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Gov. Phil Murphy

Notorious NJ Consultant Used COVID Rules To File Fake Petitions For Partner, Indictment Charges Notorious NJ Consultant Used COVID Rules To File Fake Petitions For Partner, Indictment Charges
Notorious NJ Consultant Used COVID Rules To File Fake Petitions For Partner, Indictment Charges 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A controversial New Jersey political consultant was indicted by a state grand jury for filing nearly 2,000 bogus petitions in what authorities called a transparent attempt at getting his life partner on the Democratic primary ballot for governor. James Devine, 62, of Lambertville, initially received a summons last May after state authorities said he filed 1,948 fraudulent petitions with the Secretary of State’s office to get Lisa McCormick on the ballot for the June 2021 primary. Grand jurors in Trenton, in turn, returned an indictment charging Devine with offenses concerning nomin…
Monmouth County Boardwalks Get $30M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program Monmouth County Boardwalks Get $30M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program
Monmouth County Boardwalks Get $30M For 'Vital' Upgrades In Massive State Grant Program Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
Kim Holds Big Lead Over Murphy In Senate Race To Unseat Menendez: FDU Poll Kim Holds Big Lead Over Murphy In Senate Race To Unseat Menendez: FDU Poll
Kim Holds Big Lead Over Murphy In Senate Race To Unseat Menendez: FDU Poll Rep. Andy Kim has a double digit lead over First Lady Tammy Murphy in the fight for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, according to a new poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University. The poll, released Friday, Feb. 2., shows Kim, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, leading Murphy 32 percent to 20 percent, with 31 percent of voters undecided.  Kim and Murphy are running to unseat Sen. Bob Menendez, who was recently indicted on federal corruption charges. Menendez has refused calls for him to resign, including from Murphy's husband, Gov. Phil Murphy, and has not yet said …
New Law Requires NJ Drivers To Move Over For Disabled Vehicles New Law Requires NJ Drivers To Move Over For Disabled Vehicles
New Law Requires NJ Drivers To Move Over For Disabled Vehicles Gov. Phil Murphy has expanded New Jersey's "move over" law to protect drivers of broken-down vehicles on the side of Garden State roads. The new requirement says drivers must safely move into another lane when approaching a disabled vehicle using flashing hazard lights, road flares, or reflective triangles. Gov. Murphy signed the bill into law on Tuesday, Jan. 16. If oncoming drivers can't safely move into another lane, they must slow down below the speed limit and be prepared to stop. The new law adds to the existing requirement to move over or slow down for emergency crews, tow …
Woman Killed In Crash Was Analyst For NJ Governor's Office: Murphy Woman Killed In Crash Was Analyst For NJ Governor's Office: Murphy
Woman Killed In Crash Was Analyst For NJ Governor's Office: Murphy The 25-year-old Princeton resident killed in a car crash on New Year's Day, in Middlesex County has been identified as a former state worker. Louisa Bradlow Carman worked as a policy analyst in the state's Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:56 a.m., following the crash at Route 1 and College Road in Plainsboro, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. A graduate of Swarthmore Office, Carman previously served as an intern in Gov. Phil Murphy's office. Murphy paid tribute to…
Nosh It Off: Gov. Murphy Spent Nearly $1K On Snacks At MetLife Taylor Swift Concert: Report Nosh It Off: Gov. Murphy Spent Nearly $1K On Snacks At MetLife Taylor Swift Concert: Report
Nosh It Off: Gov. Murphy Spent Nearly $1K On Snacks At MetLife Taylor Swift Concert: Report Gov. Phil Murphy certainly enjoys entertaining guests at MetLife Stadium, according to a report from Politico.  New Jersey's governor spent $12,000 on food and drinks at MetLife in 2018 and 2019, using an expense account funded by taxpayers, Politico said, after obtaining the invoices via the Open Public Records Act. Events include a Taylor Swift concert, Hot97's SummerJam concert and a Jets v. Cowboys game.  Jennifer Sciortino, a spokeswoman for Gov. Murphy's office, said Murphy intends to have the state Democratic party reimburse the Garden State for the costs.  "Because t…
Flooding Closes Major Roadways Across NJ, Rescues Under Way (UPDATE) Flooding Closes Major Roadways Across NJ, Rescues Under Way (UPDATE)
