anthony Knox Jr. of his 2025 state and Region 7 titles after a sportsmanship/bench-rule violation tied to an altercation in the stands. Travel Weather: New Jersey braces for several days of unsettled storms, with Tuesday’s system flagged for heavier rain and localized flash flooding risk. Nature & Tourism: Red knots are showing a strong spring return at Delaware’s Mispillion Harbor, with counts peaking around 3,000—good news for shorebird watchers planning Bay-area trips. Local Life on the Shore: A French coastal bistro, Marée, has opened in Spring Lake, aiming to mix Riviera-style seafood with a casual beach-town vibe.

Jersey Shore Summer Fun: Smokey Bear is set for a helicopter “fly-by” over NJ beaches on Sunday, Aug. 9, waving from Wildwood Crest up to Asbury Park—perfect for families planning late-summer beach time. Shore Food Picks: New Jersey Digest rounds up top ice cream stops, including The Original Kohr Brothers, Royale Crown (Hammonton), Duffer’s (Wildwood), and Springer’s (Stone Harbor), plus a separate guide to the best lobster rolls along the coast. Family & Safety Alerts: Authorities say a 2-year-old survived a cocaine overdose after an incident at a Jersey Shore Airbnb in Wildwood, with the caregiver later charged; separate coverage also flags rising e-bike/e-scooter injuries for kids and teens. Local Culture & Tourism: Guangdong’s tourism delegation brought Chinese dance, lion performances, and regional travel info to American Dream in New Jersey. Travel Weather Watch: Forecasters warn of unsettled, stormy conditions for the next few days, with heavy rain and gusty thunderstorm risk before improving by Thursday. World Cup Afterglow: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino posted a defiant response to critics, saying the tournament delivered “joy and togetherness” despite ongoing controversy.

New Jersey Tourism & Safety: A new Bass Pro Shops mega-store is coming to Sayreville this fall, a 200,000-square-foot build off the Garden State Parkway with hunting, fishing, marine gear, an archery range, and huge aquarium exhibits (70,000+ gallons). Shoreline Health Alert: Doctors are warning about a popular outdoor activity tied to serious brain and facial injuries. Jersey Shore Drug Case: A 2-year-old in Wildwood/North Wildwood survived a cocaine overdose after Narcan was administered; a 39-year-old NJ man was charged. Boating Safety: In Toms River, a Barnegat Bay crash killed one and injured three others after a boat hit an Intracoastal Waterway channel marker—described as the second fatal marker crash in a week. Local Scam Watch: Phillipsburg tied for 50th in June scam reports among NJ cities, with two reports. Travel Tech & Policy: NJ’s new law targets “surveillance pricing” in grocery stores, limiting digital price-tag profiling. Family-Friendly Summer Plan: One NJ activity is getting a big push for summer—kayaking through the Pinelands.

New Jersey Law & Consumer Tech: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, banning “surveillance pricing” that could raise grocery costs based on shoppers’ data and habits, with penalties up to $20,000 and a one-year pause on new electronic shelf labels. Insect Alert for Travelers & Gardeners: Spotted lanternflies remain widespread across NJ and are considered endemic, so officials keep urging residents to “stomp it out” to limit plant damage. Local Events: Music on the Mountain marked its 12th year in Warren with an international drum and bugle corps showcase drawing performers from across the U.S. and Canada. Family & Community Travel: Summit Lost Pet Rescue reports a surge in lost-pet calls, tracking 288 rescue calls so far this year—useful for anyone planning summer outings and needing quick local help if pets go missing. Science & NJ Curiosity: A meteorite that crashed into a Hillsborough home in 2024 is now helping scientists study early-solar-system conditions, thanks to a homeowner’s careful recovery.

Meteorite Science for NJ Travelers: A meteorite that crashed into a Hillsborough home in 2024 is now giving NASA scientists fresh clues about salty water and possible life-building blocks from a distant asteroid. Family-Friendly Library Picks: Princeton Public Library shared its August 2026 lineup, including classic movie screenings and author events—easy, low-cost plans for visitors and locals. Shoreline & Summer Plans: Little Silver is moving ahead with upgrades at Santelle Park after a July storm knocked loose a floating dock and briefly closed the boat ramp. Air Travel Convenience: CBP is expanding International Remote Baggage Screening for Qatar Airways’ Doha–JFK route, aiming to speed and strengthen checked-bag screening. Gas Prices Watch: The national average for regular jumped to $4.09; in NJ, premium prices were reported around the mid-$4s for the week ending July 18. Local Safety Alert: A 15-year-old was charged after a 19-year-old driver was fatally shot in Mullica Township, following a crash on Route 30.