Flooding Closes Major Roadways Across NJ, Rescues Under Way (Update) Heavy rain on Friday, Sept. 29 closed major roadways across New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency in the late afternoon, as rain continued falling, leaving drivers trapped in flood waters across the state. Dunderhook Road at Paramus Road in Paramus remained closed due to flooding, leading the borough's Office of Emergency Management to urge an evacuation of the area late Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, a crew used a backhoe and a long stick to try and clear branches, leaves and other debris from a Saddle River tributary that runs beneath the road. Dunderhook Road at …
Miss New Jersey Sets Sights On Miss USA Crown Miss New Jersey Sets Sights On Miss USA Crown
Miss New Jersey Sets Sights On Miss USA Crown Derby Chukwudi is proud to represent the Garden State. Chukwudi, a Hoboken resident, is Miss New Jersey 2023 and will be competing at the Miss USA pageant on Friday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. in Reno airing on The CW.  Chukwudi, will be competing against 50 other women (including Washington, D.C.'s winner) for the title. "It feels amazing," Chukwudi said of her title. "It's definitely been an honor to represent the state of New Jersey and be a beacon of hope and inspiration to young people. I am grateful for the opportunity. Wanting to step out of her comfort zone, Chukwudi, who was raised in N…
Noriega Nominated For NJ Supreme Court Noriega Nominated For NJ Supreme Court
Noriega Nominated For NJ Supreme Court Michael Noriega, a Union County resident, has been nominated to be the newest justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. Gov. Phil Murphy formally announced Noriega's nomination on Monday, May 15. Noriega, who was born in Weehawken, will be replacing Justice Barry Albin, who reached the mandatory retirement age. Noriega, who was raised in Union City and lives in Fanwood, is Murphy's fourth appointment to the bench. Noriega, 45, is a partner at Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold, and Mangan, based in Clifton, working as a defense and immigration attorney. Noriega also spent five years as…
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Runs For NJ Governor Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Runs For NJ Governor
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop Runs For NJ Governor Steven Fulop is officially throwing his hat in the ring. The Jersey City mayor announced on Tuesday, April 11 that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025. Gov. Phil Murphy is term limited and cannot seek re-election. "My career has always been guided by a strong desire to take on difficult challenges and find solutions that help improve peoples’ lives," Fulop said in a press release.  "I’ve never backed down from a fight before, and I’m ready to work hard for all the people of our great state to deliver the results New Jersey deserves." Following the Sept. …
Black Hawk Crash Kills NJ's Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 8 Other U.S. Soldiers Black Hawk Crash Kills NJ's Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 8 Other U.S. Soldiers
Black Hawk Crash Kills NJ's Sgt. David Solinas Jr., 8 Other U.S. Soldiers A 23-year-old New Jersey man was identified among the nine U.S. Army soldiers killed in this week's Black Hawk helicopter crash during a nighttime training exercise in Kentucky. Sgt. David Solinas Jr. was killed when two HH-60 Black Hawk, medical evacuation helicopters collided during a routine training mission on Wednesday, March 29, in a residential field in Fort Campbell Kentucky. All nine service members occupying both helicopters were killed (scroll for photos). FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – The identities of nine 101st Airborne Division Soldiers are being released following the official.…
President Biden To Attend Fundraiser In Middletown, Reports Say President Biden To Attend Fundraiser In Middletown, Reports Say
President Biden To Attend Fundraiser In Middletown, Reports Say President Joe Biden is expected to visit New Jersey ahead of the midterm elections, according to various news reports. Biden will be in the Garden State on Thursday, Oct. 6, to attending a fundraiser at Gov. Phil Murphy's Middletown mansion, according to Bloomberg and NJ Advance Media. Proceeds will benefit the Democratic National Committee’s Grassroots Victory Fund. Biden will also attend an event at IBM’s New York campus in Poughkeepsie, NY that day, and is expected to discuss job creation in the region, according to multiple reports. The president is expected to attend another fund…
2 Dead, Medevacs Called, Unruly Crowd Causes Chaos During H2Oi Show In Wildwood (VIDEO) 2 Dead, Medevacs Called, Unruly Crowd Causes Chaos During H2Oi Show In Wildwood (VIDEO)
2 Dead, Medevacs Called, Unruly Crowd Causes Chaos During H2Oi Show In Wildwood (Video) UPDATE: Pittsburgh Driver Charged With Killing Two Victims During H2Oi Event In Wildwood The fatal crash on Atlantic and Burk avenues was among several other collisions in which multiple medevacs were called, according to witnesses and various news reports.  The George Redding Bridge was closed around 10 p.m. due to "ongoing issues" with the car meet, police said. Mayor Pete Byron called Gov. Phil Murphy for additional support. Police from Ocean City, Atlantic City, Upper, Middle, and Lower Cape May responded, officials said. This year's event had been moved to Wildwood from Ocean City, M…
This NJ Hospital Is Getting $2 Billion Expansion This NJ Hospital Is Getting $2 Billion Expansion
This NJ Hospital Is Getting $2 Billion Expansion A major $2 billion expansion to Cooper University Hospital was announced Monday, Sept. 19 in Camden.  Gov. Phil Murphy and former Gov. Chris Christie were among the prominent officials at a ceremony welcoming the new venture that will take a decade to complete, hospital officials said. The new investment – the largest in Camden County’s history – will dramatically expand the academic health system’s Camden campus to meet the current and future projected demand at Cooper University Hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. The $2 billion expansion will add three new clinical to…
Attempted Car Theft Reported Near Gov. Murphy's Middletown Mansion Attempted Car Theft Reported Near Gov. Murphy's Middletown Mansion
Attempted Car Theft Reported Near Gov. Murphy's Middletown Mansion There was an attempted car theft at a home near Gov. Phil Murphy's mansion near the Navasink River in Middletown, authorities said. At approximately 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, there was a break-in at a garage that is in close proximity to the governor’s house, Middletown police said.  The suspects tried to break into the home's garage and steal a Range Rover. A neighbor spotted them, and they sped off in a white BMW SUV, police said. News 12 reported this occurred at the home next door to the governor's mansion. Police presence had since been beefed up in Murphy's neighborho…
Beware Rampant Monkeypox Myths, Fear Mongering, Fake News, NJ Officials Warn Beware Rampant Monkeypox Myths, Fear Mongering, Fake News, NJ Officials Warn
Beware Rampant Monkeypox Myths, Fear Mongering, Fake News, NJ Officials Warn Myths about monkeypox are spreading much faster than the disease itself, New Jersey officials said in updating a web page dedicated to debunking myths. The viral spread of fake news is “sparking new confusion about the virus among the public,” a review by the Analysis Bureau of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness found. This includes “misleading videos, falsely attributed information and the recycling of COVID-19 conspiracies,” which officials say is “causing dissent.” “As we see an attempt to sow discord in New Jersey and throughout our country through the spread of dis…
Auto Insurance Premiums Are About To Rise For 1.1 Million NJ Drivers Auto Insurance Premiums Are About To Rise For 1.1 Million NJ Drivers
Auto Insurance Premiums Are About To Rise For 1.1 Million NJ Drivers A new bill that raises costs of auto insurance for New Jersey drivers was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, impacting nearly 1.1 million drivers, the state's Insurance Council says. State Senators and personal injury attorneys, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, and Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Union, are the ones who pushed for the bill.  Supporters say crash victims haven't been able to consistently get medical coverage due to the low coverage option. Those against it, though, say it's nothing but another hit to the wallets of Garden State residents. Starting next year, dri…
GO FREE: Murphy Waives Summer State Park Entrance Fee GO FREE: Murphy Waives Summer State Park Entrance Fee
GO Free: Murphy Waives Summer State Park Entrance Fee As of Memorial Day Weekend, entry to all New Jersey state parks, forests, and recreation areas will be free of charge for the entire summer, according to Gov. Phil Murphy. The one-year state parks fee holiday is one of several fee waivers included in this year's budget, he said. Park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors, regardless of state residency.  Anyone who already purchased a 2022 annual State Park Pass will automatically receive a full refund, the governor said in a press statement. Other individual park fees remain in place, including but not limited to camping, int…
NJ Resumes COVID Early Inmate Release Program NJ Resumes COVID Early Inmate Release Program
NJ Resumes COVID Early Inmate Release Program As many as 1,200 New Jersey prison inmates and at least 10 sex offenders could be freed during another round of early pandemic releases, state corrections sources say. No public notice was given by Gov. Phil Murphy’s office of the latest releases, which corrections officials said resumed Thursday with 260 inmates freed. These come at a time when “violent crime me in some of our cities has gotten so bad” that “many urban mayors who supported bail reform are demanding a new law that would keep dangerous criminals in jail until trial,” state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) said. An estimated 40%…