JFK Travel Tech: CBP and Qatar partners are rolling out International Remote Baggage Screening for Qatar Airways’ Doha–JFK route, using pre-departure X-ray images for remote review to boost security while improving the traveler experience. Jersey Shore in Pop Culture: Netflix’s “72 Hours” is set in Miami, but much of the party chaos was filmed around New Jersey—especially Long Branch beaches and Jersey City/Hoboken waterfront looks—so fans planning a movie-inspired trip should focus on those real locations. Family Travel Safety: A Ringwood man was charged after a 2-year-old tested positive for cocaine while vacationing in Wildwood, after emergency responders treated the child and the case was traced to the stay. Summer Getaway Picks: A WorldAtlas list named 11 “coolest” NJ towns for summer vacations, including Highlands, Ocean City, and Cape May. Health Watch: NOAA rejected a petition to expand right-whale migration protections off the East Coast, while NJ continues to see measles concerns regionally. Food Cost Policy: Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed NJ’s ban on “surveillance pricing” for groceries, targeting personalized, data-driven pricing. Travel Deals & Fun: Buffalo Wild Wings opens a new Hazlet sports bar Aug. 3, and Mega Millions climbs to a $743M jackpot for Friday night.

New Jersey Shore Travel: Seaside Heights is getting the “go elsewhere” treatment as Island Beach State Park (10 miles of undeveloped shoreline on the Barnegat Peninsula) is highlighted as a quieter, wilder alternative with dunes, maritime forest, and osprey nesting. Ocean & Environment: NOAA rejected a petition to designate a North Atlantic right whale migration corridor as critical habitat, a setback for a New Jersey group that had also sought to block offshore wind in the area. Local Openings: Buffalo Wild Wings is set to open a new full-service sports bar in Hazlet on Aug. 3, built for game-day crowds with wall-to-wall TVs and local beer options. Family & Safety: A Wildwood-area vacationer faces child endangerment charges after a toddler needed Narcan and preliminary tests reportedly found cocaine. Getting Around: AAA says gas prices are climbing again, with the national average up to about $4.09. Arts & Culture: NJEDA approved CAFE grants for projects at the Rialto Center for Creativity in Westfield and Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.

Road Closures & Detours: The Pulaski Skyway will shut in both directions from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for pier replacement work, with detours available for Newark–Jersey City travelers. Trail Update: A half-mile stretch of the Henry Hudson Trail in Port Monmouth will close for up to two years starting July 6, adding about a mile to the route via detours. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes touched down in New Jersey Tuesday—three EF-1s in Sussex and Morris counties and one EF-0 in Cape May—with no injuries reported. Local Tourism & Events: FoodeesFest returns to Quaker Bridge Mall in Lawrence Township Oct. 9–11 with 40+ food trucks and vendors; admission is free. World Cup Afterglow (Transit): NJ TRANSIT says it moved about 370,000 fans to and from MetLife Stadium across eight games, clearing the stadium within 80 minutes after matches. Travel Tech/Business: IDEMIA formalized a $1.4B sale of its public security unit to Amadeus, a deal tied to New Jersey’s voter-registration controversy.

Transit & Travel Politics: The Trump administration is pushing to rename New York’s Penn Station as part of an $8 billion redesign, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging Amtrak to change the station name—potentially to “Trump Station.” Outdoor & Water Safety: NJDEP issued harmful algal bloom advisories in North Jersey, restricting swimming and fishing at spots including Budd Lake, Lake Musconetcong, Greenwood Lake, Haledon Reservoir and Overpeck Park. Road Work: Burlington County crews will repave about 2.7 miles of Old York Road (CR 660) starting July 27, with eastbound detours and roughly two weeks of work. Local Travel Weather Watch: NWS confirmed an EF0 tornado touched down in the Rye Brook/Purchase area after Tuesday storms. Family Fun & Events: Spirit Halloween opens its Egg Harbor Township flagship store Aug. 1 at Harbor Square/ Shore Mall, with early arrival recommended for the general-admission line. Aviation & Accessibility: Ocean County Airport hosted the “Impossible Airplane” celebration for armless pilot Jessica Cox, with volunteers completing the NJ phase before it heads to Arizona.

Jersey Shore Travel Spotlight: Travel + Leisure named Avalon Beach a Top 10 U.S. beach (No. 7), praising its scenic shoreline, uncrowded feel, and “postcard-worthy” views—another reason to plan a Cape May-area getaway. Beachcombing Tip: Want a fun Jersey Shore mission? Seven Presidents Beach in Long Branch is getting buzz as a top spot to search for sand dollars, especially early mornings or around sunset. Local Rules for Visitors: New Jersey’s e-bike law is now being enforced (license, registration, insurance for certain models), and some out-of-state riders say it’s changing their plans for riding around NJ. Getting There/Getting Around: NJ Transit says it moved 370,000 people during the World Cup at MetLife, but its after-action report flags ticket-demand lessons and recommends capping future special-event tickets. World Cup Perk for Travelers: NY Waterway is offering 25% off harbor tours for FIFA World Cup fans with code FIFAWC through end of July, with cruises departing from Midtown and easy NJ access via Port Imperial in Weehawken. On the Ground in NJ: Bay Head is hosting an e-bike education day July 25, and Manasquan council discussed downtown streetscape and beach bathroom construction updates. Health/Convenience for Travelers: Jersey City-based RefillGenie expanded Spanish-language same-day prescription refills nationwide, aiming to help travelers avoid medication gaps.