What Newly Signed Tax Bill Means For Atlantic City Casinos What Newly Signed Tax Bill Means For Atlantic City Casinos
What Newly Signed Tax Bill Means For Atlantic City Casinos State legislation giving tax breaks to Atlantic City casinos was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday night. The bill does not affect state taxes that casinos must pay on internet gambling, online sports betting revenue or in-person casino gambling. Those taxes range from 9 to 15 percent annually. Outgoing state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat from Gloucester who sponsored the bill, said up to four of the city’s nine casinos might close without the new legislation, NJ Advance Media  reported. But critics said the casinos have enjoyed higher revenues due to sport…
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Just when you think you've dodged the coronavirus, up pops a new variant: Omicron.  The good news is that the new COVID-19 variant is milder than the Delta variant, but chances of reinfection are nearly five times higher, according to a recent study by the Imperial College London. Experts say that a "viral blizzard" could be upon us in the coming weeks, all thanks to Omicron. That means that Omicron might actually be helpful in achieving herd immunity faster. Officials are still urging everyone to get vaccinated, which can prevent life-threatening symptoms of the COVID-…
Jersey Shore Surfer Saves 3 Swimmers In Rip Tide Jersey Shore Surfer Saves 3 Swimmers In Rip Tide
Jersey Shore Surfer Saves 3 Swimmers In Rip Tide A teenage surfer is credited with saving the lives of three swimmers stranded by Jersey Shore rip currents. The men were caught in the offshore rip tide Sunday in Bay Head, according to News 12. Kayla Smith, 16, of Point Pleasant dove in with her surfboard to rescue the trio from the ocean -- all in one swift move -- near Howe Street Beach, the television station reported.  Gov. Phil Murphy gave a "huge shout out"" to the Ocean County hero via Twitter on Monday: Gov. Phil Murphy's tweet on Kayla Smith (Twitter photo courtesy Jim Murdock @reporterJim News12)Twitter/ Gov. Phil Murphy an…
Biden Touring 2 NJ Towns Devastated By Hurricane Ida Biden Touring 2 NJ Towns Devastated By Hurricane Ida
Biden Touring 2 NJ Towns Devastated By Hurricane Ida President Joe Biden will be touring two New Jersey towns devastated by Hurricane Ida on Tuesday. He will receive a briefing from officials in Hillsborough Township before touring a neighborhood in Manville. He will then visit Jamaica, Queens. Biden last week signed disaster declarations for New Jersey and New York, giving them access to federal assistance. Twenty-seven people in New Jersey were killed in last week's storm, Gov. Phil Murphy said.
IDA: 7 Tornados Confirmed In NJ, PA IDA: 7 Tornados Confirmed In NJ, PA
IDA: 7 Tornados Confirmed In NJ, PA The National Weather Service has confirmed seven tornados touched down in New Jersey and Pennsylvania Wednesday night in the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The NWS is still working on completing its surveys of the heavily-damaged areas. As of Thursday, 23 people had died due to the storm in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy said. The following twisters were confirmed by the NWS: Mullica Hill, NJ:  Several homes were destroyed and two injuries were caused by this EF-3 twister that had max winds of 150 mph and was on the ground for 12.6 miles. The tornado touched down near Harrisonville then revv…
Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees
Murphy To White House: NJ Welcomes Afghan Refugees Afghan refugees are more than welcome in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy told President Biden over the weekend. Reacting to the Taliban-driven turmoil in Afghanistan, Gov. Murphy wrote that "New Jersey stands ready to provide safe harbor, support, stability, and peace to Afghan refugees." Gov. Phil Murphy's tweet welcoming Afghan refugees to New JerseyTwitter @GovMurpny Murphy, who announced the letter via social media over the weekend, said he was "making it clear that we welcome these brave individuals and their families to the Garden State." Meanwhile, the U.S. Northern Command @jointb…
Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated
Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated A recent news report says that Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to announce that New Jersey teachers must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Two anonymous sources confirmed the pending announcement exclusively to NJ Advance Media. Washington and California are the only other two states to require teachers be COVID-19 vaccinated. A spokesperson with the New Jersey Education Association said teachers have been preparing for a possible mandate. Murphy will hold his weekly COVID-19 briefing Monday morning. Click here for more from NJ Advance Media.
LAWSUIT: NJ Man Fired For Failing Workplace Drug Test Days After Weed Legalized, Report Says LAWSUIT: NJ Man Fired For Failing Workplace Drug Test Days After Weed Legalized, Report Says
Lawsuit: NJ Man Fired For Failing Workplace Drug Test Days After Weed Legalized, Report Says A man who apparently failed to provide proof he was authorized to use medical marijuana was fired from his job for failing a work-ordered drug test days after weed was decriminalized in New Jersey, according to a new lawsuit alleging wrongful termination. Paul Myers, 53, had been utilizing medical marijuana at his doctor's suggestion due to symptoms of Crohn's disease and previous cancer treatments, when his employer -- supply chain company National DCP -- subject him to a drug test earlier this year,  NJ Advance Media reports. The test allegedly occurred three days after Gov. Phil Mur…
Undocumented Immigrants Block NJ Turnpike In Protest, Murphy Pledges COVID Financial Relief Undocumented Immigrants Block NJ Turnpike In Protest, Murphy Pledges COVID Financial Relief
Undocumented Immigrants Block NJ Turnpike In Protest, Murphy Pledges COVID Financial Relief Protesters demanding more financial aid for undocumented immigrants and other "excluded workers" impacted by COVID-19 blocked part of the New Jersey Turnpike Monday. The caravan of vehicles -- organized by a coalition called "Y Nosotros Que" -- stopped northbound turnpike traffic about 5:45 p.m. between Exits 12 and 13 in Middlesex County, New Jersey State Police said. When state troopers arrived, the protesters had left and traffic was moving, a State Police spokesman said. Last month, Murphy announced that $40 million would be distributed to undocumented immigrants and others unable to q…
NJ Increases Limit On Indoor Dining, Gyms, Salons To 50 Percent NJ Increases Limit On Indoor Dining, Gyms, Salons To 50 Percent
NJ Increases Limit On Indoor Dining, Gyms, Salons To 50 Percent New Jersey businesses will soon be able to accommodate even more patrons inside. Gov. Phil Murphy announced Wednesday that the limit on indoor gatherings will increase to 50 percent effective March 19. The order pertains to restaurants, fitness clubs and gyms, recreation and amusement facilities, barber shops, salons and other personal care businesses. The indoor capacity limit was set at 35 percent for the past five weeks. Indoor gatherings that are not religious services, funerals, weddings, political events, memorial services or performances will be capped at 25 individuals, up from 1…
Airline Bans Defiant NJ Gym Owner Over Maskless Trip From CPAC Home To Philly Airline Bans Defiant NJ Gym Owner Over Maskless Trip From CPAC Home To Philly
Airline Bans Defiant NJ Gym Owner Over Maskless Trip From CPAC Home To Philly A New Jersey gym owner who made headlines for refusing to close his facility at the onset of the pandemic is yet again causing more controversy. Ian Smith, 33 -- who owns Atilis Gym in Bellmawr -- is banned from American Airlines after refusing to wear a mask on a recent trip. Smith was flying in to Philadelphia after attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, and apparently refused to wear a mask on the flight, airline officials confirmed. Smith shared a screenshot of an email he received from the airline on Instagram. View this post o…
NJ Reports Single-Day Record For New COVID Cases, Figures Listed By County NJ Reports Single-Day Record For New COVID Cases, Figures Listed By County
NJ Reports Single-Day Record For New COVID Cases, Figures Listed By County New Jersey health officials on Thursday reported a single-day record of 6,314 new confirmed positive COVID-19 test results in the state – only the third time the number has exceeded 6,000 since the pandemic began. Hudson and Middlesex counties each topped 600 new confirmed positives. Bergen, Essex and Monmouth each exceeded 500. Passaic, Ocean and Camden counties each had 400 or more. Nine counties each had less than 200. The good news: Hospitalizations are beginning to drop again. The numbers reported Thursday increased the seven-day average for new confirmed positives in New Jersey to 4…