Ocean Research: Rutgers oceanographers will co-lead a 25-day Atlantic expedition from Bridgetown, Barbados, studying “salt finger” mixing and its effects on marine life, chemistry, and carbon movement. World Cup Public Health: The CDC says its behind-the-scenes work during the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped prevent and respond to health threats as fans traveled across 11 U.S. host cities, including New York/New Jersey. Local Transit: NJ TRANSIT’s NJNY Stadium operations for all eight World Cup matches moved 370,000+ riders and delivered “Super Bowl” scale mobility in a 39-day run. Severe Weather (Cape May): The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down at Cape May Point after a waterspout came ashore, with brief damage reported. Measles & Travel: CDC reports 2,260 confirmed measles cases across 44 states, warning that summer travel is driving new exposure events. Shore & Community Events: La Festa Italiana returns to Downtown Jersey City Aug. 5–9, with nightly bands and festival food and drink. Travel Deals/Leisure: Swimply is spotlighted as a way to rent private pools by the hour—budget-friendly for guests, income for hosts.

Severe Weather & Flight Disruptions: Storms slammed the Northeast, triggering tornado watches and flood warnings and causing major travel chaos, with at least 2,000 flights canceled and thousands more delayed across the region, including delays at JFK and disruptions for JetBlue and United. JFK Terminal 6 Update: Air India says it will move its JFK operations to Terminal 6 starting in 2028 and open a flagship Maharaja Lounge there—another big step for international travelers passing through the New York/New Jersey airport hub. Family-Friendly NJ Outdoors: Looking for kid-friendly hikes? A guide highlights five North Jersey spots, including Ramapo Valley County Reservation and South Mountain Reservation, with easier routes and waterfall views. Local Events: Moorestown Friends School installed a new Martin Audio TORUS sound system in its auditorium, while East Lampeter Township’s “Family Days on the Farm” is set to draw thousands for hands-on eco-farming activities. Travel Safety Reminder: A new NJ tick-risk tool is gaining attention as tick-related concerns rise, with readers urged to plan smarter for outdoor days.

Severe Weather & Travel Disruptions: A tornado watch and flash-flood risk are in play across parts of New Jersey and the wider Northeast, with reports of tornadoes touching down and major flooding impacts that also triggered widespread flight cancellations and delays. Tragic Boating Accident: Two children, ages 7 and 9, died after a boat struck a channel marker in Berkeley Township Bay Area, ejecting them into the water; the operator and passenger found them unresponsive and they were pronounced dead. Pedestrian Safety Grant: Middlesex County won nearly $1.5M for Vision Zero upgrades along Oak Tree Road and County Road 604 in Edison/Woodbridge, including safer crosswalks and accessibility improvements. Local Travel Industry: Travel Planners International added Marni Becker as Cruise Group Analyst to help advisors grow group cruise business using analytics and training. New Jersey Mobility Rules: NJ’s new e-bike laws are now in effect, including a minimum rider age of 15 and new registration/insurance requirements. World Cup Tourism Buzz: Spain’s World Cup champions returned to Madrid for a massive parade after the final in New Jersey, drawing huge crowds and spotlighting the state’s role in the event.

Severe Weather Disrupts Travel: More than 25% of LaGuardia flights were canceled Tuesday as thunderstorms and a flood watch hit NYC and northeast New Jersey, with FAA ground stops and airline waivers in place for travelers. Wildfire Smoke Health Alert: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air-quality alerts across the Midwest and Northeast, including New Jersey, with officials urging residents to limit outdoor time and wear masks. World Cup Afterglow in Madrid: Spain’s World Cup champions returned home Monday to a royal reception and an open-top bus parade through Madrid, drawing an estimated nearly 2 million fans. JetBlue Gains LaGuardia Slots: JetBlue won Spirit’s LaGuardia takeoff/landing slots in bankruptcy court for $58.5 million, pending a July 22 approval hearing. Jersey Shore Food Finds: OpenTable named Il Mulino New York at Hard Rock Atlantic City among America’s best hotel restaurants, spotlighting Atlantic City dining for summer trips. Travel Safety Watch: With the World Cup travel surge still fresh, NJ Transit says it moved hundreds of thousands of riders during matches and plans to apply that playbook to everyday commutes.